Things To Do With Rice

Rice is one of those universal staples found in kitchens all over the world. It’s eaten for breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert, and the number of ways it can be prepared is practically infinite.  It’s both exotic and simple, and you very likely have some in your cupboard. We’ve curated a rather large number of recipes, so if you’re looking for ways to put that rice to work, check out the links below for main dishes, sides, salads and desserts.

While there are tens of thousands of rice varieties, they’re all broken down into three very basic categories: long-grain, medium-grain and short-grain rice.

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Long-Grain Rice: The grains are slim, long and have a firm, dry texture.  They cook up fluffy and don’t clump together the way short grain rice can.  It’s the most forgiving rice, and it’s best for side dishes, pilafs, and salads. American long-grain (white & brown), Basmati and Jasmine rice are examples.

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Medium-Grain Rice: This rice is a bit more stout than long grain rice, roughly half as wide as it is long, and it produces moist, tender and slightly chewy grains that stick to each other when cooked. Medium grain rice is perfect for risotto and paella. Think Arborio and Valencia for risotto and Bomba for paella.

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Short-Grain Rice: This rice is plump – wider than it is long.  It cooks up soft and tender and is known for sticking together and clumping. Use short-grain rice for sushi, molded salads, and puddings.  American short-grain brown & white rice and sushi rice are common varieties.

Short-grain and Medium-grain rice often get lumped into the same category, which can be somewhat confusing. These are somewhat loose guidelines, so don’t get too hung up on them. And while you can certainly make some substitutions in your recipes, you will definitely want to check online if have any questions about doing so.

COOKING METHODS

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• 3 fail-safe methods for cooking rice

• Dumbed down rice

MAIN DISHES

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• Paella Valenciana

• Chorizo and Pork Loin Paella

• Seafood Paella (Paella de Marisco)

• Paella on the Grill

• Uncle Alphonso's No Fuss Paella

• Omu Raisu (Rice Omelet)

• Vietnamese Peanut Rice and Lemongrass Tofu

• Noi's Thai Fried Rice Balls with Cucumber Salad

• Tahdig

• Chelo ba Tahdig (Steamed Persian Rice with Tahdig)

• Arroz Con Pollo (Rice with Chicken)

• Arroz Con Pollo

• Arroz Con Pollo a la Chorrera

• Arroz Chaufa Vegetal (Vegetable "Chaufa" Rice)

• Chickpea Masala Saffron Rice

• Risi e Bisi (Rice and Peas)

• Spicy Brown Rice Salad with Chicken and Peanuts

• Peasant's Bowl

• Zucchini Tian

• Lowcountry Hoppin' John

• Golden Rice Biriyani of Roasted Vegetables and Cashews

SIDES & SALADS

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• Tomato Rice

• Fried Rice

• Lemon and Curry Leaf Rice

• The Contessa's Rice Salad

• Maquluba (Upside Down Layered Rice Cake with Vegetables)

• Red Rice Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, Cucumbers and Corn

• Rice with White Corn

• Coconut Milk Rice Pilaf with Cilantro Sauce

• Everyday Rice Sticky Rice

• Sweet Scented Rice Pilaf

• Summer Saffron Rice Salad

• Golden Rice Salad

• Acorn Squash with Wild Rice Pilaf

• Nong Kao Sticky Rice

• Thai Fried Rice

• Chickpea Masala Saffron Rice

• Steamed Sticky Rice

• Seafood Rice Salad

• Wild Rice Pilaf with Pecans and Dried Cranberries

• Rice Pilaf with Orzo

• Rice Pilaf with Saffron and Spice

• Rice Steamed Bok Choy

• Wild Rice Salada with Butternut Squash, Cherries and Mint

• Golden Rice Pulao

DESSERTS

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• Coconut Rice Pudding with Cardamom and Kirsch Cherries

• Rice Pudding

• Maya Mediterranean Chocolate Rice Pudding

• Calas

• Lemon Vanilla Rice Pudding with Whipped Cream (Instant Pot)