Chimichurri rice is a dish that explodes with flavor in every bite. The combination of fluffy basmati rice with vibrant and zesty chimichurri sauce is a match made in culinary heaven.
This chimichurri rice starts with rice cooked to perfection with just the right amount of fluffiness and moisture, allowing it to soak up all the delicious flavors of the chimichurri sauce.
Table of Contents
What does chimichurri rice taste like?
Basmati rice has a mild and slightly nutty flavor, providing a neutral base for the bold and vibrant chimichurri sauce. When the rice is combined with the chimichurri sauce, the flavors meld together to create a harmonious combination.
The chimichurri sauce is the dish’s star, and it has a complex flavor profile that includes fresh herbs, garlic, vinegar, and red chili pepper.
The herbs, including parsley and oregano, provide a bright and earthy freshness to the sauce, while the garlic adds a savory flavor. The vinegar adds a tangy and acidic note that perfectly balances the herbal notes, while the red chili pepper brings a subtle yet spicy heat that tantalizes your taste buds.
Spiced Stovetop Basmati Rice
Add your favorite spices to the rice while cooking to give it a delicious and aromatic flavor. Some great options include turmeric, cardamom, cinnamon, and cumin.
Stovetop Basmati Rice
Stovetop basmati rice can be the base of the rice mixture or the perfect pairing solo.
Lemon Basmati Rice or Copycat Chipotle Cilantro
Add some fresh lemon juice and zest to the rice while cooking to give it a tangy flavor.
FAQs
What is the ratio of water to basmati rice?
The perfect ratio is 1.5 cups of water to every cup of rice. If you feel like you’ve added too much water, cook without the lid on medium heat until the water evaporates, then reduce to low heat and continue to cook without a cover.
Do I need to rinse Basmati Rice?
Yes, rinse the rice until the water is almost clear. It takes 3-4 rinses. Make it easy by using a mesh strainer and bowl. Rinsing the rice removes the starch, resulting in a fluffy recipe.
Is chimichurri supposed to be spicy?
Chimichurri can be spicy, but it doesn’t have to be. The level of spiciness in chimichurri can vary depending on the recipe and personal preferences.
For example, some recipes call for chili flakes or fresh chili peppers, which can add a bit of heat to the sauce.
However, other recipes omit the spicy ingredients and focus more on the herbaceous and tangy flavors of the sauce.
If you prefer your chimichurri to be less spicy, you can adjust the recipe using less chili or omitting it entirely. You can also use a milder variety of chili pepper or a different spice to add flavor to the sauce.
Ultimately, the spiciness in chimichurri is up to you, and you can customize it to suit your taste.
Try this smoky recipe – Bobby Flay’s Chimichurri recipe.
Or this Authentic Chimichurri Recipe.
Why is my basmati rice always sticky?
There may be a few reasons why the rice is sticky.
- Too much water.
- The heat was too low.
- It was on the heat and cook for too long.
The benefit of this stovetop basmati rice recipe is your control over the recipe.
For example, if you have added too much water, you can increase the heat or remove some water to prevent it from becoming mushy stovetop basmati rice.
Here are some top tips for making the perfect chimichurri rice
Quality of the Basmati Rice
The quality of the basmati rice is crucial for a great final result. Choosing excellent quality basmati rice ensures the grain is fluffy and decadent.
Rinse the Rice
Rinse the rice thoroughly to remove the excess starch to prevent the grains from sticking together.
Use the Right amount of water
The right amount of water in this stovetop basmati rice recipe will ensure the rice is perfectly cooked. For every cup of rice, add 1.5 cups of water.
Chimichurri Recipe
To make the perfect chimichurri for this recipe, I have reduced the amount of oil to the traditional one.
Less oil to keep the chimichurri rice from being too oily and guarantee a bowl of fluffy rice.
Ingredients and Substitutions
Rice
Use organic basmati rice. However, it works if you have non-organic basmati or jasmine rice.
If you can’t find basmati, use long-grain rice. The long grain will make give you a separated and fluffy grain.
Parsley and Cilantro
This chimichurri rice is made with an authentic chimichurri recipe. However, you can replace half of the parsley with cilantro.
To mix in the cilantro, swap half a cup of parsley with half a cup.
Red Chili Pepper
If you like the smidge of spiciness, increase the recipe from 1/2 a red chili pepper to a whole pepper. And if you only have red pepper flakes, use the flakes instead of the pepper.
Instructions
Water
Use filtered water, and boil. Add the salt, onion salt, and oil.
Rice
Rinse the rice using a fine mesh strainer in running water and place the strainer with rice in a mixing bowl. Submerge the rice in water and use your hand to move the rice around. This will help loosen the starch.
Do this 3-4 times until the water turns white to a translucent white.
Allow the rice to drain, and pour it into the pot of water once it starts to boil.
Chimichurri
1 cup – Parsley
2 cloves – Fresh Garlic
1 tbsp – Red Wine Vinegar
1 tbsp – Lemon Juice
1 tbsp – Olive Oil
1 tbsp – Fresh Oregano
1/2 whole – Chili Pepper
1 pinch – Salt
Destem the parsley, rinse, and allow it to dry.
Remove the seeds from the chili pepper, clean and dry.
In a food processor, chop all of the ingredients for 10 seconds. You can quickly chop the ingredients on a cutting board if you prefer to chop them manually.
Chimichurri Rice
Allow the rice to cool slightly. In a mixing bowl, add the rice, then drizzle on the chimichurri. Mix the rice and sauce with a large spoon. Enjoy! 🙂
Try these Chimichurri Recipes:
Bobby Flay’s Chimichurri Recipe
Chimichurri Rice
Equipment
- 1 Saucepan
- 1 Mixing Bowl
- 1 Food processor
- 1 Rubber Spatula
- 1 Fine Mesh Strainer
Ingredients
- 3 cups Rice
- 4.5 cups Water
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Onion Salt
- 2 tbsp Coconut Oil
- 1 cup Parsley
- 2 cloves Garlic
- 1 tbsp Red Wine Vinegar
- 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 tbsp Fresh Oregano
- 1/2 whole Chili Pepper
- 1 pinch Salt
Instructions
- Step 1 – RiceHeat the water in the saucepan or pot and add the salt, onion salt, and coconut oil (or oil of your choice) on medium heat.Prep:While the water is on the stovetop, rinse the rice 3-4 times until the water runs somewhat clear. Water will not run completely clear. Drain the rice.
- Step 2 – RiceOnce the water boils, add the rice and stir. Every stovetop is a bit different. If you feel the medium heat will burn the rice, reduce the heat slightly. Ensuring the stovetop is hot enough to allow water to evaporate quickly is vital.
- Step 3 – RiceKeep the saucepan or pot uncovered until the water evaporates, then reduce to low heat. After 5 minutes, place the lid on and cook for 10 minutes or so.Fluff the rice with a fork and have a quick taste test. If the grains are still somewhat hard, place the lid on and cook on low heat for a few more minutes.
- Authentic ChimichurriDestem the parsley, rinse, and allow it to dry. Remove the seeds from the chili pepper, clean and dry.In a food processor, chop all of the ingredients for 10 seconds. You can quickly chop the ingredients on a cutting board if you prefer to chop them manually.
- Chimichurri RiceAllow the rice to cool slightly. In a mixing bowl, add the rice, then drizzle on the chimichurri. Mix the rice and sauce with a large spoon and serve.
