5 Simple & Tasty Rice Recipe Ideas

Have leftover rice to use up? Try these super simple, tasty, and easy rice recipe ideas that recreate leftover rice into nutritious meals and snacks. All are gluten free, dairy free, and plant-based!

This post was made in partnership with U.S.A. Rice

Think Rice: 5 Days, 5 Ways

I think for most of us it’s common to have a tupperware of leftover rice sitting in the fridge. My hubby and I cook rice on the regular so leftover rice is always hanging around waiting to be reheated.

While it’s super easy to reheat leftover rice as a side for another meal, there are so many more creative, delicious (and still super simple!) ways to use leftover rice. Today I’m sharing five simple and tasty rice recipe ideas to inspire you to put this convenient and versatile pantry staple grain to good use!

I’ve partnered with U.S.A. Rice to create these delicious rice recipe ideas as for Canadians like me, U.S.-grown rice is as local as it gets. Unfortunately due to the cold climate in Canada, we can’t yet grow large quantities of rice here (trials are underway), so our neighbors to the south offer the best, quality options for us (thank you!!).

The Many Benefits of Rice

When it comes to rice, the convenience and health benefits are great! Let’s take a look:

Health Benefits of Rice

Rice is naturally gluten free making it great for those with a gluten allergy or intolerance and it’s a healthy complex carbohydrate source that provides the body with a nice boost of energy.

This tasty grain is also high in minerals including potassium, iron, and magnesium as well as vitamin B6!

Lifestyle Benefits of Rice

Rice is extremely versatile as you’ll see with the five rice recipe ideas I’m sharing today. It can be used in a variety of meals and it’s very easy to make for even the most novice of cooks.

Rice is also very affordable which is great for those on a tighter food budget or those who simply want to stretch their dollar further!

**Sweet or Savoury Rice Recipe Ideas…*You Decide!***

When it comes to putting leftover rice to good use, it’s fun to think outside of the box! Rice can be put in both sweet and savoury recipes and used in breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and even dessert!

Here are the five delicious ways I’ve repurposed leftover brown and white U.S.A. grown rice:

Overnight Banana & Blueberry Rice & Oats

Serves 1

To make this healthy twist on overnight oats simply add in your leftover brown rice and all the fixins’!

How To Make It:

Combine ½ cup of cooked short grain brown rice with ½ cup gluten-free rolled oats, 1 tablespoon flax seeds, 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup, and 1 teaspoon to vanilla extract in a jar or container with ½ cup unsweetened almond milk, 2 tablespoons of yogurt (dairy free or regular), chopped banana and fresh blueberries. Stir well to combine and pop in the fridge overnight. In the morning give it a stir and enjoy!

Fiesta Rice Bowl

Serves 1

Enjoy this delicious Mexican-inspired rice and veggie-packed bowl for breakfast, lunch, or dinner!

How To Make It:

Heat ½ cup of cooked brown rice with ½ cup black beans in a saucepan, and add in any seasonings or spices of choice (salt, taco seasoning, cumin, chili powder, etc.). Add the warmed rice and beans to the bowl and top with sliced avocado, salsa, 1 soft-boiled or fried egg, sliced tomatoes, and a small bunch of pea shoots or sprouts.

Easy Creamy Mushroom & Rice Soup

Serves 3-4

This creamy, dreamy, warming meal turns leftover rice into a super comforting and healthy option for cooler days. Add in any extra veggies you prefer or swap out the mushrooms for shredded rotisserie chicken breast for a higher protein bowl of soup.

How To Make It:

Heat a large pot or saucepan over medium heat and add in 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 clove crushed garlic, 3 chopped Portobello mushrooms, ¼ cup chopped onion, ½ cup chopped celery, ½ cup chopped carrots, 1 bay leaf, ½ teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon dried parsley, and ½ teaspoon salt. Saute the garlic, onion, and veggies for 4-5 minutes until soft.

In a bowl combine 2 cups of chicken or vegetable broth with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and stir until cornstarch is dissolved. Pour into the pot and bring to a bubble. The broth will thicken.

Next, pour in 1-15oz can of full-fat coconut milk, 1 tablespoon of coconut palm sugar (or other sugar), 1 tablespoon of gluten-free soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to low-medium, add in 2 cups of cooked brown rice, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until soup is slightly thickened and creamy. Serve hot and enjoy!

Quick & Tasty Fried Rice

Serves 2

Amp up your leftover rice with this simple fried rice recipe that’s incredibly easy to make and works as a side or main meal in itself. Add shrimp or tofu to bring in more protein if enjoying this dish as its own meal.

How To Make It:

Heat a pan over medium-high and add in 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 clove crushed garlic, ¼ cup chopped onion and saute for 3-4 minutes until onions are soft. Add in 2 large eggs and scramble with the onion and garlic until cooked.

Next, add in ½ cup finely chopped broccoli and ½ cup finely chopped bell pepper and saute for another 2-3 minutes. In a small bowl whisk together 2 tablespoons gluten-free soy sauce with 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar, and the juice of ½ lime. Add 1 1/2 cups cooked (day old) white rice to the pan with the veggies and pour in the sauce. Saute everything in the pan for another 5-6 minutes until well combined and heated through. Serve and sprinkle with raw or toasted sesame seeds.

Coconut & Berry Rice Pudding

Serves 2

This healthy, tasty, dairy free take on rice pudding puts leftover white rice to delicious use as a breakfast, snack, or dessert you’ll want to enjoy over and over! Get even more creative by adding in raisins, nuts, seeds, or cocoa nibs.

How To Make It:

Heat a small saucepan over medium-high heat and add in 1 cup cooked white rice with 1 tablespoon dairy-free butter, 1 ¼ cups unsweetened vanilla almond milk, 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup, ¼ teaspoon cinnamon, and 1 tablespoon chia seeds. Cook and stir often for 15 minutes until thickened.

Next, add in ¼ cup shredded unsweetened coconut and 1 egg, and stir continuously for 2-3 minutes. Divide between two bowls and top with toasted coconut, heated and mashed fresh or frozen berries, and a sprig of fresh mint.

With these 5 simple, tasty, and healthy rice recipe ideas you’ll have many ways to enjoy leftover rice for every day of the week. Which one will you try first?! Be sure to pin the photo below to save these recipes ideas for later and of course, share the love. For more rice tips and inspiration be sure to visit riceinfo.com!

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