Discover a cozy, nutrient-dense side with this bone broth rice. Fragrant jasmine rice cooks in rich homemade bone broth, absorbing savory flavors and becoming tender and comforting. Serve it as a side, use it as a base for bowls, or add protein and vegetables to make a complete meal.
As the weather cools, keeping bone broth on hand is especially helpful. Bone broth is versatile, nourishing, and comforting—perfect during cold and flu season. This simple rice recipe has become a go-to: it soaks up the broth’s flavor and turns into a warm, satisfying dish that pairs well with many mains or stands alone with a few additions.
What is Bone Broth?
Bone broth is made by simmering bones—commonly chicken, beef, or fish—with vegetables, herbs, and spices for an extended time. The slow cooking extracts collagen, gelatin, minerals, and deep flavor from the bones, producing a broth that often gels when chilled. Compared with standard broth, bone broth can contribute more protein and additional nutrients to dishes cooked in it.
Why You’ll Love Bone Broth Rice
Rich Flavor: The broth infuses the rice with a savory depth that makes it more than a simple side.
Nutritional Benefits: Bone broth adds collagen, amino acids, and minerals that enhance the dish’s nutritional profile.
Versatility: Use this rice as a base for bowls, mix it into soups, stuff vegetables, or turn it into fried rice—many possibilities.
Easy to Make: The method is straightforward: combine rinsed rice with warm broth and simmer until tender.
Budget-Friendly: Homemade bone broth is economical and stretches across many recipes, including this rice.
Ingredients and Substitutions
Jasmine rice – A fragrant long-grain rice that soaks up broth flavor well. One cup of uncooked rice yields about four servings of cooked rice. Other long-grain varieties like basmati can be substituted; see the FAQ for timing adjustments.
Chicken bone broth – Use homemade or store-bought bone broth. Beef broth works too. If making broth yourself, prepare it a day or two in advance for best flavor.
Sofrito (optional) – A blend of garlic, onions, peppers, and cilantro that boosts flavor. Many recipes omit it, but it adds depth if you have it on hand.
Cilantro – Fresh cilantro brightens the rice and adds color.
Butter – Adds creaminess and prevents dryness. Substitute olive oil or coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
How It’s Made
Step 1. Rinse the rice under cold water to remove excess starch and keep the grains from getting too sticky.
Step 2. Bring the bone broth and sofrito (if using) to a boil in a medium saucepan, stirring to combine.
Step 3. Add the rinsed jasmine rice, stir, cover, and reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 15 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed.
Step 4. Remove the lid, fluff the rice with a fork, then stir in butter and cilantro. Serve immediately.
Instant Pot Instructions
Adjust the liquid ratio for pressure cooking: use 1 cup of broth per 1 cup of rice. Place rinsed rice, broth, and sofrito in the Instant Pot. Seal the lid and pressure cook on high for 5 minutes, then allow a natural release for at least 10 minutes. Fluff, fold in butter, top with cilantro, and serve.
Rice Cooker Instructions
In a rice cooker use the same 1:1 broth-to-rice ratio. Add rinsed rice, broth, and sofrito, then cook according to your rice cooker’s white rice setting. Let the rice rest for about 5 minutes after it finishes, then fluff, add butter and cilantro, and serve.
Ways to Serve Bone Broth Rice
As a Side Dish: Pair with grilled chicken, fish, or roasted vegetables for a balanced plate.
In Soups and Stews: Add pre-cooked bone broth rice to soups for extra body and flavor.
Stuffed Vegetables: Use as a stuffing for bell peppers or tomatoes with ground meat and herbs.
In Casseroles: Combine with vegetables, protein, and cheese for a hearty one-dish meal.
Fried Rice: Stir-fry the cooked rice with vegetables, eggs, and your preferred seasonings for a tasty fried rice.
Grain Bowls: Use as a base for bowls topped with greens, roasted veggies, avocado, and protein.
With Gravy or Sauce: Serve alongside a rich gravy or sauce like mushroom gravy to elevate the dish.
Must Try Variations
Turmeric & Ginger: Add ground turmeric and grated ginger for warmth and a subtle health boost.
Mushroom & Thyme: Sauté mushrooms with thyme and fold them into the rice for an earthy side.
Lemon & Garlic: Finish with lemon juice and minced garlic for brightness—great with seafood.
Chipotle & Cilantro Lime: Stir in chopped chipotle in adobo, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for smoky heat.
Pesto Parmesan: Mix in pesto and grated Parmesan for a herb-forward, cheesy twist.
Cumin & Black Beans: Add ground cumin and cooked black beans for a Southwestern-style side or burrito filling.
Storing and Reheating
Allow rice to cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months; thaw completely before reheating. To reheat, add a splash of broth or water to retain moisture and microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between heats, until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does cooking rice in bone broth add protein to rice?
Yes. Bone broth contains collagen, gelatin, and small amounts of protein that the rice absorbs during cooking. While it won’t match the protein of a piece of meat or legumes, it modestly boosts the rice’s nutrition and adds beneficial amino acids and minerals.
What other types of rice can be used?
You can use white rice, brown rice, basmati, or wild rice. White and basmati cook similarly to jasmine and absorb flavors well. Brown and wild rice have nuttier textures and typically need more liquid and longer cooking times—adjust accordingly.
Can I use regular broth instead of bone broth?
Absolutely. Regular broth will still add good flavor and moisture. Bone broth offers additional collagen and minerals, but either option works for this recipe.
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The Perfect Bone Broth Rice Recipe
Kate
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 1 ½ cups chicken bone broth
- 2 tablespoons sofrito
- 1 tablespoon minced cilantro
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
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Rinse rice with cold water to remove excess starch and prevent stickiness.
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Bring bone broth and sofrito to a boil in a medium saucepan, stirring to combine.
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Add the jasmine rice, stir, cover, and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer about 15 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed.
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Remove the lid, fluff the rice, then stir in butter and cilantro. Serve warm.
Instant Pot Instructions
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Place rinsed rice, bone broth, and sofrito in the Instant Pot. Seal and pressure cook on high for 5 minutes. Allow a natural release for at least 10 minutes.
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When pressure is released, fluff rice, fold in butter, top with cilantro, and serve.
Rice Cooker Instructions
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Place rinsed rice, broth, and sofrito in the rice cooker and start using the white rice setting.
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Let the rice rest about 5 minutes after cooking to absorb any remaining liquid, then fluff and add butter and cilantro.