Buttery Hominy Rice with Cilantro (Rice Cooker or Stovetop)
Sneak Preview: This buttery hominy rice with cilantro is a flavorful side dish made in a rice cooker or on the stove. A fresh, comforting way to use canned hominy.
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Hominy is one of those ingredients people buy once, then wonder what to do with the rest of the can. This recipe answers that question with a side dish you’ll want on repeat. Buttery rice meets tender hominy and a handful of fresh cilantro for color and flavor.
It’s easy in a rice cooker, but stovetop works just as well. Either way, it pairs beautifully with grilled meats, Tex-Mex meals, or even a simple fried egg.
Do I Need a Rice Cooker for This Hominy Rice?
A rice cooker makes this recipe easier—set it and forget it—but it isn’t essential. The same dish can be made on the stovetop or in an Instant Pot.
If you’re shopping for a rice cooker, look for these features: a timer, a “keep warm” setting, and an inner pot sturdy enough for browning rice. My Zojirushi does all of that, but even a basic model will work.
Ingredients and Substitutions
RICE: Jasmine or basmati for fragrance; long-grain works too.
CHICKEN BROTH: Any broth. Sub bouillon plus hot water.
GOLDEN HOMINY: Rinsed and drained. White hominy works but looks paler.
BUTTER: Adds richness; use as much as you like.
CILANTRO: Fresh leaves and tender stems, or swap parsley if needed.
SALT + PEPPER: Season to taste; adjust depending on broth.
Step-by-Step: How To Make Buttery Cilantro Rice with Hominy
⬇️ Jump to the recipe below for exact amounts and detailed instructions.
Tips That Make a Difference
• Butter Matters: Don’t skimp—the richness balances the mild hominy.
• Rinse the Rice: Removes excess starch and keeps the grains fluffy.
• Toast First: Browning the rice in oil adds nutty flavor.
• Yellow Hominy Pops: White hominy works, but yellow makes the dish prettier.
Buttery Hominy Rice with Cilantro (Rice Cooker or Stovetop)
Video
Ingredients
- 2 cups (370 g) Jasmine, Basmati, or long grain rice
- 2 tablespoons (28 g) olive or avocado oil
- 3 cups (705 g) chicken broth
- 14.5 ounces (411 g) golden hominy, drained
- 2 tablespoons (28 g) butter
- ½ teaspoon salt
- freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Rinse Rice: Pour 2 cups (370 g) Jasmine, Basmati, or long grain rice into a sieve and run water over it until the water runs clear. Set aside to drain.
- Toast Rice: Heat 2 tablespoons (28 g) olive or avocado oil in a rice cooker pan (or medium saucepan) over medium-high heat. Add rice to the pan. Stir until it begins to turn golden brown.
- Add Broth: Add 3 cups (705 g) chicken broth to the rice and set your rice machine for the normal white rice cycle. If you are cooking on a range, bring the broth to a boil. Turn the heat down to a simmer and cover.
- Cook: Set the rice cooker to the white rice cycle, or follow package directions for stovetop cooking. Let rest 15 minutes off heat.
- Finish: Fluff rice with a fork. Stir in 14.5 ounces (411 g) golden hominy, drained, 2 tablespoons (28 g) butter, 1/2 teaspoon (½ teaspoon) salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Add 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped just before serving.
Equipment
Nutrition
All images and text ©️ Paula Rhodes for Salad in a Jar.com
FAQ
Yellow hominy usually tastes sweeter.
No—stovetop or Instant Pot both work.
Yes, it removes excess starch and salt.
Best served fresh, but reheats well with a splash of broth.
Not ideal—rice and hominy both change texture.
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Final Thoughts
This is my very favorite rice recipe in the whole world. If you ever hear that I am sick, please fix this and deliver it to my house. Thank you.
See also:
Need help troubleshooting? Email me: Paula at saladinajar.com—photos welcome!
Thanks to my brother-in-law, who shared this simple recipe. He always serves it with grilled pork tenderloins.
I cooked the basmati rice in my Ninja Foodi, first sauteing the rice and then adding the broth and pressure cooking for 5 minutes with natural release for 7 minutes. When I added the hominy and butter, I found the mixture rather dry so I added about 2 tablespoons of cream. That did the trick. Served it with your chicken tender recipe and it was a great success all around. Thanks again.
Cream? As in heavy cream? Yes, please.
Great recipe! I am glad at least for this recipe that you made the leap for hominy.
this is one of my favorites! yum!