Best easy rice recipes are for those who want to have a tasty, satisfying and inexpensive meal without spending much time in the kitchen. Rice can be used in so many ways in all kitchens, from a cosy dessert to a family feast and a nutritious lunch bowl. From creamy blueberry rice pudding to classic kedgeree, flavour-packed bibimbap, or a salmon rice bowl for the quickest meal, there's something for everyone and every occasion.
Whether you're looking for breakfast, lunch or dinner, or a dessert recipe, this list of favorite easy rice recipes will ensure you can make delicious meals with rice.These are the best easy rice recipes you can find from breakfast to lunch, and even dessert.
Best Easy Rice Recipes You Should Try
Rice is a versatile ingredient that can be transformed into comforting desserts, hearty main courses, and healthy family meals. These easy rice recipes are simple to prepare, full of flavour, and perfect for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even a satisfying dessert.
Ridiculously good rice recipes
Cheap and abundantly available, rice serves as a versatile ingredient that's as comforting as it is filling. It also takes a starring role in countless delicious dishes, from risotto and paella to bibimbap and nasi goreng. Looking to transform those packets of rice into something truly special? We've got all the recipes you need.
Blueberry and coconut rice pudding
Juicy blueberries add a wonderfully fruity note – and a burst of colour – to this rich and indulgent dessert. The key to achieving a perfectly creamy end result involves cooking the rice gently over a low heat and stirring occasionally to prevent it from catching. To enjoy the pudding at its best, serve the creamy rice in warm glasses or bowls, with a little of the toasted coconut stirred in and the rest sprinkled on top.
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Spiced rice pudding with bananas
Just the thing when you fancy a comforting dessert with a special twist, this creamy rice pudding becomes all the more special thanks to some gently spicing courtesy of the cinnamon, cardamom, cloves and nutmeg, while the rum adds an adult kick. Whatever you do, don’t skip making the banana crisps for the top; they’re really simple to prepare and taste amazing.
Jollof arancini
This culture-clash recipe takes traditional arancini and fills them with the bright flavours of West Africa. Leftover jollof rice – typically made with meat, onions, chillies and tomatoes – rolls into balls around a cheesy mozzarella centre, then deep fries to perfection. You'll want to make the Scotch bonnet sauce too, as it will add a pleasant touch of spice to cut through the richness.
Wild rice salad with grilled avocado
Grilling is a great way to soften up avocados that aren't quite ripe yet. In this wild rice salad recipe, the recipe combines the green fruits with crunchy broccoli, sweet carrots and creamy tahini dressing – resulting in a delicious side dish that's sure to shine just as much as the main event.
Kedgeree
A classic comfort dish with a gently spiced edge, kedgeree evokes both nostalgia and quiet luxury – and it might just be the perfect breakfast or brunch dish when you’ve got a bit of time on your hands. In this recipe, flakes of smoked haddock, tender rice and perfectly runny eggs combine in a beautifully balanced bowlful. As an alternative, you could add a little poached salmon to this too or toss through some flakes of hot-smoked trout when you add the poached fish at the end.
Mushroom and black rice shakshuka
Inspired by classic North African shakshuka – eggs in a tomato and pepper sauce – this dish features an egg cooked in a mixture of vegetables and wholegrain rice. You could use up leftover rice, or even swap it for other cooked grains, if you like. This one's great for a weekend brunch or a well-balanced supper. Just throw in whichever vegetables you have to hand!
Bang salmon rice bowls
Searching for an easy midweek dinner? This tasty salmon dish could be your new go-to. Our recipe packs protein and nourishing vegetables, with a simple bang sauce bringing everything together. It's customizable, too: you can swap out the vegetables for whatever's in the fridge, and you can even switch the salmon for chicken or tofu if you're not in the mood for fish.
Bibimbap
Literally meaning mixed rice in Korean, bibimbap presents a brilliant way to use up any leftovers you’ve got lurking about in the fridge. You could throw in bean sprouts, matchstick carrots, thinly sliced beef or kimchi. Chop and change the ingredients to include whatever suits you – just make sure you top it all off with a crispy fried egg.
Hainanese chicken rice
Originating from the province of Hainan in Southwest China, this dish has become a staple in many Asian countries, from Singapore to Thailand. Our effortless recipe is a simplified take on the traditional dish – you simply boil the chicken with spices until tender, before using the same broth to cook the rice. You could swap out the whole chicken for chicken thighs or legs to make the process even simpler.
Easy ham and rice casserole
You can mix and match this simple dish based on what’s in the fridge or freezer. In our recipe, we mix ham, uncooked rice, and vegetables with stock and condensed mushroom soup, bake it in the oven, top it with grated Cheddar, then bake it until the cheese is gorgeously golden. Who could resist?
Smoky baked chicken with tortillas and rice
Perfect for a family meal, this baked chicken dish is both nutritious and delicious. It's quick to make on a weeknight too, as it makes use of shop-bought pasta sauce – and tortilla chips from the packet top it off for a satisfying crunch. Feel free to experiment with different flavoured tortillas and pasta sauces to really make it your own.
FAQs
1. What is the simplest rice recipe to make for people who have never cooked?
Rice dishes with simple ingredients and cooking methods are suitable for the beginning, for example fried rice, chicken rice casserole, salmon rice bowls, bibimbap and simple rice pudding.
2. What type of rice do you like to eat in your kitchen?
Depending on the recipe, long-grain rice, basmati rice, jasmine rice and brown rice are great options. Arborio rice is perfect for creamy riso recipes such as risotto and rice pudding.
3. May I use the leftover rice for the recipes?
Yes. Any recipe that involves rice and beans is perfect with the leftovers, such as jollof arancini, salmon rice bowl, shakshuka, and bibimbap. It also saves the food waste.
4. Is it healthy to eat rice recipes?
Rice recipes can be quite nutritious, when served with vegetables, lean proteins, legumes, and healthy fats. Brown and wild rice are also a good source of additional fibre and nutrients.
5. What is the best way to preserve cooked rice?
Cooked rice should be cooled rapidly, refrigerated in two hours and then kept in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat until hot and serve.