Introduction: Why Dinner Rice Recipes?
The Versatility of Rice
Rice is one of the most versatile and beloved staples worldwide. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or hosting a gathering, rice can easily be adapted into a variety of delicious meals. In this blog post, we’ll explore 20 different dinner rice recipes that will make your taste buds dance with delight.
Benefits of Rice-Based Dinners
Rice is not only versatile but also nutritious and filling. It pairs well with a myriad of ingredients, making it a perfect base for a wide range of dishes. Plus, it’s relatively quick to cook, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Let’s dive into these 20 delightful dinner rice recipes!
Classic Fried Rice: A Quick and Easy Favorite
Ingredients and Preparation
Fried rice is a go-to dinner rice recipe for many, thanks to its simplicity and adaptability. Start with cooked rice, preferably a day old. Add a mix of vegetables, proteins like chicken or shrimp, and season with soy sauce and sesame oil for a savory delight.
Tips for Perfect Fried Rice
The key to great fried rice is to use cold, leftover rice. Freshly cooked rice can be too moist, leading to a mushy texture. Also, make sure to stir-fry at high heat to get that perfect, slightly crispy texture.
Classic Chicken and Rice
The Comfort of Chicken and Rice
Chicken and rice is a classic combination that’s hearty, comforting, and satisfying. This dinner rice recipe is perfect for those evenings when you crave something simple yet delicious.
Ingredients and Preparation
To make classic chicken and rice, you’ll need chicken breasts, rice, chicken broth, onions, garlic, and a blend of your favorite spices. Sauté the onions and garlic, add the chicken until it’s browned, then mix in the rice and broth. Let it simmer until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
Cooking Tips
For extra flavor, use a mix of white and dark meat chicken. You can also add vegetables like carrots, peas, or bell peppers to make it a more balanced meal.
Shrimp Fried Rice
A Taste of Asia
Shrimp fried rice is a popular Asian-inspired dish that’s both flavorful and easy to make. It’s a perfect dinner rice recipe for those nights when you want something quick but tasty.
Ingredients and Preparation
This recipe requires shrimp, day-old rice, eggs, peas, carrots, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Start by cooking the shrimp until pink, set aside, then scramble the eggs in the same pan. Add the rice, vegetables, and shrimp back in, and finish with soy sauce and sesame oil.
Cooking Tips
Using day-old rice is crucial for the best texture. Freshly cooked rice can be too sticky and clumpy. Also, feel free to add more vegetables or substitute shrimp with chicken or tofu for variety.
Mexican Rice and Beans
A Hearty Vegetarian Option
Mexican rice and beans is a hearty, protein-packed vegetarian dinner rice recipe that’s full of flavor. It’s perfect for a Meatless Monday or any day you want a meat-free meal.
Ingredients and Preparation
You’ll need rice, black beans, corn, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and a blend of Mexican spices like cumin and chili powder. Sauté the onions and garlic, add the rice and spices, then mix in the beans, corn, and tomatoes. Simmer until the rice is cooked through.
Cooking Tips
Top with fresh cilantro, avocado, and a squeeze of lime for added freshness and flavor. You can also serve this as a side dish with your favorite Mexican entrée.
Lemon Herb Rice with Grilled Salmon
A Fresh and Light Option
Lemon herb rice paired with grilled salmon makes for a fresh and light dinner rice recipe that’s perfect for summer evenings. The zesty flavors of the lemon and herbs complement the richness of the salmon beautifully.
Ingredients and Preparation
For the lemon herb rice, you’ll need rice, lemon zest and juice, fresh herbs like parsley and dill, and a bit of butter. Cook the rice as usual, then stir in the lemon zest, juice, and herbs just before serving. Grill the salmon with a simple seasoning of salt, pepper, and olive oil.
Cooking Tips
Make sure not to overcook the salmon; it should be flaky and moist. You can also add a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to round out the meal.
Mushroom Risotto
Italian Comfort Food
Mushroom risotto is an Italian comfort food classic that’s creamy, rich, and utterly satisfying. This dinner rice recipe might take a bit more time, but the result is well worth the effort.
Ingredients and Preparation
You’ll need Arborio rice, a variety of mushrooms, onions, garlic, white wine, chicken or vegetable broth, and Parmesan cheese. Sauté the onions and garlic, add the mushrooms, then stir in the rice. Gradually add the broth while stirring continuously until the rice is creamy and cooked through.
Cooking Tips
Using a mix of mushrooms like cremini, shiitake, and porcini can add depth of flavor. Stirring constantly helps release the starch from the rice, creating that signature creamy texture.
Jamaican Jerk Chicken with Rice and Peas
Ingredients and Preparation
Bring a taste of the Caribbean to your dinner table with this vibrant dish. Marinate chicken in a spicy jerk seasoning, then grill to perfection. Serve alongside rice and peas cooked in coconut milk for a complete meal.
Balancing the Heat
Jerk seasoning can be quite spicy. To balance the heat, pair the dish with a cooling side like a cucumber salad or a dollop of yogurt.
Spicy Sausage Jambalaya
A Taste of New Orleans
Spicy sausage jambalaya is a one-pot wonder that brings the flavors of New Orleans right to your kitchen. This dinner rice recipe is hearty, spicy, and full of delicious ingredients.
Ingredients and Preparation
You’ll need sausage (Andouille is traditional), rice, tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, celery, garlic, chicken broth, and a blend of Cajun spices. Sauté the sausage and vegetables, then add the rice and spices. Mix in the broth and tomatoes, and let it simmer until the rice is cooked.
Cooking Tips
Adjust the spice level to your preference by adding more or less Cajun seasoning. You can also add shrimp or chicken for a mixed protein jambalaya.
Vegetable Paella
A Spanish Delight
Vegetable paella is a Spanish-inspired dinner rice recipe that’s vibrant, flavorful, and perfect for a crowd. It’s a great vegetarian option that doesn’t skimp on taste.
Ingredients and Preparation
You’ll need rice (preferably Bomba or Arborio), a variety of vegetables like bell peppers, peas, tomatoes, and artichokes, vegetable broth, saffron, and smoked paprika. Sauté the vegetables, then add the rice and spices. Mix in the broth and let it simmer until the rice is cooked and has absorbed all the flavors.
Cooking Tips
For an authentic touch, cook the paella in a large, shallow pan. Let the rice form a crispy layer at the bottom, known as socarrat, which is a prized part of traditional paella.
Thai Pineapple Fried Rice
A Sweet and Savory Twist
Thai pineapple fried rice is a sweet and savory dish that’s bursting with flavors. This dinner rice recipe is perfect for when you want something different and exciting.
Ingredients and Preparation
You’ll need day-old rice, pineapple chunks, shrimp or chicken, peas, carrots, eggs, soy sauce, and curry powder. Cook the shrimp or chicken, set aside, then scramble the eggs. Add the rice, vegetables, pineapple, and proteins back in, and season with soy sauce and curry powder.
Cooking Tips
Using fresh pineapple gives the dish a natural sweetness and a juicy texture. You can also serve it in a hollowed-out pineapple for a fun presentation.
Indian Chicken Biryani
A Fragrant and Flavorful Feast
Indian chicken biryani is a fragrant and flavorful dinner rice recipe that’s perfect for a special occasion. The combination of spices and tender chicken makes it a truly delightful dish.
Ingredients and Preparation
You’ll need chicken, Basmati rice, onions, tomatoes, garlic, ginger, yogurt, and a blend of spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala. Marinate the chicken in yogurt and spices, then cook it with the onions and tomatoes. Layer the partially cooked rice on top, cover, and let it steam until fully cooked.
Cooking Tips
For an extra authentic touch, add saffron strands soaked in milk to the rice. Serve the biryani with a side of raita (yogurt sauce) and naan bread.
Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice
A Rich and Indulgent Dinner
Garlic butter shrimp rice is a rich and indulgent dinner rice recipe that’s sure to impress. The combination of garlic, butter, and succulent shrimp makes it irresistible.
Ingredients and Preparation
You’ll need shrimp, rice, garlic, butter, parsley, and lemon juice. Cook the shrimp in garlic and butter until pink, then set aside. Mix the cooked rice with the remaining garlic butter and parsley, and top with the shrimp and a squeeze of lemon juice.
Cooking Tips
Using fresh garlic and high-quality butter makes a significant difference in flavor. Garnish with extra parsley and lemon zest for a burst of freshness.
Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl
A Sweet and Savory Delight
Teriyaki chicken rice bowl is a sweet and savory dinner rice recipe that’s quick and easy to make. The homemade teriyaki sauce elevates the dish to a new level.
Ingredients and Preparation
You’ll need chicken breasts, rice, soy sauce, mirin, sugar, garlic, and ginger. Cook the chicken with garlic and ginger, then add the soy sauce, mirin, and sugar to make the teriyaki sauce. Let it simmer until thickened, then serve over rice.
Cooking Tips
Marinate the chicken in the teriyaki sauce beforehand for deeper flavor. Add steamed vegetables like broccoli and snap peas for a balanced meal.
Mediterranean Rice Pilaf
A Flavorful and Healthy Option
Mediterranean rice pilaf is a flavorful and healthy dinner rice recipe that’s perfect for a light yet satisfying meal. The combination of herbs, vegetables, and olive oil makes it a delight.
Ingredients and Preparation
You’ll need rice, onions, garlic, tomatoes, bell peppers, olives, feta cheese, and fresh herbs like parsley and mint. Sauté the onions and garlic, add the rice and vegetables, then mix in the broth and let it cook. Stir in the olives, feta, and herbs just before serving.
Cooking Tips
Using fresh herbs and high-quality olive oil enhances the flavor of the dish. Serve with a side of grilled chicken or fish for added protein.
Cajun Dirty Rice
A Spicy and Hearty Dish
Cajun dirty rice is a spicy and hearty dinner rice recipe that’s packed with flavor. It’s traditionally made with ground meat and a blend of spices that give it a distinctive taste.
Ingredients and Preparation
You’ll need rice, ground beef or pork, onions, bell peppers, celery, garlic, chicken broth, and Cajun spices. Cook the meat with the vegetables and spices, then add the rice and broth. Let it simmer until the rice is cooked and has absorbed all the flavors.
Cooking Tips
For an authentic touch, use chicken livers in addition to the ground meat. Adjust the spice level to your preference, and serve with a side of cornbread.
Korean Bibimbap
A Colorful and Nutritious Bowl
Korean bibimbap is a colorful and nutritious dinner rice recipe that’s both delicious and visually appealing. It’s a great way to enjoy a variety of vegetables and proteins in one meal.
Ingredients and Preparation
You’ll need rice, a mix of vegetables (such as spinach, carrots, and bean sprouts), ground beef or tofu, a fried egg, and gochujang (Korean chili paste). Cook the beef or tofu, sauté the vegetables, and assemble the bowl with rice at the bottom. Top with the egg and a dollop of gochujang.
Cooking Tips
Use a stone bowl (dolsot) to get a crispy layer of rice at the bottom. Mix everything together before eating to ensure each bite is packed with flavor.
Spanish Arroz Con Pollo
A Flavorful One-Pot Meal
Spanish arroz con pollo is a flavorful one-pot dinner rice recipe that’s perfect for a family meal. The combination of chicken, rice, and spices makes it a comforting dish.
Ingredients and Preparation
You’ll need chicken thighs, rice, tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, garlic, chicken broth, and spices like saffron and paprika. Brown the chicken, set aside, then sauté the vegetables. Add the rice, broth, and spices, then place the chicken back in and let it cook until the rice is tender.
Cooking Tips
Use bone-in, skin-on chicken for the best flavor. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges for a burst of freshness.
Greek Lemon Rice Soup
A Comforting and Zesty Soup
Greek lemon rice soup, or avgolemono, is a comforting and zesty dinner rice recipe that’s perfect for a light meal. The combination of rice, lemon, and eggs creates a creamy and tangy soup.
Ingredients and Preparation
You’ll need rice, chicken broth, eggs, lemon juice, and cooked chicken (optional). Cook the rice in the broth, then whisk together the eggs and lemon juice. Slowly add the hot broth to the egg mixture, then stir back into the pot and add the chicken.
Cooking Tips
Temper the eggs slowly to prevent curdling. Serve with a side of crusty bread for a complete meal.
Moroccan Chicken and Rice
A Flavorful and Exotic Dish
Moroccan chicken and rice is a flavorful and exotic dinner rice recipe that’s perfect for a special occasion. The combination of spices and dried fruits creates a unique and delicious dish.
Ingredients and Preparation
You’ll need chicken thighs, rice, onions, garlic, dried apricots, raisins, almonds, chicken broth, and a blend of Moroccan spices like cinnamon, cumin, and turmeric. Brown the chicken, set aside, then sauté the onions and garlic. Add the rice, broth, and spices, then mix in the dried fruits and almonds.
Cooking Tips
For an authentic touch, use a tagine to cook the dish. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with a side of yogurt.
Cuban Black Beans and Rice
A Simple and Satisfying Meal
Cuban black beans and rice, or Moros y Cristianos, is a simple and satisfying dinner rice recipe that’s perfect for a quick meal. The combination of black beans and rice is both filling and nutritious.
Ingredients and Preparation
You’ll need black beans, rice, onions, garlic, bell peppers, tomatoes, and a blend of Cuban spices like cumin and oregano. Sauté the onions, garlic, and bell peppers, then add the beans, tomatoes, and spices. Mix in the cooked rice and let it simmer until everything is well combined.
Cooking Tips
Use canned black beans for a quicker preparation. Serve with a side of fried plantains for an authentic Cuban meal.
Japanese Onigiri
A Fun and Portable Meal
Japanese onigiri, or rice balls, are a fun and portable dinner rice recipe that’s perfect for a picnic or lunchbox. The combination of seasoned rice and various fillings makes it a versatile and delicious meal.
Ingredients and Preparation
You’ll need sushi rice, rice vinegar, nori (seaweed), and fillings like tuna, pickled plums, or salmon. Cook the rice, season with rice vinegar, then shape into balls or triangles. Place a small amount of filling in the center and wrap with nori.
Cooking Tips
Use wet hands to prevent the rice from sticking when shaping the onigiri. Experiment with different fillings to find your favorite combination.
Savory Chicken and Rice Casserole
Ingredients and Preparation
This hearty dish combines tender chicken, creamy soup, and rice for a comforting meal. Mix cooked chicken with rice, cream of mushroom soup, and your choice of vegetables. Bake until bubbly and golden brown for a dinner that’s sure to please the whole family.
Variations to Try
You can switch up the vegetables or even the type of soup used in this casserole. Try cream of chicken or cream of celery for different flavor profiles. Adding a sprinkle of cheese on top before baking can also add a delicious crust.
Spanish Paella: A Taste of Spain
Ingredients and Preparation
Paella is a traditional Spanish dish that’s perfect for dinner. It typically includes rice, saffron, chicken, seafood, and vegetables. Cook the rice in a flavorful broth and let it absorb all the delicious flavors for an authentic taste.
Perfecting the Socarrat
The socarrat is the crispy layer of rice at the bottom of the paella pan, and it’s considered the best part of the dish. To achieve this, resist the urge to stir the rice towards the end of cooking, allowing it to form a crust.
FAQs
- What are some easy dinner rice recipes?
- Classic chicken and rice, shrimp fried rice, and Mexican rice and beans are easy and delicious options.
- How can I make rice more flavorful?
- Use chicken or vegetable broth instead of water, add spices, or mix in sautéed vegetables and proteins.
- What type of rice is best for fried rice?
- Day-old rice works best for fried rice as it’s less sticky and holds up better during cooking.
- Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
- Yes, brown rice can be substituted for white rice in most recipes, but it may require a longer cooking time.
- What is a good vegetarian dinner rice recipe?
- Vegetable paella and Mexican rice and beans are flavorful and satisfying vegetarian options.
- How do I prevent rice from becoming mushy?
- Use the correct water-to-rice ratio and avoid overcooking. Let the rice rest for a few minutes after cooking to absorb any remaining moisture.
- Can I make rice dishes ahead of time?
- Yes, many rice dishes can be made ahead of time and reheated. Fried rice and risotto are particularly good for leftovers.
- What are some healthy dinner rice recipes?
- Lemon herb rice with grilled salmon, Mediterranean rice pilaf, and Greek lemon rice soup are healthy and delicious options.
- How do I cook perfect rice?
- Rinse the rice before cooking, use the correct water-to-rice ratio, and let it steam with the lid on after cooking to ensure fluffy rice.
- Can I freeze cooked rice dishes?
- Yes, many cooked rice dishes can be frozen. Cool the rice completely before storing in airtight containers or freezer bags.
