Step 1

Combine your rice with cooking oil or melted butter in a pan. Put 1 cup (175-185 grams) of rice into a pan and pour enough cooking oil or butter in to evenly coat it, usually 1 tablespoon (15 mL). Toast the rice in the oil over medium heat. You'll know it's starting to toast once you smell a nutty aroma.Avoid grapeseed and canola oil. Instead, use fattier oils like sesame oil, coconut oil, or olive oil to get more flavor.

Step 2

Mix in the herbs and spices of your choice. Your choice of herbs and spices will depend on the specific flavor profile or ethnic cuisine you're interested in making. Regardless of what seasonings you choose, sprinkle them over your toasting rice a little bit at a time until they are at the strength you like based on your own tastes.Seasonings like oregano, pepper, parsley and turmeric go well with brown rice, usually in amounts between ¼ teaspoon (1 gram) and 1 teaspoon (4 grams) depending on your tastes.Adding aromatic seasonings in small amounts (a single shallot, a clove of garlic, or 1 tablespoon (14 grams) of chopped ginger) will give your rice tons of flavor.

Step 3

Add 2.5 cups (590 mL) of boiling water to the pan. While your rice is toasting, boil water separately in a pot or kettle. When it has reached a boil, pour it over your seasoned rice in the pan.

Step 4

Simmer the rice for 20 minutes. After adding the boiling water, stir the contents of your pan and then cover it with a lid. Cook the mixture on low for 20 minutes.Once the rice is cooked, let it stand for 5 minutes, then uncover it and fluff it with a fork.