Seed Oil Free Buttery White Rice
Simple, fluffy white rice sounds humble on paper, but this version is genuinely craveable — each grain is glossy, tender, and rich with the kind of buttery depth that makes you want to eat it straight from the pot. The method starts by toasting the rinsed rice in a little butter before the water even goes in, which coaxes out a faint nuttiness and helps the grains stay separate rather than clumping together. Cooking with real unsalted butter instead of any refined vegetable or seed-based oil is exactly what makes this recipe shine for anyone avoiding industrially processed fats — there's nothing hiding in the ingredient list, just rice, butter, salt, and water. The trick of keeping the lid on tight and then letting the pot rest off the heat is what delivers that perfectly steamed, non-gummy texture every single time. A finishing fold of the remaining butter right before serving takes it from good to genuinely luxurious. A scatter of fresh parsley adds a little color and brightness if you want it, but honestly, this rice is the kind of side dish that can hold its own without any garnish at all.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 1 ¾ cups water
- ¾ tsp kosher salt
- 1 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh strainer under cold running water, stirring with your hand, until the water runs mostly clear, about 30 seconds. Shake off the excess water.
- 2
Melt 1 tbsp of the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the rinsed rice and stir to coat, cooking until the grains look chalky and opaque and smell faintly nutty, about 2 minutes.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!