Are you tired of the same old weeknight meals? Do you find yourself stuck in a rut, serving up the same old dishes night after night? Look no further! We’ve got 20 simple and delicious rice recipes to spice up your dinner routine.
Rice is a staple in many cuisines around the world, and it’s easy to see why. It’s versatile, easy to cook, and can be paired with just about any protein or vegetable. But let’s face it – plain old white rice can get boring quickly. That’s where these 20 simple rice recipes come in. From classic combinations like garlic butter and lemon herb, to international-inspired flavors like coconut and teriyaki, we’ve got you covered.
In this article, we’ll be sharing our favorite simple rice recipes that are perfect for busy weeknights. Whether you’re a fan of savory or sweet, there’s something on this list for everyone.
Garlic Butter Rice
Elevate your meal with this simple yet flavorful Garlic Butter Rice recipe. Perfect as a side dish or paired with your favorite protein.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a medium saucepan, bring 1 cup of water to a boil.
3. Add rice, melted butter, garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
4. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.
5. Fluff with a fork and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Lemon Herb Rice
Brighten up your meals with this refreshing Lemon Herb Rice recipe! This flavorful side dish is perfect for accompanying grilled meats, seafood, or as a base for salads.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 2 cups water
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Rinse the rice in a fine mesh strainer until water runs clear.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice and water. Bring to a boil over high heat.
3. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until water is absorbed and rice is tender.
4. While the rice cooks, mix lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
5. Once the rice is cooked, fluff with a fork and stir in the lemon herb mixture.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Coconut Rice
This simple yet flavorful recipe combines the creamy richness of coconut with the comfort of fluffy rice. Perfect as a side dish or used as a base for other dishes, this coconut rice is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice
– 1 cup water
– 1/4 cup shredded coconut
– 2 tablespoons coconut oil
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Rinse the rice in a fine mesh strainer and drain well.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the rice and water. Bring to a boil over high heat.
3. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.
4. Fluff the cooked rice with a fork to separate the grains.
5. In a small skillet, melt the coconut oil over medium heat. Add the shredded coconut and cook, stirring frequently, until lightly toasted.
6. Stir the toasted coconut into the cooked rice. Season with salt to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Tomato Basil Rice
This simple yet flavorful recipe combines the sweetness of tomatoes with the brightness of basil, perfect for accompanying grilled meats or as a vegetarian main course. With just a few ingredients and minimal preparation time, this dish is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 2 cups water
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook rice according to package instructions using 2 cups of water.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Stir in diced tomatoes, chopped basil, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
5. Fluff cooked rice with a fork and stir in the tomato-basil mixture.
6. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Easy Fried Rice
A classic Chinese dish that’s quick and easy to make! With leftover rice, veggies, and a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a flavorful meal ready in no time.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked 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
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the onion and garlic; cook until the onion is translucent.
3. Add the mixed vegetables; stir-fry for about 2 minutes.
4. Push the veggies to one side of the pan. Crack in the eggs; scramble them until cooked through.
5. Mix the eggs with the veggies.
6. Add the cooked rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps with a spatula.
7. Stir-fry everything together for about 2-3 minutes, adding soy sauce and seasonings as needed.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
One-Pot Chicken and Rice
A comforting and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. This one-pot wonder combines juicy chicken, flavorful rice, and savory vegetables in a rich and creamy sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 2 cups uncooked white rice
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 large onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tbsp butter
Instructions:
1. Heat the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the onion, garlic, and thyme; cook until the vegetables are tender, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Stir in the rice, chicken broth, and frozen peas and carrots.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the liquid has been absorbed.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Vegetable Pilaf
A hearty and flavorful pilaf recipe packed with a variety of colorful vegetables, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 2 cups water
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, green beans, and corn kernels)
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the mixed vegetables, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
5. Add the uncooked rice to the saucepan and stir to combine with the vegetable mixture.
6. Add the water to the saucepan and bring to a boil.
7. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the liquid has been absorbed.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Mexican Rice
This flavorful side dish is a staple of traditional Mexican cuisine, perfect for accompanying tacos, enchiladas, and other bold flavors.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 2 cups water
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt to taste
– Optional: chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat.
2. Add the onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the rice to the pan and stir to coat with oil and mix with the onion mixture.
5. Add the water, cumin, paprika, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed.
6. Fluff the rice with a fork and serve hot. Garnish with cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Spinach and Parmesan Rice
A flavorful and nutritious side dish that’s perfect for any meal. This recipe combines the richness of Parmesan cheese with the earthiness of spinach, all wrapped up in a fluffy rice package.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice
– 2 cups water
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
3. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the rice and stir to coat with oil and mix with onion mixture. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
5. Add the water and bring to a boil.
6. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.
7. Stir in spinach leaves and cook until wilted.
8. Remove from heat, fluff with a fork, and stir in Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Egg Fried Rice
Egg fried rice is a simple and flavorful dish that can be made with leftover cooked rice, eggs, and your favorite vegetables. This recipe is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old rice)
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 eggs, beaten
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped scallions and/or cooked vegetables (e.g. carrots, peas) for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic; stir-fry until the onion is translucent.
3. Push the mixture to one side of the pan. Crack the eggs into the empty side and scramble them until cooked through.
4. Mix the eggs with the onion-garlic mixture.
5. Add the cooked rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps with a spatula. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes or until the rice is heated through and starting to brown.
6. Add soy sauce and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped scallions and/or cooked vegetables if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Turmeric Rice
This flavorful rice dish is a perfect accompaniment to any Indian-inspired meal. With the warmth of turmeric and the crunch of toasted nuts, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice
– 2 cups water
– 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
– 1 tablespoon ghee or vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 1/4 cup toasted cashews or almonds
– Salt to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Rinse the rice in a fine mesh strainer and drain well.
2. Heat the ghee or oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
3. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the turmeric and stir for 30 seconds to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Add the rice and water to the saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.
6. Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in toasted nuts and salt to taste.
7. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Peas and Carrots Rice
This recipe is a classic combination of peas, carrots, and rice that’s perfect for accompanying your favorite main courses. With its creamy texture and sweet flavor, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice
– 2 cups water
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the rice and stir to coat with oil and mix with onion and garlic.
5. Add the water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is cooked.
6. Stir in the frozen peas and carrots. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Garlic Lime Rice
A flavorful and aromatic side dish that perfectly complements a variety of dishes, from grilled meats to seafood.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice
– 2 cups water
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 teaspoon olive oil
– Salt to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh strainer and drain well.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the rice and water. Bring to a boil over high heat.
3. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the water is absorbed and the rice is cooked.
4. While the rice cooks, heat the olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
5. Stir the lime juice into the cooked rice. Fluff with a fork to combine.
6. Add the cooked garlic mixture to the rice and season with salt to taste.
7. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Mushroom Rice
A flavorful and aromatic side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses, this mushroom rice recipe is a perfect addition to any meal. With its earthy aroma and tender texture, you’ll want to serve it alongside your favorite dishes.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice
– 2 cups water
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
3. Add the mushrooms and cook until they release their liquid and start browning, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the rice and stir to combine with the mushroom mixture.
5. Add the water and thyme, and bring to a boil.
6. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes or until the rice is cooked and fluffy.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Teriyaki Rice Bowl
A flavorful and satisfying meal that combines tender chicken, savory teriyaki sauce, and fluffy Japanese-style rice.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked Japanese short-grain rice
– 2 cups water
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– 1 tsp grated ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and diced bell peppers for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook the rice according to package instructions using 2 cups of water.
2. In a separate pan, heat 1 tbsp of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes.
3. In the same pan, add remaining 1 tbsp of vegetable oil, teriyaki sauce, and grated ginger. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
4. Serve cooked chicken on top of cooked rice in a bowl. Drizzle with teriyaki sauce and garnish with desired toppings.
Cooking Time: About 20-25 minutes
Simple Saffron Rice
Elevate your meals with this aromatic and flavorful saffron rice, perfect for accompanying a variety of dishes from Middle Eastern to Mediterranean cuisine. With its subtle yellow hue and nutty flavor, this simple recipe is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice
– 2 cups water
– 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads, soaked in 1 tablespoon hot water
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh strainer and drain well.
2. In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add the drained rice and stir to coat with oil. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
4. Add the soaked saffron threads and water to the saucepan. Bring to a boil.
5. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
6. Fluff the rice with a fork and season with salt to taste.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Broccoli Cheddar Rice
A delicious and comforting side dish that combines the flavors of broccoli, cheddar cheese, and fluffy rice.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice
– 3 cups water
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 3 cups broccoli florets
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh strainer and drain well.
3. In a medium saucepan, combine the rice and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until water is absorbed and rice is tender.
4. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Add broccoli to the skillet and cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes more.
6. Stir in grated cheddar cheese until melted and well combined with the broccoli mixture.
7. Fluff cooked rice with a fork and stir in the broccoli-cheese mixture.
8. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: Approximately 30-40 minutes
Pineapple Fried Rice
This sweet and savory dish is a twist on traditional fried rice, adding juicy pineapple chunks and toasted cashews for added texture and flavor.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 cup diced fresh pineapple
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon oyster sauce (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped green onions for garnish
– Toasted cashews for serving
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the onion and garlic; cook until the onion is translucent, about 3 minutes.
3. Add the cooked rice, stirring to combine with the onion mixture.
4. Cook for 2-3 minutes, breaking up any clumps.
5. Add the pineapple, soy sauce, and oyster sauce (if using); stir-fry for another minute.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Transfer to a serving platter; garnish with green onions and toasted cashews.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Black Bean and Rice Skillet
A flavorful and nutritious one-pot meal that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 2 cups water
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 small onion, diced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooking spray or oil
Instructions:
1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add cooking spray or oil.
2. Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the cumin, salt, and pepper.
4. Add the rice to the skillet and stir to combine with the vegetable mixture.
5. Pour in the water and bring to a boil.
6. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
7. Fluff the rice mixture with a fork and stir in the black beans.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Basil Pesto Rice
Elevate your meals with this simple and aromatic rice dish infused with the freshness of basil. This recipe is perfect for accompanying grilled meats, vegetables, or as a base for various salads.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice
– 2 cups water
– 1/4 cup basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh strainer and drain well.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the rice and water. Bring to a boil over high heat.
3. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
4. Fluff the cooked rice with a fork and stir in the basil pesto, olive oil, and salt to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Summary
Looking for quick and delicious meal ideas for busy weeknights? Look no further! This article features 20 simple rice recipes that are perfect for a stress-free dinner. From flavorful garlic butter to tangy lemon herb, these easy-to-make dishes use just a few ingredients and can be prepared in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re in the mood for savory one-pot chicken and rice or spicy Mexican rice, there’s something for everyone. Try them out and add some excitement to your meal routine!