10+ Rice Recipes for Dinner You’ll Love

Rice is a versatile ingredient that can be the star of your dinner table. With countless rice recipes available, you can easily create a delicious and satisfying meal.

From hearty casseroles to flavorful stir-fries, there is something for everyone.

In this article, you will find a variety of rice dishes that suit different tastes and occasions. Whether you are cooking for a busy weeknight or planning a special dinner, these recipes will inspire you.

Get ready to explore the endless possibilities that rice can bring to your dining experience!

1) Garlic Cilantro Lime Rice

Garlic Cilantro Lime Rice is a flavorful side dish that pairs well with many meals. The combination of garlic, lime, and cilantro creates a refreshing taste.

To make this dish, heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and onions, and cook them until they become fragrant and slightly golden, about 3 to 4 minutes.

Stir in cooked rice and a pinch of salt. Mix well to combine the flavors.

Add lime juice and chopped cilantro. Stir thoroughly, and your rice is ready to serve!

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked rice
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 onion, finely chopped
• Salt to taste
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and onions; cook for 3-4 minutes.
3. Stir in the cooked rice and salt.
4. Add lime juice and cilantro; mix well.
5. Serve warm.

2) Iranian Yellow Rice with Saffron

Iranian Yellow Rice with Saffron is a fragrant and delicious side dish. It adds a beautiful golden color to your dinner plate.

This rice is fluffy, flavorful, and easy to make. You will need basmati rice, saffron, and a few basic spices.

The saffron gives the rice its unique taste and bright color. Serve it with grilled meats or vegetables for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads
• 2 cups water
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the basmati rice in cold water until the water runs clear.
2. Soak the saffron in 2 tablespoons of hot water for about 10 minutes.
3. In a pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the soaked saffron, butter, and salt.
4. Add the rinsed rice to the boiling water. Lower the heat and cover.
5. Cook on low heat for 15-20 minutes, until the rice is fluffy.

3) Curried Chicken and Rice Soup

Curried Chicken and Rice Soup is a warm and comforting dish. It combines tender chicken, rice, and flavorful spices.

Start by sautéing your veggies in a pot. Carrots, onions, and celery work great.

Add your chicken, broth, and curry powder to bring everything together. Let it simmer until the chicken is cooked through.

Stir in the rice and let it cook until tender. You’ll have a delicious bowl of soup in no time.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 cup carrots, chopped
• 1 cup celery, chopped
• 1 cup onion, chopped
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• 1 cup rice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Sauté carrots, celery, and onion in a pot over medium heat.
2. Add chicken thighs, broth, and curry powder.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer.
4. Stir in rice and cook until tender.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4) Easy Fried Rice with Vegetables

Easy fried rice with vegetables is a quick and tasty meal. You can have it ready in just about 15 minutes.

It’s a great way to use leftover rice and whatever veggies you have on hand. Start by heating your pan.

Use a little oil and stir-fry garlic, onions, and your favorite vegetables like peas and carrots. Once they are cooked, add in the rice.

Mix everything together and add some soy sauce for flavor. Stir it well so that the rice gets nice and coated.

Cook until everything is heated through, and enjoy your meal!

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, etc.)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat the oil in a large frying pan over medium heat (about 350°F/175°C).
2. Add garlic and onion; stir-fry for 2 minutes.
3. Add mixed vegetables and cook for another 3 minutes.
4. Stir in the rice and soy sauce; mix well.
5. Cook for 5 more minutes, stirring occasionally.

5) Buttery Seasoned Rice

Buttery seasoned rice is a delicious and simple dish you can prepare for dinner. It pairs well with many main courses.

To make this dish, you’ll need just a few ingredients. The buttery flavor combined with the seasonings creates a comforting taste.

Ingredients

• 2 cups long grain white rice
• 3 1/4 cups water
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 teaspoons chicken powder
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
2. In a pot, combine the rice, water, butter, chicken powder, and salt.
3. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
4. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.
5. Cook for 18 minutes, then remove from heat.
6. Let it sit for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.

6) Sweet and Sour Sauce over Steamed Rice

Sweet and sour sauce is a tasty addition to your dinner. It pairs perfectly with steamed rice, adding a burst of flavor.

To make it, start with cooked steamed rice. Pour the sweet and sour sauce over the rice.

This sauce is usually a mix of sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, and ketchup. You can add vegetables like bell peppers or pineapple chunks for extra texture and taste.

They complement the sauce and give the dish a fresh feel. Serve this meal with proteins like chicken or tofu.

Ingredients

• 2 cups steamed rice
• 1 cup sweet and sour sauce
• 1/2 cup bell peppers, chopped
• 1/2 cup pineapple chunks

Cooking Instructions

1. Steam the rice according to package instructions.
2. In a bowl, mix sweet and sour sauce with chopped bell peppers and pineapple.
3. Serve the sauce over the steamed rice.

7) Stuffed Pepper Soup with Rice

Stuffed pepper soup with rice is a comforting and hearty meal. It combines the flavors of stuffed peppers in a warm soup.

You will need ground beef, bell peppers, and tomatoes as the main ingredients. The addition of rice helps make it filling and satisfying.

Season it with your favorite herbs for extra flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup chopped bell peppers
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onions and garlic; cook until softened.
3. Stir in diced bell peppers and tomatoes.
4. Pour in beef broth and bring to a boil.
5. Add cooked rice; simmer for 15 minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

8) Southwest Rice with Beans

Southwest Rice with Beans is a tasty and colorful dish perfect for dinner. It combines rice, beans, and a mix of spices to create a flavorful meal.

You can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables. Start by cooking long grain rice.

Use olive oil in a skillet to sauté onions, garlic, and bell peppers. Add cooked beans, diced tomatoes, and spices to give it that Southwest kick.

This dish works well as a side or a main course. Serve it with a sprinkle of cilantro for a fresh touch.

You can even add avocado for creaminess.

Ingredients

• 2 cups long grain rice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 medium green pepper, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can diced tomatoes (with green chilies if desired)
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook rice according to package instructions.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
3. Sauté onion, garlic, and green pepper until soft.
4. Stir in black beans, tomatoes, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
5. Add cooked rice and mix well.
6. Heat through, then serve warm.

9) Lemon Chicken and Rice

Lemon chicken and rice is a delightful dish that brings zesty flavors to your dinner table. The tender chicken cooks with fragrant rice, creating a comforting meal in one pot.

You can use fresh lemon juice to add brightness. Combined with herbs like oregano and garlic, this recipe is simple yet full of flavor.

It takes about 30 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• 2 chicken breasts, diced
• 1 cup rice (white or brown)
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 lemon, juiced and zested
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add diced chicken and cook until browned.
3. Stir in garlic, oregano, and rice.
4. Pour in chicken broth, lemon juice, and zest.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
6. Cover and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until rice is cooked and liquid is absorbed.
7. Fluff with a fork and adjust seasoning before serving.

10) Texas-Style Spanish Rice

Texas-Style Spanish Rice is a tasty side dish that goes well with many meals. Its flavors of tomatoes and spices make it a family favorite.

You’ll enjoy its bright color and savory taste. To start, gather your ingredients.

You need long grain rice, onion, green pepper, tomatoes, and spices like cumin and garlic. These ingredients create a perfect blend of flavors.

In a pot, heat canola oil. Sauté the onion and green pepper.

Add the rice and toast it for a minute. Next, add the tomatoes and spices.

Stir everything together. Let the mixture simmer until the rice is cooked.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 1/4 cup chopped green pepper
• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 1 cup uncooked long grain rice
• 1/2 cup tomatoes (diced)
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pot over medium heat.

2. Sauté onion and green pepper until soft.

3. Add rice and cook for 2-4 minutes. Stir until the rice browns.

4. Add tomatoes, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.

5. Pour in water as directed on the rice package.

6. Cover the pot. Simmer until the rice cooks through.

7. Fluff the rice and serve hot.