15 Easy Leftover Rice Recipes

Vegetable Fried Rice

Transform your leftover rice into a delicious and quick meal with this classic vegetable fried rice.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, bell peppers)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

Cooking method:

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant.
3. Toss in the mixed vegetables and sauté for about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in the rice, breaking up any clumps.
5. Pour the soy sauce and sesame oil over the rice.
6. Stir well and cook for another 3-4 minutes.
7. Garnish with green onions and serve hot.

Rice Pancakes

Turn your leftover rice into delightful pancakes perfect for breakfast or a snack.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup leftover rice
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1/4 cup milk
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon oil

Cooking method:

1. In a bowl, mix rice, egg, flour, milk, salt, and pepper until well combined.
2. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
3. Pour small amounts of the batter to form pancakes.
4. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
5. Serve with your favorite sauce or topping.

Rice Fritters

These crispy rice fritters are a perfect snack or appetizer that you can make with leftover rice.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups leftover rice
• 1/2 cup grated cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped onions
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley
• 1 egg
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Oil for frying

Cooking method:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine rice, cheese, onions, parsley, egg, salt, and pepper.
2. Form small patties with your hands.
3. Heat oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat.
4. Fry the patties for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
5. Remove from the pan and drain on paper towels before serving.

Rice Pudding

Enjoy a sweet and creamy dessert made from leftover rice with this rice pudding recipe.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups leftover rice
• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Cooking method:

1. Combine rice, milk, and sugar in a saucepan.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring, until the mixture thickens, about 15-20 minutes.
3. Stir in vanilla extract and cinnamon.
4. Serve warm or chilled.

Rice Soup

Create a comforting and hearty soup by incorporating leftover rice into this easy recipe.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup leftover rice
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup shredded cooked chicken
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1 celery stalk, diced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. In a pot, bring the broth to a boil.
2. Add carrot, celery, and chicken, and let simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Stir in the rice and season with salt and pepper.
4. Cook for another 5 minutes before serving hot.

Stuffed Bell Peppers

Leftover rice shines in this delicious stuffed bell pepper recipe, perfect for a wholesome meal.

Ingredients:

• 4 bell peppers, tops and seeds removed
• 2 cups leftover rice
• 1 cup cooked ground beef or turkey
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix rice, ground meat, tomato sauce, salt, and pepper.
3. Stuff each bell pepper with the mixture and place in a baking dish.
4. Top with shredded cheese and cover with foil.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, removing foil halfway through.

Rice Salad

A refreshing rice salad is a great way to utilize leftover rice for a light and satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups leftover rice
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cucumber, diced
• 1/4 cup olives, sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. In a large bowl, combine rice, tomatoes, cucumber, and olives.
2. In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour dressing over the rice mixture and toss to combine.
4. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Rice Casserole

Use your leftover rice in a savory and cheesy casserole that’s perfect for family dinners.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups leftover rice
• 1 cup cooked chicken or ham, diced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix rice, chicken, broccoli, cheese, and mushroom soup.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Rice Stuffed Tomatoes

Turn ripe tomatoes into a flavorful dish by stuffing them with a seasoned rice mixture.

Ingredients:

• 4 large tomatoes, tops and insides removed
• 2 cups leftover rice
• 1/2 cup feta cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix rice, feta, basil, salt, and pepper.
3. Stuff each tomato with the rice mixture.
4. Place stuffed tomatoes in a baking dish and bake for 15-20 minutes.

Rice Omelette

Boost your breakfast game with a hearty rice omelette made from leftover rice.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup leftover rice
• 3 eggs
• 1/4 cup chopped onions
• 1/4 cup bell peppers, diced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon butter

Cooking method:

1. In a bowl, beat eggs and mix in rice, onions, and bell peppers.
2. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Heat butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
4. Pour in the egg mixture and cook until edges begin to set.
5. Fold the omelette and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Serve hot.