Sauces & Condiments
Transforming your Uncle Ben’s wild rice into restaurant-quality side dishes starts with this savory herb seasoning blend—just a sprinkle transforms simple rice into a flavorful centerpiece.
The blend combines earthy spices with fresh herbs to elevate every grain, making it the perfect one-pot solution for weeknight dinners or holiday feasts. I developed this mix after testing countless variations to find the perfect balance of warmth and brightness.
This dry seasoning mix requires no cooking—simply stir it into your cooked rice for instant depth. With just six simple ingredients, you’ll get layers of garlic, thyme, and parsley that complement the nutty flavor of wild rice.
The blend is versatile enough for salads, soups, or even as a topping for roasted vegetables, but it’s designed specifically to enhance wild rice’s natural richness.
What makes this seasoning special is its ability to cut through the earthiness of wild rice while adding aromatic complexity. The garlic and onion powder provide a savory foundation, while dried herbs like thyme and parsley bring freshness.
A pinch of salt and black pepper ensures every bite is perfectly seasoned—no guesswork, just foolproof flavor.
Store the blend in an airtight container for up to six months, making it a pantry staple for quick, flavorful meals. Whether you’re serving it alongside roasted chicken or using it as a base for a hearty rice bowl, this seasoning turns ordinary rice into an extraordinary side dish.
Let’s get seasoning!
Ingredients for uncle ben's wild rice seasoning
Six simple spices transform Uncle Ben’s wild rice into restaurant-worthy side dishes.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Garlic Powder 🧄 | 2 tbsp | Freshly ground preferred for depth |
| Onion Powder 🧅 | 1 ½ tbsp | Diamond Crystal preferred |
| Dried Thyme 🌿 | 1 ½ tbsp | French thyme for best flavor |
| Dried Parsley 🌿 | 1 tbsp | Curly parsley preferred |
| Sea Salt 🧂 | 1 tsp | Fine grain preferred |
| Freshly Ground Black Pepper 🌶️ | ½ tsp | Freshly cracked for best flavor |
| Smoked Paprika 🌶️ | ½ tsp | For subtle smokiness |
The garlic and onion powders form the base—Diamond Crystal is my go-to for consistent flavor. French thyme from bulk bins adds that earthy aroma, while curly parsley brings freshness. Smoked paprika gives a subtle depth that pairs perfectly with wild rice’s nuttiness. I always buy spices from Penzeys or the bulk section at Whole Foods—they stay potent longer. Freshly ground black pepper makes a huge difference here, so don’t skip grinding it right before mixing.
No garlic powder? Fresh garlic minced and dried thoroughly works in a pinch (use half the amount). Swap onion powder for 1 tsp onion salt minus the extra salt. Italian seasoning can replace thyme and parsley, but you’ll lose that fresh herbal note. For extra depth, add 1/4 tsp dried rosemary. Store-bought blends often have anti-caking agents—this homemade version tastes cleaner and more vibrant. The smoked paprika can be omitted if you prefer a milder flavor, but I think it’s worth the tiny effort.
Combine everything in a small bowl and whisk until fully blended. Store in an airtight glass jar in a cool, dark place for up to six months. The flavors meld beautifully over time, so it actually gets better with age. Use about 1 tbsp per cup of cooked rice—adjust to taste. This makes enough for 10-12 cups of rice, perfect for meal prep. Freeze half if you won’t use it all within a month.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Five-Ingredient Magic: I swear, this mix comes together faster than my coffee brews. Just measure, shake, and store—no fancy steps, no waiting. Honestly, the hardest part is deciding which meal to use it in first.
- Savory Umami Bomb: That garlic and onion powder combo? It’s like a flavor grenade in the best way—explodes with warmth, then lingers with that herby finish. The parsley adds this bright, almost green note that makes it feel fresh, not dusty.
- Pantry Staple Power: Between us, this is my go-to for rice bowls, roasted veggies, or even scrambled eggs. I keep a jar in my fridge because it turns basic meals into something special—no extra shopping, just instant upgrade.
- Zero-Waste Flexibility: A little goes a long way, so I make big batches and use it for weeks. Toss it in soups, sprinkle on baked potatoes, or even mix into mashed cauliflower. My wallet and leftovers thank me every time.
Step-by-step instructions for crafting Uncle Ben's wild rice seasoning
This savory herb blend transforms simple rice into restaurant-worthy one-pot magic every time.
Measure All Ingredients Precisely
Gather a small mixing bowl and measuring spoons. I recommend using a fine-mesh strainer to sift the dried thyme and dried parsley first—this prevents clumping and ensures even distribution throughout your rice. The garlic powder and onion powder should be measured directly from their containers using a level tablespoon.
Here's the thing—precision matters with spices. Too much salt or garlic powder can overpower the dish, while too little leaves it flat. Use a digital scale if available for the sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to achieve perfect accuracy. The smoked paprika should be measured last to avoid cross-contamination with other spices in your pantry.
Whisk Ingredients Together Thoroughly
Place all measured ingredients into your mixing bowl: begin with the 2 tablespoons garlic powder, followed by the 1.5 tablespoons onion powder, 1.5 tablespoons dried thyme, and 1 tablespoon dried parsley. Add the 1 teaspoon sea salt, 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, and finally the 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika. This order prevents the more potent spices from overwhelming the delicate herbs.
Using a small whisk or fork, combine the ingredients until completely homogeneous. You'll notice the mixture will appear slightly darker from the smoked paprika and more granular from the dried herbs. This blend should coat the back of a spoon evenly—if you see any dry spots, give it another 10 seconds of whisking. The goal is to eliminate any individual spice particles that could create flavor hot spots in your rice.
Store Properly for Maximum Freshness
Transfer the finished seasoning blend to an airtight glass container with a tight-sealing lid. I prefer small jars with measurement markings on the side so you can easily portion out what you need for each serving. The freshly ground black pepper will lose potency over time, so I recommend using this blend within 3 months for best flavor results.
For long-term storage, keep the container in a cool, dark cupboard away from heat sources. Each time you open it, give the jar a gentle shake to redistribute any settled spices. This seasoning works beautifully in one-pot rice dishes, soups, or even as a finishing rub for grilled meats. The aromatic profile develops more depth after 24 hours of resting in the container, so if you can, let it sit overnight before your first use.
Pro Tips For Making Uncle Ben'S Wild Rice Seasoning
- TOAST THE SPICES FIRST: I learned this the hard way—just tossing dried thyme and parsley into the mix without toasting them first leaves the flavor flat. Heat a dry skillet over medium for 30 seconds, add the herbs, and stir until fragrant (about 10-15 seconds). The aroma alone tells you it’s ready.
- GRIND THE POWDERS FINE: Garlic and onion powders clump like stubborn snowflakes if you don’t break them up. Pulse them in a spice grinder or crush them with the flat side of a knife before mixing—this ensures even distribution in every bite. (Yes, even if you’re impatient like me.)
- SALT IN LAYERS: Don’t dump all the sea salt at once. Sprinkle half before mixing the herbs and save the rest for after—this balances the flavors without overpowering. I used to add it all at once and end up with a dish that tasted like a salt lick.
- STORE IT DRY: Moisture is the enemy of homemade seasoning blends. Keep your mix in an airtight container with a silica packet or a bay leaf to absorb any lingering dampness. I skipped this once and came back to find my parsley turning to sawdust—don’t be that person.
Best sauces and condiments for this dish
Garlic-Infused Olive Oil
Elevate your seasoned rice with a drizzle of garlic-infused olive oil—simmer 3 cloves minced garlic in ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil over low heat for 5 minutes. Strain and drizzle 1 tablespoon over each serving of seasoned rice.
The golden hue and nutty aroma complement the wild rice’s earthiness beautifully. I use California Olive Ranch oil for its mild, buttery profile. 🧄
Lemon-Herb Yogurt Sauce
Whisk together ½ cup plain Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, and 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill. This tangy sauce cuts through the richness of the seasoned rice while adding brightness.
For extra depth, add ½ teaspoon of the seasoning blend to the yogurt mixture. Serve as a dip or drizzle over the top. 🍋
Buttery Mushroom Gravy
Sauté 1 cup sliced cremini mushrooms in 2 tablespoons butter until golden, then deglaze with ½ cup chicken broth and 1 tablespoon of the seasoning blend. Simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.
This gravy transforms the rice into a hearty main dish. For extra richness, stir in 1 tablespoon heavy cream at the end. 🍄
Spicy Sriracha Aioli
Mix ¼ cup mayonnaise, 1 teaspoon sriracha, ½ teaspoon of the seasoning blend, and 1 teaspoon lime juice. This spicy kick pairs perfectly with the earthy rice.
Drizzle over the top or serve as a dipping sauce for spring rolls. For a milder version, reduce the sriracha to ½ teaspoon. 🌶️
Crispy Fried Onions
Toss ½ cup thinly sliced red onions with 1 tablespoon olive oil and ½ teaspoon of the seasoning blend. Fry in a skillet over medium heat until golden and crispy. Sprinkle these over the rice for a crunchy contrast. I use Vlasic sliced onions for even cooking. 🧅
Fresh Herb Garnish
Top your seasoned rice with a mix of chopped fresh parsley, chives, and thinly sliced scallions. The vibrant green color and fresh flavor elevate the dish instantly. For an extra touch, add ¼ teaspoon lemon zest to brighten the presentation. 🌿
Nutrition facts
Frequently asked questions
Can I use this seasoning on other types of rice?
While it's designed for Uncle Ben's wild rice, this blend works beautifully with brown rice, basmati, or even jasmine rice. The garlic and thyme flavors complement the nuttiness of brown rice, while the parsley brightens up white rice dishes. For short-grain rice like sushi rice, reduce the salt slightly to avoid over-salting.
How much seasoning should I use per serving?
Start with 1 teaspoon per cup of cooked rice and adjust to taste. For hearty dishes like rice bowls, use 1.5 teaspoons per cup. The blend is potent, so it's better to start small and add more if needed. Remember, you can always add more seasoning, but you can't take it out once it's mixed in!
What if I don't have smoked paprika?
No problem! Omit it completely or substitute with ½ teaspoon regular paprika for a milder flavor. If you have liquid smoke, use just ⅛ teaspoon—it's very concentrated. The dish will still be delicious, just with a slightly different depth of flavor. The garlic and onion powders will still provide plenty of savory base.
Can I make this seasoning without fresh herbs?
Yes, but the flavor will be slightly different. Use 1.5 tablespoons dried parsley instead of fresh (it's more concentrated). For thyme, stick with the 1.5 tablespoons dried amount. The blend will still work well, though fresh herbs add that bright, vibrant quality that's hard to replicate with dried versions alone.
How can I make this seasoning last even longer?
Store it in an airtight glass jar in your freezer for up to 1 year. The cold temperature preserves the freshness of the black pepper and herbs. For pantry storage, keep it in a cool, dark place and use within 6 months. To test freshness, smell the spices—if they don't smell aromatic, it's time to make a fresh batch.