After taking a cooking class in Mexico, I came home inspired to make green rice! Who knew you could make such beautiful, colorful rice with such little effort?
I’m showing you how to make a simple, minimal ingredient version with my own twist. Let’s get started!
This 7-ingredient rice starts with making a green “broth” by blending cilantro, jalapeño pepper, water (or broth), and salt until smooth. Spirulina is a stealthy optional ingredient added for extra green color without affecting the flavor.
You’ll rinse your rice and set aside before heating a large pot or skillet over medium heat. Once hot, sauté your onion and garlic until tender, then add rinsed rice and stir, cooking for a few more minutes to add some toasty flavor to the dish.
Next, you’ll add your green broth, stir, bring to a low boil, then cover and turn to a simmer. Cook until tender — about 18-20 minutes.
There are three keys to achieving fluffy rice here:
- Just cover the rice with the broth (it should be the perfect amount!) — drowning it in liquid will make it mushy or soggy. I’ve found a good ratio of rice : liquid to be 1 cup rice : 1 ¾ cups water or broth.
- Do not remove the lid until your timer goes off or steam will escape and the rice will take longer to cook and potentially cook unevenly.
- Once the timer goes off, turn off the heat and let the rice sit for 10 minutes undisturbed so the moisture can redistribute throughout the rice, which prevents it from being mushy or sticky!
If you’re looking for more tips and a video on how to cook white rice, check out our How to Cook Perfect White Rice recipe.
The end result is a tender, fluffy pot of white rice infused with big flavor and green color.
We hope you all LOVE this rice! It’s:
Simple
Tender
Fluffy
Flavorful
Versatile
& Delicious!
This would make the perfect side to the Easy Herb Baked Fish with Rainbow Peppers recipe we just shared! But it would also go well with just about any main — Mexican-inspired or not — from Collard Green Burritos and Butternut Squash Black Bean Enchiladas to Mediterranean Baked Sweet Potatoes.
Into grain dishes? Be sure to check out this Easy Vegan Fried Rice, Curried Quinoa Salad, Easy Bibimbap with Gochujang Sauce, and Veggie Brown Rice Sushi.
If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo #minimalistbaker on Instagram. Cheers, friends!
How to Make Green Rice
Ingredients
RICE
- 1 cup uncooked white rice (we used basmati, but jasmine will also work)
- 1 Tbsp avocado oil
- 1/2 cup chopped white or yellow onion (or sub shallot)
- 3 cloves garlic, skins removed and minced
- 1 healthy pinch sea salt
GREEN MIX
- 1 ¾ cup water (or sub broth of choice for more flavor)
- 1 small jalapeño pepper, seeds and stems removed and chopped (or green bell pepper for less spicy rice)
- 2 cups cilantro, large stems removed (as recipe is written, about 1 large bundle)
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp spirulina (for added color // if you don't have it, omit)
FOR SERVING optional
- Cilantro
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Begin by rinsing the white rice in a fine mesh strainer until water runs clear. Set aside.
- To a blender add water, pepper, cilantro, sea salt, and spirulina and blend on high for 30 seconds or until completely combined. Set aside.
- Heat a large saucepan, dutch oven, or skillet (with a secure lid) over medium heat. Once hot, add avocado oil then onion and garlic and a healthy pinch of sea salt. Sauté until just tender — 3-4 minutes. Then add well-drained rice and begin toasting, stirring occasionally, for about 2-3 minutes.
- Slowly add the green mix from the blender to the pan and stir to fully combine — it should just cover the rice. Increase heat to high until the mixture reaches a low boil. Then reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and set a timer for 18 minutes. DO NOT open the lid until the timer goes off. At that point, the rice should be fluffy and the liquid should be absorbed. Turn off the heat, leave the lid on, and let the rice rest for 10 minutes before removing lid so the moisture can redistribute — this will help prevent mushy rice.
- Add lime juice or cilantro wedges as a garnish for serving. Rice is best when fresh, but will keep in the refrigerator up to 2-3 days. It is freezer-friendly up to 1 month.
Video
Notes
*Nutrition information is a rough estimate calculated without optional ingredients.
Victoria Oliver says
In other comments you have said that if we use brown rice, we would likely just need to adjust the cooking time. But do you think we might also increase the liquid ratio?
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Hi Victoria, you could increase the liquid slightly, but it shouldn’t need much more!
Brie says
Made this rice tonight using basmati and following the recipe exactly but my rice came out mushy. I’m sure I did something slightly wrong, maybe didn’t rinse it too much. The flavor is good though!
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Hi Brie, is it possible you were using par-boiled rice?
Amy says
I love the look of this recipe and green rice is one of my faves- but I need to feed a crowd and I was hoping to use a rice cooker to keep warm and make bulk. Any chance this can be converted to the rice cooker? Thanks in advance!
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Hi Amy, we haven’t tried it in a rice cooker, but it should work. We’d suggest sautéing the onion/garlic first, then transferring that to the rice cooker with the remaining ingredients. Let us know if you try it!
Amy says
Thank you, I am going to give it a go this weekend and I will let you know. Thank you for your quick reply!
Nicol says
WAY TOO MANY ADS!! This site used to be quite user friendly, but all the ads have been causing the pages to move everytime I get to a section I want to read.
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Hi Nicol, Thank you for your feedback and sorry for any inconvenience. We always try to optimize for user experience, while also having ads to keep the content free and high quality.
Priscilla says
I’m excited to make this recipe! Can I can make it in advance and heat it up? If so what would be the best way? Fry it in a pan? Thank you!!
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Hi Priscilla, frying it in a pan would be delicious and add crispiness! You could also reheat in the microwave or in a saucepan, adding more water if needed. Hope that helps!
Luisa says
I used to make white basmati rice always plain, boring.
Making Green Rice adds tons of flavor to the rice. No more boring rice for me. I was not able to fully use the same ingredients as the recipe suggested as I did not have them at hand, like cilantro, onions, jalapeño pepper and avocado oil. But now I know how to make it, and next time I am at the store, I will shop for the ingredients and try the recipe with the right ingredients. I ended up using olive oil, for herbs dill and chives and then half of red bell pepper, the consistency stayed green. The nice thing is that this recipe is versatile as far as experimenting with herbs.
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
We’re so glad you enjoyed it this way, Luisa! Thank you so much for sharing! xo
Valerie says
Easy, satisfying & gorgeous!
Diane Mandler says
I tried this recipe because it only used 1 cup of rice vs the usual 1 1/2 cups. I used a small poblano pepper seeded vs a jalapeno. This is now my go to green rice recipe. I think that the basmati rice is much better than regular white rice. I also like the amount of rice that it makes. Perfect for 2 people with enough for a good 2 meals. Great recipe!
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
We’re so glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for sharing, Diane!
Jessie says
I made this recipe this weekend for a group of 8 adults (in addition to some other dishes) and it was delicious. I doubled it, which meant that I doubled everything in the recipe except the jalapeno (I just used one) because I wasn’t sure of the spice tolerance of the group. I didn’t use spirulina either, just didn’t have it. The rice was still nice and green without it. It was a really tasty recipe, and I will definitely make it again!
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
We’re so glad it turned out well! Thanks so much for sharing, Jessie!
Naomi says
I find that different brands of rice require varying amounts of liquid. What brand did you use?
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Interesting! We haven’t noticed a difference with the brands we’ve used. But we probably used Lundberg for this one.
Hannah says
I’ve made this a couple of times. It’s a hit with the family alongside enchiladas and refried beans. I use veggie broth (paste). Last time I was low on cilantro and garlic quantities (pandemic pantry!), so made up the difference with spinach and garlic granules (blended in the broth). Still tasty!
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
We’re so glad you and your family enjoy it, Hannah! Thanks so much for the lovely review!
LaShae says
This rice is wonderful. I did not use spirulina, however I did use more parsley and and cilantro and better then bouillon veggie paste for broth. Excellent!
I do have a question. Where did you get your white ceramic pot with the wooden handle? I clicked the link but it comes up a stainless steel set.
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Hi LaShae, here is the Dutch oven!
Mick says
I’ve made green rice for years, only my version has just 2 ingredients: cooked, short grain brown rice and avocado. I also top it off with a sprinkling of “Boona Bugs” (gomashio). My 40 yr old daughter still asks for green rice when she is home to visit.
tywana says
I made this last night & it was outstanding! I used the Texmati brown & wild blend ’cause that’s what I had. I also used plain canola oil & my jalapeno was sooo hot I substituted green bell pepper.
Dana @ Minimalist Baker says
Thanks for sharing, Tywana!
Blue says
MMM I’ll have to make this tonight. I alway fill the water to middle of the bottom and middle knuckle on my index finger. This is how my grandmother from Indonesia made rice and it always works perfectly!
Dana @ Minimalist Baker says
SMART!
Afrenchielove says
Just FYI for those of you that asked about brown rice, Aldi has a brown rice that cooks in 15 minutes and is delicious in this recipe!
Dana @ Minimalist Baker says
Thanks for sharing!
Erin Gorman says
Hello, first off this recipe looks really yummy. I was wondering though, is the rice spicy? I have a low tolerance to heat.
Dana @ Minimalist Baker says
No it isn’t! But you can also omit any black pepper/jalapeños just in case.
Mary says
Can I use olive oil instead of avocado oil? I’m new to the cooking scene so I’m not sure and do not want to mess anything up.
Dana @ Minimalist Baker says
That’ll work! Olive oil just has a lower smoke point than avocado, so we generally recommend avocado (or refined coconut) if cooking on high heats.
Alyssa says
This rice recipe really takes my Mexican meals up to restaurant quality flavor. Delicious ??
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Yay! SO glad you enjoyed it, Alyssa!
Ronica says
Yum! I’ve had this a few times before but never attempted to make it. As usual, thank you for such a yummy easy dish!
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
So glad you enjoyed it, Ronica! Thanks so much for sharing! xo
Ghazaleh says
I’ve made this rice twice now and I just can’t get enough. It is so tasty and reminds me a little of a Persian herbed rice. This version is way easier and just as tasty so thank you!!!
I was wondering, if I wanted to double or triple the recipe, how would I adjust the cooking time?
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
We’re so glad you enjoyed it, Ghazaleh! We’re not sure on exact timing, but perhaps an additional 5-10 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed. If you have a pot with a glass lid, that would be ideal for monitoring!
Natasha says
I first tried out this rice for girls night. We all loved it with our grilled fish and veggies. I liked it so much that I made a second batch with an extra jalepeno to take on a camping trip that weekend- once again, LOVED it. I then made it for friends visiting from North Carolina who are real foodies and they asked for the recipe. PLEASE post more rice variation recipes. I don’t want to burn myself out on this recipe ;)
Dana @ Minimalist Baker says
Amazing! Thank for sharing! We’ll add rice recipes to the list!
Tami says
This is delicious! Nothing more to add… It’s that good.
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Thanks so much for the lovely review, Tami. We are so glad you enjoyed it! Next time, would you mind leaving a rating with your review? It’s super helpful for us and other readers. Thanks so much! xo
Amy says
So flavorful and delicious! I’ve tried a handful of recipes on this site and have NEVER been disappointed. Thank you!
Dana @ Minimalist Baker says
So kind, thanks Amy!! Next time would you mind leaving a rating? It’s super helpful for us and other readers. xoxo!
Beth Weston says
We made this for dinner last night along with the Sheet Pan Curried Sweet Potato and Chickpea recipe from the post a couple of days ago. Wonderful combination. The rice was very easy to make, was very flavorful and turned out perfectly. I used water (not broth) and blended it up in the Vitamix. Will definitely keep this on the rotation! Thanks!!
Dana @ Minimalist Baker says
Lovely – thanks, Beth!
Naeemah says
This recipe is delicious and so easy to prepare! After reading Chelsea’s comment I’m going to try it in rice cooker next time.
Dana @ Minimalist Baker says
Lovely!
Chelsea says
This was delicious! I actually made this in the instant pot. I sautéed onion and garlic first and then I used a ratio of 1 cup of rinsed rice per 1 cup of green purée. I cooked it with the same timing I usually do for my rice in the instant pot & it came out perfectly.
So flavorful!!
Thanks for the great recipes :)
Dana @ Minimalist Baker says
Oh yay! Thanks for sharing your experience with the instant pot!
Naomi says
Do you think you could sub another herb like parsley for the cilantro?
Dana @ Minimalist Baker says
I do!
Dana says
Thank you! I always always manage to mess up my rice if I’m not cooking it in the rice cooker. This came out amazing!! Made it as a side for your fish tacos- also so good! I cooked mine with broth and jasmine rice and followed recipe to a T! Next time I will double the batch because we gobbled this up way too fast. So happy I can make a flavorful rice that isn’t from a box packed with salt. <3
Dana @ Minimalist Baker says
SO kind! xoxo
Amy says
Holy smokes! I made this tonight and WOW!!! The whole family loved it! Going to have to make more next time.
Dana @ Minimalist Baker says
Yay yay! SO glad you enjoyed it, Amy! Next time would you mind leaving a rating with your review? It’s super helpful for us and other readers! xoxo
Tiffany says
This is fabulous!! I followed the instructions to a ‘T’ and I am glad I did not peek under the lid after I covered it. Thank you!
Dana @ Minimalist Baker says
Thanks for sharing, Tiffany!
Alison Harding-Shogilev says
Can you do this with cauliflower rice?
Dana @ Minimalist Baker says
Find that here!
Elisa says
Made this tonight because I had all the ingredients and wanted a chipotle style bowl. WOW!!!!!! This is sooo flavorful and easy to make. I followed the recipes exact measurements and directions just to make sure it came out right and it did! Used it as a bed and topped with black beans, corn, avocado and tomatoes. Super easy dinner and I can’t wait to eat it again tomorrow.
Dana @ Minimalist Baker says
So great! Thanks for sharing! It’s a fave around here, too :D
SandyinAnaheim says
This was a great base recipe!! Super flavorful and a great side to tempeh tacos. I modified it a little to add more vegetables. I made 1.5 cups of Uncle Ben’s long grain rice with no rinsing, to 3 cups of water as the vegetables will lose their moisture in the cooking. I added veg base to the blender ingredients and upped the jalapenos to 3. Before adding in the rice, I added cumin and diced carrots, zucchini and mushrooms. I served this beautiful and tasty rice without the lime (it was flavorful enough on its own), topped with chopped avocado. My husband went back for seconds and said the recipe is a keeper….and I agree!! Thank you Dana!
Dana @ Minimalist Baker says
Yay! Thanks for sharing!!
Lucia Arieira says
Hi! I love most of the recipes. Sometimes I don´t have the ingredients here in Brazil.
As a suggestion, could you write the names of the ingridients on the picture as we point at them?
Dana @ Minimalist Baker says
Lucia, thanks for the feedback! How might putting the names of the ingredients on the picture(s) be more helpful than the list of ingredients in the recipe box?
Myra says
My garden is abundant with Swiss chard. Have you tried substituting cilantro for other greens?
Dana @ Minimalist Baker says
I haven’t! But I’m sure other greens would work!
Jen says
So tasty! I actually tripled the recipe because I had so much cilantro in the garden that needed to be used. I substituted the jalapeño with canned chilies and a bit of salsa verde. Perfect timing for my cilantro glut! Will be great on its own, for burritos or even along Indian curries.
Dana @ Minimalist Baker says
How lovely – thanks, Jen!!
Kelly says
Absolutely delicious! Quick and easy recipe for big flavor!
Dana @ Minimalist Baker says
Whoop!!
Jini Aroon says
I made this recipe with cilantro and jalapino, and used a whole bundle if cilantro to achieve the green colour. I loved the combination of cilantro and jalapeno, and it reminded me if the green Persian rice made with Dill. Using Spirulina is a great suggestion to enhance colour as well as the nutrition content. Thank you!
Dana @ Minimalist Baker says
Thanks, Jini!! Next time would you mind adding a rating to your review? It’s super helpful for us and other readers! xo
Bec says
Hi Dana,
Just wondering if you think this would work with brown basmati rice and if so, what adjustment would you make to the cooking time?
Thanks and kind regards,
Bec
Dana @ Minimalist Baker says
Hi Bec, yes I think most rice varieties would work. However I wouldn’t be able to comment on all other types of rice regarding their cooking time. In general I find brown rice takes a bit longer to cook than white, so maybe adjust by 5 minutes and go from there?
Toni says
How cool is THIS recipe! I’m a neurotically whole grain chick, so I used short grain brown rice but I love this food! I’m always looking for a good way to use up the last of a big bunch of cilantro, or the other half of a jalapeno, so, it also will help out with my Waste Less Food resolution! Thanks!
We have been drinking a bit of spirulina in our morning health brew for a while now (my husband refers to it as ‘Green Paint’, since the interesting teal color it turns plain water is nearly identical to the new trim color he put on the exterior of our house. So it will be interesting to see how it changes the color here… I’m low on it so didn’t use the first time! Keep these great recipes coming!
Dana @ Minimalist Baker says
Thanks, Toni! Next time would you mind adding a rating to your review? It’s super helpful for us and other readers! xo
kl says
Have you done any experimenting with brown rice? it would be great to make that work. thanks!
Dana @ Minimalist Baker says
I think it should work! Same methods – just adjust cook time as needed!
We sande says
My favorite color green so pretty. Unfortunately I cannot eat cilantro boohoo. ?