Oven Baked Orange Rice

Brighten up your dinner table with the warm, citrusy flavors of Oven Baked Orange Rice—a unique and aromatic side dish that pairs perfectly with poultry, seafood, or roasted vegetables. This effortless recipe combines fluffy long-grain rice with the zesty tang of fresh orange juice and zest, enhanced by a hint of warm cinnamon and earthy cumin for a bold yet balanced flavor profile. Baked to perfection in the oven, this dish achieves a light, tender texture with minimal effort. For an extra touch of elegance, garnish with toasted slivered almonds and fresh parsley just before serving. Ready in under 40 minutes, this vibrant dish is both easy to prepare and sure to impress, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions alike.

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 1 cup fresh orange juice
• 1 cup water
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 0.25 teaspoon ground cumin
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
• 2 tablespoons toasted slivered almonds (optional, for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a medium oven-safe dish or casserole, add the butter and melt it over low heat on the stovetop.

Step 4

Once melted, stir in the rinsed rice and toast it for 2-3 minutes until it becomes slightly golden and fragrant.

Step 5

Add the orange zest, ground cinnamon, ground cumin, and salt to the rice. Stir well to coat the rice evenly with the spices.

Step 6

Pour in the orange juice and water. Stir to combine. If desired, add 1 teaspoon of sugar for extra sweetness.

Step 7

Cover the dish tightly with a lid or aluminum foil to prevent steam from escaping.

Step 8

Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid.

Step 9

Carefully remove the dish from the oven and fluff the rice with a fork.

Step 10

If desired, garnish with toasted slivered almonds and freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Step 11

Serve warm and enjoy your flavorful Oven Baked Orange Rice!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	745.7 grams (745.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	696

Total Fat 32.10g	41%
Saturated Fat 13.60g	68%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.80g
Cholesterol 66mg	22%
Sodium 1338mg	58%
Total Carbohydrate 90.40g	33%
Dietary Fiber 4.30g	15%
Total Sugars 25.50g
Protein 10.90g	22%

Vitamin D 5IU	23%
Calcium 116mg	9%
Iron 4mg	21%
Potassium 660mg	14%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 41.6%

Protein: 6.3%

Carbs: 52.1%