Crispy Rice

Take your grain game up a notch with this crispy rice recipe. It's best served with any kind of creamy chicken casserole, tomato gravy, or sausage and beans. You can even use this recipe for a fun twist on red beans and rice. It takes about an hour to make, but we think you'll agree it's well worth the effort. And there's no better way to put your leftover, cooked rice to good use.

Made with plenty of butter and a cast-iron skillet, what could be more quintessentially Southern? Soft and fluffy rice is only made better by a deliciously crispy bottom that makes this dish the perfect combination of textures. Cook the rice on medium to low heat, turning the skillet every few minutes to ensure even browning.

What Makes Crispy Rice So Special?

Crispy rice (or scorched rice), is beloved throughout the world, and for good reason—as rice cooks, the direct heat at the bottom of the pan causes it to brown and crisp up, creating a deliciously crunchy effect and irresistibly toasty flavor.

In China, Japan, Iran, Iraq, Latin America, Spain, Vietnam, and other countries, this delicacy is heartily enjoyed, whether straight out of the bottom of a standard pot of rice, or by frying or cooking leftover rice to create that crisp texture. You may have even seen recipes where sushi rice is formed into small squares and fried until crisp, or pressed into a waffle maker for a fun shortcut method.

In this recipe, we mix cooked rice with sour cream to bind it, then employ a generous amount of melted butter and oil in the skillet to sear the bottom, imparting richness and flavor as the rice crisps.

Ingredients for Crispy Rice

With just a couple of extra ingredients needed to turn standard rice into crispy rice, it becomes all too easy to turn a simple side into something incredible:

• Water: For parboiling the rice.
• Kosher salt: Seasons the water for cooking the most flavorful rice.
• Long grain white rice: Our favorite is Carolina Gold, but you can use any rice you have on hand, as well as leftover cooked rice. Just bring the leftover rice to room temperature, and skip to Step 4 before proceeding with the recipe.
• Sour cream: Binds the mixture and adds a tangy creaminess to the dish.
• Unsalted butter and canola oil: Butter and oil melt together to fry the rice at the bottom of the skillet. You can substitute with other types of neutral oils or plant-based butter if preferred.

How To Make Crispy Rice

For this process, rice is cooked, drained, and fried in butter and oil for that irresistibly crispy texture. Full instructions are below, but here's a brief recap before you get started:

• Step 1. Boil water: Bring water and salt to a boil in a large stockpot.
• Step 2. Rinse rice: Rinse rice in a colander until water runs clear.
• Step 3. Cook rice: Add rice to pot and cook until almost tender, 6 to 8 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water.
• Step 4. Cook rice-sour cream mixture: Stir to combine 1 cup rice with sour cream. Heat to melt 2 tablespoons butter and oil in a 10-inch cast iron or nonstick skillet. Spread rice and sour cream evenly into pan and top with remaining rice, mounding slightly in the center. Poke 6 to 7 holes in the rice with the handle of a wooden spoon. Cook 15 minutes, turning skillet every 3 to 4 minutes to ensure even browning.
• Step 5. Add butter: Add remaining butter in small cubes around edges of rice and in steam holes. Continue to cook, turning the skillet every few minutes, until the bottom of the rice is crisp.
• Step 6. Flip rice out of skillet: Flip rice onto serving plate.

Tips for the Best Crispy Rice

When it comes to making crispy rice, it helps to keep some key tips in mind:

• Rinse your rice: To eliminate excess starch before cooking.
• Season your water: Generously seasoning your water might not seem worthwhile, but the salt infuses into the rice for a flavorful result.
• Cook until almost tender: The rice should be slightly firm on the interior after boiling—it will continue to cook in the skillet.
• Use a well-seasoned skillet or nonstick pan: To help prevent the rice from sticking.
• Turn the skillet: Turning the skillet while the rice is cooking might seem silly, but it's essential for even browning.
• Serve warm: Or hot, to show off that perfectly crisp texture.

How To Store and Reheat Leftover Crispy Rice

If you do have leftover crispy rice, which seems unlikely, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to three days. While it will lose its crispness over time, you can reheat on the stovetop or in the oven until hot throughout before serving to bring it back to its former glory.

What To Serve with Crispy Rice

This crispy side dish can be served any time you would normally serve rice, whether on the side of creamy casseroles, under saucy chicken or beef, or alongside sausage and beans. We particularly like it topped with tomato gravy for a crisp twist on classic comfort food.

More Comforting Rice Side Dishes You'll Love

When you're in the mood for rice, these comforting side dishes will pair well with just about any meal. Some are even hearty enough to enjoy all on their own:

• Cheesy Broccoli-and-Rice Casserole
• Creamy Artichoke, Kale, and Rice Gratin
• Okra and Rice Casserole
• Crawfish Fried Rice
• Shrimp Fried Rice
• Emily's Red Beans and Rice
• Creamy Rice with Scallops
  

Editorial contributions by Katie Rosenhouse.