15 White Rice Recipes to Elevate Your Meals

White rice is a staple in many kitchens around the world. It is versatile and can be used in countless dishes, making it a great choice for any meal. Transform white rice into flavorful meals that suit your taste and preferences. From simple side dishes to hearty main courses, there are endless possibilities when it comes to cooking with this ingredient.

In this article, you will discover a variety of white rice recipes that are easy to prepare and delicious. Whether you’re in the mood for something spicy, creamy, or packed with veggies, there’s a dish here for everyone. Get ready to explore new flavors and elevate your rice game!

1) Garlic Butter Rice

Garlic butter rice is a simple and tasty side dish that pairs well with many meals. It’s easy to make and ready in under 30 minutes.

To start, rinse your white rice until the water runs clear. This helps remove extra starch and makes the rice fluffier.

Next, you’ll need butter, minced garlic, and chicken broth for flavor. Cook the rice in the broth for a delicious upgrade.

You can serve this dish with fresh parsley on top. It adds a nice touch of color and flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups long grain white rice
• 2 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 4 Tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 ½ Tbsp minced garlic
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the rice until the water is clear.
2. In a pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
3. Add the garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
4. Stir in the rice and coat with butter.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and add salt and pepper.
6. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to low.
7. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until rice is tender.
8. Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with parsley.

2) Spanish Rice

Spanish rice is a tasty dish that you can easily make with white rice. It’s flavorful and pairs well with many meals, especially Mexican dishes.

To start, you’ll need some basic ingredients. Onion and garlic add great flavor. Tomato sauce gives it that rich, red color. You can also mix in bell peppers for extra crunch.

Ingredients

• 2 cups white rice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1/2 medium green bell pepper, diced
• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 cup water

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat (350°F or 175°C).
2. Add diced onion and bell pepper; sauté until soft.
3. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Add rice and sauté for a few more minutes.
5. Pour in tomato sauce and water. Stir well.
6. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and cover. Cook for about 20 minutes. Enjoy!

3) Coconut Rice

Coconut rice is a tasty and creamy dish that pairs well with many meals. You can easily make it with just a few ingredients. This rice has a subtle sweetness and a rich flavor from coconut milk.

To prepare coconut rice, start by rinsing your rice. This helps remove excess starch, making the rice fluffy. Then, combine the rinsed rice with coconut milk and water.

You can use equal parts of coconut milk and water for the best taste. Cooking on the stovetop usually takes around 15-20 minutes.

This dish can be served alongside curries, grilled meats, or even as a base for stir-fried dishes.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup white rice (long-grain)
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Cooking Instructions:

1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
2. In a pot, combine rinsed rice, coconut milk, water, and salt.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
4. Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until liquid is absorbed.
5. Fluff rice with a fork and serve.

4) Vegetable Fried Rice

Vegetable fried rice is a quick and delicious way to use leftover white rice. You can customize it with your favorite vegetables and enjoy a tasty meal.

Start with cold, cooked rice for the best texture. Frozen mixed vegetables like peas, carrots, and corn work well. You can also add fresh veggies like broccoli or bell peppers for extra flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked white rice (preferably cold)
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
• 1 cup chopped fresh vegetables (like broccoli or bell peppers)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Green onions for garnish (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat.
2. Add frozen mixed vegetables and fresh veggies; stir-fry for 3-5 minutes.
3. Stir in the cold rice and soy sauce.
4. Cook until heated through, stirring often.
5. Garnish with green onions if desired.

5) Chicken and Rice Casserole

Chicken and rice casserole is a comforting dish that’s perfect for dinner. It’s simple to make and full of flavor. You can use precooked chicken to save time.

Start by mixing together rice, chicken, and your favorite condensed soup. You can also add some vegetables if you like. Pour everything into a baking dish and top it with cheese for extra flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 1 can cream of celery soup
• 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix rice, chicken, and soups together.
3. Add salt and pepper to taste.
4. Pour into a baking dish and top with cheese.
5. Bake for 50 minutes.
6. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

6) Lemon Herb Rice

Lemon Herb Rice is a refreshing and flavorful dish that pairs well with many meals. Using white rice as a base, the addition of lemon and herbs makes it stand out.

Start by rinsing the rice to make it fluffy. Combine lemon zest, lemon juice, and herbs to give it a fresh taste. Cooking this rice will fill your kitchen with a wonderful aroma.

Ingredients

• 1 cup white rice
• 2 cups water (475 ml)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon butter (optional)
• Fresh herbs (like basil or parsley)

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the white rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
2. In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil.
3. Add rice, lemon zest, lemon juice, and salt to the boiling water.
4. Stir, then reduce heat to low and cover.
5. Simmer for about 18 minutes, or until water is absorbed.
6. Turn off heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
7. Fluff rice with a fork before serving.

7) Rice Pilaf with Nuts

Rice pilaf with nuts is a delicious and simple dish. You can use basmati or long-grain white rice for a fluffy texture. It’s perfect as a side with any meal.

To make this dish, start by toasting your favorite nuts. Pine nuts and slivered almonds work well. This adds a nice crunch and flavor to your pilaf.

You’ll cook rice in broth with onions and garlic for tasty results. Adding dried fruit can also enhance the taste and bring some sweetness.

Ingredients

• 2 cups basmati or long-grain rice
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, pistachios, or pine nuts)
• 1/2 cup dried fruit (raisins or cranberries)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat butter in a pan over medium heat (350°F / 175°C).
2. Add onions and garlic, and sauté until soft.
3. Stir in rice and toast for 2 minutes.
4. Pour in broth and bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat and simmer until rice is cooked, about 18 minutes.
6. Fluff the rice and stir in nuts and dried fruit before serving.

8) Mexican Rice

Mexican rice, also known as Arroz Blanco, is a flavorful side dish that pairs well with many meals. It’s made with long-grain white rice, which gives it a fluffy texture.

Key ingredients include garlic, onion, and lime juice, which add depth to the flavor. You can also cook it in chicken broth for extra taste.

This dish is often served with tacos, enchiladas, or grilled meats. It adds a vibrant touch to your meal.

Ingredients

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth or water
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and garlic; sauté until soft.
3. Stir in the rice and cook until lightly toasted.
4. Add chicken broth, lime juice, and salt.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
6. Remove from heat and let it stand for 5 minutes before serving.

9) Shrimp Paella

Shrimp paella is a delightful dish that brings the taste of Spain right to your kitchen. It features shrimp, rice, and a mix of colorful vegetables, all cooked together for a delicious meal.

To start, heat some olive oil in a large skillet. Add chopped onions and bell peppers, sautéing them until they become soft. Then, add your rice and some broth for flavor.

Next, stir in your shrimp and let everything cook until the shrimp turns pink. The dish is usually ready in about 30 minutes.

This vibrant meal is great for weeknights or special occasions.

Ingredients

• 1 lb medium raw shrimp, cleaned and deveined
• 1 cup uncooked white rice
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1 cup chopped red bell pepper
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat (about 350°F / 180°C).
2. Add chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet, and sauté for 7-10 minutes.
3. Stir in garlic and rice, and cook for 2 minutes.
4. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
5. Add shrimp, cover, and cook until shrimp is pink.
6. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

10) Mushroom Risotto

Mushroom risotto is a creamy and flavorful dish that highlights white rice. You can use Arborio rice, which is perfect for achieving that smooth texture. The combination of fresh mushrooms and broth creates a delicious base.

Start by sautéing onions and garlic in olive oil. Then, add your rice and let it toast slightly.

Gradually pour in warm broth while stirring, allowing the rice to absorb the liquid slowly.

For extra creaminess, stir in some cheese at the end. You’ll find that this risotto pairs nicely with a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Enjoy your homemade mushroom risotto as a cozy meal!

Ingredients

• 1 cup Arborio rice
• 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Sauté onion and garlic until soft.
3. Add mushrooms and cook until tender.
4. Stir in Arborio rice and let it toast for a minute.
5. Gradually add warm broth, one cup at a time, stirring often.
6. Once the rice is al dente, stir in Parmesan cheese.
7. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

11) Curried Rice

Curried rice is a flavorful dish that can add excitement to your meals. It pairs well with many main dishes and is easy to make. You can enjoy it as a side or even as a main dish.

Start by cooking your rice, then add your favorite curry powder. You can include vegetables like peas and carrots to enhance the taste and nutrition. A sprinkle of nuts can add a nice crunch.

Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. The beauty of curried rice is that it allows for creativity while keeping it simple.

Ingredients

• 2 cups uncooked white rice
• 3 cups water
• 3 tablespoons curry powder
• 1 cup peas (optional)
• 1 cup diced carrots (optional)
• 2 tablespoons butter (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the rice under cold water.
2. In a pot, combine rice, water, and curry powder.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce to low heat and cover.
4. Cook for 15-20 minutes until water is absorbed.
5. Stir in peas and carrots, if using.
6. Allow to steam for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.

12) Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

Beef and broccoli stir fry is a tasty and quick dish that’s perfect for any night. Tender beef and fresh broccoli come together with a flavorful sauce.

You’ll want to use flank steak for the beef, as it cooks quickly and stays juicy. A mix of soy sauce, garlic, and oyster sauce adds a nice touch of sweetness.

Serve this stir fry over warm white rice for a complete meal. You can also add some cooked Asian noodles if you prefer.

Ingredients

• 1 pound flank steak, sliced thin
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 cups cooked white rice

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the sliced beef and cook until browned, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Remove the beef and set it aside.
4. Stir-fry broccoli in the same pan for about 3-4 minutes until tender.
5. Return beef to the skillet, add sauces, and stir to combine.
6. Serve hot over white rice.

13) Cilantro Lime Rice

Cilantro lime rice is a flavorful side dish that pairs well with many meals. It is bright, zesty, and easy to make. You can enjoy it with grilled chicken, fish, or in burrito bowls.

To make this dish, start with cooked white rice. Adding fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro gives it a refreshing taste.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked white rice
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. Start with your cooked white rice in a large bowl.
2. Add the lime juice and mix well.
3. Stir in the chopped cilantro.
4. Season with salt to taste.
5. Serve warm as a side dish and enjoy!

14) Hawaiian Rice

Hawaiian rice is a sweet and delicious side dish. It combines the soft texture of rice with tropical flavors. This dish is perfect for barbecues and family gatherings.

To make Hawaiian rice, you need just a few simple ingredients. You can include crushed pineapple, butter, and uncooked white rice. This dish is not only tasty but also easy to prepare.

Ingredients

• 1 cup uncooked white rice
• 1 can (8 oz) crushed pineapple with juice
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Water

Cooking Instructions

1. In a saucepan, combine the uncooked rice and the juice from the crushed pineapple.
2. Add enough water to cover the rice, following package instructions.
3. Stir in the crushed pineapple and butter.
4. Cook on medium heat until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed (about 15-20 minutes).
5. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.

15) Teriyaki Chicken and Rice Bowl

The Teriyaki Chicken and Rice Bowl is a quick and delicious meal. It features tender chicken cooked in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce. Add rice and some colorful veggies, and you have a tasty dish ready in no time.

You can make this meal in about 30 minutes. Simply pan-fry the chicken, mix the sauce, and serve it over fluffy rice. It’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless chicken thighs or breasts
• 1 cup rice (white or brown)
• 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
• 1 cup steamed broccoli
• 1/4 cup sliced green onions
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the rice according to package instructions.

2. Heat a pan over medium heat and add the chicken. Cook until browned.

3. Pour in the teriyaki sauce and stir until the chicken is well coated.

4. Serve the chicken over the rice and top with steamed broccoli, green onions, and sesame seeds.