If you’re tired of bland, plain rice, this homemade seasoning for rice recipe is exactly what you need! This DIY rice seasoning blend is packed with aromatic herbs and spices like garlic, onion, paprika, thyme, and a hint of heat from crushed red pepper, making it the best spice mix for rice.

Whether you’re making white rice, brown rice, jasmine rice, or basmati, this savory spice blend adds depth and flavor in seconds. It’s also perfect for grain bowls, roasted vegetables, or even meal prep!

My Rice Seasoning Obsession: A Flavor Journey

I’ve always been a rice enthusiast. Some people dream about pasta or bread, but for me, it’s always been rice—the perfect canvas for culinary creativity. My kitchen adventures started young, watching my grandmother perfectly season each grain, transforming something simple into something extraordinary.

Growing up, I experimented endlessly. A dash of turmeric here, some cumin there, maybe a pinch of cinnamon when I was feeling adventurous. My spice cabinet grew from a modest collection to what my friends jokingly call “the apothecary.” Each little jar contains possibilities, and combining them has become something of an obsession.

But among all my creations and discoveries, there’s one rice seasoning blend that has earned legendary status in my household. It’s the one my kids request by name. The one friends ask for the recipe after dinner parties. The one that makes even the most basic Tuesday night dinner feel special.

I stumbled upon the perfect combination almost by accident. I was cooking dinner one evening, low on time and inspiration, when I started grabbing bottles from my spice rack. The balance of garlic and onion powders formed the foundation. Paprika added color and a subtle smoky quality. Dried thyme contributed an earthy, slightly floral note. Salt and black pepper—always freshly ground—brought everything into focus. A hint of crushed red pepper provided just enough heat to wake up the palate without overwhelming it. And finally, dried parsley added a touch of brightness and color.

When I served that rice at dinner, there was a moment of silence followed by everyone around the table saying, “Whatever you just did to this rice, please write it down.”

Why I adore this spice blend

The beauty of this blend is its versatility. It complements Mexican dishes as beautifully as it does Mediterranean. It makes a perfect base for grain bowls and adds character to simple steamed vegetables. I’ve even used it as a rub for roasted tofu with delicious results.

Making it couldn’t be simpler—just measure, mix, and store. But the impact it has on our meals is immeasurable. I now make it in large batches, storing it in a special jar with a handwritten label. It’s become something of a signature, my culinary calling card.

For anyone looking to elevate their rice game, I can’t recommend this blend highly enough. It transforms the ordinary into something worth savoring, one grain at a time. And isn’t that what good cooking is all about? Finding magic in the everyday, creating memories around the dinner table, and turning the simple act of eating into something worth slowing down for.

So go ahead, mix up a batch. Your rice—and your dinner companions—will thank you.

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Rice Seasoning

Easy to Make – Just mix the ingredients and store—ready in minutes!
Versatile – Perfect for seasoning white rice, brown rice, basmati, or even quinoa.
No Artificial Additives – Unlike store-bought rice seasoning, this is 100% natural.
Customizable Heat Level – Adjust the crushed red pepper for mild or spicy flavors.
Long Shelf Life – Stays fresh for up to 6 months in your pantry.

What is Rice Seasoning?

Rice seasoning is a simple yet powerful blend of herbs, spices, and aromatics designed to enhance the flavor of plain rice. Instead of relying on butter or oil, this savory spice mix for rice adds a rich, well-balanced taste with just a sprinkle.

This homemade rice spice blend includes:

Garlic and onion powder for a deep, umami flavor
Paprika for color and mild smokiness
Thyme and parsley for earthy herbal notes
Black pepper and crushed red pepper for a hint of heat

This best seasoning for rice works for steamed rice, fried rice, and even roasted vegetables!

Homemade Rice Seasoning Recipe

Elevate your rice dishes with this Homemade Rice Seasoning Blend—a flavorful mix of aromatic herbs and spices that will transform plain rice into a savory, irresistible side dish! With the perfect balance of garlic, onion, paprika, and a hint of heat from crushed red pepper, this seasoning is versatile enough to complement any cuisine. Whip it up in minutes and store it in your pantry for a quick flavor boost whenever you need it. Perfect for jazzing up steamed rice, grain bowls, or even roasted veggies!

Spice blend for rice Ingredients

To create this easy homemade spice mix for rice, you’ll need:

2 tbsp (28 g) onion powder – Adds a sweet, mild onion flavor.
2 tbsp (28 g) garlic powder – Brings a savory depth to the seasoning.
3 tsp (6 g) paprika – Provides color and a slightly smoky flavor.
2 tsp (2 g) dried thyme – Gives a mild, earthy taste.
2 tsp (10 g) salt – Enhances the flavors of all ingredients.
1 tsp (2 g) freshly ground black pepper – Adds warmth and spice.
½ tsp (1 g) crushed red pepper – Provides a subtle heat (adjust to taste).
1 tbsp (4 g) dried parsley – Brings a fresh, herby balance.

How to Make Homemade Spice for Rice

Step 1: Combine the Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, add the onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, dried thyme, salt, black pepper, crushed red pepper, and dried parsley.

Second Step: Mix Thoroughly

Stir well to evenly distribute all the spices and break up any clumps.

Step 3: Store for Future Use

Transfer the spice mix to an airtight container or spice jar.

Step 4: Use & Enjoy!

Sprinkle over steamed rice, grain bowls, or roasted vegetables for an instant burst of flavor.

How to Use This DIY Rice Seasoning

This homemade rice spice blend is extremely versatile! Here are some delicious ways to use it:

Classic Seasoned Rice – Add 1 to 2 teaspoons per cup of cooked rice.
Flavorful Fried Rice – Sprinkle into vegetable or tofu stir-fried rice for an extra kick.
Mexican-Style Rice – Use with tomato-based rice dishes for a bold, smoky taste.
Cajun Rice – Add a bit of extra black pepper and paprika for a spicy twist.
Rice Bowl Topping – Mix into grain bowls with quinoa, farro, or wild rice.
Roasted Vegetables – Toss with zucchini, bell peppers, or potatoes before roasting.

Expert Tips for the Best Spice for Rice

Use Fresh, High-Quality Spices – The fresher the spices, the more vibrant the flavor.
Adjust the Heat Level – If you prefer milder rice seasoning, reduce or omit the crushed red pepper.
Make a Larger Batch – Double or triple the recipe for a longer-lasting supply.
Add Fresh Herbs When Cooking – Sprinkle fresh parsley or thyme on rice before serving for extra freshness.

Storage & Shelf Life

Stored in an airtight container, this seasoning stays fresh for up to 6 months.
Keep in a cool, dry place to preserve flavor and prevent clumping.
Shake before each use to redistribute the spices evenly.

What I’ve been making lately

Rice Spice Blend extra tips and info

Use the seasoning with brown rice or rice of your choice

This homemade spice mix works great with brown rice, white rice, jasmine rice, and basmati rice. I originally made it to flavor white rice, but over the years I’ve started eating more brown rice to keep my blood sugar levels steady. The seasoning works great for all types of rice and I’ve even used it to season quinoa and couscous as well.

How much seasoning to use per cup of rice

Start with 1 to 2 teaspoons per cup of cooked rice, then adjust to taste.

Gluten free note

This homemade rice seasoning is 100% gluten-free.

Salt-free version for low sodium diets

Simply omit the salt and adjust when cooking for a low-sodium alternative.

Meal prep with spice mix

Simply omit the salt and adjust when cSprinkle it over pre-cooked rice or grains before storing, so it’s ready to go for quick, flavorful meals.ooking for a low-sodium alternative.

Final Thoughts

This Homemade Seasoning for Rice Recipe is the best spice for rice, adding depth, warmth, and rich flavor to every bite. Whether you’re making steamed rice, grain bowls, or roasted vegetables, this DIY rice seasoning blend is a quick and easy way to elevate any dish.

Make a batch today and enjoy the savory, aromatic taste of perfectly seasoned rice!

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Homemade Seasoning for Rice Recipe: best spice for rice recipe

Munchyesta.com

Prep Time 5

Serving Size 1 small jar

Ingredients

Rice Spice Blend Ingredients:

2 tablespoons (28g) onion powder
2 tablespoons (28g) garlic powder
3 teaspoons (6g) paprika
2 teaspoons (2g) dried thyme
2 teaspoons (10g) salt
1 teaspoon (2g) freshly ground black pepper
½ teaspoon (1g) crushed red pepper (adjust to taste for more or less heat)
1 tablespoon (4g) dried parsley

Instructions

How to make homemade spice for rice Instructions:

In a medium-sized bowl, add the onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, dried thyme, salt, black pepper, crushed red pepper, and dried parsley.
Stir the mixture thoroughly until all the ingredients are evenly combined and no clumps remain.
Transfer the seasoning blend to an airtight container or spice jar for storage.

Notes

Use this seasoning to add a burst of flavor to your rice, grains, or other dishes. Store it in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months. Shake the container before each use to ensure the spices are well mixed. Enjoy the rich, savory taste of perfectly seasoned rice every time!

Homemade Seasoning for Rice Recipe: The Best Spice for Rice