If you’re new here, my name is Kayla and I’m obsessed with easy weeknight meals. Hands down, my favorite go-to weeknight meal is a rice based meal. Why? Because it’s really easy to prepare ahead of time and its so versatile. There are so many different kinds of rice and so many ways to save time cooking it!
Types of rice
Brown Rice: Kind of like whole wheat bread… for your rice bowl! It keeps the bran layer intact, which gives it a slightly chewy texture and a nutty flavor. Brown rice is also packed with fiber and nutrients, making it a great choice for people who like good-for-you recipes. Brown rice isn’t as fluffy as white rice so I don’t love the texture the best but I use it when I’m being very strict about what I’m eating!
Basmati Rice: White rice. Basmati rice comes from India and has long grains. It has a beautiful smell that fills your kitchen as it cooks. The texture is light and fluffy, perfect for pairing with flavorful curries or stews. This is my personal go to white rice.
Jasmine Rice: Another white rice and in my opinion, super similar to Basmati rice. It is from Thailand, not indian. Its grains are shorter and slightly sticky compared to Basmati. The flavor is muted, almost with a hint of sweetness. It is a great all-around rice for stir fry recipes or even just a fluffy bed for grilled fish. I use it interchangeably with Basmati rice.
Sticky Rice: This Southeast Asian staple is also known as glutinous rice, but don’t worry, it’s gluten-free! The trick here is that it gets super sticky when cooked. I love using it for rolling up in my sushi recipes or for poke bowls!
Cauliflower Rice: This isn’t technically rice at all, but it’s a clever rice substitute made from grated cauliflower. It cooks up surprisingly fluffy and can be used in all your favorite rice dishes, like burritos or fried rice. My favorite part about it is that it is very low carb. I like to mix it into my white rice or brown rice to cut back on carbs and make it feel like I am eating more!
Ways to save time cooking rice
Microwavable Rice: These handy pouches are lifesavers on busy nights. Just toss them in the microwave, hit start, and watch perfect rice steam up in minutes. No measuring and no fuss. I love this type of rice in a pinch. It helps me save time when I’m trying to get dinner on the table in 30 minutes or less.
Frozen Rice: Similar to microwaveable rice, these bags are pre-cooked and frozen. Just pop them in the microwave or heat them up on the stovetop for a quick and easy rice side dish. I love this type of rice the best! Its super easy to defrost and use in a casserole recipe, a skillet meal or even a soup!
Boil in a bag minute rice: These handy bags come with pre-measured rice and seasonings. Just boil a pot of water, toss in the bag, and wait a few minutes for fluffy rice that’s practically foolproof. I love using this type of rice to make my poke bowls!
Meal prep rice: Cook on a stovetop or in a rice cooker. It’s simple! Just measure out your rice and water (the classic ratio is 1:1.5), bring it to a boil, then simmer with the lid on for about 15 minutes. But the ideal situation here is to individually package it in airtight containers or ziplock bags and freeze until I need to use it!
Storage
Uncooked rice: The key is to keep it in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and heat. Airtight containers are your best bet here. A glass jar with a lid or a resealable plastic container work wonders. Brown rice, with its fancy bran layer, can actually go a little bad faster than white rice. So, if you’re a brown rice lover, store it in the fridge for longer shelf life, up to six months, or even freeze it for even longer.
Cooked rice: I love rice leftovers and meal prepping rice! You can easily save it for delicious future meals! Rice can harbor bacteria if not stored properly. The key is to cool it down quickly. Spread it out on a baking sheet or shallow dish to speed up the process. Once it’s cool (think room temperature, not just warm), I transfer it to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge for up to 7 days. I also like to freeze it for up to 3 months.
Pro tip: Reheating rice is super important too! Always make sure your rice reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to kill any bacteria that might be lurking.
What to make with rice?
Here are some easy weeknight meals that are made with rice that you must add to your weeknight dinner menu!
1. Spicy Tuna Rice Paper Tacos (Gluten free)
2. 15-Minute Homemade Poke Bowl Recipe (Gluten Free)
3. Easy Air-Fryer Salmon Poke Bowl Recipe (Gluten free)
4. Spicy Tuna Poke Bowl with Canned Tuna Recipe (Gluten free)
5. One Pot Cheesy Taco Skillet (gluten free, dairy free option)
6. Chicken Taco Rice Casserole (Gluten free)
7. Greek Rice Bowl (gluten free, dairy free option)
8. Gluten Free Rice Bowl
9. Dairy Free Broccoli Rice Casserole
10. Mexican Chicken Casserole with Rice and Beans
11. Chicken Taco Rice Casserole
12. Coconut Curry Rice
13. Dairy Free Chicken Rice Casserole
14. Rice Meal Prep (gluten free, low carb)
15. Chicken Taco Casserole With Rice
16. Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole (gluten free)
17. Vegan Broccoli Rice Casserole (gluten free)
18. Vegan Broccoli Rice Casserole (gluten free)
19. Vegan Rice Casserole (gluten free)
20. Slow Cooker Chicken Satay (Gluten free)
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