10 Unique Rice Dishes for Dinner

Coconut Curry Rice with Shrimp

A delightfully aromatic dish that brings tropical flavors to your dinner table.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup jasmine rice
• 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Cooking method:

1. In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; sauté until fragrant.
2. Stir in curry powder, then add coconut milk and rice. Bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until rice is almost cooked.
4. Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook until shrimp are pink and opaque.
5. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Mango Sticky Rice Risotto

An exotic twist on a classic risotto, combining the creaminess of risotto with the sweetness of mango.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Arborio rice
• 1 mango, diced
• 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• Salt to taste

Cooking method:

1. Heat olive oil in a pan, add onion and sauté until translucent.
2. Stir in Arborio rice, coating with oil.
3. Gradually add vegetable broth, stirring constantly, until the rice is tender.
4. Stir in coconut milk and mango pieces, cooking until creamy.
5. Season with salt and serve warm.

Saffron Lemon Rice with Chicken

This vibrant dish is infused with aromatic saffron and a burst of citrusy flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups basmati rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon saffron threads
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lb chicken breast, diced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. In a small bowl, soak saffron threads in a little warm water.
2. Heat olive oil in a pot; add chicken and season with salt and pepper.
3. Stir in rice, saffron water, and lemon zest.
4. Add chicken broth, bring to a boil, then simmer covered until rice is tender.
5. Serve hot, garnished with additional lemon zest if desired.

Spinach and Mushroom Fried Rice

A perfect, quick dinner full of earthy flavors and vibrant greens.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cups spinach leaves
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Heat sesame oil in a large pan, add garlic and mushrooms; sauté until mushrooms are tender.
2. Stir in spinach and cook until wilted.
3. Add cooked rice and soy sauce; stir-fry for a few minutes.
4. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

Tomato Basil Rice with Mozzarella

A simple yet delightful dish that captures the essence of Italian flavors.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups long-grain rice
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup mozzarella balls
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt to taste

Cooking method:

1. Heat olive oil in a pot; add rice and cook for a minute.
2. Stir in vegetable broth and basil; bring to a boil, then simmer covered until rice is cooked.
3. Add cherry tomatoes and mozzarella, stirring gently until cheese melts slightly.
4. Serve warm with a sprinkle of extra basil.

Cilantro Lime Rice with Black Beans

A fresh and zesty dish that complements many meals or stands alone as a vegan delight.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 bunch cilantro, chopped
• Juice of 2 limes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt to taste

Cooking method:

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and add cooked rice.
2. Stir in black beans, cilantro, and lime juice.
3. Season with salt and cook until heated through.
4. Serve as a side or main dish.

Ginger Garlic Rice with Seared Tofu

A fragrant and hearty vegan dish that balances spicy ginger and savory garlic.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups brown rice
• 1 block firm tofu, cubed
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Cook brown rice according to package instructions.
2. In a pan, heat oil and sear tofu cubes until golden; remove and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add ginger and garlic; sauté for a minute.
4. Stir in cooked rice and soy sauce; mix in seared tofu.
5. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

Sweet and Spicy Pineapple Rice

A vibrant dish that tantalizes the taste buds with sweet and spicy notes.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
• 1 cup pineapple chunks
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 tablespoon chili paste
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Salt to taste

Cooking method:

1. Heat oil in a large pan, add bell pepper; sauté until soft.
2. Stir in pineapple and chili paste; cook for a few more minutes.
3. Add cooked rice and soy sauce, mixing well.
4. Season with salt and serve hot.

Herb-Infused Rice with Lamb

A savory dish enriched with aromatic herbs that elevate the tender lamb.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups basmati rice
• 1 lb lamb, cubed
• 2 tablespoons mixed fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, mint)
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. In a pot, heat olive oil and brown lamb cubes; season with salt and pepper.
2. Add rice, herbs, and beef broth; bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until rice is cooked and lamb is tender.
4. Serve garnished with additional fresh herbs.

Coconut Turmeric Rice with Fish

This dish combines the creaminess of coconut with the earthy richness of turmeric.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups jasmine rice
• 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon turmeric powder
• 1 lb white fish fillets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Cooking method:

1. Heat olive oil in a pot, add turmeric, and toast slightly.
2. Stir in rice and coconut milk; bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat, place fish fillets on top, and cover the pot.
4. Simmer until the rice is cooked and fish is flaky.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.