Blocky Mushroom and Herb Rice Bowl
A hearty rice bowl inspired by Minecraft’s blocky landscapes, featuring roasted mushrooms and fresh herbs for earthy flavor. This vegetarian-inspired rice & grains (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs uncooked jasmine rice, water, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.
Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked jasmine rice
- 2 cups water
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 8 oz, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces cremini mushrooms
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse 1 cup jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Combine with 2 cups water in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed and rice is tender.
- Step 2: While rice cooks, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 8 oz sliced cremini mushrooms and sauté for 5-6 minutes until golden and the edges are crispy.
- Step 3: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves to the skillet, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 4: Fluff the cooked rice with a fork and transfer to serving bowls. Top with the sautéed mushrooms and garlic mixture.
- Step 5: Sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley and drizzle with 1 tbsp lemon juice over each bowl before serving for a bright finish.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Blocky Mushroom and Herb Rice Bowl take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Blocky Mushroom and Herb Rice Bowl?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep uncooked jasmine rice from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Blocky Mushroom and Herb Rice Bowl?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Blocky Mushroom and Herb Rice Bowl for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Blocky Mushroom and Herb Rice Bowl vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Quick, easy, and delicious. I'll be making this every week.
- ★★★★★
This was a hit with my kids! They even asked for seconds. The herbs made it so aromatic.
- ★★★★☆
Loved the flavor, but the rice took a bit longer to cook than the recipe said. Otherwise, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
