25 Delicious Reasons To Not Make Plain Rice Tonight

While we love simple steamed white or brown rice, we also like taking advantage of the versatility of this whole grain. From simple to exotic, rice dishes can enhance your meal, or take center stage. Here are 25 rice recipes, from cuisines all over the world, including hearty main dishes with seafood, chicken, beans and sausages, to vegan rice bowls, stuffings, side dishes, desserts – even a fruity rice drink!

Turmeric Rice with Almonds and Pomegranate: Colorful and Flavorful

Experience a burst of color and flavor with this vibrant vegan rice dish, featuring the warmth of turmeric, the crunch of almonds, and the juicy sweetness of pomegranate seeds. Get the recipe for Turmeric Rice with Almonds and Pomegranate.

Baked Rice With Olives, Feta & Pomegranates: Festive Fusion

Celebrate the flavors of the Mediterranean with this festive baked rice dish, adorned with briny olives, creamy feta cheese, and jewel-like pomegranate seeds, creating a culinary masterpiece. Get the recipe for Baked Rice With Olives, Feta & Pomegranates.

Cilantro Lime Rice: Fresh and Zesty

Add a burst of freshness to your meal with this zesty rice dish, infused with the bright flavors of cilantro and lime, perfect as a side or a base for your favorite Mexican-inspired dishes. Get the recipe for Cilantro Lime Rice.

Lemon Pepper Risotto with Pan-Seared Scallops: Elegant Indulgence

Indulge in the luxurious flavors of this elegant risotto, infused with the bright zest of lemon and the subtle heat of black pepper, topped with tender pan-seared scallops for a gourmet treat. Get the recipe for Lemon Pepper Risotto with Pan-Seared Scallops.

Coconut Rice Salad with Pineapple & Herbs: Tropical Twist

Transport yourself to the tropics with this refreshing salad, combining fragrant basmati rice with toasted coconut, diced pineapple, and a medley of fresh herbs for a burst of tropical flavors. Get the recipe for Coconut Rice Salad with Pineapple & Herbs.

Forbidden Rice Salad with Sesame & Kale: Nutritious Delight

Indulge in this nutrient-packed salad, where forbidden rice meets vibrant kale, crunchy carrots, creamy avocado, and a tangy sesame dressing, creating a harmony of textures and flavors. Get the recipe for Forbidden Rice Salad with Sesame & Kale.

Vegan Brown Rice Dressing with Apples & Hazelnuts: Wholesome Comfort

Savor the comforting goodness of this vegan dressing, featuring hearty brown rice, crisp apples, and toasted hazelnuts, creating a wholesome dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Get the recipe for Brown Rice Dressing with Apples & Hazelnuts.

Oyster Mushroom Risotto

Extra-meaty oyster mushrooms lend their flavor and texture to this creamy risotto, which can be served as an elegant starter, or a light main dish. Dried porcini mushrooms bump up the flavor even more. You can make it with chicken stock, or create a vegetarian dish with vegetable broth. Get the recipe for Oyster Mushroom Risotto.

Cornbread and Wild Rice Stuffing with Pecans & Cranberries: Savory Delight

Enjoy a taste of tradition with this savory stuffing, combining the earthiness of wild rice with the sweetness of cranberries and the crunch of pecans, perfect for holiday feasts. Get the recipe for Cornbread and Wild Rice Stuffing.

Fried Rice with Sugar Snap Peas: Quick and Flavorful

Whip up a quick and flavorful meal with this classic fried rice, featuring crisp sugar snap peas, tender carrots, and fluffy rice, seasoned to perfection for a satisfying dish. Get the recipe for Fried Rice with Sugar Snap Peas.

Dominican Rice & Shrimp: Tropical Flavors

Transport your taste buds to the Caribbean with this flavorful rice dish, featuring plump shrimp, aromatic vegetables, and a medley of herbs and spices, creating a taste of tropical paradise. Get the recipe for Dominican Rice & Shrimp.

Perfect Basmati Rice – Instant Pot Pressure Cooker: Effortless Elegance

Achieve perfectly cooked basmati rice with ease using the Instant Pot pressure cooker, ensuring fluffy grains every time, making it a versatile addition to any meal. Get the recipe for Perfect Basmati Rice.

Vegan Rice Bowls with Cilantro Lime Tofu: Plant-based Perfection

Indulge in these flavorful rice bowls, featuring seasoned tofu, black beans, and a zesty cilantro lime dressing, creating a wholesome and satisfying plant-based meal. Get the recipe for Vegan Rice Bowls with Cilantro Lime Tofu.

Black Rice With Peaches and Mint: Healthful and Vibrant

Savor the healthful goodness of black rice paired with juicy peaches and refreshing mint, creating a dish that’s as nutritious as it is vibrant and flavorful. Get the recipe for Black Rice With Peaches and Mint.

Rice & Beans: Dominican Classic

Delight in the comforting flavors of Dominican cuisine with this classic rice and beans dish, featuring tender rice and hearty beans simmered in a savory sauce, perfect for a satisfying meal. Get the recipe for Rice & Beans.

Rice & Sausage Stew – Asopao de Longaniza: Hearty Comfort

Warm up with this hearty rice and sausage stew, known as Asopao de Longaniza, featuring tender rice, savory sausage, and a flavorful broth, perfect for cozy nights in. Get the recipe for Rice & Sausage Stew.

Chicken & Rice – Dominican Asopao de Pollo: Homey and Satisfying

Experience the comfort of home with this classic Dominican dish, featuring tender chicken, flavorful rice, and a medley of vegetables, creating a hearty and satisfying meal. Get the recipe for Chicken and Rice.

Healthy Vegetarian Mexican Casserole with Rice & Beans: Flavorful Fiesta

Delight in the bold flavors of Mexican cuisine with this hearty casserole, featuring brown rice, beans, and a medley of vegetables, topped with gooey cheese for a satisfying meal. Get the recipe for Healthy Vegetarian Mexican Casserole with Rice & Beans.

Instant Pot Dal and Rice: Indian Comfort

Savor the rich flavors of Indian cuisine with this comforting dal and rice dish, featuring creamy toor dal cooked with aromatic spices, perfect for a nourishing meal. Get the recipe for Instant Pot Dal and Rice.

Black Rice and Spinach Salad: Nutrient-packed

Enjoy a nutritious and flavorful salad, featuring black rice, vibrant spinach, and a medley of vegetables, creating a dish that’s as wholesome as it is delicious. Get the recipe for Black Rice and Spinach Salad.

Instant Pot Sushi Rice: Japanese Delight

Master the art of sushi rice with the Instant Pot pressure cooker, ensuring perfectly cooked grains every time, ideal for crafting homemade sushi rolls and bowls. Get the recipe for Instant Pot Sushi Rice.

Pera-Piña – Pineapple and Rice Drink: Refreshing Beverage

Quench your thirst with this refreshing pineapple and rice drink, known as Pera-Piña, featuring the tropical flavors of pineapple and the creamy richness of rice, perfect for a summer treat. Get the recipe for Pineapple and Rice Drink.

The Creamiest Vegan Rice Pudding (8 Flavor Variations!): Decadent Dessert

Indulge in the creamy goodness of vegan rice pudding, featuring aromatic jasmine rice cooked in a mix of dairy-free milk, topped with a swirl of homemade cinnamon berry sauce for a decadent dessert. Get the recipe for Vegan Rice Pudding.

Mexican Rice Pudding – Arroz Con Leche: Sweet Treat

Satisfy your sweet tooth with this comforting Mexican rice pudding, known as Arroz Con Leche, featuring creamy rice cooked with cinnamon and topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon for a delightful treat. Get the recipe for Mexican Rice Pudding.

Danish Rice Pudding – Risalamande: Festive Fare

Celebrate the holidays with this Danish rice pudding, known as Risalamande, featuring creamy rice cooked with almonds and topped with a flavorful cherry sauce, perfect for festive gatherings. Get the recipe for Danish Rice Pudding.