10+ Leftover Rice Recipes to Transform Your Meals

10+ Leftover Rice Recipes to Transform Your Meals

ByPin These Recipes Team Reading Time: 9 minutes

Leftover rice is a common ingredient in many kitchens, often overlooked after a big meal. You can turn that simple rice into delicious dishes that save time and reduce waste.

With just a few extra ingredients, your leftover rice can be the star of new meals.

A steaming plate of fried rice with colorful vegetables and scrambled eggs, surrounded by various ingredients like soy sauce, green onions, and sesame seeds

From hearty casseroles to tasty stir-fries, the possibilities are endless. Instead of tossing out that extra rice, discover how to create easy and flavorful recipes that your family will love.

Embrace the versatility of this humble grain and make the most of what you already have.

1) Vegetable Fried Rice

A sizzling wok filled with colorful vegetables, rice, and aromatic spices, creating a mouthwatering Vegetable Fried Rice dish

Vegetable fried rice is a great way to use leftover rice. It’s tasty, quick, and packed with nutrients. You can add any vegetables you like, making it a flexible dish.

To make this meal, start by heating some oil in a large pan. Once it’s hot, add chopped garlic, onions, and your favorite vegetables like peas, carrots, and bell peppers.

Stir-fry them until they’re soft.

Next, push the vegetables to one side and add the leftover rice. Mix everything together and cook for a few more minutes. If you like, you can season it with soy sauce and a dash of sesame oil for flavor.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups leftover rice
  • 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, bell peppers)
  • 2 tablespoons oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)

Cooking Instructions

  1. Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
  2. Add garlic and onion; stir-fry until fragrant.
  3. Add mixed vegetables and cook until tender.
  4. Push veggies to the side, then add leftover rice.
  5. Combine everything and cook for a few minutes.
  6. Add soy sauce and sesame oil before serving.

2) Rice Pudding Delight

A bowl of creamy rice pudding with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top, surrounded by a few scattered grains of uncooked rice

Rice pudding is a comforting treat that transforms leftover rice into a delicious dessert. It’s easy to make and perfect for using up rice from yesterday’s meal.

You just need a few ingredients to start. Combine your cooked rice with milk, sugar, and a dash of vanilla. For extra flavor, consider adding some raisins or a sprinkle of cinnamon.

To cook, heat everything in a pot over medium heat. Stir it until it thickens to your desired creaminess. Serve warm or chilled for a delightful sweet dish.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked rice
  • 2 cups milk
  • ½ cup half-and-half (or cream)
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 pinch cinnamon
  • ¼ – ½ cup raisins (optional)

Cooking Instructions

  1. In a pot, combine cooked rice, milk, half-and-half, and sugar.
  2. Add vanilla and cinnamon. Stir well.
  3. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently until thick.
  4. Add raisins if using. Serve warm or chilled.

3) Crispy Rice Patties

A sizzling skillet holds golden, crispy rice patties, steam rising. A scattered few grains of rice sit nearby

Crispy rice patties are a great way to use leftover rice. They are simple to make and delicious. You can enjoy them as a side dish or a light meal.

To make these patties, start by mixing your leftover rice with a few ingredients like onion and cheese. You can also add in an egg for binding.

After forming the mixture into small patties, pan-fry them until they are golden brown and crispy. You’ll love the crunchy texture and savory flavor.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of leftover rice
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup cheese, shredded
  • 1 egg
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

  1. In a bowl, mix the rice, onion, cheese, and egg.
  2. Season with salt and pepper.
  3. Shape the mixture into small patties.
  4. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
  5. Fry the patties for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.

4) Savory Rice Casserole

A steaming casserole dish filled with savory rice, mixed with vegetables and topped with melted cheese, sitting on a rustic wooden table

A savory rice casserole is a great way to use leftover rice. You can mix it with a variety of ingredients you have on hand. This dish is warm and comforting, perfect for any meal.

You can use cheese, vegetables, and proteins like chicken or ham in your casserole. Topping it with breadcrumbs adds a nice crunch, making it even tastier.

To make it, combine your leftover rice with your chosen ingredients and bake until everything is heated through.

Ingredients

  • 3 cups cooked rice
  • 1 cup diced vegetables (like broccoli or bell peppers)
  • 1 cup cooked chicken or ham, diced
  • 1 cup shredded cheese
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 can cream of mushroom soup
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large bowl, mix the cooked rice, diced vegetables, and protein.
  3. Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and half of the cheese.
  4. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
  5. Top with remaining cheese and breadcrumbs.
  6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until heated through and golden on top.

5) Rice-Stuffed Bell Peppers

A colorful array of bell peppers stuffed with rice, herbs, and vegetables, arranged on a rustic wooden table

Rice-stuffed bell peppers are a tasty way to use leftover rice. You can fill them with a mixture of rice, meat, and veggies for a complete meal.

Start by choosing your favorite bell peppers. Cut the tops off and remove the seeds. Next, mix your leftover rice with ingredients like ground beef or turkey, chopped onions, and tomato sauce.

Fill the peppers with this mixture. Place them in a baking dish and pour some broth or sauce around them. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 30 minutes.

The peppers will be tender, and the flavors will blend nicely.

Ingredients

  • 4 bell peppers
  • 2 cups cooked rice
  • 1 pound ground beef or turkey
  • 1 cup chopped onions
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 1 cup beef or vegetable broth

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds.
  3. In a bowl, mix cooked rice, meat, onions, and tomato sauce.
  4. Stuff the mixture into the peppers.
  5. Place stuffed peppers in a baking dish and add broth.
  6. Bake for 30 minutes, until peppers are tender.

6) Congee Comfort Bowl

A steaming bowl of congee topped with green onions, shredded chicken, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds sits on a wooden table

Congee is a warm and soothing dish made from leftover rice. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for a cozy meal. You can enjoy it plain or add your favorite toppings.

To make congee, start with a good amount of water. Use about four cups of water for every cup of leftover rice. You can adjust the water for your preferred thickness.

Cook the mixture on the stove or in a rice cooker. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep it from sticking.

You can personalize your congee with toppings like green onions, ginger, or soy sauce. For extra flavor, add a drizzle of sesame oil or a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup leftover cooked rice
  • 4 cups water
  • Optional toppings: green onions, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, sesame seeds

Cooking Instructions

  1. Combine leftover rice and water in a pot.
  2. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
  3. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Serve hot with your choice of toppings.

7) Sesame Rice Salad

A colorful bowl of sesame rice salad surrounded by fresh ingredients and condiments

Sesame Rice Salad is a tasty way to use leftover rice. It combines fresh vegetables and a simple dressing made from sesame oil and soy sauce.

Start by mixing your cooked rice with diced cucumber, shredded carrots, and green onions. You can add other veggies like bell peppers for extra crunch.

For the dressing, whisk together sesame oil, soy sauce, and a splash of rice vinegar. Pour it over the rice and veggies, and toss gently to combine.

Top your salad with sesame seeds for a nice finish. Enjoy this dish cold or at room temperature!

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked rice
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1 cup carrots, shredded
  • 1/2 cup green onions, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Cooking Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine cooked rice, cucumber, carrots, and green onions.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together sesame oil, soy sauce, and rice vinegar.
  3. Pour the dressing over the rice mixture and toss to coat.
  4. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top before serving.

8) Mushroom Risotto

A steaming pot of mushroom risotto sits on a rustic wooden table, surrounded by fresh herbs and a scattering of leftover rice grains

Mushroom risotto is a tasty way to use leftover rice. This dish is creamy and comforting, making it a great choice for any meal. You can whip it up in a short time, which is perfect for busy days.

To make mushroom risotto, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. Start by sautéing fresh mushrooms in a bit of butter. This adds a rich flavor to your dish.

Next, mix in the leftover rice. Stir it all together until the rice is thoroughly coated. Adding some broth or water helps to create that creamy texture.

Feel free to sprinkle in some Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs for extra flavor.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups leftover rice
  • 1 cup mushrooms, diced
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • ½ cup vegetable or chicken broth
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Cooking Instructions

  1. Sauté mushrooms in butter over medium heat (350°F or 175°C) until browned.
  2. Add leftover rice, stirring to coat.
  3. Pour in broth and mix well.
  4. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. Cook until heated through.
  6. Top with Parmesan cheese if desired.

9) Chicken Burrito Wraps

A colorful spread of chicken burrito wraps, rice, and various ingredients on a wooden cutting board

These Chicken Burrito Wraps are a great way to use leftover rice. You can fill them with flavors you love.

Start by mixing cooked chicken with your leftover rice, beans, and cheese. You can also add spices or salsa for extra taste.

Next, wrap the mixture in a tortilla. Roll it up tightly and place it seam-side down in a skillet. Cook it until it’s golden brown and crispy.

This meal is quick and satisfying!

10) Breakfast Rice Pancakes

A stack of golden rice pancakes topped with syrup and fresh berries on a rustic wooden table

Breakfast rice pancakes are a fun and easy way to use leftover rice. They are light, fluffy, and perfect for starting your day with a tasty meal.

You can customize them by adding fruits, nuts, or even chocolate chips.

To make these pancakes, you will need leftover cooked rice. This helps give the pancakes a unique texture.

Combine the rice with eggs, milk, and a bit of flour.

These pancakes cook quickly on a hot griddle. Serve them warm with syrup, honey, or your favorite toppings.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup leftover cooked rice
  • 1 beaten egg
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 2/3 cup all-purpose flour

Cooking Instructions

  1. In a bowl, mix the rice, egg, milk, baking powder, and flour.
  2. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
  3. Pour a small amount of the batter onto the pan.
  4. Cook until bubbles form, then flip and cook until golden brown.

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