Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a celebration of simplicity and flavor. The one-pot method means less cleanup and more time enjoying your meal. The five-spice powder adds a rich, warm flavor that enhances the rice without overpowering it, while the optional carrots and peas give the dish an extra burst of color and texture. It’s the perfect balance of savory and aromatic, and it pairs wonderfully with stir-fries, grilled vegetables, or any of your favorite Asian-inspired dishes.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ½ tsp five-spice powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup long-grain rice, rinsed
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 carrot, diced (optional)
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
- Fresh herbs, for garnish (optional)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Heat the Oil: In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking for 3-5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add the Spices: Stir in the five-spice powder and cook for another minute to release its fragrance.
- Add the Rice: Add the rinsed rice to the pot, stirring to coat the rice with the spiced oil and onions.
- Cook the Rice: Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Once it boils, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
- Add Vegetables (Optional): If you’re using carrots or peas, add them in the last 5 minutes of cooking, allowing them to steam with the rice.
- Fluff and Season: Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork, and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired.
- Serve: Serve hot and enjoy as a side dish or main!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe makes 4 servings.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Variations
- Protein Boost: For a more substantial main, add cooked chicken, tofu, or shrimp during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Extra Veggies: You can also include other vegetables such as bell peppers, corn, or edamame for added nutrition and flavor.
- Spicy Kick: If you like heat, add a pinch of chili flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the rice before serving.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of vegetable broth or water to prevent it from drying out. You can also reheat in the microwave.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but you may need to adjust the cooking time and add more liquid as brown rice takes longer to cook than white rice.
Can I make this dish without five-spice powder?
If you don’t have five-spice powder, you can substitute with a combination of cinnamon, cloves, star anise, fennel seeds, and pepper, or use other seasonings that suit your preference.
Can I use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth?
Yes, you can use chicken broth if you prefer a non-vegetarian version of the dish, or if that’s what you have on hand.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this One-pot Five-Spice Rice is naturally gluten-free, as it doesn’t contain any wheat-based ingredients.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add heat, try stirring in a pinch of chili flakes or fresh chopped chili during the cooking process. You can also drizzle the finished dish with some sriracha or hot sauce.
Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes, this rice can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator. It makes a great option for meal prep!
Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen peas and carrots work perfectly well in this recipe and are a convenient option if you don’t have fresh vegetables on hand.
Can I use another type of rice?
While long-grain rice works best for this recipe, you can also try using jasmine or basmati rice for a slightly different flavor and fragrance.
How can I make this rice more savory?
To deepen the flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of soy sauce, coconut aminos, or tamari during the cooking process.
How can I adjust the amount of five-spice powder?
If you prefer a milder or stronger flavor, adjust the five-spice powder to your liking. Start with ½ teaspoon and taste before adding more.
Conclusion
This One-pot Five-Spice Rice is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for busy nights or as a tasty side to your favorite Asian-inspired meals. The aromatic five-spice powder gives the rice a rich and distinctive flavor, and the one-pot method makes cleanup a breeze. Whether served as a side or a light main, this dish is sure to become a regular in your kitchen. Enjoy the comforting, warm taste of this simple yet delicious recipe!
One-pot Five-Spice Rice
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish, Main Course
- Method: One-Pot, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Description
One-pot Five-Spice Rice is a flavorful and aromatic dish made with rice, five-spice powder, and optional vegetables. This easy-to-make dish is perfect as a side or main and pairs wonderfully with Asian-inspired meals.
Ingredients
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
½ tsp five-spice powder (adjust to taste)
1 cup long-grain rice, rinsed
2 cups vegetable broth
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 carrot, diced (optional)
1 cup frozen peas (optional)
Fresh herbs, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking for 3-5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Stir in the five-spice powder and cook for another minute to release its fragrance.
- Add the rinsed rice to the pot, stirring to coat the rice with the spiced oil and onions.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Once it boils, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
- If using, add the carrots or peas in the last 5 minutes of cooking, allowing them to steam with the rice.
- Once cooked, fluff the rice with a fork, and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired.
- Serve hot as a side dish or main course!
Notes
For added protein, try adding cooked chicken, tofu, or shrimp during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Other vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or edamame can be added for extra flavor and nutrition.
Adjust the five-spice powder based on your personal taste, starting with ½ teaspoon and adding more if desired.
For extra savory depth, add soy sauce, coconut aminos, or tamari to the cooking process.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
