Are you tired of the same old boring meals every weeknight? Do you find yourself stuck in a culinary rut, scrambling to come up with new ideas using the same old ingredients? Well, we’re here to help! One of the most versatile and underutilized staples in your pantry is leftover brown rice. With just a few simple tweaks and some creative inspiration, this humble grain can be transformed into a plethora of delicious meals that are sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
In this article, we’ll explore 18 mouth-watering recipes that showcase the incredible possibilities of using up leftover brown rice. From savory stir-fries to sweet breakfast porridges, and from hearty casseroles to quick-and-easy snack bites, we’ve got you covered with a wide range of ideas that are sure to inspire your next meal.
Stay tuned for some exciting recipe ideas that will make you rethink the humble brown rice!
Fried Brown Rice with Vegetables and Egg
A simple and satisfying Chinese-inspired dish that combines the flavors of fried rice with the added protein of an egg and a variety of colorful vegetables. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a nutritious lunch.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked brown rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., peas, carrots, corn)
– 2 eggs, beaten
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: soy sauce or oyster sauce for added flavor
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add diced onion and cook until translucent (2-3 minutes).
3. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly.
4. Add mixed vegetables and cooked rice to the skillet, stirring to combine.
5. Push the rice mixture to one side of the pan. Crack in the eggs and scramble them until cooked through.
6. Mix the egg back into the rice mixture. Season with salt, pepper, and optional soy sauce or oyster sauce.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Brown Rice and Black Bean Stuffed Peppers
This recipe combines the natural sweetness of bell peppers with the savory flavors of brown rice, black beans, and spices. The result is a deliciously healthy and filling dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or lunch.
Ingredients:
– 4 bell peppers (any color)
– 1 cup cooked brown rice
– 1 cup cooked black beans
– 1/2 cup diced onion
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes.
3. In a large bowl, combine cooked brown rice, black beans, onion, garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Stuff each bell pepper with the rice mixture, filling to the top.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the stuffed peppers and place on a baking sheet.
6. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until bell peppers are tender.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Cheesy Brown Rice Casserole with Broccoli
A comforting and flavorful casserole perfect for a weeknight dinner or weekend lunch.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked brown rice
– 1 cup broccoli florets
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 tablespoon butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked brown rice, broccoli, and shredded cheddar cheese.
3. In a separate saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it starts to simmer.
4. Add butter to the milk mixture and stir until melted.
5. Pour the milk mixture over the rice mixture and stir until well combined.
6. Transfer the casserole mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Brown Rice and Chicken Stir-Fry
This classic Chinese-inspired dish combines flavorful chicken with nutritious brown rice and crunchy vegetables. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe is easy to make and packed with protein and fiber.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked brown rice
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, snap peas)
– 2 teaspoons soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon oyster sauce (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook brown rice according to package instructions.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
3. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add garlic, mixed vegetables, soy sauce, and oyster sauce (if using). Stir-fry for an additional 3-4 minutes.
5. Serve cooked chicken and vegetable mixture over cooked brown rice.
Cooking Time: Approximately 15-20 minutes
Spicy Brown Rice and Shrimp Bowl
Elevate your mealtime with this flavorful and nutritious bowl featuring spicy brown rice and succulent shrimp. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked brown rice
– 2 cups water
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook brown rice according to package instructions using 2 cups of water.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion, garlic, and ginger; cook until onion is translucent.
3. Add shrimp and red pepper flakes (if using); cook until shrimp are pink and cooked through.
4. Fluff cooked rice with a fork and mix with the shrimp mixture.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds (optional).
7. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Brown Rice and Veggie Fritters
Transform leftover brown rice into a crispy and flavorful snack with this easy recipe. These fritters are perfect for a quick lunch or as a side dish to your favorite meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked brown rice
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., carrots, zucchini, bell peppers)
– 1/4 cup rolled oats
– 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1 egg
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked brown rice, mixed vegetables, rolled oats, grated cheese, and beaten egg. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
3. Using your hands, shape the mixture into small patties or fritters. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Brown Rice Pudding with Cinnamon and Raisins
This classic dessert is a comforting treat that’s perfect for any time of the year. With its creamy texture, sweet flavor, and added crunch from raisins, you’ll be hooked.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup brown rice
– 3 cups water or milk
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup raisins
Instructions:
1. Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh strainer and combine with the water or milk, sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a medium saucepan.
2. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45-50 minutes, or until the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is creamy.
3. Stir in the raisins and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
4. Serve warm, garnished with a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired.
Cooking Time: 50 minutes
Brown Rice and Lentil Soup
This comforting soup is a perfect blend of nutty brown rice and tender lentils, cooked to perfection in a flavorful broth. It’s a great option for a quick and easy meal that’s packed with fiber and protein.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup brown rice
– 1 cup red or green lentils, rinsed and drained
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 carrot, chopped
– 1 celery stalk, chopped
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Rinse the lentils and brown rice separately.
2. In a large pot, sauté the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery in a little water until tender.
3. Add the lentils, brown rice, vegetable broth, thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Brown Rice Sushi Rolls with Avocado and Cucumber
A delicious and healthy twist on traditional sushi rolls, these brown rice rolls are filled with creamy avocado and refreshing cucumber.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked brown rice
– 1/2 cup water
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 ripe avocado, sliced
– 1/2 cucumber, sliced
– 1 sheet of nori seaweed
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine cooked brown rice and water. Mix well until the rice is sticky and forms a ball.
2. Add salt to taste and mix well.
3. Cut the avocado and cucumber into thin strips.
4. Lay a sheet of nori seaweed flat on a surface.
5. Place 1/4 cup of brown rice mixture onto the seaweed, leaving a 1-inch border at the top.
6. Arrange 2-3 slices of avocado and cucumber in the middle of the rice.
7. Roll the sushi using a bamboo mat or your hands to form a tight roll.
8. Slice into individual pieces and serve.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Brown Rice and Tuna Salad
This simple salad combines the protein-packed power of tuna with the nutty flavor of brown rice, making it a great option for a quick lunch or dinner. With just a few ingredients, you can have a nutritious meal ready in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked brown rice
– 1 (5 oz) can of tuna in water, drained and flaked
– 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine cooked brown rice, tuna, red bell pepper, and parsley.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and squeeze in the lemon juice.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes (preparation) + 0 minutes (no cooking required)
Brown Rice Stuffed Mushrooms
Elevate your appetizer game with this easy-to-make recipe that combines the earthy flavor of mushrooms with the nutty taste of brown rice. Perfect for a quick dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 12 large mushroom caps (any variety, cleaned and stemmed)
– 1 cup cooked brown rice
– 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix cooked brown rice, cheddar cheese, olive oil, chopped onion, and minced garlic.
3. Stuff each mushroom cap with the rice mixture, mounding it slightly.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Place stuffed mushrooms on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until mushrooms are tender and filling is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Brown Rice and Sweet Potato Hash
A hearty and nutritious side dish that’s perfect for any meal. This recipe combines the nutty flavor of brown rice with the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked brown rice (preferably day-old)
– 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: garlic powder or chili flakes for added flavor
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato cubes with the olive oil, salt, and pepper until they’re evenly coated.
3. Spread the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet in a single layer. Roast for 20-25 minutes or until tender, flipping halfway through.
4. While the sweet potatoes are roasting, heat the brown rice in a medium saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally.
5. Once the sweet potatoes are done, add them to the brown rice and stir to combine.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Brown Rice and Chickpea Curry
This flavorful curry is a perfect blend of Indian spices, creamy coconut milk, and nutritious brown rice and chickpeas. Serve over fluffy basmati rice or with naan bread for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked brown rice
– 2 cups water
– 1 can chickpeas (14.5 oz)
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon curry powder
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
– 1 can coconut milk (14 oz)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook brown rice according to package instructions.
2. In a large pan, sauté onions and garlic until softened.
3. Add cumin, curry powder, turmeric, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute.
4. Stir in chickpeas, coconut milk, salt, and pepper.
5. Simmer curry for 10-15 minutes or until flavors meld together.
6. Serve over cooked brown rice.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Brown Rice Breakfast Porridge with Almonds and Honey
This Brown Rice Breakfast Porridge with Almonds and Honey is a healthy and satisfying way to begin your day. With the creaminess of brown rice, the crunch of almonds, and the sweetness of honey, this porridge is sure to become a new favorite breakfast option.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked brown rice
– 1/2 cup water or plant-based milk
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup sliced almonds
– 2 tablespoons pure honey
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine cooked brown rice and water or plant-based milk. Heat over low heat, stirring occasionally.
2. Once the mixture is warm and creamy, remove from heat.
3. Add unsalted butter, sliced almonds, and honey to the porridge. Stir until well combined.
4. Season with a pinch of salt to taste.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes
Brown Rice and Turkey Meatballs
A flavorful and nutritious twist on classic meatballs, this recipe combines the wholesome goodness of brown rice with tender turkey meatballs.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked brown rice
– 1 pound ground turkey
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked brown rice, ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, olive oil, chopped onion, minced garlic, and dried oregano.
3. Mix well with your hands until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
4. Use wet hands to shape mixture into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches (3.8 cm) in diameter.
5. Place meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until cooked through and lightly browned.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Brown Rice and Spinach Bake
A simple and nutritious side dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. This recipe combines the nutty flavor of brown rice with the creamy texture of spinach, all in one convenient bake.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked brown rice
– 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
– 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked brown rice, fresh spinach leaves, and grated cheddar cheese.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and cover with aluminum foil.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the spinach is wilted and the rice is heated through.
6. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Brown Rice and Mango Salad
This refreshing salad combines the nutty flavor of brown rice with the sweetness of mango, making it a perfect side dish or light lunch for warm weather. The crunchy texture from toasted coconut flakes adds an extra layer of excitement.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked brown rice
– 2 ripe mangos, diced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– 1 teaspoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup toasted coconut flakes
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine cooked brown rice, mango, and cilantro.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice and honey until well combined.
3. Pour the dressing over the rice mixture and toss to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Brown Rice and Sausage Skillet
This hearty skillet dish combines the savory flavor of sausage with the nutty taste of brown rice, perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked brown rice
– 2 cups water or chicken broth
– 1 lb sweet Italian sausage, sliced
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 bell pepper, diced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook the brown rice according to package instructions using 2 cups of water or chicken broth.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the diced bell pepper to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until tender.
5. Stir in cooked sausage, brown rice, salt, and pepper to combine.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Summary
Get creative with your leftover brown rice! This article presents 18 delicious recipe ideas perfect for busy weeknights. From savory dishes like Fried Brown Rice with Vegetables and Egg, to sweet treats like Brown Rice Pudding with Cinnamon and Raisins, there’s something for everyone. Try making Brown Rice and Black Bean Stuffed Peppers or Brown Rice and Chicken Stir-Fry for a quick and easy dinner. Or, get adventurous with Brown Rice Sushi Rolls with Avocado and Cucumber or Brown Rice and Shrimp Bowl. Whatever your taste buds crave, these recipes are sure to satisfy!