10 Quick Rice Recipes for Busy Nights

Mushroom and Spinach Risotto

This creamy and comforting dish brings together the earthy flavors of mushrooms and the freshness of spinach for a delightful weeknight dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Arborio rice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat, then sauté the onion and garlic until translucent.
2. Add the mushrooms, cooking until they are soft and browned.
3. Stir in the Arborio rice, allowing it to toast slightly before gradually adding the vegetable broth, one cup at a time.
4. Continuously stir until the rice is creamy and cooked through.
5. Fold in the spinach until wilted, then stir in Parmesan cheese, seasoning with salt and pepper before serving.

Quick Fried Rice

This fast and easy fried rice is perfect for using up leftover ingredients in your fridge.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 green onions, chopped

Cooking method:

1. Heat vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add mixed vegetables and cook until tender.
3. Push vegetables to the side, add the eggs, and scramble until cooked.
4. Stir in cooked rice and soy sauce, mixing thoroughly.
5. Sprinkle with green onions before serving.

Lemon Herb Rice Pilaf

A zesty and fragrant rice pilaf that makes for an easy and refreshing side dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Basmati rice
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cups chicken broth
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then sauté the onion until soft.
2. Add the rice, stirring to coat with butter before pouring in the chicken broth and lemon juice.
3. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until rice is tender.
4. Fluff with a fork and stir in fresh parsley, seasoning with salt and pepper.

Coconut Curry Rice

This aromatic rice dish is infused with creamy coconut milk and warm spices for a delightful twist.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups Jasmine rice
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup frozen peas
• Salt to taste

Cooking method:

1. Rinse Jasmine rice under cold water until water runs clear.
2. Add rice, curry powder, coconut milk, and vegetable broth to a saucepan.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until rice is fully cooked.
4. Stir in frozen peas and cook until heated through, adding salt as needed.

Mediterranean Rice Bowl

A healthy and vibrant rice bowl packed with Mediterranean flavors and fresh ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked brown rice
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cucumber, diced
• 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. In a large bowl, combine cooked brown rice with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and feta cheese.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.
3. Toss well to combine and season with salt and pepper before serving.

Spicy Shrimp Rice

Get your taste buds tingling with this spicy shrimp and rice dish that's ready in a flash.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 cups cooked white rice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 3 tablespoons hot sauce
• 1 lime, juiced

Cooking method:

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat and sauté shrimp and bell pepper until shrimp are opaque.
2. Add cooked rice and hot sauce, stirring to combine.
3. Squeeze lime juice over the top before serving.

Teriyaki Chicken Rice

This simple and satisfying teriyaki chicken rice dish is a delightful mix of sweet and savory flavors.

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts, diced
• 2 cups cooked rice
• 3 tablespoons teriyaki sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Cooking method:

1. Heat sesame oil in a pan over medium heat, cook chicken until browned and cooked through.
2. Add broccoli and cook until tender.
3. Stir in cooked rice and teriyaki sauce, mixing well.
4. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top before serving.

Tomato Basil Rice

This comforting rice dish marries the classic flavors of tomato and basil for a quick and delicious meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves, torn

Cooking method:

1. Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat, sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
2. Add rice and stir to coat with oil.
3. Pour in diced tomatoes and their juice, bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until rice is cooked.
5. Season with salt and pepper, and stir in fresh basil before serving.

Thai Pineapple Rice

Sweet, savory, and slightly tangy, this Thai-inspired pineapple rice dish is a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked Jasmine rice
• 1 cup pineapple chunks
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1/4 cup cashews

Cooking method:

1. In a large pan over medium heat, combine cooked rice, pineapple chunks, soy sauce, and fish sauce.
2. Add red bell pepper and cook until tender.
3. Stir in green onions and cashews, cooking until heated through.

Garlic Butter Rice

Infused with the rich flavor of garlic and butter, this dish is a comforting side that goes well with any meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Basmati rice
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 cups water or broth
• Salt to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Cooking method:

1. Melt butter in a pan over low heat, add minced garlic, and sauté until fragrant.
2. Stir in rice, coating with garlic butter, and lightly toast for a few minutes.
3. Add water or broth, bring to a boil, then cover and reduce to a simmer until rice is cooked.
4. Season with salt and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.