Rice is often relegated to a simple side, but this zesty scallion rice is far from ordinary. With a handful of fresh ingredients, umami-rich soy sauce and nutty toasted sesame oil, this dish transforms plain rice into a flavorful accompaniment that pairs well with many mains and takes only minutes to finish.
How to Make Rice with Scallions and Sesame
Start by cooking the rice. Any variety works, but brown basmati is a great everyday choice for its slightly nutty flavor and extra fiber. Before cooking, rinse the rice thoroughly to remove excess surface starch so the cooked grains remain distinct rather than gummy.
Place the rice in a bowl of cool water and swish it with your fingers. The water will turn cloudy at first; drain the rice through a fine mesh sieve and repeat two or three times until the water runs mostly clear. Drain well and transfer the rice to a small saucepan.
Measure water by weight: use twice the weight of water to rice. For example, 200 g of rice needs 400 g of water. This differs from a 1:1 volume ratio and helps avoid overcooking. Cover the pot and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce to low and simmer gently until the water is absorbed, about 15–20 minutes depending on rice type.
Once the water is absorbed, remove the pan from heat and keep it covered, letting the rice steam for 10 minutes. This resting step helps the grains finish cooking evenly and makes them fluffier when you fluff with a fork.
Transfer the warm rice to a large mixing bowl. Add thinly sliced scallions (spring onions), roughly chopped cilantro, sesame seeds and the zest of one lime. Zest before juicing to make the process easier.
Stir in soy sauce to taste, add a splash (about 1 teaspoon) of toasted sesame oil for a nutty aroma, then squeeze in fresh lime juice. Mix everything gently but thoroughly so the rice is evenly seasoned without becoming mushy.
Serve the scallion rice immediately as a bright, savory side. It complements grilled fish, roasted meats, stir-fries and many vegetarian mains. The combination of scallions, cilantro and lime lifts the rice, while sesame oil and soy sauce provide depth and umami.
Rice with Scallions & Sesame
Ingredients
- 200 g (1 cup) rice (see note)
- 2 small scallions thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp cilantro roughly chopped
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
- Zest of 1 lime
- 2 tsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
- 1 tsp lime juice freshly squeezed
Instructions
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Place the rice in a bowl with cool water, agitate with your hands and drain through a fine mesh sieve. Repeat 2–3 times until the water is mostly clear.
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Add the rinsed rice to a saucepan with 400 ml (about 1¾ cups) of cool water. Cover, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer gently until the water is absorbed (15–20 minutes). Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 10 minutes.
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Transfer the cooked rice to a large bowl. Add scallions, cilantro, sesame seeds, lime zest, soy sauce, sesame oil and lime juice. Stir to combine and serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
| Carbohydrates: 41g
| Protein: 4g
Disclaimer: Nutritional information is provided as a guideline only; accuracy is not guaranteed.
This scallion rice is quick, easy and a reliable way to add bright flavor to otherwise plain rice.
Want to make rice with spring onions or have a question about the recipe? Leave a comment below and I’ll help.
