Gulf Coast Style White Rice Pilaf Arroz Blanco
Experience the comforting flavors of the Gulf Coast with this Gulf Coast Style White Rice Pilaf (Arroz Blanco), a fragrant and fluffy side dish that’s as versatile as it is delicious. Made with long-grain white rice lightly toasted in butter and infused with aromatic onions, garlic, and a hint of bay leaf, this recipe delivers a subtle depth of flavor in every bite. With a warm vegetable or chicken broth tying it all together, this rice pilaf is perfectly seasoned to complement a variety of main dishes. The optional garnish of fresh cilantro adds a zesty, vibrant finish, while the rinsing and toasting techniques ensure tender, non-sticky grains. Ready in just 30 minutes and perfect for everything from weeknight dinners to special occasions, this arroz blanco is a must-try addition to your table.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups long-grain white rice
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 0.5 cup yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2.5 cups vegetable or chicken broth, warmed
- 1 piece bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, finely chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Rinse the rice under cold water using a fine-mesh sieve until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming gummy. Set aside to drain completely.
In a medium saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring frequently, for about 3-4 minutes or until softened and translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
Add the drained rice to the pan and stir well to coat each grain in the butter. Toast the rice for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until it becomes lightly golden and fragrant.
Pour the warm broth into the pan with the rice and add the bay leaf and salt. Stir gently to combine.
Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with the lid, and simmer for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
After 15 minutes, remove the pan from heat but leave the lid on. Let the rice rest for 5 minutes to finish steaming.
Fluff the rice gently with a fork, discard the bay leaf, and transfer to a serving dish.
Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro, if desired, and serve warm. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
672 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 26.2 g | 34% | |
| Saturated Fat | 14.5 g | 72% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 62 mg | 21% | |
| Sodium | 4521 mg | 197% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 96.7 g | 35% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.3 g | 12% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.6 g | ||
| Protein | 12.6 g | 25% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 92 mg | 7% | |
| Iron | 4.5 mg | 25% | |
| Potassium | 503 mg | 11% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
