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Home » Trending

20 Rice Recipes That Turn Simple Grains Into Flavor Packed Meals

Published: Jan 1, 2026 by Janelle This post may contain affiliate links - read my disclaimer for full details... Leave a Comment

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Rice is a versatile pantry staple that can be transformed into so much more than a side dish. This collection of 20 rice recipes brings together comforting classics, hearty mains, and creative flavor combinations that make every meal satisfying. From one pot dinners to easy stir fries and flavorful pilafs, these recipes show how rice can be the star of the table without extra stress.

Cauliflower Rice Spring Rolls

cauliflower rice spring roll, vegan spring rolls, spring rolls without rice
Cauliflower Rice Spring Rolls. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Do you love spring rolls, but hate plain old white rice? I've got you covered then with these Cauliflower Rice Spring Rolls.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Rice Spring Rolls

Instant Pot Basmati Rice

Instant Pot Basmati Rice. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Easy Instant Pot Basmati Rice. Make perfect white rice every time in your Instant Pot in less than 30 minutes!
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Basmati Rice

Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice Instant Pot Cauliflower Rice

Cilantro-Lime-Instant-Pot-Cauliflower-Rice
Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice Instant Pot Cauliflower Rice. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Enjoy this copycat Chipotle Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice without the carbs with this easy 1 minute cilantro lime instant pot cauliflower rice recipe.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice Instant Pot Cauliflower Rice

Instant Pot Chicken Thighs and Rice

Instant Pot Chicken and Rice in Instant Pot.
Instant Pot Chicken Thighs and Rice. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Why juggle pots and pans when your Instant Pot can handle dinner all in one go? Toss in some chicken thighs and rice, hit a button, and boom—tender meat and fluffy grains like magic. It's a solid 40-minute meal with barely any effort. Set it, forget it, and eat happy.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Thighs and Rice

Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon

Two plates of Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon served over rice.
Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon. Photo credit: From Ice Cream To Steak.

This Teriyaki Salmon in the air fryer hits all the right notes—flaky, juicy, and coated in a glossy, flavor-packed glaze. It’s one of those recipes that feels fancy but takes almost no effort. Weeknight dinner or date night? Totally covered.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon

Instant Pot Cajun Chicken Rice

Chicken, sausage, and rice in instant pot with wooden spoon.
Instant Pot Cajun Chicken Rice. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

One pot, 30 minutes, tons of flavor. This Cajun Chicken Rice comes together fast in the Instant Pot and brings just the right amount of heat. Perfect for when you want something easy and exciting.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Cajun Chicken Rice

Cajun Seafood Rice Casserole

Shrimp and rice in a skillet.
Cajun Seafood Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

This Cajun Seafood Rice Casserole brings the heat and the comfort. It’s spicy, hearty, and loaded with bold flavors that make it feel like a hug with a kick. Perfect for when you want something that sticks to your ribs and wakes up your taste buds.
Get the Recipe: Cajun Seafood Rice Casserole

Cilantro Lime Chicken & Rice

Cilantro lime chicken on a plate next to avocado and cilantro garnish.
Cilantro Lime Chicken & Rice. Photo credit: Renee Nicole's Kitchen.

Cilantro lime chicken and rice—yeah, it’s as good as it sounds. Juicy chicken, fluffy rice, and a creamy, spicy sauce all in one pot. Easy enough for a Tuesday, tasty enough for any night.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Chicken & Rice

Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf

Side view of wild rice pilaf with pomegranate and butternut squash.
Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Butternut squash meets wild rice in this feel-good pilaf that’s all about texture and flavor. It’s nutty, slightly sweet, and super comforting—basically everything you want in a hearty rice dish, without overcomplicating it.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf

Copycat Chipotle Burrito Bowl

A Copycat Chipotle burrito bowl, filled with rice, fajita veggies, corn salsa, tortilla chips. and topped with a lime wedge.
Copycat Chipotle Burrito Bowl. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Who says healthy can’t be tasty? This Copycat Chipotle Burrito Bowl is bursting with flavor, ready in just 30 minutes! It’s an easy lunch or dinner option, and meal prep-friendly for the whole week. Healthy never tasted so good!
Get the Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Burrito Bowl

Jamaican Red Beans and Rice

Jamaican Red Beans and Rice. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Get a taste of the Caribbean with this flavorful Jamaican Red Beans and Rice! Coconut milk adds richness, while Scotch bonnet peppers bring the heat. It’s the perfect side or a hearty meal on its own—either way, it’s a crowd-pleaser!
Get the Recipe: Jamaican Red Beans and Rice

Middle eastern tofu rice bowl

Middle eastern rice bowl close up.
Middle eastern tofu rice bowl. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Need a quick, cozy meal? This Middle Eastern Tofu Rice Bowl is perfect for busy days. With just four simple steps, you’ll have a kid-friendly dish full of warming spices that’ll keep you going through winter and solo work-from-home lunches!
Get the Recipe: Middle eastern tofu rice bowl

Easy Chicken Enchilada Rice Casserole

A bowl of rice with corn and herbs on a striped cloth with garnishes on the side.
Easy Chicken Enchilada Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Got some leftovers? This Easy Chicken Enchilada Rice Casserole uses just five ingredients and turns your leftover rice, chicken, and cheese into a delicious meal. It’s quick, simple, and packed with flavor!
Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken Enchilada Rice Casserole

Instant Pot Shrimp Biryani

Overhead shot of a platter of shrimp biryani.
Instant Pot Shrimp Biryani. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Craving a taste of India? This Instant Pot Shrimp Biryani brings fragrant rice, juicy shrimp, and aromatic spices together in a simple, delicious way. The Instant Pot makes it easy to recreate this flavorful classic at home!
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Shrimp Biryani

Beef Bulgogi Bowls

Beef bulgogi in a bowl with rice and cucumbers.
Beef Bulgogi Bowls. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Want an easy, tasty meal? This Beef Bulgogi Bowl has you covered! Thin slices of marinated beef, cooked to perfection, are served over a bed of rice for a simple, satisfying dinner that comes together in a flash.
Get the Recipe: Beef Bulgogi Bowls

Pork Fried Rice

Pork fried rice in a blue and white striped bowl.
Pork Fried Rice. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Why let that Char Siu go to waste? Transform it into a savory Pork Fried Rice that’s bursting with flavor. It’s the perfect way to make leftovers taste fresh and new!
Get the Recipe: Pork Fried Rice

Low Carb Sushi Rolls

Keto Friendly Sushi Rolls served on a black board.
Low Carb Sushi Rolls. Photo credit: Low Carb - No Carb.

Enjoy sushi without the carbs! These Low Carb Sushi Rolls use cauliflower rice for a fresh, gluten-free, and diabetic-friendly twist on your favorite sushi. It’s an easy, tasty way to enjoy sushi with none of the guilt!
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Sushi Rolls

Thai Fried Rice

Overhead shot of Thai fried rice in a white bowl with a skillet of fried rice on the side.
Thai Fried Rice. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Thai Pineapple Fried Rice (Khao Pad) is the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and crunchy! Made with pineapple, eggs, veggies, and cashews, plus a touch of Thai fish sauce, it’s quick to make and packed with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Thai Fried Rice

Taco Rice Skillet

Closeup of a skillet with ground beef, cheese and tomatoes.
Taco Rice Skillet. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

In a rush but craving something delicious? This Taco Rice Skillet takes only 20 minutes and 8 simple ingredients, making it an easy, tasty family dinner solution!
Get the Recipe: Taco Rice Skillet

Tofu Fried Rice

Tofu Fried Rice. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Tofu Fried Rice is a delicious and healthier take on your favorite takeout dish! It’s an easy, customizable meal that lets you clean out your fridge with whatever veggies you have on hand—healthy and tasty!
Get the Recipe: Tofu Fried Rice

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Hi, I’m Lara, a Registered Dietitian and Personal Trainer with a passion for food and travel.

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