10+ Medium Grain Rice Recipes to Delight Your Taste Buds

Medium grain rice is a versatile ingredient that can elevate many meals. A unique texture makes this type of rice a perfect base for a variety of delicious dishes. Whether you’re preparing a comforting side dish or a flavorful main course, medium grain rice brings a wonderful creaminess that complements different flavors.

In this article, you’ll discover a range of recipes that highlight the delicious potential of medium grain rice. From simple meals to more elaborate creations, you can find something to satisfy your cravings and impress your family and friends. Get ready to explore the world of medium grain rice and the delightful dishes you can create with it!

1) Classic Egyptian Rice with Vermicelli

Classic Egyptian Rice with Vermicelli is a delicious and easy dish to make. It pairs well with many meals. The blend of rice and toasted vermicelli creates a fluffy texture.

To start, you will need medium grain rice, as it cooks well and offers the right consistency. The vermicelli noodles add a nice crunch and flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 cup medium grain rice
• 1/4 cup vermicelli noodles
• 2 cups chicken broth or water
• 2 tablespoons ghee or oil
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a pot, heat ghee or oil over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
2. Add the vermicelli noodles and cook until golden brown, about 3-5 minutes.
3. Stir in the rice and salt, mixing well.
4. Pour in the chicken broth, and bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 18-20 minutes until rice is tender.

2) Jasmine Rice Pilaf with Herbs

Jasmine rice pilaf with herbs is a fragrant and delicious side dish. It pairs well with many main courses. This recipe is simple and can be made in about 20 minutes.

For this dish, you’ll need jasmine rice, fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro, garlic, and vegetable broth. You can also add some lemon juice for a refreshing touch.

To start, rinse your jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and keeps the rice fluffy.

Next, sauté minced garlic in a bit of olive oil in a pot. Add the rinsed rice, then pour in the broth and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer until the rice is tender.

Finish by stirring in your chopped herbs. This will enhance the flavor and make the dish vibrant.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup jasmine rice
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ¼ cup chopped fresh herbs (parsley or cilantro)
• Juice of ½ lemon

Cooking Instructions:

1. Rinse jasmine rice under cold water.
2. Sauté minced garlic in olive oil in a pot.
3. Add rinsed rice and vegetable broth.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover.
5. Simmer until rice is tender.
6. Stir in chopped herbs and lemon juice.

3) Mediterranean Rice with Saffron

Mediterranean rice with saffron is a vibrant and flavorful dish. The saffron gives the rice a beautiful golden color and a unique taste. This recipe is simple and can be made in under 30 minutes.

To start, use medium grain rice for the best texture. You can cook it with onions, broth, and saffron to enhance the flavor. This dish pairs well with various proteins or can be served on its own.

Ingredients

• 1 cup medium grain rice
• 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 pinch of saffron threads
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
3. Stir in the rice and sauté for 2 minutes.
4. Add broth and saffron, then bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes.
6. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.

4) Spanish Arroz con Pollo

Spanish Arroz con Pollo is a delicious one-pot meal perfect for any occasion. This dish combines tender chicken, flavorful rice, and spices, making it a family favorite.

To make this dish, start by sautéing onions, peppers, and garlic. Then, add chicken pieces to brown them. Next, mix in the rice and seasonings, followed by chicken stock.

Let everything simmer until the rice is cooked through. You’ll enjoy the warmth of the spices and the heartiness of the chicken.

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken thighs
• 2 cups medium-grain rice
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 cups chicken stock
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Sauté onions, bell peppers, and garlic until soft.
3. Add chicken thighs and brown on all sides.
4. Stir in rice, paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. Pour in chicken stock and bring to a boil.
6. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes, until rice is tender.
7. Fluff with a fork and serve warm.

5) Creamy Mushroom Risotto

Creamy mushroom risotto is a comforting dish you can easily make at home. The rich flavors come from the combination of mushrooms, onions, and Parmesan cheese. You can use medium grain rice like Arborio for that perfect creamy texture.

Start by sautéing onions and garlic in olive oil. Then, add the rice and toast it lightly. Gradually stir in warm broth while cooking, allowing the rice to absorb the liquid as it cooks.

Fold in the sautéed mushrooms and a generous amount of Parmesan cheese for creaminess. The result is a delicious and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Arborio or medium grain rice
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• ½ cup onion, minced
• 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the minced onion and garlic. Sauté until soft.
3. Stir in the rice and cook for 1-2 minutes.
4. Gradually add warm broth, one cup at a time, stirring often.
5. Once the rice is creamy, add the mushrooms and Parmesan.
6. Season with salt and pepper. Serve warm.

6) Vegetable Paella

Vegetable paella is a colorful and delicious dish perfect for any meal. Made with medium grain rice, it absorbs all the flavors of the vegetables and spices. You can customize it with your favorite veggies.

Start by sautéing onions, garlic, and bell peppers in olive oil. Add chopped tomatoes and let them cook down. Stir in your rice along with broth, saffron, and your choice of vegetables like peas and artichokes.

Let it simmer until the rice is tender and absorbs all the liquid. For added texture, you can create a crispy layer at the bottom. Serve warm, and enjoy the vibrant flavors!

Ingredients

• 1 cup medium grain rice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2 tomatoes, diced
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup peas
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Saffron (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat (350°F / 175°C).
2. Sauté onions and garlic until soft.
3. Add bell pepper and cook for another 2 minutes.
4. Stir in tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes.
5. Add rice, vegetable broth, saffron, salt, and pepper.
6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
7. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes.
8. Stir in peas and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
9. Serve warm.

7) Traditional Korean Bibimbap

Bibimbap is a delicious Korean dish that features medium grain rice topped with a variety of colorful vegetables. You can often find it with marinated beef and a sunny-side-up egg on top. The dish is finished with a flavorful gochujang sauce.

To make bibimbap, start by cooking your rice to a fluffy texture. Prepare the vegetables by sautéing them lightly in oil. Each vegetable brings a different flavor and texture.

Once everything is ready, layer the rice in a bowl. Add the sautéed vegetables, meat, and egg. Drizzle with gochujang sauce to add some spice. Mix everything together before eating to combine the flavors.

Ingredients

• 2 cups medium grain rice
• 1 cup assorted vegetables (like carrots, zucchini, and spinach)
• 1 cup marinated beef (optional)
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons gochujang sauce
• Cooking oil
• Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the rice according to package instructions.
2. Sauté each vegetable separately in oil for 2-3 minutes.
3. Cook the beef in a pan until browned, about 5 minutes.
4. Fry the egg sunny-side up in a separate pan.
5. In a bowl, layer rice, vegetables, beef, and the egg.
6. Drizzle with gochujang sauce and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
7. Mix well and enjoy your bibimbap!

8) Homemade Sushi Rice

Making homemade sushi rice is simple and rewarding. You will need medium grain rice for the best texture. This rice becomes sticky, which is perfect for making sushi.

Start by rinsing 2 cups of medium grain rice under cold water. Rinse it until the water is clear, which removes excess starch. This helps the rice become fluffy.

In a pot, combine the rinsed rice with 2 1/2 cups of water. Cook the rice on medium heat. Once it boils, reduce heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes.

After cooking, remove the pot from heat. Let the rice sit, covered, for another 10 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare the seasoning by mixing rice vinegar, sugar, and salt in a saucepan. Heat until the sugar dissolves.

Once done, mix the seasoning into the rice while it’s still warm. Your sushi rice is ready to use!

Ingredients

• 2 cups medium grain rice
• 2 1/2 cups water
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the rice under cold water until clear.
2. Combine rice and water in a pot.
3. Bring to a boil on medium heat.
4. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.
5. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 10 minutes.
6. Mix vinegar, sugar, and salt in a saucepan until dissolved.
7. Combine the seasoning with the rice while warm.

9) Spicy Mexican Rice

Spicy Mexican rice is a tasty side dish that pairs well with various meals. It’s simple to make and full of flavor. You’ll enjoy the warmth from the spices and the richness of the tomatoes.

Start by sautéing onion and garlic in oil until they’re soft. Then, stir in medium-grain rice and toast it for a few minutes. Add diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and your choice of spices like cumin and chili powder.

Cook everything together until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. For an extra kick, toss in chopped jalapeños or chili peppers. This rice is perfect with grilled chicken or tacos.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup medium-grain rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 jalapeño, chopped (optional)

Cooking Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F / 180°C).
2. Sauté onion and garlic until soft.
3. Add rice and toast for a few minutes.
4. Mix in diced tomatoes and chicken broth.
5. Stir in spices and jalapeños, if using.
6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover.
7. Cook for 20 minutes or until rice is tender.
8. Fluff with a fork before serving.

10) Vietnamese Com Tam

Vietnamese Com Tam, or broken rice, is a delicious dish often enjoyed in Southern Vietnam. It typically features grilled pork served over rice that is made from broken grains. This dish is not only tasty but also uses ingredients you might already have.

You can top your Com Tam with shredded pork, pickled vegetables, and a tangy sauce. It’s perfect for a comforting meal and has a wonderful combination of flavors.

Ingredients

• 2 cups medium grain broken rice
• 1 lb grilled pork (free of bones)
• Pickled vegetables (like carrots and daikon)
• Soy sauce or fish sauce
• Fresh herbs (like cilantro or green onions)

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the broken rice until the water runs clear.
2. Cook the rice in a rice cooker with an equal amount of water (2 cups).
3. Grill the pork on medium heat (around 350°F or 180°C) until it cooks through.
4. Serve the pork on top of the rice. Add pickled vegetables and sauce. Enjoy!