If you’re searching for a side that absolutely sings with vibrant color, sweetness, and comforting flavor, you need to try Corn Rice. This dreamy dish weaves tender, fluffy rice with bursts of golden corn, all perfumed by a hint of buttery goodness. It’s the kind of recipe that’s so simple you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making it all along, yet flexible enough to make your own. Whether served alongside grilled meats, roasted veggies, or as a quick weeknight companion, Corn Rice will add sunshine and a smile to your table every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Part of the magic of Corn Rice is how it turns a short list of staples into a dinnertime crowd-pleaser. Each ingredient plays a unique role, bringing either creaminess, sweetness, savory richness, or a pop of freshness to this easy side dish.

Butter or oil: Adds richness and helps toast the rice for a subtly nutty flavor base.
Long-grain white rice (rinsed): Rinsing keeps your grains fluffy and prevents sticking for that ideal, light texture.
Water or chicken broth: Use chicken broth for extra savory depth, or water for a lighter (or vegetarian) option.
Corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen): The sweet star of the show, bringing pops of color and flavor in every bite.
Salt: Essential for seasoning the rice and bringing all the flavors to life.
Black pepper: Adds a gentle warmth and rounds out the seasoning.
Garlic powder (optional): Gives an extra layer of savory, aromatic depth if you like a bit more boldness.
Chopped green onions or parsley (optional): Provides a fresh, zippy contrast and beautiful garnish on top.

How to Make Corn Rice

Step 1: Toast the Rice

Begin by heating your butter or oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the rinsed long-grain rice, and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the rice turns pearly and gives off the faintest nutty aroma. This extra step is simple, but it adds a layer of flavor and ensures your Corn Rice stays irresistibly fluffy.

Step 2: Add the Liquid and Corn

Pour in your water or chicken broth, then gently stir in the corn kernels, salt, pepper, and (if using) a sprinkle of garlic powder. The chicken broth will infuse the rice with comforting, savory notes, while the corn kernels begin to work their magic, sweetening and coloring the whole pot.

Step 3: Simmer to Perfection

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, give it one last stir, then immediately reduce the heat to low. Cover tightly with a lid and let it simmer undisturbed for 15 to 18 minutes. This is when the grains absorb all that delicious liquid, and the corn softens and melds with the rice.

Step 4: Rest and Fluff

Once the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender, take the pan off the heat but keep it covered for five more minutes. This resting time lets the steam finish its work, ensuring every grain is just right. Fluff everything gently with a fork to let the corn and rice happily mingle.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Right before serving, sprinkle over some chopped green onions or parsley if desired. The green color pops beautifully against the sunny Corn Rice, and you’ll get a fresh, zesty lift in every spoonful.

How to Serve Corn Rice

Garnishes

Garnishing Corn Rice is all about balancing color and flavor. A good scatter of vibrant green onions or parsley right before serving adds brightness and a touch of sophistication. If you’re feeling extra, a little sprinkle of chili flakes or even some grated cheese can transform the whole dish into something new and exciting.

Side Dishes

Corn Rice pairs beautifully with almost anything. Try serving it alongside grilled chicken, juicy steak, or baked fish for a classic main-and-side combo. It also makes a fantastic base for a veggie-packed stir-fry or roasted vegetables for a satisfying vegetarian meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun dinner party spin, try serving Corn Rice in individual ramekins, or use a ring mold to shape it into elegant rounds on each plate. If you’re making a Tex-Mex feast, scoop it into warm tortillas with black beans and salsa for Corn Rice tacos nobody will forget!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Corn Rice can be cooled to room temperature, then stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays delicious and fresh for up to three days, making it perfect for meal prepping or quick lunchboxes.

Freezing

If you want to stock up, Corn Rice freezes surprisingly well. Simply portion it into freezer-safe containers or zip bags, squeezing out as much air as possible. Freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready for a taste of sunny comfort, it’ll be waiting!

Reheating

To reheat, sprinkle a splash of water over the rice to restore lost moisture, then warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until hot. Stir as you go to make sure the heat distributes evenly and your Corn Rice fluffs right back up.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Absolutely! Just keep in mind that brown rice needs more liquid and a longer cooking time. Check your rice instructions and adjust accordingly, but the sweet corn and savory flavors work with any type.

What type Side Dish

Fresh, canned, or frozen corn all do the trick. Fresh gives the sweetest bite in summer, but frozen is quick and reliable year-round. If using canned, drain it well first!

Is there a dairy-free version of this dish?

Definitely. Substitute the butter with olive oil or any plant-based oil for a dairy-free (and vegan, if using veggie broth) Corn Rice. The richness might be a smidge different, but the flavor shines just as brightly.

How can I make Corn Rice more flavorful?

Feel free to personalize! Try adding sautéed onions or bell peppers at the start, toss in shredded cheese at the end, or stir in a pinch of your favorite dried herbs for extra layers of flavor.

Can Corn Rice be made in a rice cooker?

Yes! Toast the rice and corn in butter or oil on the stove, then move everything to the rice cooker with the liquid and seasonings. Let the machine work its magic, fluff at the end, and serve.

Final Thoughts

Ready to brighten up your dinner table? Give Corn Rice a try and prepare for requests for seconds! It’s easy, customizable, and always met with happy smiles. Let this colorful side dish become a new staple in your home.

Corn Rice Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 11 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A simple and flavorful recipe for Corn Rice, a delightful side dish that combines the sweetness of corn with seasoned white rice. This dish is easy to make and pairs well with a variety of main courses.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

1 tablespoon butter or oil
1 cup long-grain white rice (rinsed)
1 1/2 cups water or chicken broth
1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

Garnish:

2 tablespoons chopped green onions or parsley (for garnish, optional)

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Instructions

Toast Rice: In a medium saucepan, heat the butter or oil over medium heat. Add the rinsed rice and sauté for 1–2 minutes until lightly toasted.
Add Ingredients: Pour in water or broth, then stir in the corn, salt, pepper, and garlic powder if using.
Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Rest and Garnish: Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and garnish with green onions or parsley before serving.