7 Best Recipes with Rice to Elevate Your Meals

Rice is a versatile ingredient that appears in countless dishes across various cultures. From creamy risottos to spicy fried rice, the possibilities are endless. In this article, I will share seven of the best recipes with rice that are easy to make and delicious to enjoy.

I have always appreciated how rice can be adapted to suit different flavors and styles of cooking. It is a staple food in many households and can be the star of a meal or a simple side dish. These recipes showcase the best of what rice can offer, providing a range of options for any occasion.

1. Chicken and Rice Casserole

Chicken and rice casserole is a comforting dish that combines tender chicken, rice, and creamy sauce. It’s easy to make, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights.

To prepare this dish, I follow these simple steps. First, I preheat my oven to 350°F (175°C).

Next, I cook 1 cup of rice according to package directions. In a separate bowl, I mix cooked rice with 2 cups of cooked, shredded chicken, and 1 can of cream of mushroom soup. I also add 1 cup of mixed vegetables for extra flavor and nutrition.

Once mixed, I spread the mixture in a baking dish. I then top it with 1 cup of shredded cheese.

I cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. After that, I remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

This casserole serves about 4-6 people and is great for leftovers.

2. Rice and Beans Burrito

A Rice and Beans Burrito is a simple yet satisfying meal. It combines rice, beans, and other ingredients wrapped in a tortilla. This dish is nutritious and great for a meatless option.

Making a Rice and Beans Burrito is easy. I find it takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. Here’s how I do it:

1. Cook the Rice: I boil 1 cup of rice in 2 cups of water. Once it’s boiling, I reduce the heat and cover it for 15-20 minutes.
2. Prepare the Beans: I use 1 can of black beans, rinsed and drained. I heat them in a pan over low heat for about 5 minutes.
3. Mix Ingredients: I combine the cooked rice and beans in a bowl. I add some spices like cumin and chili powder for flavor.
4. Assemble the Burrito: I take a tortilla and place a generous portion of the rice and beans mixture in the center. I add cheese or salsa if I want.
5. Wrap It Up: I fold the sides of the tortilla over the filling and roll it tightly.
6. Serve: I enjoy it warm, often with extra salsa or guacamole on the side.

This dish is versatile and can be customized with different toppings.

3. Mango Sticky Rice

Mango sticky rice is a popular Thai dessert. It combines sweet, ripe mango with sticky rice and coconut milk. The flavors and textures work really well together.

This dish is quite easy to make. I enjoy preparing it, especially when ripe mangoes are in season. Here’s how I make it:

1. First, I soak 1 cup of sticky rice in water for 4 hours or overnight.
2. After soaking, I steam the rice for about 30 minutes until it’s cooked well.
3. While the rice is cooking, I mix 1 cup of coconut milk with 1/4 cup of sugar and a pinch of salt in a separate pot. I heat it until the sugar dissolves.
4. Once the rice is ready, I combine it with about 1/2 cup of the coconut milk mixture, stirring well.
5. I let the rice sit for 10-15 minutes to absorb the coconut flavor.
6. Finally, I serve the sticky rice with sliced mango and drizzle some of the remaining coconut milk on top.

This dessert is simple yet delightful and always a crowd-pleaser.

4. Shrimp Fried Rice

Shrimp fried rice is a popular dish made with cooked rice, shrimp, and various vegetables. It’s known for its savory flavors and is often enjoyed as a quick meal.

I find shrimp fried rice easy to make. It’s a great way to use leftover rice. The cooking time is short, making it perfect for busy days.

Here are the steps I follow:

1. Prepare Ingredients: I start with cooked rice, shrimp, chopped onions, peas, and carrots. I also gather soy sauce and oil.
2. Heat Oil: I heat a tablespoon of oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
3. Cook Shrimp: Next, I add the shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes until they turn pink.
4. Add Veggies: I toss in the onions, peas, and carrots. I stir-fry them for about 3 minutes.
5. Mix in Rice: I add the cooked rice and soy sauce. I stir everything together and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes.
6. Serve: Finally, I serve it hot, often with a sprinkle of green onions on top.

This simple recipe is tasty and satisfying. It’s one of my go-to meals when I need something quick and fulfilling.

5. Vegetarian Paella

Vegetarian paella is a delicious rice dish that originates from Spain. It combines saffron rice with a variety of vegetables, which makes it colorful and flavorful.

I find it fairly easy to make, even for beginners. The key ingredients include rice, vegetable broth, saffron, bell peppers, peas, and green beans.

Here are the basic steps I follow:

1. In a large pan, heat some olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Stir in bell peppers and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
4. Add 1 ½ cups of rice and toast it for about 1 minute.
5. Pour in 3 cups of vegetable broth and add a pinch of saffron.
6. Bring it to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover.
7. Cook for 20 minutes or until rice is tender.
8. In the last 5 minutes, add peas and green beans.

Let the paella sit for a few minutes before serving. This way, the flavors meld together nicely. Vegetarian paella is a great dish for sharing or enjoying on a cozy night in.

6. Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry with Rice

Beef and broccoli stir-fry is a popular dish in Chinese cuisine. It features tender beef slices, fresh broccoli, and a savory sauce. This meal is simple to prepare and can be ready in under 30 minutes.

To make this dish, I start by gathering my ingredients. I use beef, broccoli, soy sauce, garlic, and rice. This recipe serves about four people.

Here are the basic steps:

1. Cook 2 cups of rice according to package instructions.
2. While the rice cooks, slice 1 pound of beef into thin strips.
3. Chop 2 cups of broccoli into bite-sized pieces.
4. In a pan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat.
5. Add the beef and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until browned.
6. Add the broccoli and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes.
7. Mix in 3 tablespoons of soy sauce and 2 minced garlic cloves. Stir to combine and cook for 2 more minutes.

Once cooked, serve the beef and broccoli over the rice. It’s a delicious and balanced meal that I enjoy making often.

7. Sushi Rice Rolls

Sushi rice rolls, or maki, are a type of sushi that combines seasoned rice with various fillings. They are typically wrapped in seaweed called nori. I enjoy making sushi rice rolls because they are fun and relatively easy.

To prepare sushi rice, I start by rinsing 1 cup of short-grain rice until the water runs clear. Then, I cook it with 1.25 cups of water in a rice cooker or on the stovetop. Once cooked, I mix in 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and a pinch of salt.

Next, I place a sheet of nori on a bamboo mat. I spread a thin layer of sushi rice over the nori, leaving some space at the top. Then, I add my fillings, like sliced avocado, cucumber, or crab.

To roll, I lift the mat and start rolling the sushi away from me, pressing gently to keep it tight. After rolling, I slice the roll into bite-sized pieces using a sharp knife.

Sushi rice rolls are a delicious and customizable dish, perfect for sharing with friends or family.

What Are the Nutritional Benefits of Rice?

Rice is not just a versatile ingredient; it also offers various nutritional benefits that can enhance my diet. It provides essential vitamins and minerals and different nutrients based on its type, making it an important staple for many.

What Vitamins and Minerals Are Found in Rice?

Rice contains several essential vitamins and minerals that support overall health. It is a good source of B vitamins, particularly thiamine (B1), niacin (B3), and folate (B9). These vitamins help in energy production, promote brain function, and support cell division.

In addition to B vitamins, rice also provides important minerals like magnesium, phosphorus, and iron. Magnesium contributes to muscle and nerve function, while phosphorus supports bone health. Iron is crucial for red blood cell production, helping transport oxygen throughout the body.

Brown rice, in particular, retains more nutrients, making it a healthier option compared to white rice. It contains higher levels of antioxidants and fiber, promoting better digestion and heart health.

How Do Brown and White Rice Compare Nutritionally?

When comparing brown and white rice, the nutritional differences are significant. Brown rice is a whole grain, meaning it includes the bran and germ, which are packed with vitamins and minerals. It typically contains 7%–15% protein and higher fiber content than white rice.

White rice, on the other hand, has the bran and germ removed during processing. This results in a lower fiber content and fewer nutrients. While white rice is often enriched with some vitamins, it still lacks the natural nutrients found in brown rice.

For a healthy choice, I often opt for brown rice. Its nutritional advantages, such as higher levels of fiber, can aid in digestion and help maintain a feeling of fullness, making it beneficial for weight management.

What Are the Common Types of Rice Used in Cooking?

When cooking rice, the type you choose can greatly affect the dish. Different types of rice have unique textures, flavors, and cooking methods that can enhance your recipes.

What Are the Differences Between Short-Grain and Long-Grain Rice?

Short-grain rice is rounder and has a higher starch content. This variety becomes sticky when cooked, making it perfect for dishes like sushi or risotto. I find that short-grain rice holds together well, allowing for easy serving and eating with chopsticks or a fork.

Long-grain rice, such as basmati or jasmine, has a slender shape and lower starch content. It cooks up light and fluffy, where the grains remain separate. I prefer using long-grain rice in pilafs, fried rice, and curries because it absorbs flavors without clumping together.

What Are Specialty Varieties Like Jasmine and Basmati Used For?

Jasmine rice, known for its distinct floral aroma, is a popular choice in Thai cuisine. It’s slightly sticky and pairs well with dishes like stir-fries. Personally, I appreciate how jasmine rice enhances flavors, making meals more aromatic.

Basmati rice is another specialty variety originating from the Himalayas. It has a nutty flavor and a unique long grain that remains fluffy when cooked. I often use basmati in Indian dishes, such as biryani or as a side to curries, for its ability to absorb spices and add depth to the meal.

What Are the Cooking Techniques for Rice?

I have found that understanding the right cooking techniques can make a big difference when preparing rice dishes. Two popular methods are stovetop cooking and using a rice cooker. Each has its advantages and can bring out the best flavors in your rice.

How Do You Cook Rice Using Stovetop Methods?

Cooking rice on the stovetop is a classic and reliable method. I usually start by rinsing the rice to remove excess starch. This helps prevent it from becoming sticky. After rinsing, I add the rice to a pot with water, using a common ratio of 1 cup of rice to 2 cups of water.

I bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. It’s important not to lift the lid during cooking, as this releases steam. Cooking times can vary based on the type of rice. For white rice, it typically takes about 18 minutes, whereas brown rice can take around 40 minutes. Once done, I let the rice sit for about 10 minutes before fluffing it with a fork.

How Do You Use a Rice Cooker for Perfectly Cooked Rice?

I find that rice cookers simplify the rice cooking process. To use a rice cooker, I measure the rice and water, following the cooker’s instructions for the proper ratio. Most cookers have markings on the inner pot for easy measuring.

After adding the rice and water, I close the lid and press the cook button. The rice cooker automatically adjusts cooking time and switches to warm mode when done. This means I can focus on other dishes while the rice cooks perfectly.

Rice cookers also help with texture. They offer consistent results, making it easier to achieve fluffy rice every time. Some models even have additional settings for brown rice or steaming vegetables.