10+ Rice Recipes to Satisfy Your Taste Buds
Rice is a versatile ingredient that can be prepared in many delicious ways. Whether you’re looking for a side dish, a hearty meal, or even a dessert, there are countless rice recipes to explore. You can easily create tasty and satisfying dishes using simple, accessible ingredients.
From fried rice bursting with flavors to creamy rice puddings, the possibilities are endless.
Rice can be paired with various proteins and vegetables to suit your taste, making it a wonderful addition to any meal. With just a few basic recipes, you can impress your family and friends with your cooking skills.
1) Buttery Seasoned Rice
Buttery seasoned rice is a simple and tasty side dish. It’s perfect for any meal and adds delicious flavor to your plate.
To make this rice, you start with white rice and add butter for a rich taste. You can also include onions and seasonings to enhance the flavors.
This dish pairs well with many proteins and vegetables, making it versatile. It can be made quickly, which is great for busy days.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups long grain white rice
- 1/3 cup butter
- ½ medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 cups chicken stock or vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- In a pot, melt the butter over medium heat (350°F or 175°C).
- Add the diced onion and sauté until soft.
- Add the rice and stir for a couple of minutes.
- Pour in the chicken stock or vegetable broth.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover.
- Cook for 15-20 minutes until rice is tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
2) Mujadarra with Crispy Onions
Mujadarra is a tasty and simple dish made with rice, lentils, and crispy onions. It is a popular meal in Middle Eastern cooking. This recipe is both filling and healthy, making it a great choice for lunch or dinner.
You will love the combination of flavors. The earthy lentils pair well with fluffy rice, and the crispy onions add a delicious crunch. It’s easy to make and requires just a few ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 cup lentils
- 1 cup rice
- 2 large onions
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cups water
- Salt to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Rinse the lentils and rice separately.
- In a pot, cook lentils with 2 cups of water until tender (about 20 minutes).
- In another pot, heat olive oil and fry sliced onions until golden brown.
- Remove half of the onions for topping.
- Add rice and 2 more cups of water to lentils. Season with salt.
- Simmer until the rice is fully cooked (about 15-20 minutes).
- Serve the mujadra topped with the crispy onions.
3) Tex-Mex Rice Casserole
Tex-Mex Rice Casserole is a delicious and easy meal to prepare. It combines rice, beans, and spices for a flavorful dish. You can customize it with your favorite ingredients.
To start, you’ll mix cooked rice with salsa and beans. Adding green chilies gives it a nice kick. You can also include corn for sweetness and texture.
For protein, consider using ground beef or chicken. If you prefer a vegetarian option, try black beans or lentils. Top it off with cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
Ingredients Needed
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 1/2 cups salsa
- 4 oz. green chilies
- 1/2 can corn, drained
- 1/2 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup protein (beef, chicken, or beans)
- 1 cup shredded cheese
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix the cooked rice, salsa, green chilies, corn, and beans.
- Add your choice of protein and mix well.
- Pour the mixture into a baking dish.
- Top with shredded cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until heated through and cheese is bubbly.
4) Classic Fried Rice
Classic fried rice is a quick and tasty dish you can enjoy any time. It’s perfect for using leftover rice and can be customized with your favorite ingredients.
To start, gather your favorite vegetables and proteins. Common choices include carrots, peas, and shrimp or chicken. These add flavor and nutrition.
You’ll want a hot pan for frying. A wok works best, but a large skillet will do. Add oil, then your ingredients, and stir them around until everything is cooked through. Finish by adding soy sauce for that classic flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (like peas and carrots)
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 green onion, chopped
- Optional: cooked chicken or shrimp
Cooking Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat (about 375°F or 190°C).
- Add the mixed vegetables and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.
- Push veggies to the side and scramble the eggs in the center.
- Add the rice and soy sauce, mixing everything together.
- Stir in green onion and any cooked proteins.
- Cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through, then serve.
5) Spanish Rice Pilaf
Spanish rice pilaf is a tasty and easy dish to make. It is perfect as a side for tacos, burritos, or your favorite protein. You will love its rich flavors from the spices and broth.
To start, sauté some chopped onion and garlic in oil. Then, add your rice and toast it for a few minutes. This gives it a nice, nutty flavor.
Next, mix in chicken or vegetable broth, tomato sauce, and a few spices like cumin and paprika. Bring it to a boil, then cover and let it simmer until the rice is tender.
This pilaf is not only delicious but also quick to prepare. Enjoy your flavorful dish with friends and family!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 ½ cups uncooked white rice
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Cooking Instructions
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until soft.
- Stir in uncooked rice and toast for about 3 minutes.
- Pour in broth and tomato sauce.
- Add cumin and paprika, then bring to a boil.
- Cover and reduce heat. Simmer for 18-20 minutes until rice is cooked.
6) Garlic Butter Rice
Garlic Butter Rice is a delicious and easy side dish. It goes well with almost any meal. The buttery flavor combined with garlic makes it a favorite for many.
To make this dish, start with basic long grain white rice. Use fresh garlic for the best taste. The addition of chicken broth elevates the flavor even more.
This recipe can be ready in under 30 minutes. It’s perfect for busy nights when you need a quick and tasty side.
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups long grain white rice
- 3 cups chicken broth (or water)
- Salt to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Melt the butter in a pot over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Stir in the rice and mix well.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
7) Turmeric Rice with Bell Peppers
Turmeric rice with bell peppers is a colorful and delicious dish. The bright yellow rice pairs well with the sweet crunch of the peppers. This recipe is simple and perfect for a quick meal.
You will need cooked rice, turmeric, bell peppers, onion, and a little oil. Start by heating oil in a pan. Then, sauté onion and bell peppers until soft.
Next, add the cooked rice along with the turmeric. Stir well to mix the flavors. Cook for a few minutes until heated through.
Serve warm as a side dish or add protein for a full meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 tablespoon turmeric
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons oil
Cooking Instructions
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F/175°C).
- Sauté onion and bell pepper until soft.
- Add cooked rice and turmeric.
- Stir well and heat through for about 5 minutes.
- Serve warm.
8) Nigerian Party Jollof Rice
Nigerian Party Jollof Rice is a vibrant dish that brings flavor and joy to celebrations. It features rice cooked in a rich tomato and pepper sauce, creating a delightful taste. The dish is known for its smoky flavor and crispy bottom layer.
To make this dish, you’ll need parboiled rice and a mix of spices. The combination of fresh ingredients is what makes it special. It’s often enjoyed at parties, family gatherings, and weddings.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups parboiled rice
- 2 cups meat stock
- 1 red or purple onion, chopped
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 Maggi cubes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 cup blended tomatoes and peppers
Cooking Instructions
- Heat vegetable oil in a pot over medium heat.
- Sauté onions until golden brown.
- Add the blended tomatoes and peppers; cook for 10 minutes.
- Stir in tomato paste, Maggi cubes, salt, and thyme.
- Add meat stock and bring to a boil.
- Add rice, cover, and reduce heat to low.
- Cook for 30-40 minutes until rice is tender and the bottom is crispy.
9) Cheesy Broccoli Rice
Cheesy broccoli rice is a tasty and simple dish that makes a great side. It pairs well with many main meals, adding flavor and nutrition. You can make it quickly, so it’s perfect for busy nights.
To start off, you’ll need cooked rice and fresh or frozen broccoli. The cheese adds a creamy texture that kids and adults both love. You can customize the cheese type to your liking.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 cup steamed broccoli (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- ½ cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix the cooked rice, steamed broccoli, and milk.
- Stir in the cheese, salt, and pepper.
- Transfer to a baking dish and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly.
10) Cilantro Lime Rice
Cilantro lime rice is a flavorful side dish that pairs well with many meals. It’s fresh and zesty, making it perfect for taco nights or burrito bowls.
To make this dish, you’ll need rice, lime juice, cilantro, and a few simple seasonings. The lime adds brightness, while the cilantro gives a nice herbal note.
This recipe is easy and quick, taking around 30 minutes to prepare. You’ll enjoy the delicious taste and the lovely aroma it brings to your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain rice or basmati rice
- 1/2 lime, juiced
- 2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons fresh chopped cilantro
Cooking Instructions
- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
- In a pot, combine the rice, water, and salt. Then, bring it to a boil.
- Cover, reduce the heat, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes.
- Once it’s cooked, fluff the rice with a fork. Then, stir in the lime juice and cilantro.