12 Flavorful Rice Dishes for Dinner

Cajun Chicken and Rice

Spicy and savory, this Cajun chicken and rice dish is a hearty meal that packs a punch.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 chicken thighs, skin-on
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
2. Sear the chicken thighs skin-side down until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Flip and cook for another 3 minutes. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add bell pepper, onion, and garlic, sautéing until soft.
4. Stir in the rice, ensuring it is well-coated with the oil and vegetables.
5. Return chicken to the skillet, pour in chicken broth, and bring to a boil.
6. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until the rice is cooked and chicken is tender, about 20 minutes.

Spanish Paella

A traditional Spanish dish, paella combines rice with a variety of meats and seafood for a flavorful feast.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 cup arborio rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup mixed seafood (shrimp, mussels, calamari)
• 1/2 cup peas
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon wedges for serving

Cooking method:

1. Heat olive oil in a large paella pan or skillet over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper, sautéing until soft.
2. Stir in smoked paprika and rice, cooking until the rice is lightly toasted.
3. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add mixed seafood and peas.
4. Lower the heat and simmer until the rice is cooked and liquid is absorbed, about 20 minutes.
5. Season with salt and pepper, and serve with lemon wedges.

Thai Pineapple Fried Rice

Sweet and savory, this Thai pineapple fried rice offers a delightful twist on traditional fried rice.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup cooked jasmine rice
• 1/2 cup diced pineapple
• 1/4 cup cashews
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1/4 teaspoon curry powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan over medium heat. Scramble the eggs and set aside.
2. Add the remaining oil and fry the rice until heated through.
3. Stir in pineapple, cashews, soy sauce, fish sauce, and curry powder.
4. Toss in scrambled eggs and green onions, cooking for an additional 2 minutes.
5. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

Indian Biryani

Biryani is a fragrant rice dish with layers of spices, meat, and vegetables, making it a staple in Indian cuisine.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 2 tablespoons ghee
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, grated
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1/2 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, potatoes)
• 1 cup chicken, cubed
• 1 1/2 cups water
• Salt to taste

Cooking method:

1. Rinse and soak the basmati rice for 30 minutes.
2. In a large pot, heat ghee and sauté onion, garlic, and ginger until fragrant.
3. Add turmeric, garam masala, and chicken, cooking until the chicken is browned.
4. Stir in mixed vegetables and drained rice, coating it well with the spices.
5. Pour in water, bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Cover and cook until rice is done and water is absorbed, about 20 minutes.

Japanese Onigiri

These delightful rice balls are filled with savory ingredients, perfect for a quick meal or snack.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups sushi rice
• 2 1/2 cups water
• 1/2 cup salmon, cooked and flaked
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• Nori sheets, cut into strips
• Salt to taste

Cooking method:

1. Rinse rice until water runs clear, then combine with water in a rice cooker. Cook according to the rice cooker instructions.
2. Once cooked, allow rice to cool slightly. Wet hands with salt water to prevent sticking.
3. Take a handful of rice, place a teaspoon of salmon in the center, then shape it into a ball or triangle.
4. Wrap with a strip of nori and repeat the process.
5. Dip in soy sauce before serving.

Mexican Rice

This colorful and flavorful side dish is a staple of Mexican cuisine, perfect with tacos or enchiladas.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tomato, diced
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 2 cups chicken broth
• Salt to taste

Cooking method:

1. Heat oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add rice and toast until golden.
2. Add onion and garlic, cooking until they become translucent.
3. Stir in tomato and cumin, then add chicken broth.
4. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and cover. Simmer until rice is cooked, about 20 minutes.
5. Season with salt and fluff with a fork before serving.

Greek Lemon Rice

This refreshing side dish blends the tanginess of lemon with the fragrant aroma of herbs.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Rinse rice under cold water until clear.
2. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until soft.
3. Stir in rice, lemon juice, vegetable broth, and oregano.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover. Simmer until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed, about 15 minutes.
5. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

Persian Jeweled Rice

This luxurious dish is studded with dried fruits and nuts, offering a burst of flavor and color.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup mixed dried fruits (raisins, apricots, cranberries)
• 1/4 cup slivered almonds
• 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads
• 2 cups water
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• Salt to taste

Cooking method:

1. Rinse rice and soak in water for 30 minutes.
2. Melt butter in a pot, adding dried fruits and almonds. Sauté until fragrant.
3. Drain rice and add it to the pot along with saffron, water, and cinnamon.
4. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.
5. Season with salt, fluff, and serve.

Korean Bibimbap

Bibimbap is a vibrant Korean rice dish topped with assorted vegetables, meat, and a spicy sauce.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1/2 cup carrots, julienned
• 1/2 cup spinach
• 1/2 cup bean sprouts
• 1/2 cup shiitake mushrooms, sliced
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons gochujang sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Sauté each vegetable separately in sesame oil, seasoning with salt and pepper.
2. Fry the egg sunny-side up.
3. Arrange rice in a bowl, topping with vegetables and egg.
4. Drizzle gochujang sauce over the top before serving.

Moroccan Rice Pilaf

This rice pilaf is fragrant with the aroma of spices and dried fruits, evoking the rich flavors of Morocco.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1/4 cup raisins
• 1/4 cup slivered almonds
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• Salt to taste

Cooking method:

1. Rinse rice until water runs clear, then set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a saucepan and sauté onion until translucent.
3. Add raisins and almonds, stirring until almonds are lightly toasted.
4. Stir in cinnamon, cumin, and rice, ensuring rice is well coated.
5. Pour in vegetable broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Cover and simmer until rice is tender, about 20 minutes.
6. Season with salt and serve.