Looking for new ways to enjoy rice for dinner? These 5 delicious and easy rice recipes will add some flavor to your weeknight meals.
No matter what kind of flavour you're craving, there’s a recipe here for you. Rice is such a simple base, but with a few easy ingredients, you can turn it into something way more exciting (and definitely not boring!)
Why you'll love this recipe
- Easy and versatile: Simple ingredients come together to create endless dinner possibilities.
- Perfect for busy nights: Quick to make and ideal for using up leftovers or whatever’s in the fridge.
- Full of flavour: These recipes turn basic rice into something exciting!!
Ingredients and substitutions
- Rice – use any variety of your choice like white rice, jasmine rice, basmati rice, long-grain rice or brown rice.
- Liquid – like coconut milk, vegetable broth or water.
- Oil or butter – this will make the rice nice and moist. You can use coconut oil, butter or sun-dried tomato oil depending on the recipe.
- Seasonings – add flavor to your rice by adding in sugar, shallots, fresh herbs, garlic, veggies, aromatics and more.
How to make these easy rice recipes
Step 1: Assemble your ingredients.
Add all the ingredients to a rice cooker or pot.
Step 2: Cook the rice.
Simmer until the liquid is absorbed.
Step 3: Prep your toppings.
Chop up or assemble whatever toppings you want to include.
Step 4: Mix the toppings in.
Add all the toppings to the cooked rice.
Step 5: Stir well.
Stir until everything is combined.
Step 6: Serve and enjoy!
You're ready to get munching!
Recipe Tips and variations
Here are a few tips to help you get the best results with your rice recipes, plus some easy ways to switch things up based on what you have on hand.
- Use leftover rice: Day-old rice works best because it's less sticky and holds up better in stir-fries and skillets.
- Switch up the grains: Try brown rice, jasmine rice, quinoa or even cauliflower rice if you want something different.
- Add extra veggies: Toss in whatever you have on hand – any vegetable like bell peppers, peas, spinach or carrots all work great.
- Boost the protein: Stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, tofu or beans to make your rice dishes more filling.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of rice should I use?
I recommend using white, basmati, or jasmine rice. Brown rice can be substituted, but it needs to cook for a longer duration.
Should I season it before or after cooking?
For the best flavor, add seasonings before cooking the rice so it can absorb them. The more delicate ingredients like vegetables and fresh herbs should be stirred in after the rice is cooked.
Can I make rice in the Instant Pot?
Yes you can! You can make these rice recipes for dinner in a rice cooker, in a pot on the stovetop or in the Instant Pot. Check out my ultimate Instant Pot rice guide for more details.
Easy Rice Recipes
Even though plain rice is a popular side dish, you can take rice to the next level by spicing it up! I rounded up five of my favourite rice recipes for dinner that you can serve with any meal.
Coconut Rice
By using coconut milk instead of water in the rice cooker, you’ll be infusing your rice of choice with the tropical and creamy taste of coconut. Enjoy the flavours of summer all year long with this coconut rice!
I've paired this refreshing coconut rice with peanut chicken and a refreshing mango salsa. If you're not a fan of mango, use pineapple or peach for the salsa. You can also pair the coconut rice with salmon, Mongolian beef or Thai curry.
Mushroom Rice
Get the flavours you love from mushroom risotto and long grain wild rice in this recipe! This rice dish is ultra comforting and has a delicious creamy texture. Packed with sautéed mushrooms and fresh parsley, it’s the perfect side dish for any tougher meat like turkey or pork.
I've paired this creamy mushroom rice with diced turkey sausage. This rice dish can be enjoyed on its own but if you're looking to add protein to your meal, it’ll pair well with a tougher meat like pork chops, turkey sausage or steak.
Tomato Basil Rice
This tomato basil rice dish is packed with flavour and is ultra comforting with a delicious creamy texture.
I've paired this tomato basil rice with freshly seared scallops. Scallops are a delicious shellfish that are praised for their gentle texture. It also pairs beautifully with other seafood options or any seasoned chicken breast. As with many of the other recipes in this post, feel free to enjoy the rice on its own!
Shrimp Fried Rice
Fried rice is a classic dish! I suggest making this delicious fried rice with day-old leftover rice to ensure the best results, since when you’re using freshly cooked rice, the texture may vary.
I've paired this easy fried rice recipe with shrimp and a variety of veggies. Shrimp is a popular choice for fried rice but chicken, tofu, beef or pork can also be used to complete this dish. You can serve this fried rice on its own or serve it alongside your favourite Asian-inspired recipes like Kung Pao chicken.
Cilantro Lime Rice
This cilantro lime rice tastes great with my Chipotle copycat burrito bowls. Packed with the flavours of lime and the minty taste of cilantro, this rice is the base of choice for lots of Tex Mex inspired dishes.
I've paired this delicious cilantro lime rice with beans and bell peppers to make my own vegetarian burrito bowl! Want more protein in this vegetarian meal? Add chicken, sofritas or steak. You can also add the rice to a burrito wrap.
How to store and reheat
Store: You can store cooked rice in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Reheat: To reheat, sprinkle a bit of water over the rice and reheat in the microwave or in a pan on the stovetop.
Freeze and reheat from frozen: Plain rice can be frozen for up to 3 months. Defrost in the refrigerator, stir in your toppings, and reheat as normal.
Meal prep tools
- Grab some glass meal prep bowls if you plan on turning these rice recipes into leftovers.
- Freeze leftover plain rice in reusable freezer bags for up to 3 months.
- If you're looking for a rice cooker – try this one!
5 Easy Rice Recipes to Spice Up Dinner
Ingredients
Coconut Rice
- 1 cup jasmine or basmati rice
- 1 1/4 cups coconut milk
- 1 tsp coconut oil
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 pinch salt
Mushroom Rice
- 1 cup white rice
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 shallot, diced
- 8 oz cremini mushrooms
- Parsley, for garnish
Tomato Basil Rice
- 1 cup white rice
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp oil from a jar of sundried tomatoes
- 1/3 cup julienne cut sundried tomatoes
- 1/3 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1 pinch salt
Fried Rice
- 1 cup white rice
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 pinch salt
- 2 tbsp butter plus 1 extra tsp
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- 1 bunch green onions, sliced
Cilantro Lime Rice
- 1 cup white rice
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp butter
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 lime juiced, plus extra for garnish
- 1/2 cup finely chopped cilantro
Instructions
Coconut Rice
- Add all ingredients under this heading to a rice cooker or pot on the stove. Cook until liquid has absorbed, which will happen automatically using a rice cooker. Serve and enjoy!
Mushroom Rice
- Add all ingredients under this heading except for shallots, mushrooms and parsley to a rice cooker or pot on the stove. Cook until liquid has absorbed, which will happen automatically using a rice cooker.
- Meanwhile, saute shallots and mushrooms with a bit of extra butter in a pan over med-high heat until juices start to release, about 3-4 min. Remove from heat while mushrooms are immersed in liquid, then stir mushrooms and parsley into rice once it is finished cooking. Serve and enjoy!
Tomato Basil Rice
- Add all ingredients under this heading except for basil to a rice cooker or pot on the stove. Cook until liquid has absorbed, which will happen automatically using a rice cooker. Stir in basil once rice is finished cooking, then serve and enjoy!
Fried Rice
- Add rice, water, 1 tsp butter and salt to a rice cooker or pot on the stove. Cook until liquid has absorbed, which will happen automatically using a rice cooker.
- Ideally, refrigerate the rice overnight once cooled and then start with this step, but you can start with the rice hot from the rice cooker if necessary. Add your 2 tbsp butter to a large skillet, then saute garlic for 30 seconds. Add in rice and soy sauce, stirring to combine.
- Make a hole in the middle of the rice, adding a tiny bit more butter. Crack an egg in the center and scramble for a few seconds until set. Add green onions and stir everything together, cooking another 1-2 min. Serve and enjoy!
Cilantro Lime Rice
- Add all ingredients under this heading except for lime juice and cilantro to a rice cooker or pot on the stove. Cook until liquid has absorbed, which will happen automatically using a rice cooker. Stir in lime juice and cilantro, serving with extra lime wedges. Enjoy!
Video
Comments & Reviews
Melissa says
Hi, Taylor! For the coconut rice, what type of coconut milk do you use? Is it sweetened or unsweetened? There are so many choices out there! I’m thinking of pairing this with your Garlic Sesame Instant Pot Chicken Thighs. (I’m embarrassed to say I’ve never had, much less made, coconut rice!)
Taylor Stinson says
Hi Melissa! It’s the unsweetened coconut milk that comes in a can, not a carton. Hope this helps!