12 Quick Leftover Rice Transformations

Fried Rice with Vegetables

Fried Rice with Vegetables is a classic way to transform leftover rice into a vibrant and satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups leftover rice
• 1 tablespoon cooking oil
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (such as peas, carrots, and bell peppers)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 2 green onions, chopped

Cooking method:

1. Heat the cooking oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat.
2. Add the mixed vegetables and stir-fry until tender.
3. Push the vegetables to the side and pour in the eggs, scrambling them until cooked.
4. Add the leftover rice, soy sauce, and sesame oil, stirring to combine.
5. Cook until everything is heated through, then top with green onions before serving.

Spicy Kimchi Fried Rice

Infuse your leftover rice with the bold flavors of kimchi and spices for a fiery twist.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups leftover rice
• 1 cup chopped kimchi
• 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 eggs
• 2 green onions, chopped

Cooking method:

1. Heat sesame oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add kimchi and sauté for about 2 minutes.
3. Stir in gochujang and soy sauce, then add the rice, mixing well.
4. Push the rice aside and scramble the eggs in the pan.
5. Mix everything together and garnish with green onions before serving.

Garlic Butter Rice Bake

Transform your leftover rice into a creamy, buttery bake that’s perfect for any weeknight dinner.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups leftover rice
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup grated cheese (such as cheddar or mozzarella)
• 1 cup milk
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley

Cooking method:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Melt butter in a saucepan and sauté garlic until fragrant.
3. Combine garlic butter with rice, cheese, and milk in a baking dish.
4. Season with salt and pepper, then bake for 20 minutes until bubbly.
5. Garnish with parsley before serving.

Mexican Rice and Bean Burritos

Transform your rice into a hearty filling for these savory burritos packed with flavor.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups leftover rice
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup salsa
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• Large flour tortillas

Cooking method:

1. Mix rice, black beans, salsa, and cumin in a pan over medium heat.
2. Stir until heated through and cheese is melted.
3. Spoon the mixture onto tortillas and roll up tightly.
4. Serve with additional salsa on the side.

Lemon Herb Rice Salad

Leftover rice makes a refreshing salad with bright citrus and herb flavors.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups leftover rice
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley, mint, and dill)
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Mix olive oil and lemon juice in a large bowl.
2. Add rice, fresh herbs, and cherry tomatoes, stirring to combine.
3. Season with salt and pepper and serve chilled.

Rice and Mushroom Stuffed Peppers

Use leftover rice in these delicious stuffed peppers for a comforting and nutritious meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups leftover rice
• 4 large bell peppers
• 1 cup mushrooms, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup shredded cheese

Cooking method:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds.
3. In a pan, sauté mushrooms and onions in olive oil until softened.
4. Mix with rice and tomato sauce, then stuff into peppers.
5. Place in a baking dish, sprinkle with cheese, and bake for 30 minutes.

Coconut Rice Pudding

Turn your leftover rice into a creamy, sweet pudding with a hint of coconut.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups leftover rice
• 2 cups coconut milk
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup raisins
• Ground cinnamon, for garnish

Cooking method:

1. Combine rice, coconut milk, sugar, and vanilla in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Stir frequently until the mixture thickens, about 20 minutes.
3. Stir in raisins and cook for another 5 minutes.
4. Serve warm or chilled, sprinkled with cinnamon.

Rice and Lentil Soup

Create a hearty and warming soup using your leftover rice and lentils.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups leftover rice
• 1 cup lentils
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon thyme

Cooking method:

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add onion, carrots, and celery, sauté until vegetables are softened.
3. Stir in lentils, rice, broth, and thyme, bringing to a boil.
4. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes until lentils are tender.

Curried Rice Casserole

Add spice to your leftover rice with this easy-to-make curried casserole.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups leftover rice
• 1 can (14 oz) chickpeas, drained
• 1/2 cup peas
• 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• Salt to taste

Cooking method:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Mix rice, chickpeas, peas, coconut milk, and curry powder in a baking dish.
3. Season with salt and stir well.
4. Bake for 25 minutes until heated through.

Sweet Rice Fritters

Sweet rice fritters are an easy way to turn leftover rice into a delightful dessert or snack.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups leftover rice
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Oil for frying
• Powdered sugar, for dusting

Cooking method:

1. In a bowl, mix rice, flour, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until combined.
2. Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
3. Drop spoonfuls of the rice mixture into the hot oil and fry until golden brown.
4. Remove from oil and drain on paper towels, then dust with powdered sugar before serving.