While many view rice as a mundane ingredient, it’s actually an incredibly versatile food that plays a central role in cuisines worldwide. This humble grain is more than just a side dish, and its uses extend far beyond adding bulk to meals. From savory main courses to sweet treats and even breakfast options, the possibilities are endless when it comes to rice.
Whether you prefer to dress it up with bold flavors or keep it simple and straightforward, mastering a few fundamental rice dishes will unlock a world of culinary possibilities.
Butternut Squash Risotto
Risotto, a beloved Italian classic, relies on the slow cooking of Arborio rice to achieve its signature creamy texture. This dish may not be challenging to prepare, but it does demand a significant amount of attention and interaction. The key to success lies in gradually adding small amounts of broth to the uncovered pan, allowing each portion to absorb before introducing more liquid. This labor-intensive process is rewarded with tender, creamy rice that’s well worth the effort.
Wild Rice Salad
This wild rice salad is a hearty and flavorful addition to any meal. The nutty taste of the wild rice pairs perfectly with the earthy sweetness of almonds, pistachios, dried cranberries, apricots, and currants. A pop of color comes from the baby greens and pomegranate seeds, while a drizzle of pomeganate molasses and red wine vinegar dressing adds a tangy and rich flavor profile. This vegan-friendly salad is perfect for serving as a side dish during the holiday season.
Sushi Rice
Sushi rice, a staple in Japanese cuisine, plays a crucial role in the creation of delectable sushi dishes. This short-grain variety is specifically designed to cling together when seasoned with a tangy vinegar dressing. The result is a perfectly cooked sushi rice that’s essential for constructing various sushi types. For those eager to attempt making sushi at home (as outlined in our comprehensive guide on serving tobiko), mastering the art of cooking sushi rice is paramount.
A key aspect of this process involves thorough washing and soaking, which significantly impacts the final texture. To achieve optimal results, it’s essential to resist the urge to rush through these stages and instead allow for a more leisurely approach.
Cajun Fried Rice
Elevate yesterday’s leftovers by infusing them with the bold flavors of Cajun cuisine. The foundation of this dish lies in a blend of classic spices – typically comprising cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and paprika – which can be easily homemade or sourced from your local grocery store. To add depth to your Cajun fried rice, incorporate chicken andouille sausage, as featured in our article ’28 Chicken Sausage Recipes To Liven Up A Healthy Diet’.
By cooking everything in batches within a single pan, the rice absorbs all the flavors without any ingredients becoming overcooked, resulting in a harmonious balance of flavors.
Vegetarian Biryani
Indian cuisine’s iconic Biryani is a harmonious blend of aromatic spices, sautéed vegetables, and fluffy rice. This effortless vegetarian recipe requires minimal hands-on work as the skillet or Dutch oven takes center stage, allowing the rice to absorb an rich medley of flavors. To add a satisfying crunch, finish with a sprinkle of toasted cashews and serve alongside your preferred chutney.
A perfect dish for those seeking impressive presentation without excessive effort, Biryani is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.
Seafood Paella
Paella is a quintessential Spanish dish that’s deeply rooted in tradition. When cooking paella, it’s essential to prepare large quantities and serve the dish straight from the pan, where the rice has been cooked low and slow with a final burst of heat to caramelize the grains at the base. To achieve the characteristic golden color and subtle aroma of genuine paella, we highly recommend seeking out high-quality saffron.
While this may require some extra effort, the distinctive flavor and hue it imparts make the difference well worth the investment. As an alternative, a pinch of turmeric can be used to replicate the effects of saffron.
Sizzling Rice Soup
Sizzling rice soup is a delightful fusion of Chinese and American cuisines, featuring a rich broth paired with a crispy rice topping. The savory soup itself is crafted by simmering a flavorful blend of mushrooms, chicken, seafood, and vegetables. To create the signature crunchy rice component, steamed rice is first dried and then baked before being quickly fried until golden. This added dimension requires some advance preparation, but the payoff is well worth the effort.
As you serve the soup at the table, the sizzling rice adds an exciting auditory element as the oil hits the broth. Enjoy the experience by topping the soup with the finished rice as soon as it’s done frying.
Ginger Fried Rice
Ginger fried rice is a beloved Chinese staple that pairs perfectly with Asian-inspired flavors, making it an ideal accompaniment to any meal. What sets this particular recipe apart is its unconventional cooking approach, which yields a uniquely flavorful dish. When topped with a crispy fried egg, ginger fried rice transforms into a satisfying main course.
Alternatively, if you prefer to keep things traditional, simply scramble the eggs into the cooked rice and enhance the flavors with soy sauce and sesame oil for a harmonious blend.
Southwest Rice Skillet
Southwest rice skillet is a satisfying dish that satisfies the heartiest of appetites while relying on pantry staples and being family-friendly. The foundation of this meal is cooked brown rice, which is then fried with an enticing blend of spices, black beans, salsa, green chiles, and diced sweet potatoes that have been steamed to perfection. To top it all off, a generous sprinkling of cheese adds the perfect finishing touch.
This recipe lends itself well to customization, allowing you to keep things vegetarian or add shredded chicken for an extra boost of protein.
Chicken And Rice Casserole
For many, Chicken and Rice Casserole is a nostalgic comfort food that evokes memories of childhood meals. This recipe takes a traditional approach, elevating its classic flavor profile by cooking the rice in chicken broth. As the rice absorbs the savory liquid, you can prepare the remaining ingredients, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. The cooked chicken, sautéed vegetables, and cream of chicken soup meld together seamlessly, while the cornflakes topping adds a satisfying crunch.
Simply combine all the elements, bake until golden brown, and enjoy this hearty, comforting casserole.
Nasi Goreng (Indonesian Fried Rice)
While traditional nasi goreng recipes often rely on harder-to-find ingredients like shrimp powder and Kecap Manis, this variation offers a more accessible take on the classic Indonesian fried rice dish. By substituting soy sauce and maple syrup for these unique seasonings, you can still achieve a deliciously flavorful result using ingredients easily found at your local grocery store.
With just a few simple substitutions, you can enjoy the rich, savory taste of nasi goreng without having to search high and low for specialty items.
Wild Rice Soup
There’s something inherently cozy about pairing rice and soup on a rainy day. The comforting union of a warm, soothing broth and hearty grain is the perfect remedy for a gloomy afternoon. In this recipe, the rich, earthy flavors of wild rice are perfectly complemented by the savory taste of mushrooms, creating a dish that’s as satisfying as it is flavorful. Serve with a crusty loaf of bread or a fresh chopped salad to complete the comforting experience.
Spanakorizo (Greek Spinach Rice)
Spanakorizo, the quintessential Greek comfort food, is a delightful fusion of creamy spinach and rice. While its flavors are reminiscent of spanakopita, the spinach and feta pie, this dish offers an undeniable advantage: simplicity. Ditch the hassle of filo pastry and indulge in this satisfying substitute instead! To bring this comforting meal to life, you’ll need an abundance of spinach, a generous pour of extra virgin olive oil, and a liberal sprinkling of crumbly feta cheese.
The result is a flavor-packed dish that’s surprisingly nutritious and sure to hit the spot.
Jambalaya
Indulge in the rich flavors of Jambalaya, a quintessential American Creole and Cajun dish that converges the heartiness of rice with the boldness of spices. While sharing similarities with gumbo, this one-pot meal boasts an added layer of depth courtesy of its rice component, which not only adds sustenance but also absorbs the diverse array of flavors released throughout the cooking process.
Jambalaya’s adaptability to personal taste is a hallmark of its versatility, as different cooks and kitchens infuse their own unique twists. This dish offers the perfect canvas for experimentation, allowing you to tailor it to your liking while still maintaining its inherent charm.
Mujadara (Lentils And Rice With Caramelized Onions)
Mujadara, a vegetarian Middle Eastern delight, offers an impressive balance of flavor and affordability. By layering lentils, rice, and caramelized onions, you can create a dish that’s both elegant and easy on the wallet. The key to efficiency is cooking the rice and lentils simultaneously, allowing you to focus on bringing out the sweetness in the onions. Once cooked, everything comes together in a harmonious medley, served with a refreshing dollop of yogurt on the side.
Enjoy Mujadara as it is, or add a spicy kick with a sauce of your choice.
Tahdig (Crispy Persian Rice)
As you cook Tahdig, its hidden best part unfolds. A mixture of parboiled rice, yogurt, oil, and saffron serves as a foundation for dried fruit and cinnamon, carefully layered in the pan. The combination then meets its crowning glory: a generous pat of butter, which sets off a transformative process when reheated. As the dish is inverted to serve, the golden, crispy crust that has formed on the bottom is finally revealed.
When paired with the fluffy inner rice, Tahdig presents an unforgettable sensory experience marked by a delightful contrast in texture.
Baked Arancini
Arancini, a popular Italian snack, is typically made using leftover risotto. The creamy rice is first shaped into balls, then filled with melted cheese and wrapped in a crunchy coating. Traditionally, these bite-sized treats are deep-fried until golden brown, giving them a crispy exterior and a gooey interior. However, for a slightly healthier twist that’s perfect for a dinner party or casual gathering, consider baking your arancini instead.
This method eliminates the need to monitor a pan of hot oil, making it a more convenient option for cooking in large quantities. To serve, simply offer them with a tangy tomato-based dipping sauce for added flavor and fun.
Arroz Con Pollo
In just under an hour, you can whip up a delicious Spanish dish called arroz con pollo. This one-pan wonder typically consists of rice, chicken, peppers, and onions, with various twists to try. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick and a squeeze of lemon juice for a burst of citrus freshness. For a traditional golden hue, soak saffron strands in water and stir them through the dish just before it’s finished cooking.
With these simple ingredients and techniques, you’ll be enjoying a flavorful and aromatic arroz con pollo in no time.
Wild Rice Stuffing
While swapping bread for rice in traditional stuffing might seem unconventional, this innovative twist yields a dish that’s not only healthier but also packed with flavor. By making the switch, you’ll create a lighter, more balanced alternative that’s perfect for indulging in other carb-rich Thanksgiving sides. The addition of apple, butternut squash, pecan, and fresh herbs to wild rice stuffing elevates it from a mere side dish to a satisfying main course option for vegetarian guests.
Golden Fried Rice
The secret to golden fried rice’s vibrant yellow hue lies in its unique preparation process. Before frying, the boiled rice grains are immersed in egg yolks, resulting in each grain being coated with a layer of rich, sunny-yellow goodness. This double-whammy of flavor and color makes for a truly mouthwatering dish.
As the rice cooks, it undergoes a delightful transformation – the grains start to pop, signaling that it’s ready to be devoured.
Due to its small-batch cooking requirements, golden fried rice is particularly well-suited as a satisfying solo dinner option that still packs a flavorful punch.
Kitchari
In Indian cuisine, a popular dish called Kitchari is created by harmoniously combining rice and lentils. The unique texture of this spiced porridge-like dish is achieved through the slow cooking of split mung beans, also known as moong dal, alongside aromatic rice. As the lentils cook for an extended period, the rice softens, resulting in a creamy consistency reminiscent of traditional Kitchari.
To elevate its rich flavor, serve Kitchari with a drizzle of ghee, adding an extra layer of creaminess.
Kedgeree
Kedgeree, a quintessential British dish, has undergone significant transformations since its Indian origins as Kitchari. Today, it’s an innovative fusion of smoked fish and soft-cooked eggs, yielding a delectable rice meal that can be savored at any time of day. This versatile dish is particularly well-suited for a hearty breakfast before embarking on a long outdoor adventure. While traditional boiled eggs are the norm, feel free to experiment with fried or poached alternatives.
Moreover, try substituting different smoked fish varieties to tantalize your taste buds and create unique flavor profiles.
Sinangag Filipino Garlic Fried Rice
The allure of sinangag lies in its simplicity and versatility. This Filipino staple, typically served at breakfast, can elevate even the most mundane leftover rice into a culinary delight. With only four essential ingredients – cooked rice, minced garlic, salt, and oil – sinangag is an effortless way to transform yesterday’s meal into today’s breakfast.
For garlic enthusiasts, the use of an entire head may seem excessive, but it’s precisely this pungency that gives sinangag its distinctive flavor. In fact, the result is so satisfying that even non-morning people might find themselves rising earlier than usual, eager to get their hands on a plate of this savory goodness.
Onigiri (Japanese Rice Balls)
Onigiri, a staple of Japanese cuisine, is an excellent introduction to the world of sushi-making. This delectable snack begins with cooked Japanese rice, carefully molded into a triangular shape and filled with spicy cod roe and tangy pickled plums. The addition of a strip of nori seaweed around the base allows for easy handling while enjoying your onigiri. A helpful hint: to prevent the rice from sticking to your hands, it’s essential to use damp palms when shaping the ingredients.
This simple technique will ensure a smooth and enjoyable snacking experience.
Golden Rice Pilaf
Turmeric imbues golden rice pilaf with a radiant amber hue that makes it nearly impossible to resist. This recipe’s ease of preparation is another major draw – minimal hands-on cooking time means you can have this flavorful side dish on the table in no time. The crowning touch comes from pomegranate arils and sliced almonds, which add an exquisite burst of color and texture. In fact, golden rice pilaf is so alluring that it’s not uncommon for it to steal the show as the main event.
Chicken Congee
Shake up your morning routine by introducing congee, a savory Chinese porridge that’s been a staple across Asia for centuries. Traditionally, congee is made using locally-sourced grains, making it a humble and resourceful breakfast option.
While modern recipes often feature rice and chicken as the main ingredients, the beauty of congee lies in its adaptability – feel free to experiment with different grains and protein sources to create a dish that’s uniquely yours.
And just like chicken noodle soup, congee has been known to bring comfort when you’re feeling under the weather. So why not make a big batch and share it with your loved ones? It’s the perfect way to start the day – warm, nourishing, and full of love.
Horchata
Imagine sipping on a refreshing Mexican drink made from rice – yes, you read that right! Horchata is a unique beverage that combines the humble grain with milk, cinnamon, and a touch of sweetness. The key to creating this delightful concoction lies in blending cooked rice into a fine powder and allowing it to soak overnight in water.
Once strained to remove any lumps, the mixture is then mixed with milk and sweetener, resulting in a surprisingly tasty drink that’s perfect for hot summer days or as a refreshing pick-me-up at any time.
Biko (Filipino Sticky Rice Cake)
In Filipino cuisine, glutinous short grain rice is the secret ingredient that gives rise to the beloved biko, a sticky rice cake that embodies the warmth of a loving hug. The rice is carefully prepared by soaking it overnight and then cooking it in a rich mixture of coconut milk and water. This tender fusion is then transferred to the oven, where it’s transformed into a sweet and indulgent treat by being topped with a layer of golden caramel.
As you serve this delectable dessert, be mindful of the sizzling hot caramel, lest you succumb to its irresistible charm and devour the entire pan in one go!
Rice Pudding
Indulge in the velvety goodness of rice pudding on a chilly day. This comforting dessert is incredibly versatile, allowing you to fine-tune its sweetness level to suit your cravings. Once you’ve achieved that sublime texture, the possibilities are endless! Warming spices like cinnamon add a cozy twist during winter months, while fresh berries bring a refreshing touch in the summer.
Mexican Brown Rice
Transforming ordinary brown rice into a delectable tomato-based dish is as easy as toasting the grain to bring out its nutty flavor. The process begins with toasting the rice, which adds depth to the dish. Next, simmer the rice in a rich tomato sauce and finish it off by baking it in the oven. Each bite is bursting with flavor, making this side dish a standout.
To take it to the next level, add some protein-rich black beans towards the end of cooking, and serve with sliced avocado for added creaminess.
Fried Rice
Transforming leftover rice into a satisfying meal is as easy as making fried rice! This straightforward dish combines pre-cooked and chilled rice with a flavorful sauce, an assortment of colorful veggies, and a couple of eggs. Not only does it revamp stale rice, but it also offers endless customization opportunities. Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, proteins, or even leftover meat from last night’s dinner, making this recipe a true chameleon in the kitchen.
Kimchi Fried Rice
The pungent flavor of kimchi fried rice is largely attributed to the fermented Korean cabbage itself. The juice extracted from this tangy ingredient is rich in chili, garlic, and ginger notes, which can elevate any dish. To amplify the heat index, a combination of gochujang, a spicy red pepper paste, is mixed with the kimchi juice and poured over the rice when it’s almost cooked to perfection. A fried egg on top serves as a harmonizing element, tempering the bold flavors.
Cilantro Lime Rice
Rethink the humble role of rice in your meals with cilantro lime rice. This flavorful side dish is elevated by toasting the rice in sautéed garlic before simmering it until tender, then mixing it with the bright and citrusy notes of lime and cilantro. The result is a vibrant and tantalizing accompaniment to grilled fish or chicken, as well as a natural pairing for Mexican-inspired dishes like burritos and tacos.
In fact, this recipe is perfect for your next taco Tuesday (see also ’16 Great Recipes For Your Leftover Taco Meat’).
Coconut Rice
In the realm of Thai cuisine, coconut rice is a beloved staple that harmonizes beautifully with a range of classic flavors. This recipe takes the richness of coconut to new heights by substituting coconut water for regular water, thereby amplifying its aromatic presence without introducing unwanted sweetness. The addition of desiccated coconut not only heightens the flavor profile but also lends a satisfying texture to the dish.
Whether you’re serving it alongside sweet and sour flavors or pairing it with bold and savory Thai curries, this side dish is sure to delight.
Barbara is an enthusiastic food-exploring person that goes through different culinary experiences. She got inspired by creating a pizza blog post after she tasted one of the best-selling pizzas in Toledo.