55 minutes
A simple and delightful side dish of perfectly cooked and buttered rice, prepared in the oven.
Long-grain Rice, washed and drained
cups
tablespoons
Unsalted Butter, cut into patties
tablespoons
1. Preheat Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). This temperature will ensure your rice cooks slowly and evenly, allowing the flavors to meld perfectly.
2. Prepare Water Base
Fill a 4-quart pot with 13 cups of water and add the tablespoon of salt. Bring this to a boil on the stove, creating a seasoned base for your rice.
3. Wash and Drain Rice
While the water is heating, wash and drain 2 cups of long-grain rice using a colander. Washing the rice helps remove any excess starch, which can make your rice sticky rather than fluffy.
4. Boil Rice
Once your water is boiling rapidly, add the washed rice and let it boil for 5 minutes. This brief boiling period starts the cooking process without overcooking the rice.
5. Drain Rice
After 5 minutes, drain the rice using the colander.
6. Transfer to Ovenproof Dish
Transfer the drained rice to an ovenproof dish, spreading it out evenly. Cut 4 tablespoons of butter into patties and place them on top of the rice. The butter will melt and seep through the grains, making them rich and flavorful.
7. Cover and Seal
Cover the dish with aluminum foil, ensuring it is 2 inches larger than the dish to seal the edges tightly. This step is crucial because trapping the steam inside the dish will cook the rice evenly and keep it moist. Once covered, place the lid on top for an extra seal.
8. Bake the Rice
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. The low, consistent heat will fluff the rice perfectly without drying it out. After 45 minutes, check the rice to see if it’s done to your liking.
9. Serve and Enjoy
Finally, serve the oven-fluffed buttered rice as a side dish that complements a variety of main courses. Enjoy the simplicity and delightful flavor of this perfectly cooked rice.
Before baking, sauté mushrooms and shallots in the butter, then proceed with the rice and cooking liquid (preferably stock). Finish with Parmesan cheese for a simple, oven-baked twist on risotto.
Steep a pinch of saffron in the cooking liquid for a luxurious golden hue and a distinctive, fragrant taste. Saffron rice is a wonderful accompaniment to Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes.
Sauté minced garlic in the butter before mixing it with the rice. Garlic adds a robust flavor that pairs well with everything from steamed vegetables to hearty meats.
Sauté onions and carrots in the butter before mixing with the rice. Add in some chicken broth instead of water for an extra savory note. This is a great base for adding cooked proteins like chicken, beef, or lamb directly into the rice after it's baked.
Add fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or bay leaves to the rice before baking. This will impart subtle aromas and flavors that can complement dishes like roast chicken or grilled fish.
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