Rice, the humble grain, has earned its place as a staple in many kitchens due to its adaptability and affordability. With its versatility in being paired with an array of proteins and vegetables, it’s little wonder why it’s a go-to option for both quick lunches and comforting dinners. However, even the most seasoned cooks can find themselves stuck in a rut, craving fresh inspiration to elevate their rice-based meals. To help you break free from culinary monotony, we’ve compiled a list of 37 effortless rice dishes that can be prepared in no time.
37 Easy Meals with Rice
Fried Rice
Transform the humble omelette into a culinary masterpiece by incorporating ingredients from your kitchen. Whether you’re craving a protein-packed punch or a veggie-filled delight, this versatile dish can be tailored to suit your taste buds. Simply add your choice of scrambled eggs as the foundation, and then build upon it with an array of options including meats, vegetables, and any other fridge finds that strike your fancy.
Chicken and Rice Soup
As the rain drums against the windowpane, there’s nothing quite like a warm and comforting bowl of hearty soup to brighten up your mealtime. A combination of rich chicken stock, vibrant vegetables, and tender shredded chicken served over fluffy rice makes for an effortless yet satisfying lunch option that’s sure to hit the spot on a drizzly day.
Spanish Rice
Savoring the flavors of a delicious Mexican-inspired meal just got a whole lot easier with this delectable tomato-infused rice recipe. Whether you’re hosting a casual taco night or looking to elevate a weeknight dinner, this versatile side dish is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
Rice and Beans
For a satisfying and nutritious vegetarian option, consider combining cooked beans with seasoned rice. This humble combination can be elevated into a flavorful and filling meal by adding aromatic spices and herbs. The protein-rich beans provide a boost of energy, while the fiber in the rice supports digestive health.
Risotto
Elevate your dinner game with a creamy and comforting risotto that’s sure to please. The versatility of this Italian dish allows you to add your favorite protein sources like succulent mushrooms, tender chicken, or succulent shrimp, creating a rich tapestry of flavors.
Rice and Roasted Vegetables
Savoring the flavors of summer, this uncomplicated yet delectable recipe is an ideal way to refuel after a day spent basking in the warm sunshine. Simply cook a batch of fluffy rice and combine it with your preferred selection of grilled vegetables – a match made in heaven for a nutritious meal that’s sure to satisfy.
Rice Stuffed Peppers
For a satisfying and easy dinner option, consider halving bell peppers and filling them with a savory mixture of ground beef, cooked rice, and tangy tomato sauce. The combination of textures and flavors in each bite is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
Jambalaya
For a crowd-pleasing dish that’s bursting with flavor, look no further than this iconic Louisiana-inspired recipe. By combining the richness of rice with the savory flavors of sausage, succulent shrimp, and a medley of colorful vegetables, you’ll create a satisfying meal that’s sure to leave everyone feeling full and content.
Arroz con Pollo
A staple of Latin-American cuisine, this iconic dish brings together the harmonious union of chicken, rice, and a medley of flavors, including tangy tomatoes, crunchy peppers, and aromatic spices, all expertly simmered to create a mouthwatering masterpiece.
Bibimbap
Bibimbap, a beloved Korean culinary staple, is a harmonious blend of rice, an array of colorful vegetables, savory meat, and a perfectly cooked fried egg. This iconic dish is more than just a sum of its parts – it’s an explosion of flavors and textures that will leave you craving for more.
Shrimp and Rice Stir-Fry
For a hassle-free weeknight dinner solution, combine succulent shrimp with a medley of colorful vegetables in a rapid-fire stir-fry, served alongside a comforting bed of fluffy rice.
Rice and Tandoori Chicken
Savoring the aromatic flavors of India, one delightful dish stands out – a harmonious union of succulent chicken, imbued with an array of spices, and fluffy rice infused with a medley of seasonings.
Greek Rice Pilaf
This delectable rice dish boasts a harmonious balance of bright citrus flavors from lemon juice, pungency from garlic, and an array of fresh herbs. It’s an excellent accompaniment to grilled meats like chicken or fish, allowing the delicate flavors of these proteins to shine through.
Dirty Rice
In the heart of Creole cuisine lies a beloved staple – dirty rice. This flavorful dish, steeped in tradition, brings together tender ground meat and an array of aromatic spices to create a harmonious union with its grainy counterpart.
Beef and Rice Bowls
For a speedy yet satisfying meal, cook up a bowl of fluffy rice and elevate it with savory ground beef, sweet corn, melted cheese, and a tangy splash of salsa. The combination is a match made in culinary heaven, requiring minimal effort but yielding maximum flavor.
Chicken Teriyaki Rice Bowls
Savory meets aromatic as you grill juicy chicken, smother it with sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, and serve it alongside fluffy jasmine rice – a match made in culinary heaven. The combination of textures and flavors is sure to satisfy your taste buds and leave you craving for more.
Pineapple Fried Rice
Transforming the humble fried rice into a Caribbean-inspired masterpiece, this pineapple version seamlessly blends sweet and savory flavors, crafting an unforgettable culinary experience that will leave you craving more.
Rice and Broccoli Casserole
Combine the tender, slightly steamed broccoli with cooked rice, then stir in the savory flavors of cream of mushroom soup and melted cheddar cheese. The result is a warm, comforting casserole that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Rice and Lentil Salad
Indulge in this robust salad, which boasts an impressive balance of protein-rich lentils, sweet and chewy raisins, and aromatic spices, combining to create a truly satisfying culinary experience.
Chicken and Dumplings
Elevate your classic chicken and dumplings by incorporating a generous serving of cooked rice into the dish, resulting in a satisfying and nourishing meal that will leave you feeling cozy and content.
Indian Pulao
Indian pulao is a culinary delight that brings together the simplicity of cooked rice with the richness of aromatic spices, a variety of colorful vegetables, and occasionally, succulent meat or seafood. The harmonious blend of these ingredients creates a fragrant and flavorful dish that is both nourishing and satisfying.
Sushi Rolls
Indulge in the art of crafting your own delectable sushi rolls, combining cooked Japanese rice with crunchy seaweed sheets and a variety of mouth-watering fillings such as creamy avocado, refreshing cucumber, or savory fish, to create a truly unique culinary experience.
Cajun Red Beans and Rice
In the heart of Louisiana’s culinary culture lies a beloved dish that embodies the state’s rich heritage. The quintessential combination of red beans, spicy sausage, and pungent Cajun seasonings, all served atop a bed of fluffy rice, is a true delight.
Korean Fried Chicken and Rice
Savoring the harmonious fusion of crispy, lightly battered, and deeply fried chicken with a fluffy base of steaming hot rice, one can’t help but be captivated by the unassuming yet tantalizing allure of Korea’s beloved culinary staple.
Thai Pineapple Curry with Rice
Indulge in a harmonious blend of flavors as you savor a rich and aromatic curry, bursting with tender chunks of pineapple, an assortment of colorful vegetables, and your preferred protein selection, all beautifully presented atop a bed of fluffy rice.
Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Rice
Transform your culinary experience by cooking succulent shrimp to perfection. Combine the pungency of garlic with the brightness of lemon juice and the subtle essence of fresh herbs. Serve this flavorful dish atop a bed of fluffy rice, allowing each bite to harmonize in a symphony of zesty delight.
Moroccan Chicken and Rice
Transform your mealtime with the aromatic flavors of Morocco! Combine simmered chicken with an assortment of spices, sweet apricots, and crunchy almonds to create a mouthwatering rice dish that will transport your taste buds to the vibrant souks of Marrakech.
Teriyaki Salmon with Rice
Savor the rich flavors of grilled or pan-seared salmon by finishing it off with a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce. Pair this dish with a comforting side of steamed white or brown rice for a well-rounded meal that’s sure to please.
Mushroom Risotto
Savoring the rich flavors and textures, creamy mushroom risotto embodies the essence of comforting cuisine, offering vegetarians a delightful indulgence.
Hawaiian Loco Moco
Experience the tropical flavors of Hawaii with a culinary twist on a classic comfort food – the loco moco. This unique dish combines savory elements like juicy hamburger patties, crispy fried eggs, and rich gravies, all served atop a bed of fluffy Japanese-style rice.
Sweet and Sour Chicken with Rice
Indulge in a flavorful fusion by combining crispy breaded chicken, sweet bell peppers, and juicy pineapple, all served atop a bed of fluffy rice for a harmonious blend of tangy, saucy, crunchy, and savory notes.
Vegetarian Quinoa Bowl
Transform your typical bowl routine by substituting rice with nutritious quinoa and combining it with an array of roasted vegetables, protein-rich chickpeas, and a creamy tahini dressing. The result is a flavorful and filling meal that’s packed with essential nutrients.
Spaghetti Carbonara with Rice
Incorporating rice into the classic Italian dish adds an exciting new dimension. Swap out traditional pasta for a bed of fluffy rice, then top it off with crispy bacon, a perfectly cooked egg, and a sprinkle of nutty Parmesan cheese for a truly memorable meal.
Turkish Pilaf with Lamb
Indulge in the rich flavors of the Middle East by trying a mouthwatering pilaf dish, featuring tender lamb, fluffy rice, and an array of warm aromatic spices that will transport your taste buds to the region’s bustling souks.
Indian Biryani
The aroma of this savory rice dish is heightened by the harmonious blend of spices, an array of colorful vegetables, and a protein component of your preference – be it succulent meat or succulent shrimp.
Thai Green Curry with Rice
Indulge in the bold flavors of Thailand by crafting a delectable green curry dish that combines the creaminess of coconut milk, the pungency of green curry paste, and your preferred protein with an assortment of vibrant vegetables.
Southwestern Rice and Black Bean Salad
When it comes to creating a delicious and nutritious salad, combining rice with black beans, corn, bell peppers, and a zesty dressing is an excellent way to go. The end result is a refreshing and filling meal that’s perfect for any time of year. Rice is an incredibly versatile ingredient that can be used in a wide range of dishes, from comforting and hearty meals to light and fresh options. Its ability to absorb flavors and textures makes it an ideal base for many recipes. With its affordability and ease of use, rice is a staple in many cuisines around the world.Whether you’re in the mood for something classic and comforting or innovative and adventurous, rice can deliver. So why not give some of these 37 easy meals a try? With such a wide range of options available, you’re bound to find a new favorite recipe that will become a staple in your kitchen.