This Vermicelli Rice (Arroz con Fideos) is delicious and comforting, but it’s also incredibly easy to make, using simple ingredients that pack a punch of flavor. One tasty side dish that will be a hit on any occasion.
Vermicelli Rice: A Flavorful Twist on a Classic Side Dish!
Today, I’m excited to share this cherished family recipe with you that I think you will love just as much as we do. The best recipes are passed down through generations, am I right? My mom used to always make this recipe of Arroz con Fideos.
Arroz con Fideos is, hands down, my kid’s favorite rice. I can make it alongside just about any main dish, and it will be gobbled up with no problem. Not only is it delicious and comforting, but it’s also incredibly easy to make, using simple ingredients that pack a punch of flavor.
With its simple ingredients, easy preparation, and delicious flavor, it’s no wonder it’s a favorite among kids and adults alike. So, gather your ingredients, follow the recipe tips, and indulge in a bowl of this flavorful rice that pairs perfectly with any main dish … you won’t be disappointed!
What To Love About This Recipe
- Easy and Quick to Make: Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you want something tasty without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Simple Ingredients: With just a handful of pantry staples, you can whip up a satisfying side dish that pairs well with almost anything.
- Flavorful: The combination of aromatic basmati rice, toasted vermicelli pasta, and savory seasonings creates a dish bursting with flavor.
- Great for Meal Prep and Make-Ahead: Prepare a batch ahead of time and reheat it when needed, or pack leftovers for lunch the next day.
- Fun Twist to the Classic White Rice: Add a touch of excitement to your mealtime routine with this delightful variation on traditional white rice.
Ingredients You’ll Need, Substitutions & Notes
Please check the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact quantities and detailed instructions (scroll down).
- Basmati Rice: Known for its fragrant aroma and fluffy texture, basmati rice is the perfect choice for this dish. Feel free to use jasmine rice, long-grain white rice, or even brown rice as a substitute for basmati rice.
- Water: Used for rinsing the rice and cooking it to perfection.
- Olive Oil: Adds a subtle richness to the dish and helps toast the vermicelli pasta for added flavor.
- Vermicelli Pasta: This thin pasta adds a delightful texture and nutty flavor to the rice. If you don’t have vermicelli pasta on hand, you can use thin spaghetti, angel hair pasta, or even orzo.
- Salt: Enhances the dish’s flavors and balances the rice’s sweetness.
- Garlic Powder: Infuses the rice with a hint of garlic flavor without the need for chopping fresh garlic.
- Butter: Optional but highly recommended for an extra layer of richness and flavor. You can use dairy-free butter for a dairy-free version.
Process Overview: How To Make Vermicelli Rice (Arroz con Fideos) Step-by-Step
Please check the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact quantities and detailed instructions (scroll down).
Step 1 – Rinse
Using a fine-mesh strainer, rinse the rice with cold water until the water runs clear.
Step 2 – Toast
Heat the olive oil and add the pasta. Stir continuously to toast it evenly. Once the Vermicelli is a nice golden brown color, add the rice and let it toast a bit, too, until the rice is opaque.
Step 3 – Cook
Add 4 cups of water, salt, and garlic powder; mix to combine. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cover and reduce to low heat and simmer. Cook until the rice has absorbed the water, about 15 to 20 minutes. Turn off the heat and keep the rice covered for 5 minutes.
Step 4 – Fluff
Add the cubed butter on top of the rice and fluff the rice with a fork, trying to incorporate and distribute the butter throughout the rice. Served hot.
Recipe Tips
- Rice: I like to use basmati rice for this recipe. However, you can use any long-grain or medium-grain rice. Make sure to check the manufacturer’s package for instructions on the amount of water to add and cook time. Specific types of rice may differ from this recipe.
- Rinse: You must rinse the rice to get rid of excess starch, which causes the rice to be sticky (this rice is not meant to be sticky)
- Use Cold Water: adding cold water to the rice allows the grains to absorb the water gradually and ensures that they cook evenly. If you add boiling water to the pot, its intense heat will cook the outside too quickly before the inside has a chance to soften.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste the rice before serving and adjust the seasoning according to your preference. You can add more salt, garlic powder, or even a pinch of chili flakes for a spicy kick.
- Fluff with a Fork: After cooking the rice, fluff it with a fork to separate the grains and achieve a light, fluffy texture.
- Let it Rest: Allow the rice to rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.
Variations & Additions
- Add Vegetables: Enhance the dish’s nutritional value by stirring in diced vegetables such as carrots, peas, or bell peppers during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Herb Infusion: Stir in freshly chopped herbs like parsley, cilantro, or dill before serving for a pop of freshness.
- Spice it Up: Experiment with different spices such as cumin, paprika, or turmeric to add complexity to the flavor profile.
- Fun Additions: Get creative and customize the dish with your favorite ingredients, such as toasted nuts, dried fruit, or crumbled feta cheese.
Serving Suggestions
This fantastic side dish is super versatile and customizable, allowing you to create delicious meals that suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. It literally will go well with any main dish, but our favorite way to serve this vermicelli rice is with Easy Grilled Chicken Shawarma and Easy Chipotle Steak Bites.
Storing and Freezing Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store leftover rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to5 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to prevent drying out.
- Freezer: To freeze, transfer cooled rice to freezer-safe bags or containers and store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! You can use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.
Toasting the vermicelli adds depth of flavor, but if you’re short on time, you can skip this step. However, the dish may lack that toasty aroma, so I do not recommend skipping this step.
A cup of uncooked rice is about 200 g.
A cup of broken vermicelli pasta is about 120 g.
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of garlic, you can easily omit it from the recipe without sacrificing too much flavor. The garlic powder in the recipe adds a subtle savory note, but the dish will still be delicious without it. You can adjust the seasoning to your preference by adding a little extra salt, onion powder, or your favorite herbs and spices to enhance the flavor profile.
Once the rice is cooked, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days if it is properly stored in an airtight container.
A cup of uncooked rice (about 200 g) can generally feed around 3 to 4 people. However, this can vary based on factors such as portion sizes and accompanying dishes.
While vermicelli and spaghetti may appear similar in shape, they are not the same pasta. Vermicelli is generally thinner than spaghetti and has a finer texture. It is delicate and cooks quickly. However, broken spaghetti can be used as a substitute for vermicelli in this recipe, but the texture may differ slightly.
Vermicelli is a type of pasta that is thin, long, and thread-like in appearance. The name “vermicelli” comes from the Italian word “vermicello,” which means “little worms” or “little threads.” It is commonly used in various cuisines around the world, including Italian, Asian, and Middle Eastern cuisines.
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Recipe Card 📖
Vermicelli Rice (Arroz con Fideos)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups (400 g) basmati rice
- 3 tablespoons (45 ml) olive oil
- 1 cup (120 g) broken vermicelli pasta
- 4 cups (480 ml) water (follow the package suggestions for water-to-rice ratios and cooking times)
- 2 teaspoons (8 g) salt
- 2 teaspoons (8 g) garlic powder
- 4 tablespoon s (56 g) unsalted butter
Instructions
- Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh strainer under cold running water until the water is no longer cloudy. I recommend capturing some of the rinse water in a bowl to check whether it is starchy. Keep rinsing and checking until the water runs clear. Shake and lightly press with hands to drain.
- In a medium cooking pot, heat the olive oil on medium-high heat. Add the vermicelli pasta and continuously stir to toast it evenly. Vermicelli should turn a nice golden-brown color, but it burns easily so keep your eyes open, so they don’t over-brown or burn.
- Add the rinsed basmati rice and continue to stir so that the rice toasts a bit too, about 1 minute, or until the rice is opaque and well-coated with the olive oil.
- Add 4 cups of water, salt and garlic powder; mix to combine. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cover and reduce to low heat and simmer. Cook until the rice has absorbed the water, about 15 to 20 minutes. Turn off the heat and keep the rice covered for 5 minutes. IMPORTANT: Make sure to check the manufacturer's package for instructions on the amount of water to add and cook time. Specific types of rice may differ from this recipe.
- Add the cubed butter on top of the rice and fluff the rice with a fork, trying to incorporate and distribute the butter throughout the rice. Served hot.
- Rice: I like to use basmati rice for this recipe. However, you can use any long-grain or medium-grain rice. Make sure to check the manufacturer’s package for instructions on the amount of water to add and cook time. Specific types of rice may differ from this recipe.
- Rinse: You must rinse the rice to get rid of excess starch, which causes rice to be sticky (this rice is not meant to be sticky)
- Use Cold Water: adding cold water to the rice allows the grains to gradually absorb the water and ensures that they cook evenly. If you add boiling water to the pot, its intense heat will cook the outside too quickly before the inside has a chance to soften.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste the rice before serving and adjust the seasoning according to your preference. You can add more salt, garlic powder, or even a pinch of chili flakes for a spicy kick.
- Fluff with a Fork: After cooking the rice, fluff it with a fork to separate the grains and achieve a light, fluffy texture.
- Let it Rest: Allow the rice to rest for a few minutes after
- Add Vegetables: Enhance the dish’s nutritional value by stirring in diced vegetables such as carrots, peas, or bell peppers during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Herb Infusion: Stir in freshly chopped herbs like parsley, cilantro, or dill before serving for a pop of freshness.
- Spice it Up: Experiment with different spices such as cumin, paprika, or turmeric to add complexity to the flavor profile.
- Fun Additions: Get creative and customize the dish with your favorite ingredients, such as toasted nuts, dried fruit, or crumbled feta cheese.
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
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