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Oven baked rice stirred and fluffed with a wooden spoon
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5 from 2 votes

How to Cook Rice In the Oven

If you want rice that cooks itself while you focus on the rest of dinner, oven baked rice is the answer. It is simple, reliable, and perfect for busy moms who do not have time for extra steps. You may never cook rice on the stovetop again.
Prep Time1 minute
Cook Time35 minutes
Total Time36 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 169kcal
Author: Randa Derkson

Equipment

  • 8x8 baking dish

Ingredients

  • 1 cup white rice (I used Basmati when testing this recipe) see notes about brown rice
  • 2 cups water or broth
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  • Add the rice, water, and salt to an 8x8 baking dish. Stir to combine.
    1 cup white rice (I used Basmati when testing this recipe), 2 cups water or broth, ½ teaspoon salt
  • Cover tightly with foil or a lid.
  • Bake for 35 minutes.
  • Remove from the oven and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes.
  • Fluff with a fork and serve.
  • The rice should be tender and fluffy with no excess liquid.

Video

Notes

How to Cook Brown Rice in the Oven

Brown rice takes longer and needs more liquid, but the oven method still works beautifully.

Rice to Water Ratio

  • 1 cup brown rice
  • 2½ cups water or broth
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  2. Add brown rice, water, and salt to a baking dish.
  3. Cover tightly with foil or a lid.
  4. Bake for 60 minutes.
  5. Let rest, covered, for 10 minutes.
  6. Fluff with a fork before serving.
Brown rice should be tender with a slight chew.

How to Cook Parboiled (Converted) Rice in the Oven

Rice to water ratio

  • 1 cup parboiled rice
  • 2¼ cups water or broth
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Add the rice, water, and salt to a baking dish and stir.
  2. Cover tightly with foil or a lid.
  3. Bake for 40-45 minutes.
  4. Let rest, covered, for 5 to 10 minutes.
  5. Fluff with a fork and serve.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Not covering the dish tightly. Steam is what cooks the rice.
  • Using the wrong liquid ratio.
  • Skipping the rest time after baking.
  • Opening the foil too early and releasing steam.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 169kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 0.3g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Sodium: 293mg | Potassium: 53mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0.1g | Calcium: 13mg | Iron: 0.4mg