Don’t settle for bland: 31 recipes to jazz up your rice!

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Introducing a collection that turns rice into a culinary masterpiece! Say goodbye to plain white rice as we unveil an array of creative and irresistible rice dishes. From exotic flavors to innovative twists, these recipes redefine the potential of rice, transforming it into a star-studded feast that promises to have even the pickiest eaters pleased to the gills.

side view of wild rice pilaf with pomegranate and butternut squash.
Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Mujadara

white casserole dish with middle eastern mujadara
Mujadara. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Jazz up your rice with mujadara. This Middle Eastern delight blends lentils and rice, creating layers of flavor that transform a simple grain into a culinary masterpiece. Elevate your dining with a dish that showcases the art of balance and taste.
Get the Recipe: Mujadara

Pork Fried Rice

Pork fried rice in a blue and white striped bowl.
Pork Fried Rice. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Elevate your rice game with Pork Fried Rice. This dish’s blend of textures and savory goodness brings new life to plain rice. Don’t settle for mundane meals; turn rice into an enticing side that excites your taste buds with every bite.
Get the Recipe: Pork Fried Rice

Instant Pot Coconut Rice

a mound of coconut rice on a black plate with ribs on the side.
Instant Pot Coconut Rice. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Transform rice into a tropical delight with Instant Pot Coconut Rice. The infusion of creamy coconut flavor turns an ordinary grain into a dish that’s rich and alluring. Elevate your meal with rice that’s anything but ordinary.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Coconut Rice

Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf

A person holding a bowl of farro salad on a wooden table.
Butternut squash wild rice. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Elevate rice to pilaf perfection with Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf. The nutty wild rice and sweet squash create a harmonious blend of tastes that transform rice into a captivating dish. Don’t settle for ordinary sides; let rice shine in a pilaf masterpiece.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf

Enchanted Rice with Grapes

side view of rice with feta on top.
Enchanted Rice with Grapes. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Elevate rice to enchanting heights with Enchanted Rice with Grapes. The sweetness of grapes adds a touch of magic to the dish, creating a symphony of flavors that turns rice into a star attraction. Don’t settle for bland when you can indulge in enchanting taste.
Get the Recipe: Enchanted Rice with Grapes

Middle Eastern Rice Bowl

Middle eastern rice bowl close up.
Middle Eastern Rice Bowl. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Take rice on a journey with a Middle Eastern Rice Bowl. The exotic spices and textures transport you to faraway lands, turning rice into an adventure for your palate. Don’t settle for plain; let rice be the gateway to exciting flavors.
Get the Recipe: Middle Eastern Rice Bowl

Instant Pot Mexican Chicken and Rice

Picture of chicken and rice in a red bowl topped with avocado slices
Instant Pot Mexican Chicken and Rice. Photo credit: Ginger Casa.

Turn rice into a fiesta with Instant Pot Mexican Chicken and Rice. The spicy blend of flavors takes plain rice to a whole new level of excitement. Don’t settle for bland; let rice be the centerpiece of a Mexican-inspired feast.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Mexican Chicken and Rice

Mujadara for One

two mujaddara for one mugs
Mujadara for One. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Indulge in flavor with Mujadara for One. This single-serving dish combines lentils and rice, creating a dish that’s big on taste. Elevate your solo dining experience with a recipe that turns rice into a satisfying and irresistible meal.
Get the Recipe: Mujadara for One

Arancini with Marinara and Broccolini

plate of arancini with marinara and broccolini blurred in background
Arancini with Marinara and Broccolini. Photo credit: Ginger Casa.

Don’t settle for plain rice; elevate it with Arancini. These fried delights turn rice into a crunchy and flavorful experience. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to turn rice into irresistible bites of Italian goodness.
Get the Recipe: Arancini with Marinara and Broccolini

Chicken Biryani

Chicken biryani on a plate with raita.
Chicken Biryani. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Elevate rice to regal heights with Chicken Biryani. The blend of spices and tender chicken creates a dish that’s fit for a feast. Don’t settle for ordinary; let rice be the star of a Biryani masterpiece.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Biryani

Thai Fried Rice

Overhead shot of Thai fried rice in a white bowl with a skillet of fried rice on the side.
Thai Fried Rice. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Transport your taste buds with Thai Fried Rice. The vibrant flavors and aromatic ingredients turn this dish into a standout. Elevate your dining with a recipe that showcases rice’s ability to take center stage in global cuisines.
Get the Recipe: Thai Fried Rice

Instant Pot Chicken Biryani

Overhead shot of 3 plates of chicken biryani.
Instant Pot Chicken Biryani. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Instant Pot Chicken Biryani makes rice the heart of this classic dish. The fragrant spices and tender chicken create an ensemble of flavors that highlight rice’s versatility. Don’t settle for ordinary; let rice be the star attraction.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Biryani

Instant Pot Shrimp Biryani

Overhead shot of a platter of shrimp biryani.
Instant Pot Shrimp Biryani. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Elevate rice to royal status with Instant Pot Shrimp Biryani. The succulent shrimp and aromatic spices complement rice in a dish that’s rich and satisfying. Turn rice into the star player in this delectable creation.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Shrimp Biryani

15 Minute Instant Pot Mexican Rice

overhead shot of chicken and rice in a bowl
15 Minute Instant Pot Mexican Rice. Photo credit: Ginger Casa.

Elevate your rice with the convenience of the Instant Pot. This 15-minute recipe brings vibrant Mexican flavors to your plate in no time. Don’t settle for bland; let rice shine with speedy Mexican flair.
Get the Recipe: 15 Minute Instant Pot Mexican Rice

Ground Turkey and Rice Stuffed Peppers

one stuffed pepper on platewith pot in background
Ground Turkey and Rice Stuffed Peppers. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Don’t settle for ordinary stuffed peppers; let rice shine in this recipe. The flavorful combination of ingredients ensures a satisfying meal that showcases rice’s versatility. Elevate your dining with a dish that’s both hearty and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Ground Turkey and Rice Stuffed Peppers

Greek Chickpea Soup

a bowl of greek chickpea soup garnished with dill on a blue and white linen with a gold spoon.
Greek Chickpea Soup. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Elevate rice to soup stardom with Greek Chickpea Soup. The blend of flavors and ingredients creates a dish that’s both comforting and wholesome. Don’t settle for plain; let rice be the star ingredient in a bowl of Greek goodness.
Get the Recipe: Greek Chickpea Soup

Stuffed Peppers with Shirataki Rice

Stuffed Peppers with Shirataki Rice and tomato sauce served in a caserole.
Stuffed Peppers with Shirataki Rice. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Elevate your stuffed peppers with Shirataki Rice. This low-carb twist turns rice into a star player in this classic dish. Don’t settle for the usual; let rice be the foundation of a healthier stuffed pepper option.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Peppers with Shirataki Rice

Coconut Cauliflower Rice

Coconut Cauliflower Rice inside golden plate with lime slices.
Coconut Cauliflower Rice. Photo credit: Best Clean Eating.

Transform cauliflower into a tropical delight with Coconut Cauliflower Rice. The creamy coconut flavors elevate this low-carb side dish to a whole new level. Don’t settle for boring; let rice take a deliciously healthy twist.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Cauliflower Rice

Spanish Rice

Overhead image of a white bowl containing Spanish rice sitting on a wooden board.
Spanish Rice. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Spanish Rice turns ordinary rice into a fiesta of flavors. The blend of spices and ingredients creates a dish that’s both hearty and satisfying. Elevate your meals with a side that adds a touch of excitement to every plate.
Get the Recipe: Spanish Rice

How to Rice Cauliflower

Cauli rice in a golden bowl with cauliflower head on the side.
How to Rice Cauliflower. Photo credit: Best Clean Eating.

Learn the technique to turn cauliflower into rice. This fundamental skill elevates your cooking game with a low-carb alternative to traditional rice. Don’t settle for the ordinary; discover the versatility of cauliflower.
Get the Recipe: How to Rice Cauliflower

Instant Pot Dirty Rice

in FDL
Instant Pot Dirty Rice. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Elevate rice to savory heights with Instant Pot Dirty Rice. The blend of spices and ingredients creates a dish that’s both flavorful and satisfying. Don’t settle for plain; let rice steal the show with its bold taste.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Dirty Rice

Taco Rice Skillet

Keto Friendly Sushi Rolls served on a black board.
Taco Rice Skillet. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Make rice the star of your Tex-Mex feast with Taco Rice Skillet. The combination of flavors and textures creates a dish that’s both comforting and exciting. Don’t settle for mundane; let rice be the centerpiece of a delicious fiesta.
Get the Recipe: Taco Rice Skillet

Turkey Rice Soup

Two grain bowls are shown on a white marble counter with forks, a red linen, dill, and a lemon.
Turkey Rice Soup. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Elevate your soup game with Turkey Rice Soup. The tender turkey and aromatic broth turn rice into a comforting dish that warms your soul. Don’t settle for ordinary; let rice shine as a star in the world of soups.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Rice Soup

Warm Grain Bowl with Goat Cheese and Greens

in FDL
Warm Grain Bowl with Goat Cheese and Greens. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Turn rice into a nourishing delight with Warm Grain Bowl with Goat Cheese and Greens. The mix of textures and fresh ingredients creates a dish that’s both satisfying and wholesome. Elevate your dining with rice that’s both nutritious and indulgent.
Get the Recipe: Warm Grain Bowl with Goat Cheese and Greens

Chicken and Rice Salad with Fresh Basil and Lemon

in FDL
Chicken and Rice Salad with Fresh Basil and Lemon. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Elevate rice to salad stardom with Chicken and Rice Salad. The fresh basil and zesty lemon take rice from plain to sensational. Don’t settle for dull; let rice shine as the hero of your vibrant salad.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Rice Salad with Fresh Basil and Lemon

Cheesy Cauliflower Rice

in FDL
Cheesy Cauliflower Rice. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Put a cheesy twist on rice with Cheesy Cauliflower Rice. The combination of flavors creates a side dish that’s both comforting and indulgent. Elevate your meal with a recipe that reimagines rice in a way that’s impossible to resist.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Cauliflower Rice

Frozen Cauliflower Rice

Grain bowl topped with sauteed swiss chard, goat cheese, and a poached egg.
Frozen Cauliflower Rice. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Turn frozen cauliflower rice into a star-studded side dish. This versatile ingredient becomes the foundation for a quick and healthy meal that’s both convenient and delicious. Elevate your cooking game with a recipe that proves rice doesn’t have to be boring.
Get the Recipe: Frozen Cauliflower Rice

Chicken and Rice Salad with Fresh Basil and Lemon

A bowl of rice salad on a wooden counter.
Chicken and Rice Salad with Fresh Basil and Lemon. Photo credit: The Honour System.


Get the Recipe: Chicken and Rice Salad with Fresh Basil and Lemon

Cheesy Cauliflower Rice

Cheesy Cauliflower Rice on a spoon with melted cheese strikes.
Cheesy Cauliflower Rice. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.


Get the Recipe: Cheesy Cauliflower Rice

Frozen Cauliflower Rice

Frozen Cauliflower Rice baked and served on a plate.
Frozen Cauliflower Rice. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.


Get the Recipe: Frozen Cauliflower Rice

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