Crispy Rice
+6 photos

Crispy Rice

6 servings
Serve this delicious crispy rice recipe with any kind of creamy chicken casserole, tomato gravy, or sausage and beans. It's the best way to serve a side of rice.

Ingredients

  • water
    16 c
  • kosher salt
    ¼ c
  • long grain white rice
    2 c
  • sour cream
    ¼ c
  • unsalted butter

    divided

    ⅓ c
  • canola oil
    2 tbsp

Directions

  1. 1

    Boil water: Bring water and salt to a boil in a large stockpot over high heat.

    Step 1
  2. 2

    Rinse rice: Meanwhile, place rice in a colander and rinse with cold water until water runs clear, about 1 minute.

    Step 2
  3. 3

    Cook rice: Add rinsed rice to boiling water. Reduce heat to medium. Cook, stirring occasionally, until rice is almost tender, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain rice and immediately rinse with cold water until rice is room temperature, about 1 minute.

    Step 3
  4. 4

    Cook rice-sour cream mixture: Place 1 cup cooked rice in a medium bowl with sour cream; stir to combine. Heat 2 tablespoons butter and oil in a well-seasoned 10-inch cast iron or nonstick skillet over medium-low heat until just melted. Spread rice and sour cream mixture in an even layer in bottom of skillet. Spoon remaining cooled rice on top, being sure to mound rice slightly towards the center, while still allowing rice to touch edges of skillet. Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke 6 to 7 holes in the rice, going all the way to the bottom of the skillet to allow steam to escape. Cook 15 minutes, turning skillet on burner a quarter turn every 3 to 4 minutes to ensure even browning.

    Step 4
  5. 5

    Add butter: Cut remaining butter into small cubes. Add butter cubes around edges of rice and in steam holes after 15 minutes of cooking. Continue to cook over medium-low and turn skillet a quarter turn every 3 to 4 minutes until bottom and sides of rice are golden and crisp, another 15 to 18 minutes.

    Step 5
  6. 6

    Flip rice out of skillet: Remove from heat and cover skillet with a large plate or serving platter (right side down). Carefully but swiftly (and with confidence!) invert rice in skillet onto serving plate. Serve warm.

    Step 6
Crispy Rice
+6

Crispy Rice

4.7(3)60 min6 servings

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Ratings & Reviews

0.0/ 5
Exceptional

Based on 3 ratings

southernliving.com
4.7(3 reviews)
View original recipe

Rating Breakdown

About this Recipe

Looking for the ultimate side dish to elevate your next meal? This Crispy Rice recipe transforms simple rice into a captivating accompaniment, promising a delightful texture and flavor contrast that will make your main course shine.

What makes this Crispy Rice truly special is its remarkable versatility and ability to complement rich, saucy dishes. It's expertly designed to pair with anything from a comforting creamy chicken casserole to a savory tomato gravy or robust sausage and beans. This isn't just rice; it's a strategic component that enhances every bite of your meal.

Prepare for a sensory experience of satisfying texture. You can expect a wonderfully crisp exterior that gives way to a tender, perfectly cooked interior. This harmonious contrast makes it an ideal counterpart to the creamy, saucy, and hearty flavors of your favorite main dishes. Serving six, it's perfect for family dinners or entertaining, adding an unexpected touch of gourmet appeal to your table.

While delicious as is, this Crispy Rice is also wonderfully adaptable. For a slightly different richness, consider swapping a portion of the unsalted butter for ghee. If you're looking to infuse a different aromatic note, a dash of toasted sesame oil alongside the canola oil could add an intriguing twist. You could also experiment with a pinch of saffron in the cooking water for a hint of color and exotic flavor.

Crispy Rice is truly the best way to serve a side of rice, making it an indispensable partner for dishes like creamy chicken casseroles, hearty tomato gravy, or a savory bowl of sausage and beans. It effortlessly elevates any plate, offering a textural excitement that transforms an ordinary meal into something special.

Frequently Asked Questions