Brighten up your dinner table with the warm, citrusy flavors of Oven Baked Orange Rice—a unique and aromatic side dish that pairs perfectly with poultry, seafood, or roasted vegetables. This effortless recipe combines fluffy long-grain rice with the zesty tang of fresh orange juice and zest, enhanced by a hint of warm cinnamon and earthy cumin for a bold yet balanced flavor profile. Baked to perfection in the oven, this dish achieves a light, tender texture with minimal effort. For an extra touch of elegance, garnish with toasted slivered almonds and fresh parsley just before serving. Ready in under 40 minutes, this vibrant dish is both easy to prepare and sure to impress, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions alike.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain and set aside.
In a medium oven-safe dish or casserole, add the butter and melt it over low heat on the stovetop.
Once melted, stir in the rinsed rice and toast it for 2-3 minutes until it becomes slightly golden and fragrant.
Add the orange zest, ground cinnamon, ground cumin, and salt to the rice. Stir well to coat the rice evenly with the spices.
Pour in the orange juice and water. Stir to combine. If desired, add 1 teaspoon of sugar for extra sweetness.
Cover the dish tightly with a lid or aluminum foil to prevent steam from escaping.
Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid.
Carefully remove the dish from the oven and fluff the rice with a fork.
If desired, garnish with toasted slivered almonds and freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Serve warm and enjoy your flavorful Oven Baked Orange Rice!
Calories |
696 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 32.1 g | 41% | |
| Saturated Fat | 13.6 g | 68% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 66 mg | 22% | |
| Sodium | 1338 mg | 58% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 90.4 g | 33% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.3 g | 15% | |
| Total Sugars | 25.5 g | ||
| Protein | 10.9 g | 22% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 116 mg | 9% | |
| Iron | 3.7 mg | 21% | |
| Potassium | 660 mg | 14% | |
*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.