10+ Medium Grain Rice Recipes for Delicious and Easy Meals

Medium grain rice is a versatile ingredient that can enhance a variety of dishes. This type of rice is known for its moist and tender texture, making it perfect for both savory and sweet recipes. Whether you’re preparing a comforting risotto or a delicious rice pudding, medium grain rice offers many options to suit your taste.

In this article, you’ll discover creative and tasty recipes that feature medium grain rice. You will find ideas for meals that are simple enough for everyday cooking, as well as recipes that are special enough for gatherings. Get ready to explore the rich flavors and textures that medium grain rice can bring to your table.

Spanish Paella

Spanish Paella is a flavorful dish that showcases the unique taste of medium grain rice. It is known for its vibrant colors and delicious mix of ingredients. You can use a variety of meats, seafood, and vegetables in this dish.

For a classic Paella, medium grain rice is key. It absorbs the broth well and helps create the treasured crispy layer at the bottom, known as the “socarrat.” Using saffron adds a beautiful color and distinct flavor.

You can customize your Paella based on your preferences. Popular ingredients include chicken, shrimp, and mussels. Don’t forget to serve it with lemon wedges for a burst of freshness.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups medium grain rice
• 3 cups chicken or seafood stock
• 1 cup diced chicken
• 1 cup shrimp
• 1 cup mussels
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon saffron
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon wedges for serving

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat (350°F or 175°C).
2. Sauté onion, garlic, and bell pepper until soft.
3. Add chicken and cook until browned.
4. Stir in rice and saffron, mixing well.
5. Pour in stock and bring to a boil.
6. Add shrimp and mussels. Reduce heat and simmer until rice is cooked.
7. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving with lemon wedges.

2) Risotto with Mushrooms

Risotto with mushrooms is a delicious and creamy dish that you can easily make at home. It uses medium grain Arborio rice, which is perfect for creating that rich texture.

You will start by sautéing onions and garlic in olive oil. Then, add sliced mushrooms for extra flavor. Once the mushrooms are cooked, stir in the rice and toast it for a couple of minutes.

Next, pour in some white wine and let it simmer until absorbed. Gradually add warm chicken or vegetable stock, stirring frequently. This process helps release the starches, making your risotto creamy.

Finish your dish with parmesan cheese and parsley for added flavor. Enjoy this comforting meal!

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups Arborio rice
• 7 cups chicken or vegetable stock
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 1 ½ cups sliced mushrooms
• ½ cup onions, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup white wine
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
2. Add onions and garlic; sauté until soft.
3. Stir in mushrooms and cook until tender.
4. Add Arborio rice and toast for 2 minutes.
5. Pour in wine; simmer until absorbed.
6. Gradually add warm stock, stirring until absorbed.
7. Stir in parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Serve hot.

3) Chicken and Rice Soup

Chicken and rice soup is a warm, comforting dish that’s easy to make. You can use medium grain rice for a fluffy texture that absorbs the flavors well. This soup is great any time of the year.

Start by cooking chicken in a pot with some olive oil. Add chopped vegetables like carrots and celery. Next, stir in your rice and chicken broth. This will create a hearty base for your soup.

Season with herbs like thyme or parsley for extra flavor. Let everything simmer until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked. Serve it hot and enjoy!

Ingredients

• 1 cup medium grain rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1 celery stalk, diced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Herbs (thyme, parsley)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Add diced carrots and celery; sauté until soft.
3. Stir in shredded chicken and rice.
4. Add chicken broth and bring to a boil.
5. Lower heat, cover, and simmer until rice is tender, about 15 minutes.

4) Sushi Rolls

Sushi rolls are a fun and tasty way to enjoy medium grain rice. You can fill them with various ingredients to match your taste. Common fillings include fresh vegetables and seafood.

To start, prepare your sushi rice. Rinse the rice until the water runs clear, then cook it in a rice cooker or a pot. Once it’s fluffy, mix in rice vinegar, sugar, and salt to give it flavor.

Next, lay out a sheet of nori (seaweed) on a bamboo mat. Spread a thin layer of sushi rice over the nori, leaving a small border at the top.

Place your choice of fillings in a line across the center. Then, using the mat, roll the sushi tightly. Slice it into pieces with a sharp knife, and enjoy your delicious sushi rolls!

Ingredients:

• Medium grain sushi rice
• Nori sheets
• Rice vinegar
• Sugar
• Salt
• Fillings (like avocado, cucumber, or shrimp)

Cooking Instructions:

1. Rinse medium grain rice until water is clear.
2. Cook the rice in a rice cooker or pot.
3. Mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt into the cooked rice.
4. Lay nori on a bamboo mat and spread rice on top.
5. Add your desired fillings.
6. Roll sushi tightly and slice into pieces.

5) Stuffed Peppers with Rice

Stuffed peppers with rice are a tasty and colorful dish that’s easy to make. Using medium grain rice adds a nice texture. You can fill the peppers with a mix of vegetables and spices for great flavor.

Begin by prepping your peppers. Cut the tops off and remove the seeds. You can keep the tops to chop and add to the filling.

For the filling, cook your rice according to package instructions. Mix in chopped onions, garlic, and tomatoes. Season with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices.

Stuff the mixture into the peppers and place them upright in a baking dish. You can add cheese on top for a delightful finish. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes.

Enjoy these stuffed peppers as a main dish or a fun side!

Ingredients

• 4 medium bell peppers
• 1 cup cooked medium grain rice
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can chopped tomatoes (14 oz)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: cheese for topping

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare peppers by cutting tops and removing seeds.
3. Cook rice according to package instructions.
4. In a bowl, combine cooked rice, onion, garlic, tomatoes, salt, and pepper.
5. Stuff the mix into the peppers.
6. Place stuffed peppers in a baking dish.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes.
8. Add cheese if desired and serve warm.

6) Fried Rice with Vegetables

Fried rice with vegetables is a quick and tasty dish you can make at home. It’s great for using up leftover rice and veggies. Medium grain rice works well because it has a nice, fluffy texture.

Start by choosing your favorite vegetables. Common choices include peas, carrots, and bell peppers. You can mix fresh or frozen options based on what you have.

To make this dish, heat a skillet with some oil over medium-high heat (about 350°F / 175°C). Add the vegetables and stir-fry them for about 3-4 minutes. Then add the rice and some soy sauce for flavor.

Scramble in a couple of eggs for extra protein and richness. Stir everything together and let it cook for a few more minutes until heated through.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked medium grain rice
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, bell peppers)
• 2 eggs
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat (350°F / 175°C).
2. Add mixed vegetables and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the cooked rice and soy sauce, stirring well.
4. Push rice to the side, scramble eggs, and mix in.
5. Cook until everything is heated through.

8) Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Stuffed cabbage rolls are a delicious way to enjoy medium grain rice. The rice, combined with ground meat and spices, is wrapped in tender cabbage leaves. This dish is filling and perfect for family dinners.

To make these rolls, start by cooking the rice. Then, mix it with ground beef or turkey, onions, and spices. Each mixture is rolled in cabbage leaves.

You can bake the rolls in a tomato sauce for added flavor. Cook them at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 minutes. This makes the meat tender and the cabbage soft.

These rolls are not just tasty; they’re also colorful and fun to serve. You might even consider garnishing them with fresh herbs for a nice touch.

Ingredients

• 1 cup medium grain rice
• 1 lb ground beef or turkey
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large head of cabbage
• 1 can tomato sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the rice according to package instructions.
3. In a pan, sauté the onion in olive oil until soft.
4. Mix cooked rice, meat, onions, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
5. Separate cabbage leaves and place 2-3 tablespoons of filling in each leaf. Roll them up.
6. Place rolls in a baking dish, cover with tomato sauce, and bake for 45 minutes.

9) Rice Pilaf

Rice pilaf is a simple and delicious dish that can be made with medium-grain rice, like Calrose. This rice cooks up nicely and has a slightly sticky texture, making it great for pilaf.

To make rice pilaf, start by browning some orzo in butter. Then, add chopped onions and sauté them until they’re soft. You can include garlic for extra flavor, too.

Once your base is ready, add your medium-grain rice and broth. Cover it and let it simmer until the rice is fluffy and cooked through.

Rice pilaf pairs well with various spices, herbs, and vegetables, so feel free to get creative!

Ingredients

• 1 cup medium-grain rice (like Calrose)
• 1/4 cup orzo
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat (350°F/175°C).
2. Brown orzo for 3-4 minutes.
3. Add chopped onion and sauté for 5 minutes.
4. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
5. Add rice and broth, season with salt and pepper.
6. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, until rice is tender.

10) Arancini (Rice Balls)

Arancini are delicious Italian rice balls that make a great snack or appetizer. They’re typically made with medium grain rice, which gives them a wonderful texture.

To prepare arancini, you’ll need cooked rice mixed with ingredients like cheese, meat, or vegetables. Then you roll the mixture into balls, coat them in breadcrumbs, and fry until golden brown. This creates a crispy outer layer while the inside remains soft and flavorful.

You can also bake them for a healthier option. Just place the arancini on a baking sheet and cook in the oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 25 minutes.

These rice balls are fun to eat and great for sharing. They can be served with marinara sauce for dipping, adding even more flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked medium grain rice
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, diced
• 1/2 cup cooked ground meat (optional)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 eggs, beaten

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix cooked rice, mozzarella, meat, and Parmesan in a bowl.

2. Form the mixture into balls.

3. Dip each ball in beaten eggs, then roll in breadcrumbs.

4. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.

5. Fry the arancini until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes.

6. Drain on paper towels and serve with marinara sauce.