If you’re like many people, you may find yourself with leftover rice from a takeout meal or a dinner party. You might think it’s a waste of food, but it can actually be turned into something delicious.
For starters, you can turn it into sticky rice. The key is to use short-grain rice that’s chock-full of a sticky starch called amylopectin.
1. Fried Rice
Fried rice is a dish that can be made from a wide variety of ingredients. It’s also a great way to use up leftover rice, which can be stored in the fridge for several days.
Whether you’re looking for an easy and delicious recipe or want to make something more special, fried rice is always a crowd pleaser. Using just a few pantry items and a little planning, you can turn any leftover rice into a hearty meal that is perfect for lunch or dinner.
You can even turn a batch of cooked fried rice into a delicious and healthy meal by adding vegetables to the mix. Frozen veggies like broccoli, bok choy and Brussels sprouts can be added for additional flavor and texture.
For extra protein, add a few pieces of cooked chicken or pork to the rice. You can even stir in some shrimp if you’re feeling adventurous!
The key to a good fried rice is ensuring that the rice is properly cooled before you cook it. Freshly cooked or lukewarm rice will not work well in this recipe as it will be too hot and cause the grains to clump together.
To prevent the clumps from sticking to your pan, spread your rice out on a sheet tray or a large flat pan and chill it in the fridge for a few minutes. Chilling the rice will also help it to absorb less moisture as it cooks.
When you’re ready to make fried rice, simply melt some oil in your skillet and then stir-fry the cooked rice until it is heated through. Next, add your vegetables, egg, meat and soy sauce. You can also garnish the dish with green onions if desired.
2. Rice Cakes
Rice cakes are a low-calorie snack made from puffed rice that is often used as a substitute for bread and crackers. They come in a variety of flavors and are usually gluten-free.
They are low in calories (35 to 40 kcal per cake) and can contain other minor ingredients such as sesame seed, millet and salt. They are also a good source of dietary fiber and can help prevent obesity.
However, they are still mostly carbs and can spike your blood sugar if you eat them in large amounts. To avoid this, pair them with protein and healthy fats.
For example, top them with hummus or almond butter for a plant-based protein boost. You can also sprinkle them with crushed fresh fruit or cinnamon for a sweet topping.
Adding healthy fats to the snack may help slow down the rise of your blood sugar and keep you feeling fuller longer. A small amount of avocado on your rice cake is a great way to do this.
You can use a rice cooker to make rice cakes, which is faster and easier than using a microwave. To do so, first cook your brown rice. Then, press it between the movable upper and lower platens.
Then, when the machine is done, remove the upper platen and let the rice cool. Finally, it can be shaped into cakes with a mold.
A few things to consider when making rice cakes at home are the cooking time and heat conditions, as well as the type of rice you use. For example, the higher the temperature and the longer the tempering time, the darker the rice cakes will be.
In general, it is better to eat brown rice over white rice for maximum nutrition. You should check the nutrient information label to determine the nutritional value of the rice you choose.
3. Rice Flour
Rice flour is a grain-free alternative to wheat flour that can be used in many baking recipes. It can help reduce the gluten content of cakes and other baked goods and is a great option for those with Celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
Making your own rice flour is a simple, affordable and healthy solution for your baking needs. Unlike store-bought, homemade rice flour is pure and fresh – and it can be stored in your pantry for up to 1 year!
You can grind your own rice flour at home using a high powered blender, coffee grinder or food processor. Place 1 to 2 cups of uncooked rice in the container and grind until it’s a fine powder consistency. You can also use a grain mill to make smoother rice flour, though this method is more expensive and not as practical.
When you’re ready to use your homemade rice flour, transfer it to a resealable plastic or glass container. It’s also a good idea to keep it in the refrigerator or freezer to keep it fresh.
If your grinder gets too hot, unplug it and let it cool for a few minutes. Otherwise, you’ll have to run it through again, which can cause the blades to wear down faster than usual.
Depending on the type of rice you use, you may need to adjust the amount of water you add while grinding. White rice flour, for instance, will require a little more water than brown rice flour.
Regardless of what type of rice you use, a grain mill is a handy tool to have in your kitchen. It will help you grind all the different kinds of flours and grains you need for your recipes, including wheat, corn, sorghum and rice.
4. Rice Pudding
Rice pudding is a classic American dessert that can be made in many ways. It is most commonly served hot from the oven, but it can also be enjoyed cold if you prefer.
To make rice pudding on the stove, start by adding cooked rice and milk to a medium saucepan. Cook, stirring frequently, until thick and creamy. This takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
Add salt and sugar to the pot, along with a beaten egg. Stir the mixture continuously for about 5-8 minutes to allow the egg to temper. Once the egg is completely tempered, remove the pot from the heat and stir in the butter and vanilla.
Then, add the raisins, both golden and regular varieties. It is important to use both kinds of raisins here as they will provide a rich contrast to the milky rice and sugar.
In the end, you’ll have a rich, creamy rice pudding that is comforting and delicious. It is easy to make and perfect for using up leftover rice.
Another great way to make rice pudding is in the slow cooker. This will help prevent over-cooking and will help you enjoy this delicious dessert without even having to get out of your pjs!
You can also make a simple rice pudding in the oven, which is a wonderful way to use up extra rice. You just need to make sure that you have the right kind of rice!
I recommend long-grain white rice for this recipe. It holds its shape better than short-grain, but black or brown rice is also fine. Just be aware that they take longer to cook and will require more cooking liquid than white rice.
5. Porridge
Porridge is a dish made from grains that are cooked with other ingredients. It is a versatile food that can be served hot, cold or sweet. It is made from a variety of grains, including corn, rice, wheat, oats, buckwheat, quinoa, rye, millet and sorghum.
It is a very healthy and nutritious breakfast option that can be served with raisins, cinnamon, sugar or fruit. It is also an excellent way to reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels, which is especially important for people who suffer from heart disease or diabetes.
Although oatmeal is the most well-known form of porridge, there are many other types of this nutrient-packed, filling breakfast. One of the most popular types is congee, which is a rice porridge that has been around for centuries. It is often eaten when you feel under the weather and has a pudding-like texture that is both comforting and easy on the stomach.
To prepare the congee, rinse the rice and cook it in water or broth until it reaches the consistency you prefer. It will take about 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 hours.
While making the porridge, add any toppings you would like to include. Toppings range from traditional, savory ingredients like salty duck eggs or salted bamboo shoots to sweet ones such as zhacai (a Chinese fried doughnut), pickled tofu or century eggs.
This simple dish is a great way to use up left-over rice, but you can also make it with brown or white rice if you like. It is a healthy, filling option that you can enjoy for breakfast, lunch or dinner!