5 Easy Rice Recipes to Spice Up Dinner

These 5 Easy Rice Recipes can be made in a rice cooker with few ingredients – try fried, cilantro lime, tomato basil, mushroom or coconut.

Easy Rice Recipes

Rice is a great grain to include in your weekly lunches and dinner. It's a versatile carb that acts as a great source of energy for your busy day. 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 that you can serve with any meal. With just a few simple inclusions, you can add plenty of flavour to your side dish.

Ingredients and substitutions

Coconut rice

• Jasmine rice – basmati also works well for this recipe.
• Coconut milk – canned coconut milk is recommended but coconut milk in a carton can also be used.
• Coconut oil – use coconut oil to add to the flavour. Otherwise, butter or a neutral oil will also work well.
• Sugar – white sugar or coconut sugar can be used in this recipe.
• Salt – to taste.

Mushroom rice

• White rice – use long grain white rice for this recipe. 
• Vegetable broth – if you're not limited to a vegetarian diet, use chicken broth or beef broth for this recipe. 
• Butter – a neutral cooking oil also works in place of butter.
• Salt – to taste.
• Shallot – red onions or white onions will work for this recipe. 
• Cremini mushrooms – use whichever mushrooms you like!
• Parsley – to garnish.

Tomato basil rice

• White rice – substitute brown rice, basmati rice or jasmine rice for this recipe.
• Vegetable broth – if pairing this recipe with meat, feel free to use chicken broth instead.
• Oil from sun-dried tomatoes – grab this straight from the can for easy assembly or use a homemade infused oil.
• Sun-dried tomatoes – you could try using roasted red peppers but the flavour will be different.
• Basil – fresh basil leaves are highly recommended.
• Salt – to taste.

Shrimp fried rice

• White rice – substitute brown rice, basmati rice or jasmine rice for this recipe.
• Water – vegetable broth can be used instead to add even more flavour to the rice.
• Salt – to taste.
• Butter – use any neutral cooking oil in place of butter.
• Soy sauce – coconut aminos or tamari are the best soy sauce substitutes.
• Garlic – fresh or jarred minced garlic is recommended. In a pinch, use garlic powder.
• Egg – use whole eggs or egg whites for a leaner option.
• Green onions – leave this off altogether if you don’t have any on hand.

Cilantro lime rice

• White rice – substitute brown rice, basmati rice or jasmine rice for this recipe.
• Vegetable broth – broth will make the rice more flavourful but feel free to use water instead.
• Butter – a neutral cooking oil can be used to make the rice as well.
• Salt – to taste.
• Lime juice – use fresh lime juice and keep extra slices for garnish. Bottled lime juice can be used if it’s all you have on hand.
• Cilantro – this is a key component of this dish but coriander will provide a similar flavour.

How to cook rice

Step 1: Assemble your ingredients.

Add all ingredients under your chosen heading to a rice cooker or pot.

Step 2: Cook the rice.

Cook until the liquid is absorbed.

Step 3: Prep your toppings.

Chop up or assemble whatever toppings you want.

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!

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 honey or pineapple glazed salmon or chicken, in Buddha bowls, with Mongolian beef or in a Thai inspired red 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 lamb shanks, 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.

Cilantro Lime Rice

This cilantro lime rice tastes great with 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.

Meal prep tools for this recipe

• Grab some glass meal prep bowls if you plan on turning these rice recipes into leftovers.
• Freeze leftover plain rice in glass microwave-safe bowls up to 3 months.
• If you're looking for a rice cooker – try this one!