Flavorful Brazilian Rice Recipe: A Sunny South American Staple

Rice is a staple that sings with Brazilian culinary magic, bringing vibrant flavors to every simple Brazilian rice recipe we adore.

Home cooks across Brazil have perfected this delightful dish through generations of love and passion.

The ingredients are straightforward, requiring minimal effort but delivering maximum taste.

Fragrant and fluffy, this rice captures the essence of Brazilian home cooking with its delicate seasoning and perfect texture.

Each grain tells a story of traditional techniques passed down through kitchens nationwide.

Peppered with subtle aromatics, the recipe promises a delectable side that complements countless main dishes.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this authentic Brazilian culinary treasure.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 5

Tools for Cooking Brazilian-Style Rice

• Large pot: Essential for sautéing onions and cooking rice, with a heavy bottom for even heat distribution.
• Tea kettle: Perfect for boiling water quickly and safely before adding to rice.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring rice and preventing sticking without scratching pot surface.
• Measuring cups: Helps ensure precise rice and water measurements for perfect texture.
• Fork: Used to fluff rice after cooking, separating grains and creating light, fluffy texture.
• Cutting board: Provides clean surface for chopping onions and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp knife: Needed for chopping onions and mincing garlic with precision.

Instructions to Cook Simple Brazilian Rice

• Kettle Preparation

Boil fresh water using a tea kettle, ensuring it’s ready for the rice cooking process.

• Onion and Garlic Sauté

Heat vegetable oil in a large pot, gently cooking diced onions and minced garlic until they become soft and transparent.

• Rice Toasting

Add clean rice to the pot, stirring carefully to prevent sticking and allowing it to develop a light golden color.

• Water and Seasoning

Pour the hot water over the rice, sprinkle in salt, then cover the pot and reduce heat to the lowest possible setting.

• Cooking Process

Allow rice to simmer quietly for about 20 minutes, watching for small holes forming on the surface which indicate perfect doneness.

• Resting and Serving

Remove from heat, slightly open the lid, and let the rice rest for 5 minutes. Gently separate the grains with a fork before presenting at the table.

Additions to Boost Brazilian Rice Flavor

• Swap plain water with chicken or vegetable broth to add deeper, richer taste profiles to your Brazilian rice.
• Rinse rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch, ensuring each grain remains separate and perfectly fluffy.
• Toss in a bay leaf or a pinch of cumin during sautéing to introduce subtle, warm undertones that elevate the entire dish.
• Use a heavy-bottomed pot and maintain low, steady heat to avoid scorching and achieve consistent, golden-brown rice bottom.
• Store leftover rice in an airtight container and revive its moisture by sprinkling a few drops of water before microwaving, keeping it fresh and delicious.

Serve Brazilian Rice with Style

• Pair with Protein: Serve alongside grilled chicken, black beans, or classic Brazilian feijoada for a complete and satisfying meal.
• Add Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley or cilantro on top to boost flavor and add a vibrant green color to the white rice.
• Create a Brazilian Bowl: Layer the rice with sautéed vegetables, a fried egg, and a dollop of hot sauce for a hearty and authentic Brazilian-style dish.
• Make It Colorful: Garnish with sliced green onions or toasted almonds to add a delightful crunch and visual appeal to the simple rice.

Storage Tips for Simple Brazilian Rice

• Store Wisely: Transfer leftover rice to an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Refrigerate Efficiently: Keep cooked rice in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring it stays in a sealed container to preserve texture and flavor.
• Freeze for Later: Pack rice in freezer-safe bags or containers, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen rice remains delicious for up to 1 month.
• Reheat Perfectly: Sprinkle a few drops of water before microwaving to restore moisture, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating and maintain the rice's fluffy texture.

Ingredients for Simple Brazilian Rice

• Rice: Choose long-grain white rice for perfect fluffy texture; look for fresh, uniform grains without discoloration.
• Water: Essential for cooking rice and creating soft, separated grains; use filtered water for best flavor.

• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic duo that builds a rich, deep flavor foundation; select firm onions and plump garlic cloves without sprouting.
• Salt: Balances and elevates the overall taste; use fine sea salt for even distribution and cleaner seasoning.

• Vegetable Oil: Creates a non-stick surface and helps toast rice grains; opt for neutral-flavored oils like canola or sunflower for authentic Brazilian style.

Fluffy Brazilian Rice Recipe

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4.5 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Brazilian white rice emerges as a comforting staple in South American cuisine, showcasing simplicity and rich flavors. Families cherish this classic dish that pairs perfectly with beans, meats, and traditional Brazilian meals you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

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• ¼ cup (60 ml) vegetable oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pinch salt
• 1 cup jasmine rice
• 2 cups (473 ml) water

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Instructions

1. Prepare Base: Heat vegetable oil in a spacious saucepan over medium-high temperature, then sauté finely diced onions and crushed garlic until translucent and aromatic.
2. Toast Rice: Add thoroughly rinsed rice grains to the softened onion mixture, stirring to coat each grain and develop a slightly toasted texture.
3. Liquid Infusion: Pour boiling water over the rice, season with kosher salt, and immediately cover with a tight-fitting lid, reducing heat to the lowest setting.
4. Steam and Absorb: Allow rice to simmer undisturbed for 18-20 minutes, watching for small steam holes to indicate complete liquid absorption and tenderness.
5. Rest and Fluff: Remove from heat, slightly open the lid to release steam, and let rest for 4-5 minutes before gently separating grains with a fork, creating a light, airy final texture ready for serving.

Notes

• Rinse Rice Thoroughly: Wash rice under cold water until water runs clear to remove excess starch, preventing sticky and clumpy texture.
• Sauté Aromatics Carefully: Cook onions and garlic at medium heat, stirring constantly to develop rich flavor without burning or turning bitter.
• Monitor Water Absorption: Watch for small steam holes on rice surface, signaling perfect doneness and complete liquid absorption.
• Rest Rice Properly: Allow rice to sit covered off heat for 4-5 minutes, enabling grains to settle and absorb remaining moisture for fluffy consistency.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling, Sautéing
• Cuisine: Brazilian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 1 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg