Rice is a staple in many Asian households and there are so many different ways you can use this versatile grain. We have steamed rice recipes, curries, fried rice and so much more.
Whether you’re looking for lunch ideas or dinner options, these recipes are sure to please the whole family!
Southwest Rice Salad
Tex-Mex dishes are full of flavor and comforting goodness. There’s plenty of protein and fiber, paired with piquant, tangy salsas and creamy oozing cheeses. But these savory dishes can be heavy on calories, and this southwestern rice salad recipe is an easy, healthy version of a classic.
To make this salad, start by cooking the rice. We like using whole grain brown or red rice, as it’s higher in protein, fiber and vitamins than regular white rice. Cook the rice according to package directions, then drain it and cool it quickly.
While the rice is cooling, saute the green pepper, carrots and red onion in a bit of oil. Then add them to the cooled rice and mix well. If you want to save time, you can also do this step while the rice is still hot!
Once the rice is cooled, combine the remaining ingredients in a large serving bowl. Then, toss with the vinaigrette and enjoy!
You can prepare this salad ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just be sure to stir it gently before serving to prevent the veggies from sticking together.
If you’re in a hurry, you can also substitute frozen corn for the fresh corn, and thaw it before adding to the rice. Just be sure to rinse it well in a colander before adding it to the salad, so that the corn kernels don’t become too soft and mushy.
Then, top the salad with a sprinkle of feta cheese and some cilantro to give it that southwestern flair!
This southwestern rice salad makes a great appetizer, side dish or lunch. Pair with tortilla chips or serve alongside grilled vegetables, chicken or steak for a delicious and filling meal!
For an added kick, try mixing in fresh jalapenos, sour cream, or guacamole to make this healthy recipe even more satisfying!
This Southwest salad is a quick and easy dish to make for any day of the week. It’s loaded with flavor and will satisfy the most picky eaters. You can add more vegetables to this healthy recipe by swapping out the tomatoes for other types of tomato or adding sweet corn instead.
Black Beans & Rice
Black beans and rice are a classic pair of comfort food, especially in Central and South America. They are also a great source of protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals.
They are low in calories, fat and sodium, and are a good choice for those on a diet or trying to eat healthier. They are also high in protein, calcium and phosphorus which help support healthy bones.
This recipe for Black Beans and Rice is easy to make and has a variety of flavors, perfect for a delicious lunch or dinner! You can serve it with a meaty meal, add it to a salad, or use it as a filling for tacos.
The ingredients in this dish are easy to find and will make it a favorite with your family! In a large saucepan, heat oil over medium-high heat. Saute onion, pepper, garlic, cilantro, tomato sauce, chicken bouillon cubes, sazon, oregano, cumin, adobo and black pepper until vegetables begin to release their aroma, about 3 minutes.
Once the vegetables have softened, add canned black beans with their liquid, water and bay leaf to the pot. Stir well and bring to a boil. Once the beans are boiling, lower the heat and simmer for about 5 minutes. Once the beans are cooked, add the cooked white rice to the pan. Cook until the rice absorbs the liquid, about 15 minutes.
Another popular ingredient is recaito, which is a wet seasoning usually made with culantro or cilantro. You can also use sofrito, which is made with tomatoes.
When you make this dish, be sure to serve it with a side of fresh lime juice and cilantro for extra flavor! If you like a spicy kick, you can also add a diced jalapeno or poblano pepper.
If you’re vegetarian, be sure to use vegetable broth in place of the chicken broth. You can also add additional spices to the recipe as well, such as chili powder or cumin.
This rice recipe is a great way to get all the protein and fiber you need for a healthy lunch or dinner. It’s also a good source of iron, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, manganese and copper – all important nutrients for strong bones.
Salmon & Rice Bowl
If you’re looking for a quick & healthy lunch to keep your appetite in check, you can’t go wrong with this simple salmon rice bowl. It’s inspired by Emily Mariko’s viral Tiktok and comes together in 15 minutes. You’ll love the tender baked salmon, a slightly spicy sriracha mayo, and fluffy cooked rice.
The best part is, you can easily bulk up this rice bowl with extra veggies or make this a meal prep recipe by making this ahead of time for lunches throughout the week. Toss in a handful of sauteed bok choy (pictured), thinly sliced cabbage, or roasted broccoli & asparagus, or a few slices of avocado to get a bit more nutrition out of this dish.
You can also add extra protein to these salmon rice bowls by serving them with a hearty protein like quinoa, oats, or even shredded chicken. For more added texture, consider adding some crispy baby bell peppers or a handful of edamame.
To make this easy salmon & rice bowl, you’ll need leftover cooked salmon, and cooked white or brown rice. Then, you’ll top it with some kimchi, avocado, and spicy sriracha mayo for a flavorful meal that you can serve up in less than 20 minutes.
This recipe is a great way to use up any leftover salmon, whether it’s a piece from a roast or a filet from your favorite fish taco joint. You can store the salmon & rice in separate airtight containers for up to 3 days, and assemble your bowl when you’re ready to enjoy it.
Alternatively, you can use canned salmon or a jar of pre-cooked sushi rice. Just be sure to refrigerate the ingredients before you eat them so they don’t spoil.
If you’re not a fan of salmon, you can always substitute tuna or another type of fish. Or, you can stir in a handful of your favorite raw vegetables such as scallions or cucumber.
The marinade for this salmon & rice bowl is made in advance, so it’s perfect for meal prep. You can make it in bulk so that you have plenty to use for multiple meals, and if you want to save the leftovers for a quick breakfast or lunch, just put the remaining marinade in an airtight container until you’re ready to assemble your bowl.
Greek Skordalia & Pilaf
Skordalia is a famous Greek dip that consists of a blend of garlic, olive oil and mashed potatoes. It is usually served with fish, roasted meat and vegetables. It is an important part of Greek cuisine and is a very popular meze dish.
The main ingredients of the recipe are potatoes and garlic, although other items can be added as well. For example, you can add walnuts or almonds for a delicious variation.
To make this skordalia recipe, you will need a food processor or blender. You will need to soak the garlic in lemon juice to mellow out the flavor before blending it.
You will also need olive oil, lemon zest and a little salt. Once you have soaked and blended the ingredients together, you can serve it with crackers, or with pita bread as a starter.
Alternatively, you can serve this skordalia with roasted lamb or other meat dishes, as a side dish. In this case, you will need a bit of extra potato and garlic to make a smooth sauce that goes well with the lamb.
Once you have made the garlic and mashed potato mixture, transfer it to a serving bowl and garnish with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and some chopped green onion or parsley. It is best to serve this skordalia at room temperature or slightly chilled, so that the flavors can intensify and enhance with time.