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We mean no disrespect to steamed white rice, which functions perfectly as a base for our favorite curries and stir-fries at any time of year. Given a variety of ingredient partners and cooking preparations, however, rice has the potential to be much, much more than just a supporting role or side dish.
Rice can do so many things. For starters, it can take on the flavor of whatever liquid it is cooked in or be the basis for a rich and creamy casserole, a robust stuffing for meat or veggies, a savory porridge, and can even be turned into crunchy croutons. Quick cooking, filling, and inexpensive rice is truly a pantry hero, but it deserves more than just the side dish treatment. To move it into a starring role, we’ve rounded up ten of our favorite recipes to show all that rice can do.
Shrimp with Tomatillos and Rice
Rice is easy and versatile to begin with, but we love it even more when it comes together quickly for a zesty, one-pot dinner. Tomatillos are a citrusy, less sweet tomato and when cooked with onion, garlic, and chicken broth, they make an excellent companion for long-grain rice, which soaks up all the bright and savory flavors. Toss in some shrimp toward the end of the cooking time, and top with cilantro and hot sauce for a super easy, colorful, and satisfying dinner.
Cheesy Zucchini and Rice Casserole
Why should pasta get all the fun when it comes to cheesy casserole bakes? You won’t believe the flavor and texture rice can achieve in a simple dish that comes together with only five total ingredients. Rice cooks in the oven just as well as on the stovetop, and when you add Parmesan and zucchini, you get a healthy, hearty, and kid-friendly meal with only one dish to wash.
Crispy Rice and Pork Salad
Precooked jasmine rice is the key to this wonderfully crunchy Asian-inspired salad. A layer of rice is sauteed in oil, then flipped in one piece to create a crispy rice cake that can be cooled and broken into croutons, perfect for adding both texture and flavor to anything it meets. Here, the rice croutons garnish a robust cabbage slaw, studded with a generous amount of ground pork cooked with ginger and garlic. A zingy dressing made from lime, honey, and fish sauce completes the vibe of this knockout salad.
Beef and Rice Stuffed Tomatoes
Rice can also easily do what bread can do, becoming the primary ingredient in a savory stuffing. Peppers are typically a candidate for a baked stuffed veggie, but here, hollowed-out tomatoes get to be the star. Precooked brown rice contributes a hearty, nutty flavor, meeting ground beef, tomato, and Parmesan for a rich and hearty filling. Cumin and allspice lend a Middle Eastern flavor to this rice-based dinner that’s a definite showstopper.
Lentils and Rice with Caramelized Onions
Just like rice and beans — a notable star vehicle for the humble grain — rice and lentils can also combine to become a delicious meatless dinner that will barely make a dent in your budget. Inspired by the Middle Eastern dish Mujaddara, aromatic basmati rice and green lentils are combined with lots of sweet and savory caramelized onions, cumin, allspice, and garlic. Garnished with parsley and green onions for an extra bit of flair, this recipe is one you’ll be asked to share on a regular basis.
One Pot Shrimp and Coconut Rice
Rice can really shine when it’s cooked in something rich and aromatic like coconut milk. This one-pot dish is studded with peas for texture and color, shrimp for protein, and sweet chili sauce for just a touch of spice. This is the perfect recipe for adding excitement to a weeknight dinner or weekend dinner party. Garnish with green onion, any fresh herbs on hand, or a squeeze of fresh lime for an even more dazzling finishing touch.
Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Porridge
This affordable chicken dinner is inspired by the Chinese recipe congee or jūk, a super comforting dish that is good any time of day. Using the Instant Pot as well as rotisserie chicken makes this almost effortless and produces a silky chicken and rice porridge, spiked with soy sauce, ginger and green onions.
Chicken and Rice Soup
Yes, you can totally make a homemade, Greek-style chicken soup from scratch in about as much time as it takes rice to cook. Beginning with a base of sauteed leeks for a flavor that’s both bright and savory, short grain rice and chicken thighs are added and cook directly in chicken broth. The cooked chicken is shredded and added back to the broth along with spinach, dill, and a squeeze of lemon for a soup that is both feel-good and fantastic. Go ahead and freeze a batch for when you or someone you love is sick in bed with flu.
Taco Rice Bowl
It’s almost as easy to make your favorite takeout rice bowl at home as it is to order it. Here, ground beef and taco seasoning are cooked with long grain rice to enrich and season the rice from the inside — you won’t get that kind of depth of flavor with fast food. Better yet, the beef and rice mixture is served over a kale and spring mix salad, making for an altogether healthier choice. Let your family customize their individual bowls with a variety of toppings like cheese, sliced radishes, cilantro, avocado, tomatoes, and sour cream or plan Greek yogurt.
Cabbage Roll Skillet
Rice is a key ingredient in the stuffing for Eastern European style cabbage rolls, which are usually more labor intensive than is possible for a one-skillet meal. Not here, though. There’s no fussy rolling of the filling in individual cabbage wrappers, instead, everything is cooked together, including the cabbage. Paprika, cinnamon, dill, and parsley all contribute to a familiar and flavorful meal that’s ready in under an hour.
