Zesty Ranch Rice

This Ranch Rice recipe is a super versatile side dish that will add gentle flavor to any dish you are serving. A great way to use a pantry staple!

 

Recipe Staples

You only need a couple of affordable ingredients to make this flavorful side. A full list of ingredients with measurements for this recipe is available in the printable recipe card below.

• Medium grain rice – You can also use long-grain rice, just pay attention to the cooking time. Do not use quick-cooking rice or it will become too soggy.
• Dry ranch seasoning – Hidden Valley Ranch makes a ranch dressing mix packet, but I prefer to make mine homemade with buttermilk powder!
• Butter – Dry ranch seasoning already has a high salt content, so I like to use unsalted butter. You can always add more salt at the end!
• Water – The rice needs moisture to soak up and soften, so we use water. Some people prefer to use chicken broth

This is How We Do It

Making this zesty ranch rice is as easy as one, two, three! Just follow these simple steps!

1. Combine and boil ingredients. In a medium saucepan, combine rice, dry ranch mix, butter and water. Heat over medium-high heat until it comes to a full boil.
2. Cover and cook. Place a cover on and reduce to low until just simmering. Allow to cook for 15-20 minutes.
3. Fluff. Remove cover and fluff with a fork. Turn off heat, returning the lid and allow to sit for 5 minutes before serving.
4. While I don’t use one, a rice cooker is also a great way to get fabulous rice. Any Asian chef will tell you that having will is as basic as having a stove. If you own an Instant Pot, it also has a rice cooker function.

Make it A Meal

You can serve this ranch rice alongside almost any main dish you can think of. Try it with oven baked chicken thighs, chicken birria tacos, braised brisket, shrimp or baked cod. It would taste great with any cut of pork or beef too.

You can also use it in place of pasta for seafood fra diavolo, as a base for chicken and sausage gumbo, or in place of plain white rice to brighten up chicken soup with rice. 

Tips for Perfect Rice

While rice is a simple side dish to make, I have some tips to ensure it comes out perfectly every time.

1. Rinse your rice in a colander before cooking. This removes all of the debris and surface starches, will prevent rice from getting mushy.
2. Soak your rice. Soaking it gives the grains a head start to absorbing water which makes it cook more evenly.
3. Choose the right brand. You might need to experiment with a brand of rice to get it just right. The package directions aren’t always correct. Also check your package against these instructions. If they vary greatly, go with the package to make your ranch rice perfect.
4. Give your rice a quick stir to prevent clumping after adding to liquid, but do not continue to stir through the cooking process. stirring releases more starch and will leave you with mushy rice.
5. Bring to boil. Make sure you bring the rice and the liquid to a boil. This ensures the water it hot enough to create the steam needed to make your ranch rice.
6. Don’t peek! I know it is hard not to peek, but opening the lid lets the steam, which is the key to cooking rice, to escape.
7. Always fluff your rice with a fork. Stirring with a spoon naturally mashes it and makes it gummy.
8. Allow the ranch rice to sit, off heat, for at least 5 minutes after it is done. Just like meat, it needs to rest.

Storage and Freezing

How to Store

Store leftover rice for up to five days in the refrigerator in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. 

Can I Freeze Ranch Rice?

Yes! You can freeze leftover ranch rice for up to six months in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. 

More Rice Recipes

Rice is such a versatile ingredient that can be used in so many dishes and sides. Here are some of our favorite rice recipes.