Most of the time, rice plays a supporting role in a meal. But rice can be the star of the show! These 40 rice recipes can elevate the humble grain to center stage. Try them as stir-fries, soups, and casseroles. Here are some ideas to get you started! Among these dishes are Mexican rice casserole, Garlic butter rice, and Southwestern rice salad. Try them and see which ones you like the best!

Arroz con Gandules
For vegetarians, Arroz con Gandules is a great way to enjoy Mexican food. It is packed with protein and nutrients, and is extremely flavorful when combined with the seasoning. For vegetarian versions, omit the bacon and use vegetable stock instead. In the meantime, use a vegetable stock mixture to give your rice the meaty flavor it deserves. If you’d prefer to eat vegetarian, you can make Arroz con Gandules using the same recipe as a meat-based dish.
The most important thing to remember when making Arroz con Gandules is the water-to-rice ratio. The water level should be approximately 1 inch above the rice. Some dishes may also include Spanish ham or pork fat. When cooking rice, it’s best to leave it out for at least 30 minutes so that the flavors have time to meld. If you’re using a pot with a lid, you won’t need aluminum foil. The water you use depends on the type of rice you’re using.
In Puerto Rico, arroz con gandules is most often served as a side dish at special celebrations. Puerto Ricans introduced this rice dish to Hawaii in the early 1900s, and it’s now popular in other Latin American countries. You can also enjoy this dish with bistec encebollado, a traditional Dominican soup. You can also freeze leftovers so you can enjoy it at a later date.
Garlic butter rice
When you’re cooking rice, garlic butter rice can replace plain white rice without making it taste bland. It pairs perfectly with chicken curry, steak, and creamy Tuscan chicken. It’s simple to make, too, and can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days. Here are three recipes for good garlic butter rice. Using one pot, they’re quick, easy, and delicious. And if you’re trying to lose weight, try these recipes, too!
First, mince the garlic. In a medium saucepan, melt butter and cook garlic for 1 minute. Stir in rice. Cover and let cook until tender. Serve with crispy garlic on top. Nutritional information for good garlic butter rice recipes varies depending on the brand and cooking method. Make sure to taste samples and read the labels of ingredients. The nutritional information is important when making your own recipe. And don’t forget to use a high-quality butter.
Next, choose a type of rice. Brown rice, basmati rice, or long grain rice all work great. Check the package for rice water ratio, as the amount of water may differ. Also, make sure to use fresh garlic instead of jarred. Butter gives the garlic butter flavor, but you can also substitute olive oil or chicken stock instead of butter. In addition, try adding some grated cheese and fried garlic chips to make this rice dish more flavorful.
Southwestern rice salad
A simple Southwestern rice salad recipe is easy to make and tastes just like its Tex-Mex counterpart. This savory dish combines the smoky flavor of Texas with the spicy flavors of Mexico. This spicy dish is known for its addictive comfort and piquant salsas and cheeses, but it is not always good for your waistline. A Southwestern rice salad recipe can cut down the calories and fat content of this classic Tex-Mex dish. Just add some avocado for extra fat and calories.
Southwestern rice salad recipes are great for vegetarians and vegans alike. The rice is cooked in salted water until tender and then cooled. When ready, add the avocado, corn, pepper, onions, cilantro, and toasted pepitas. Next, combine the dressing ingredients in a jar and shake well. Toss the ingredients in the salad. Adjust the salt and other ingredients, and enjoy! Makes six to eight servings.
This spicy rice salad recipe makes a great side dish or a main dish to accompany your favorite meat. The dish includes a generous serving of fresh veggies, black beans, corn, peppers, cilantro, and a zesty southwest dressing. This easy, quick, and delicious dish is a delicious, healthy, and filling meal. If you’d like to make it a meatless main dish, consider adding chicken or pork to it for a more rounded dish.
Mexican rice casserole
If you love spicy food, a Mexican rice casserole is the dish for you! This delicious casserole is packed with ground beef and bacon. This recipe is perfect for leftover rice, too. This Mexican rice recipe is adapted from Virginia McDowell. Here’s how to make it. Prepare your casserole dish. Fill it half way with rice. Sprinkle it with chopped cilantro. Bake for 45 minutes. Once done, remove the foil and remove the casserole from the oven. Let it sit for 10 minutes before serving.
The rice will absorb the flavors of the dish and will keep for up to 3 to 4 days. To make it even easier to reheat, it can be frozen. Once defrosted, it can be refrigerated for at least one day, or frozen for up to 6 months. If you have leftovers, you can reheat it in the oven or stovetop. Remember to use long-grain white rice. It will absorb the flavors of the casserole and become the perfect consistency.
Prepare the rice. You can use jasmine or long grain white rice. You can also use instant rice, as it will only need to simmer for 5-7 minutes. When done, remove the lid and garnish with your favorite toppings. You can also use more shredded cheese or chopped cilantro. A delicious Mexican rice casserole is sure to please everyone in the family. You can’t go wrong with this recipe! If you love Mexican food and want to make it at home, give it a try!
Hawaiian Pineapple Fried Rice
Hawaiian Pineapple Fried Rice is a colorful, flavorful bowl of rice that can be made easily with leftover ingredients and everyday items. It can be made in less than 30 minutes! It’s a favorite among many people. It brings back memories of sunny Kauai, and the island’s famous pineapple. It’s a great side dish for any party or barbecue, and a delicious addition to any tropical meal!
To make Hawaiian Pineapple Fried Rice, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add the Spam and pineapple chunks and cook until they’re browned and caramelized. Once the meat is browned, add the rice and vegetables to the skillet. Saute for about 5 minutes, then stir in the blended pineapple mixture. Cook until the liquid has been absorbed. To serve, garnish with green onions and soy sauce.
You can use any kind of pineapple for this recipe, including canned or fresh. Just be sure to defrost it first! You can also substitute canned pineapple for fresh pineapple, as the weight of the can will be the same as the weight of the raw fruit. The flavor is similar to that of the original Hawaiian pineapple pizza, and you can’t go wrong with any type of pineapple. Make sure to enjoy this Hawaiian dish!
After cooking Hawaiian Pineapple Fried Rice, store leftovers in the refrigerator. For optimal results, serve the leftovers within three days. To make leftovers last longer, store leftovers in airtight containers like zip lock bags or plastic wraps. Refrigerate leftovers for at least three days. Uncooked food can become moldy and spoiled quickly. Therefore, throw away any leftovers if they smell strange or are watery or moldy.
Chicken and Mushroom Clay Pot Rice
Good chicken and mushroom clay pot rice recipes should incorporate mushrooms. Mushrooms are a popular accompaniment for chicken, so you can choose from an assortment of dishes. You can marinate the chicken for one day ahead of time. While the chicken and mushrooms are marinating, the rice should be washed and covered with 2 inches of water. Stir frequently to ensure even coating. Add 1 cup of chicken stock and enough water to cover the rice. Cover the clay pot and cook over low to medium heat until the rice is tender. Stir occasionally to evenly distribute the liquid.
A good chicken and mushroom clay pot rice recipe will include a recipe that features rice made with chicken, mushrooms, and other vegetables. Ideally, the meat should be evenly sized and not thick. The toppings do not change the method of cooking the rice. However, reducing the amount of oil used in the clay pot can result in burned rice. Rendering chicken fat can be used in place of oil. If you don’t have rendered chicken fat, you can use any vegetable oil instead.
For a tasty clay pot rice recipe that incorporates chicken and mushrooms, choose the one that has the most vegetables. Mushrooms are great for this dish because they add a savory flavor to the rice. These delicious ingredients are usually paired with the mushrooms. While this dish is a versatile side dish, it’s also a perfect accompaniment for chicken and mushroom stew. The flavors are delicious and satisfying when combined with rice, and you’ll find yourself craving this dish again.