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I do love rice. To me, it’s the ultimate side dish — reliable, comforting, and always welcome on the plate. But the moment you add a little something to it… that’s when things get interesting. A bit of color, a bit of texture, a bit of flavor — suddenly, plain rice turns into something worth talking about. That’s exactly why I’m always testing new ways to make it feel just a touch more special without complicating life in the kitchen.
This Easy Broccoli Rice is one of those happy discoveries. Simple ingredients, everyday steps, and a result that feels more thoughtful than “just rice.” Stick with me — this one earns a permanent spot in your rotation.
Recipe at a Glance
- Main star: Rice and broccoli
- Flavor profile: Mild, savory, clean, and comforting
- Cook time: About 25 minutes (plus resting time)
- Why it works: Sautéing the rice with onion, garlic, and broccoli before adding water builds flavor from the very first step — turning simple rice and veggies into a dependable, tasty side or light meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It upgrades plain rice without turning it into a project
- Uses simple, everyday ingredients
- Works as a side dish or a light meal on its own
- A great base for many main dishes
- Friendly, familiar flavors — perfect for the whole family
What You’ll Need for this Easy Broccoli Rice
- 1 cup white rice
- 1 cup finely chopped broccoli
- 1 small onion, chopped
- ½ garlic clove, minced
- 2 cups boiling water
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- A drizzle of oil, for sautéing
Nothing fancy here — just ingredients you probably already have, doing their job really well.
A heavy-bottom saucepan with a tight-fitting lid makes all the difference when cooking this easy broccoli rice.
Prep & Cook
Step 01
Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a saucepan and set aside.
Step 02
In another pan, add a drizzle of oil and sauté the chopped onion until soft and lightly translucent.
Add the garlic and stir briefly, just until fragrant.
Step 03
Add the rice, a pinch of salt and pepper, and the chopped broccoli. Sauté for a minute or two so everything gets coated and starts building flavor.
Step 04
Carefully pour in the boiling water and give it a single stir.
Cover with a tight-fitting lid, lower the heat, and let it simmer for 15–18 minutes, until the water is absorbed.
Turn off the heat and let the rice rest, covered, for 10 minutes.
Step 05
Fluff with a fork — and it’s ready to serve.
Secrets from Our Kitchen to Yours
- Finely chopped broccoli blends better into the rice and cooks evenly.
- Sautéing the rice before adding water keeps the grains fluffy, not mushy.
- Letting the rice rest after cooking makes a noticeable difference in texture.
- Taste and adjust seasoning after fluffing — rice always needs that final check.
Serving Suggestions
This Easy Broccoli Rice works best alongside simple proteins that let it shine without competing flavors. A few favorites from the blog:
- Glazed Salmon — the sweetness and richness balance beautifully with the mild rice
- Tilapia — light, clean, and a natural pairing with rice and veggies
- Simple and Tasty Ground Beef — when you want something comforting but still easy
These pairings keep the meal balanced and unfussy — exactly how this rice likes it.
Put Your Spin on It
- Add a drizzle of olive oil or a knob of butter at the end for extra richness
- Stir in grated Parmesan for a more savory version
- Add cooked carrots or peas for extra color
- Use it as a base for leftover chicken or fish
This Easy Broccoli Rice recipe plays well with whatever you have on hand.
Tasty Thoughts
I’ll be honest — this is one of those recipes I don’t even think about anymore. It just happens. When plain rice feels too plain and complicated dishes feel unnecessary, this broccoli rice quietly saves the day. It’s not trying to be impressive, but it always ends up being appreciated — and that’s my favorite kind of recipe.
It’s simple, flexible, and built for real life. The kind of dish that adapts to what’s in your fridge, fits into busy days, and still makes the meal feel intentional. Those are the recipes that last.
Common Questions
Can I use brown rice instead?
You can, but cooking time and liquid will need adjustment. This recipe is written specifically for white rice.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat gently.
Is this a side dish or a main?
Both. It works as a side, but it’s also great as a light, veggie-forward meal.
Nutrition Notes
Curious about calories or carbs for this Easy Broccoli Rice? You’ll find a rough nutrition estimate in the recipe card below. Just keep in mind, it’s a ballpark figure based on common ingredients — not a medical guide. For anything more specific, it’s always best to check with a registered nutritionist.
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Easy Broccoli Rice Recipe – Simple, Light, and Full of Flavor
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Easy Broccoli Rice is a simple, everyday recipe that upgrades plain rice with finely chopped broccoli, onion, and garlic. Light, comforting, and full of flavor, it works beautifully as a side dish or a quick veggie-forward meal using basic pantry ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 cup white rice
- 1 cup finely chopped broccoli
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1/2 garlic clove, minced
- 2 cups boiling water
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- A drizzle of oil, for sautéing
Instructions
- Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a saucepan and set aside.
- In another pan, add a drizzle of oil and sauté the chopped onion until soft and lightly translucent.
- Add the garlic and stir briefly, just until fragrant.
- Add the rice, a pinch of salt and pepper, and the chopped broccoli. Sauté for a minute or two so everything gets coated and starts building flavor.
- Carefully pour in the boiling water and give it a single stir.
- Cover with a tight-fitting lid, lower the heat, and let it simmer for 15–18 minutes, until the water is absorbed.
- Turn off the heat and let the rice rest, covered, for 10 minutes.
- Fluff with a fork — and it’s ready to serve.
Notes
Finely chopped broccoli blends better into the rice and cooks evenly.
Sautéing the rice before adding water keeps the grains fluffy, not mushy.
Letting the rice rest after cooking makes a noticeable difference in texture.
Taste and adjust seasoning after fluffing — rice always needs that final check.
Note: These values are rough estimates based on common ingredients. For medical or dietary advice, it’s always best to consult a registered nutritionist or healthcare provider.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Classic
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 85
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 1 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keep Cooking with Us
If you enjoyed this Easy Broccoli Rice, here are a few more recipes from our kitchen that follow the same easy, everyday spirit:
- Delicious and Easy Round of Eye — practical, flavorful, and perfect for weeknights
- Pear Salad — fresh, light, and a great contrast to warm rice dishes
- Crazy Rice — playful, pantry-friendly, and proof that rice never has to be boring
Happy Cooking!
🧡 Mary and Fabi
