Discover a comforting, nutrient-packed side with this bone broth rice. Jasmine rice is cooked in savory bone broth so it absorbs deep, homey flavors. Simple to prepare, this rice makes a nourishing accompaniment to proteins and vegetables or can be dressed up into a full meal.
As the colder months approach, keeping bone broth on hand is helpful. Bone broth offers warming flavor and concentrated nutrients, and it’s especially welcome during cold and flu season. I often turn to bone-broth-based recipes when family and friends need a little extra comfort—this rice is one of those easy, soothing dishes.
This bone broth rice is quick to make and so satisfying: the rice soaks up the broth’s savory depth and becomes tender, fragrant, and comforting. Serve it as a side, top with your favorite protein, or combine it with cooked vegetables for a hearty bowl. For a complete meal, try topping with a simple protein such as honey ginger chicken.
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What is Bone Broth?
Bone broth is made by simmering bones (commonly chicken, beef, or fish) with vegetables, herbs, and seasonings for an extended period. Slow cooking draws collagen, gelatin, minerals, and concentrated flavor from the bones into the liquid, creating a rich, nourishing broth.
Compared to standard broth, bone broth often contains more gelatin and collagen, which can give it a slightly thicker texture when chilled. It can also provide more protein and other nutrients than a typical store-bought broth, making it a flavorful and wholesome base for cooking rice and many other dishes.
Why You’ll Love Bone Broth Rice
Rich flavor: Cooking rice in bone broth infuses it with a savory depth that elevates a basic side dish.
Nutritional boost: Bone broth adds collagen, amino acids, and minerals that enhance the rice’s nutritional profile.
Versatile: Use this rice as a side, a base for grain bowls, or combine it with extra broth and vegetables for a comforting rice soup.
Easy to make: The recipe requires minimal hands-on time—bring the broth to a simmer, add rice, then cover and cook until tender.
Budget-friendly: Making bone broth at home stretches inexpensive ingredients and creates a flavorful liquid to use across many recipes.
Ingredients and Substitutions
Jasmine rice – A fragrant long-grain rice that absorbs flavors well. One cup of uncooked rice yields about four servings. Other long-grain rices can be substituted; see the FAQ for guidance.
Chicken bone broth – Use homemade or store-bought bone broth. Beef broth works as a substitute if you prefer a deeper flavor. If making your own, prepare it a day or two ahead for best results.
Sofrito (optional) – A mix of garlic, onions, peppers, and cilantro that adds extra aroma and flavor. It’s optional but recommended if you have it on hand.
Cilantro – Fresh cilantro brightens the rice and adds color.
Butter – Adds richness and keeps the rice moist. 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 prevent stickiness.
Step 2. Bring the bone broth and sofrito to a boil in a medium saucepan, stirring so the sofrito blends into the broth.
Step 3. Add the jasmine rice, stir to prevent sticking, then cover and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for about 15 minutes or until the liquid is fully absorbed.
Step 4. Remove the lid, fluff the rice with a fork, then stir in butter and cilantro. Serve immediately.
Instant Pot Instructions
To cook in an Instant Pot, reduce the broth amount to 1 cup of broth per 1 cup of rice and follow these steps:
Step 1. Combine rinsed rice, bone broth, and sofrito in the Instant Pot. Close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes. Allow a natural pressure release for at least 10 minutes.
Step 2. When the pressure is fully released, open the lid, fluff the rice, fold in butter, garnish with cilantro, and serve warm.
Rice Cooker Instructions
Using a rice cooker also works well. Use 1 cup of broth per 1 cup of rice for best results.
Step 1. Place rinsed rice, broth, and sofrito in the rice cooker and start the white rice setting.
Step 2. After the cooker signals the rice is done, let it rest for about 5 minutes to absorb any remaining liquid.
Step 3. Fluff with a fork, fold in butter and cilantro, and serve immediately.
Ways to Serve Bone Broth Rice
As a side dish: Pair with grilled chicken, fish, or roasted vegetables.
In soups and stews: Add cooked bone broth rice to soups for extra body, or simmer more broth with vegetables for a rice soup.
Stuffed peppers or vegetables: Use the rice as a filling with ground meat and herbs, then bake.
In casseroles: Mix with vegetables, cheese, and protein for a one-dish meal.
Fried rice: Stir-fry cooled bone broth rice with vegetables, protein, and soy sauce; add eggs for a classic finish.
Grain bowls: Use as a base for bowls topped with greens, roasted vegetables, avocado, and protein.
With gravy or sauce: Serve with mushroom gravy, tomato-based sauce, or other savory sauces to elevate the dish.
Must Try Variations
Turmeric and ginger: Add ground turmeric and grated ginger for warmth and a subtle anti-inflammatory boost.
Mushroom and thyme: Sauté mushrooms with thyme before adding to the rice for an earthy, aromatic side.
Lemon and garlic: Stir in lemon juice and minced garlic for a bright, tangy finish that pairs well with seafood or chicken.
Chipotle and cilantro-lime: Mix in chopped chipotle in adobo and fresh cilantro; squeeze lime over the top for a smoky, spicy twist.
Pesto Parmesan: Fold in pesto and grated Parmesan for a herby, cheesy version that complements grilled vegetables or chicken.
Cumin and black beans: Add ground cumin and cooked black beans for a Southwestern-style side or filling for burritos.
Storing and Reheating
Cool the rice to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to three months and thaw completely before reheating.
To reheat, place rice in a microwave-safe bowl, add a splash of broth or water if it seems dry, cover with a damp paper towel, and microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between bursts, until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does cooking rice in bone broth add protein to rice?
Yes. Bone broth contains collagen, gelatin, and sometimes small amounts of meat or marrow, so some of those proteins and nutrients are absorbed by the rice during cooking. While it won’t match the protein of a meat-based entrée, it does add a nutritional boost and contributes beneficial amino acids and minerals.
What other types of rice can be used?
You can substitute different rices depending on texture and cooking time:
White rice: Mild flavor and fluffy texture; absorbs broth well.
Brown rice: Nutty, chewier, and more nutritious; requires longer cooking and more liquid.
Basmati rice: Fragrant with separate grains; a great alternative to jasmine.
Wild rice: Chewy and nutty; it adds texture and depth but needs longer cooking and more liquid.
Can I use regular broth instead of bone broth?
Absolutely. Regular broth will still add flavor and moisture to the rice. Bone broth provides extra gelatin and minerals, but regular chicken or vegetable broth is a fine substitute if that’s what you have on hand.
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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 (optional)
- 1 tablespoon minced cilantro
- 1 tablespoon butter (or oil)
Instructions
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Rinse the rice under cold water to remove excess starch.
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Bring the bone broth and sofrito to a boil in a medium saucepan.
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Add the rice, cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer about 15 minutes until the liquid is absorbed.
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Remove the lid, fluff the rice, then stir in butter and cilantro. Serve immediately.
Instant Pot Instructions
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Place rinsed rice, 1 cup bone broth (per 1 cup rice), and sofrito in the Instant Pot. Pressure cook on high for 5 minutes, then allow a natural release for 10 minutes.
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Fluff the rice, fold in butter, top with cilantro, and serve.
Rice Cooker Instructions
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Combine rinsed rice, broth (1 cup per 1 cup rice), and sofrito in the rice cooker and start the white rice setting.
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Let rest about 5 minutes after cooking, then fluff, fold in butter and cilantro, and serve.