20 Upgraded Rice Dishes That Make Plain White Rice Look So Boring
Plain white rice is fine, but it can get uninspiring pretty fast. Luckily, it takes very little effort to turn a basic bag of grains into a comforting, flavor-packed meal your family will actually look forward to. This list features everything from crazy good fried rice twists to cheesy one-pot comfort foods and bold global dishes. Grab a skillet and get ready to completely change how you do side dishes!
Tofu Fried Rice
This tofu fried rice recipe is bursting with flavor! Tender tofu takes center stage with fluffy rice, colorful veggies, and a savory sauce in this hearty vegan dinner.
Firecracker Spicy Rice
Firecracker Spicy Rice is here to make your mouth water! Jasmine rice is all dressed up with veggies, scrambled eggs and a deliciously bold firecracker sauce. It’s a little spicy, a little salty, and even a little sweet. This fried rice recipe really has it all!
Lemon Herb Shrimp and Rice Bowl
Try this one-pan Shrimp and Brown Rice Bowl recipe for an easy weeknight dinner! This shrimp bowl comes together quickly with a handful of ingredients!
Pineapple Fried Rice
Do you love restaurant style fried rice? What if I told you that you can make the same at home!? Pineapple Fried Rice is right up your alley!
Bahamian Pigeon Peas and Rice Recipe
This Pigeon Peas and Rice recipe is a twist on a popular Bahamian staple and is a delicious one-pot wonder. Bacon fries in a pan and then cooks alongside rice and peas to make a savory, comforting side dish or main meal!
Belizean Rice and Beans
This Belizean Rice and Beans recipe is a great way to change up your rice and beans flavor. The rice is cooked with coconut milk to give the dish a rich, tropical flavor. Serve this as a side with any protein for a yummy meal!
Indian Lamb Keema Rice
Keema rice or a cheats biryani if you like, mine features minced lamb and caramelised onions and is loaded with Indian influenced flavours.
Cauliflower Fried Rice
Have you jumped on the cauliflower rice train yet? This Cauliflower Fried Rice recipe is the best way to enjoy it!
Tuna and Rice Recipe from Cabo Verde
This Tuna with Rice recipe, also known as Arroz con Atum, comes from the nation of Cabo Verde. The rice is so flavorful and delicious, and the tuna steak is a perfect form of protein in this meal! Keep reading for the recipe.
Asparagus Cilantro Lime Rice
Light and airy, this asparagus cilantro lime rice recipe is a great busy weeknight recipe that is perfect to serve on the side for Taco Tuesdays!
Spanish Rice
This Spanish rice is quick to make and packed with flavor! Also called Mexican rice, it’s an easy side dish to pair with tacos, enchiladas, and more.
Vermicelli Rice (Armenian Rice Pilaf) Recipe
This Armenian dish with Vermicelli rice can be thrown together with ingredients that I almost guarantee are already in your pantry. Rice and pasta are browned in butter then covered in chicken stock and left to simmer for 15 minutes. A taste of Armenia has never been so easy!
Cheesy Chicken and Rice Recipe
This Cheesy Chicken and Rice is the perfect throw together dinner that the entire family will love. Made with cheddar cheese and broccoli, it’s bound to be a family favorite Instant Pot Dinner!
Rice Porridge Recipe
This recipe for rice porridge is a common breakfast in the country of Chad. Making it reminds me of making oatmeal for breakfast, but instead of oats, white rice is used! I top my rice porridge with peanut butter, bananas, and brown sugar.
Kabuli Pulao (Spiced Lamb Pilaf) from Afghanistan
Kabuli Pulao is an Afghan rice dish made by cooking lamb with a delightful blend of spices. The lamb is then piled high on the rice and served with carrots, raisins, and toasted almonds.
Easy Chicken Fried Rice
Hearty Chicken Fried Rice is a classic Chinese dish that is packed full of goodness from leftover rice, tender pan-seared chicken, root vegetables, fragrant fresh garlic, scrambled egg, and tangy green onions! Ready in just 30 minutes it’s ideal on busy weeknights for feeding the whole family – fast!
Hawaiian Fried Rice
Hawaiian Fried Rice is taking the classic fried rice recipe and adding island ingredients will have you feeling the spirit of Aloha in no time!
Thai Curry Fried Rice
Skip the takeout thai food and make this Thai Curry Fried Rice recipe – an easy meal you can make at home in just 15 minutes (prep included!)! With subtle authentic Thai flavors from fish sauce, Thai curry paste, cashew nuts, lime and cilantro and the option to kick up the spice a notch with some Sriracha sauce.
Kimchi Fried Rice
Kimchi Fried Rice with bacon and fried egg is an outstanding flavorful Korean stir fry recipe that is fantastic for breakfast. This dish is typically made with Spam, however, I found crisp bacon was perfect. The kimchi adds the best flavor full of tart vinegar taste with a spicy kick.
Cajun Sausage and Rice (One Skillet Dinner)
If you’re craving bold Southern flavor without dirtying half the pots in your kitchen, this Cajun sausage and rice recipe has your name written all over it.
