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Home » Trending

17 Rice Recipes So Hot They Might Steal the Spotlight at Dinner

Published: Dec 22, 2025 by Janelle This post may contain affiliate links - read my disclaimer for full details... Leave a Comment

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These 17 rice recipes take humble grains and turn them into flavor-packed meals worth talking about. Think chili-spiced rice bowls, peppery skillet dishes, and steamy comfort classics that bring heat to every bite. Each recipe delivers warmth, richness, and bold taste, making rice the star instead of the side. Prepare for dishes that are hot, satisfying, and impossible to ignore.

Instant Pot Chicken Thighs and Rice

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

Chicken thighs and fluffy rice in the Instant Pot? Yes, please! In just 40 minutes, you’ll have a delicious, hassle-free meal with minimal hands-on time. Perfect for busy nights!
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Thighs and Rice

Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

Two bowls of rice topped with slow cooker Mongolian beef and sliced green onions, with chopsticks resting on one bowl. White cloth and a small dish in the background.
Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef. Photo credit: From Ice Cream To Steak.

Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef brings tender, juicy beef in a rich, savory-sweet sauce right to your kitchen! Minimal prep and the slow cooker do all the work, so you can enjoy takeout-worthy flavors at home.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

Jamaican Red Beans and Rice

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

Bring the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean to your kitchen with this homemade Jamaican Red Beans and Rice! Packed with coconut milk and a kick from Scotch bonnet peppers, it’s a hearty, satisfying dish that’s perfect on its own or as a flavorful side.
Get the Recipe: Jamaican Red Beans and Rice

Copycat Trader Joe's Arancini Rice Balls

A person pulling apart a gooey, cheese-filled arancini with more of the fried rice balls and sauce in the background.
Copycat Trader Joe's Arancini Rice Balls. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Arancini are the ultimate cheesy, crispy treat—fried risotto balls packed with flavor! They’re fantastic as appetizers or as a filling side dish to accompany your favorite meat or poultry.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Trader Joe's Arancini Rice Balls

Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Creamy ground beef skillet with cauliflower rice with a wooden spoon.
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice is a quick and easy dinner made in just one pan! Ready in 30 minutes, it combines ground beef, shredded cheddar, cauliflower rice, and mushrooms for a creamy, flavorful meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

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.

This Easy Chicken Enchilada Rice Casserole Recipe is a total lifesaver! With just five ingredients, it’s perfect for using up leftover rice, chicken, and cheese—easy, delicious, and no fuss.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken Enchilada Rice Casserole

Beef Bulgogi Bowls

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

This Beef Bulgogi Bowl is a one-bowl wonder that’s perfect for busy weeknights! Tender, marinated beef cooked on the grill or in a skillet, served over rice—easy, flavorful, and satisfying in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Beef Bulgogi Bowls

Yellow Tempeh Curry

Yellow Tempeh Curry. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Want a delicious vegan curry that’s both healthy and packed with flavor? This yellow tempeh curry is your answer! Hearty tempeh simmered in aromatic spices and coconut milk, served over rice or quinoa for a complete, nutritious meal.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Tempeh Curry

Onigiri

Two pieces of onigiri on a plate with chopsticks.
Onigiri. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Onigiri, or Japanese rice triangles, are the perfect snack on the go! This easy recipe guides you step-by-step to create these delicious rice balls filled with savory goodness. Make them at home for a tasty treat anytime!
Get the Recipe: Onigiri

Pork Fried Rice

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

I’m all about turning leftover Char Siu (or any tasty pork) into Pork Fried Rice! It’s the perfect way to use up leftovers and create a flavorful, satisfying meal in no time.
Get the Recipe: Pork Fried Rice

Taco Rice Skillet

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

This easy one-dish taco rice skillet will have dinner on the table in just 20 minutes! With only 8 simple ingredients, it’s the perfect quick and tasty meal for the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Taco Rice Skillet

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.

Want a vibrant, flavorful meal in no time? Thai Pineapple Fried Rice (Khao Pad) is the answer! This easy dish features pineapple, chicken eggs, veggies, cashews, and a touch of Thai fish sauce for the perfect savory-sweet combo.
Get the Recipe: Thai Fried Rice

Tofu Fried Rice

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

Tofu fried rice is a tasty and healthy takeout-inspired dish you can make at home! It’s perfect for cleaning out your fridge and can be customized with any veggies you have on hand.
Get the Recipe: Tofu Fried Rice

Whole30 Meatballs and Gravy Over Riced Veggies

Clear bowl of riced veggies and meatballs.
Whole30 Meatballs and Gravy Over Riced Veggies. Photo credit: Ginger Casa.

These Whole30 Meatballs and Gravy over Riced Veggies make the perfect meal for any night. Whether you're doing Whole30 or just craving a tasty dish, it’s a comforting and healthy option that everyone will enjoy!
Get the Recipe: Whole30 Meatballs and Gravy Over Riced Veggies

Chicken and Rice Salad with Fresh Basil and Lemon

Chicken and rice salad in a glass bowl.
Chicken and Rice Salad with Fresh Basil and Lemon. Photo credit: The Honour System.

This Chicken and Rice Salad with Fresh Basil and Lemon is a quick and delicious dish that’s perfect for a light lunch or dinner. With tender chicken, wholesome rice, and a tangy lemon dressing, it’s a flavorful and refreshing recipe you’ll love.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Rice Salad with Fresh Basil and Lemon

Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole

Image shows a closeup of a spoon holding some Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole with the full skillet behind it.
Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Meet the Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole, where savory ground beef, fluffy rice, and gooey melted cheese come together in a deliciously satisfying one-pot meal. It's the perfect dish to indulge in when you need something hearty and comforting.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole

Chicken Fried Rice

Chicken fried rice on a white plate with a green napkin.
Chicken Fried Rice. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

In no time at all, you can transform simple rice into a flavorful, show-stopping meal! With garlic, ginger, and tender chunks of chicken, this one-dish wonder is packed with bold flavors and ready in a flash.
Get the Recipe: Chicken 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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