10+ White Rice Recipes You’ll Love to Try
White rice is a versatile staple found on many tables around the world. It can be the base for a wide variety of delicious dishes that are easy to prepare and perfect for any meal. Whether you want to create a comforting side dish, a filling main course, or a tasty addition to your recipe collection, there are countless ways to enjoy white rice.
From simple seasoned rice to more complex meals, the possibilities are endless. You can explore different flavors and ingredients to find what you love most. Get ready to elevate your cooking with these delightful white rice recipes that will satisfy your appetite and impress your family and friends.
1) Lemon Herb Rice Pilaf
Lemon Herb Rice Pilaf is a tasty and easy dish to make. It’s perfect as a side for many meals. The bright flavor from the lemon and the freshness from the herbs make this rice truly special.
To prepare, you’ll start with fluffy white rice. Then, sauté garlic and onions for a rich flavor. Next, mix in lemon juice, zest, and your choice of fresh herbs. The dish is simple but packed with taste.
This rice pairs well with chicken, fish, or vegetables. It can also be served on its own for a light meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ¼ cup sliced almonds
- 4 scallions
- Lemon juice and zest from 1 lemon
- Fresh herbs (like parsley or dill)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Cook your rice according to package instructions.
- In a large pan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add scallions and sauté until they are soft.
- Stir in the cooked rice, lemon juice, and zest.
- Mix in almonds and fresh herbs.
- Season with salt and pepper before serving.
2) Spicy Chicken Fried Rice
Spicy chicken fried rice is a quick and tasty meal. It brings together tender chicken, flavorful spices, and rice in one dish. You can whip it up in less than 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights.
Using sriracha adds a kick that makes this dish special. You can also add vegetables like peas and carrots for extra flavor and nutrition. This recipe is easy to customize based on your preferences.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 1 cup chopped cooked chicken
- 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat (350°F / 180°C).
- Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Stir in chicken and vegetables, cooking until heated through.
- Add rice and sriracha, mixing well.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Top with green onions and serve hot.
3) Coconut Jasmine Rice
Coconut jasmine rice is a delicious side dish that pairs well with many meals. It has a creamy texture and a pleasant coconut flavor. You’ll love its simplicity and how quick it is to prepare.
To make it, combine jasmine rice, coconut milk, water, and a pinch of salt. The richness of coconut milk adds a lovely taste, making your dish special.
You can cook it on the stovetop or in an Instant Pot for convenience. In just around 30 minutes, you’ll have a tasty rice dish to enjoy.
Ingredients
- 2 cups jasmine rice
- 1 (400 ml) can coconut milk
- 1 ½ cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar (optional)
Cooking Instructions
- Rinse jasmine rice under cold water until the water is clear.
- In a pot, combine rice, coconut milk, water, and salt.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
- Cover and simmer for about 18-20 minutes until rice is tender.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and serve.
4) Garlic Butter Rice
Garlic Butter Rice is a simple yet tasty side dish that pairs well with almost any meal. The buttery flavor combined with garlic makes it a favorite for many.
To make this dish, you’ll need just a few ingredients. The key is to use fresh garlic for the best taste. Cooking the rice in garlic-infused butter adds delicious flavor.
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 ½ cups long grain white rice
- 3 cups chicken broth (or water)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the rice and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Add chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until rice is tender.
5) Mushroom Risotto
Mushroom risotto is a creamy and comforting dish that’s perfect for any meal. It uses white rice, which absorbs flavors well, making it ideal for this recipe.
Start by sautéing fresh mushrooms in butter. Then, add some shallots or onion for sweetness. Stir in your rice until it’s coated, and pour in a splash of white wine for richness.
Gradually add warm broth until the rice is tender. Finish with grated Parmesan cheese for a deliciously cheesy flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
- 1 small onion or shallot, diced
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Heat the butter in a pan over medium heat.
- Add the mushrooms and onion; sauté until soft.
- Stir in the Arborio rice and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in the white wine and let it absorb.
- Gradually add broth, one cup at a time, stirring frequently.
- Cook until the rice is creamy and al dente.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese, then season with salt and pepper.
6) Spanish Tomato Rice
Spanish Tomato Rice is a flavorful dish that makes a great side or main meal. The combination of rice, tomatoes, and spices creates a delicious experience for your taste buds.
To get started, you will need some basic ingredients. Begin by heating olive oil in a pan. Then, add diced onions and garlic to cook until they’re soft.
Next, stir in the rice and let it toast for a few minutes. This adds a nice flavor. Then, mix in tomato paste, diced tomatoes, and broth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Let the rice simmer until it’s cooked through and absorbs all the liquid. Serve it hot and enjoy the vibrant flavors!
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ onion, diced
- 1 cup white rice
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 2 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a frying pan.
- Add diced onions and garlic; sauté until soft.
- Stir in rice and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Mix in tomato paste and diced tomatoes.
- Add chicken broth, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
7) Turmeric Rice with Peas
Turmeric rice with peas is a delicious and colorful side dish. It’s not only easy to make but also adds a pop of flavor to your meals. The bright yellow color comes from the ground turmeric, which is rich in taste.
You can prepare this dish in about 25 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner. The addition of peas enhances the dish with extra nutrition and sweetness. Feel free to serve it alongside your favorite proteins for a complete meal.
Ingredients
- 1 cup white rice
- 1 tablespoon ground turmeric
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 cups water
- 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
- Salt to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Rinse the rice under cold water.
- In a pot, add rice, turmeric, and salt.
- Pour in the water and bring to a boil.
- Lower the heat, cover, and simmer for about 18 minutes.
- Stir in the peas and butter, then fluff with a fork.
- Serve warm.
8) Thai Pineapple Fried Rice
Thai Pineapple Fried Rice is a delicious and vibrant dish. It combines sweet pineapple, colorful veggies, and fluffy jasmine rice. This meal is easy to prepare and perfect for a quick dinner.
To make it, you will need cooked white rice, which can be left over from previous meals. The pineapple adds a nice sweetness, while cashews give it a crunchy texture. You can also add vegetables like peas, carrots, and bell peppers for extra flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup peas and carrots
- 1/4 cup cashews
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Cilantro for garnish
Cooking Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the cashews and toast them for 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in the bell pepper, peas, and carrots, cooking for another 2-3 minutes.
- Add the cooked rice and pineapple, mixing everything well.
- Pour in the soy sauce and curry powder, stirring to combine.
- Cook for an additional 5 minutes, until heated through.
- Garnish with green onions and cilantro before serving.
9) Cilantro Lime Rice
Cilantro lime rice is a fresh and zesty dish that pairs well with many meals. It’s a great way to add flavor to your rice without much effort. This recipe uses simple ingredients that you probably already have.
To make cilantro lime rice, you start by cooking your white rice. Once the rice is fluffy, mix in fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro. The bright flavors make this rice a hit at any meal.
This dish is perfect to serve with tacos, grilled chicken, or fish. You can also enjoy it on its own as a light side dish.
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups water
- Juice from 1 lime
- 1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Rinse the rice under cold water.
- In a pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil.
- Add the rinsed rice and 1 teaspoon of salt.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 18 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in lime juice and cilantro.
10) Indian Jeera Rice
Indian Jeera Rice is a simple and flavorful dish that’s perfect as a side for any curry or dal. It features basmati rice cooked with cumin seeds, which add a delightful aroma and taste.
To make Jeera Rice, start by heating ghee or oil in a pot. Add the cumin seeds and let them sizzle until fragrant. Then, add rinsed basmati rice and water, along with some salt.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer. Cook until the rice is fluffy and all the water has been absorbed.
Jeera Rice is not only easy to prepare but also a great way to enjoy the comforting flavors of Indian cuisine.
Ingredients
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 2 tablespoons ghee or vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 ¾ cups water
- Salt to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Rinse the basmati rice until the water runs clear.
- Heat ghee or oil in a pot over medium heat.
- Add cumin seeds and sauté until fragrant.
- Stir in the rinsed rice.
- Add water and salt, then bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and serve.