Cooking quick rice can be a hassle-free solution when you're short on time or need a speedy meal. Quick rice, often labeled as instant or minute rice, offers convenience and ease while delivering a delicious and satisfying dish. Whether you're a culinary novice or a seasoned chef, this beginner-friendly guide will equip you with the knowledge and techniques to create mouthwatering quick rice recipes. We'll explore a variety of quick rice options, including traditional white rice, aromatic jasmine rice, and hearty brown rice, providing step-by-step instructions for perfect results every time. Get ready to discover the secrets of making quick rice that is not only quick but also bursting with flavor and nutrition.
Here are our top 20 tried and tested recipes!
QUICK PORK FRIED RICE
A few leftovers and bits from the fridge turn into a great dinner in less than 45 minutes! If I have a leftover grilled pork chop or the tail of a roast, I freeze it until I have enough for this dish. You can also use chicken and substitute some of the veggies for bits you are cleaning up from the fridge. Serve with sweet Thai chili sauce on the side.
Provided by Carrie Elizabeth
Categories Main Dish Recipes Rice Fried Rice Recipes
Time 45m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Heat 2 teaspoons vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat; cook and stir mushrooms until the juice has evaporated, and the mushrooms are browned, about 15 minutes. Set mushrooms aside.
- Fluff cooked rice with a fork and stir in 1 tablespoon vegetable oil to separate the grains. Heat remaining 3 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Cook and stir pork, garlic, and ginger until fragrant, about 1 minute; add celery, onion, and carrot. Cook and stir until vegetables begin to soften, 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in red bell pepper and cooked mushrooms just until combined.
- Stir in cooked rice, lightly tossing until rice is heated through and thoroughly combined with pork and vegetables. Stir in soy sauce, remove from heat, and sprinkle green onions over the top.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 380.5 calories, Carbohydrate 48.8 g, Cholesterol 30.1 mg, Fat 12.8 g, Fiber 1.9 g, Protein 15.9 g, SaturatedFat 2.4 g, Sodium 202.1 mg, Sugar 2 g
QUICK CHINESE-STYLE VERMICELLI (RICE NOODLES)
Quick and delicious Chinese-style rice noodles.
Provided by Serena Liew
Categories Side Dish
Time 18m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add rice noodles, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until al dente; do not overcook, or they will become mushy. Drain.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Saute garlic until tender. Stir in noodles, and season with soy sauce, chili sauce, salt and pepper. Sprinkle top with chopped green onion.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 270.7 calories, Carbohydrate 48 g, Fat 7.1 g, Fiber 1.1 g, Protein 2.3 g, SaturatedFat 1.2 g, Sodium 356.9 mg, Sugar 0.4 g
QUICK RICE AND RAISIN PUDDING
Stress free dessert ready in 15 minutes! Enjoy this rice and raisin pudding for a wonderful treat.
Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens
Categories Dessert
Time 15m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Mix all ingredients in 2-quart saucepan.
- Heat to boiling, stirring constantly; remove from heat. Cover and let stand 5 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 195, Carbohydrate 43 g, Cholesterol 5 mg, Fiber 0 g, Protein 4 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 170 mg
QUICK AND EASY PINEAPPLE FRIED RICE
Fried rice with an Asian accent goes well with many things. Perfect alongside chicken and beef, but equally good with salmon, shrimp, or scallops. This comes together quickly, so get all of your ingredients prepped before you start cooking.
Provided by lutzflcat
Categories Main Dish Recipes Rice Fried Rice Recipes
Time 25m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add oil. Add diced onion and cook for about 1 minute. Add ginger and garlic, and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute.
- Increase heat to medium-high; add pineapple, red bell pepper, and peas. Cook, stirring constantly, for 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in rice and soy sauce, and cook until sauce is well incorporated, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in sesame oil and remove from heat.
- Garnish with sliced green onion and sesame seeds before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 238.5 calories, Carbohydrate 36.4 g, Fat 8.8 g, Fiber 2.6 g, Protein 4.2 g, SaturatedFat 1.4 g, Sodium 283.4 mg, Sugar 8.5 g
QUICK AND EASY BLACK BEANS AND RICE
This is a recipe I use in lieu of kidney beans and rice because I just happen to love the flavor of black beans. We never have leftovers of this side dish!
Provided by Paula
Categories Main Dish Recipes Rice Beans and Rice Recipes
Time 40m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook and stir onion and garlic in hot oil until softened, 5 to 7 minutes.
- Stir water, black beans, cumin, and beef bouillon cube into the onion and garlic mixture; bring to a boil, add rice, cover, and simmer until the rice is tender and the moisture is absorbed, about 20 minutes.
- Gently stir Creole seasoning and cilantro into the beans and rice.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 233.3 calories, Carbohydrate 39.9 g, Fat 5 g, Fiber 5.8 g, Protein 7 g, SaturatedFat 0.8 g, Sodium 468.7 mg, Sugar 0.8 g
QUICK BEAN AND RICE BURRITOS
These hearty and zippy burritos can be whipped up in a jiffy. -Kimberly Hardison, Maitland, Florida
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 25m
Yield 8 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- In a small saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add rice. Return to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat. Let stand until water is absorbed, about 5 minutes. , Meanwhile, in a large skillet, saute green pepper and onion in oil until tender, 3-4 minutes. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in the chili powder, cumin and pepper flakes until combined. Add beans and rice; cook and stir until heated through, 4-6 minutes., Spoon about 1/2 cup of filling off-center on each tortilla; top with 2 tablespoons salsa. Fold sides and ends over filling and roll up. Serve with cheese and sour cream if desired.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 290 calories, Fat 6g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 504mg sodium, Carbohydrate 49g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 9g protein.
SUPER QUICK CHICKEN FRIED RICE
After my first child was born, I needed meals that were satisfying and fast. This fried rice is now part of our regular dinner rotation. - Alicia Gower, Auburn, New York
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 30m
Yield 6 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Prepare frozen vegetables according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat. Pour in eggs; cook and stir until eggs are thickened and no liquid egg remains. Remove from pan., In same skillet, heat 2 tablespoons sesame oil and remaining olive oil over medium-high heat. Add rice; cook and stir until rice begins to brown, 10-12 minutes., Stir in chicken, salt and pepper. Add eggs and vegetables; heat through, breaking eggs into small pieces and stirring to combine. Drizzle with remaining sesame oil.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 548 calories, Fat 25g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 163mg cholesterol, Sodium 934mg sodium, Carbohydrate 43g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 38g protein.
QUICK CHICKEN & WILD RICE SOUP
My mother-in-law raves about the chicken and rice soup we serve at our house. I tweaked the recipe several times to get it just right. -Teresa Jacobson, St. Johns, Florida
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch
Time 30m
Yield 4 servings (2 quarts).
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Cook rice mix according to package directions., Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, heat butter over medium-high heat. Add onion, celery and carrot; cook and stir until tender, 6-8 minutes. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in flour until blended; gradually whisk in milk and broth. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly; cook and stir until slightly thickened, 1-2 minutes., Stir in chicken and rice mixture; heat through.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 465 calories, Fat 15g fat (7g saturated fat), Cholesterol 94mg cholesterol, Sodium 1095mg sodium, Carbohydrate 50g carbohydrate (12g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 32g protein.
QUICK PORK FRIED RICE
Making use of leftover pork and cooked rice, this delicious take on takeout comes together faster than you can order the No. 5 on the value menu. -Judy Lammers, Columbia, Missouri
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 15m
Yield 4 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Pour eggs into skillet. As eggs set, lift edges, letting uncooked portion flow underneath. When eggs are completely cooked, remove to plate. Set aside., In the same skillet, combine the rice, pork, peas, soy sauce and garlic powder; heat through. Meanwhile, chop egg into small pieces; add to skillet. Remove from the heat; stir in lettuce and onions. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 366 calories, Fat 8g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 149mg cholesterol, Sodium 869mg sodium, Carbohydrate 47g carbohydrate (9g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 24g protein.
QUICK AND EASY, THICK AND CREAMY RICE PUDDING
This stuff tastes just like Tapioca pudding! I wanted to make rice pudding, but didn't want to make a huge batch. Also, I wanted to start with already cooked rice and have no eggs or evaporated milk on hand. This is a VERY simple adaptation, low-fat, and turns out beautiful and creamy. This recipe can be quite easily doubled or even tripled if desired, just expect longer cooking time.
Provided by TinkerToy
Categories Dessert
Time 30m
Yield 2 bowls, 2 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Combine rice, milk, sugar, vanilla, and salt in medium sauce pan.
- Put on medium-high heat and bring to light/moderate boil. Let boil for about 20 minutes until liquid has cooked down a bit and starts to thicken.(Stir often and be sure to watch so it doesn't boil over!) A little "skin" may form on top. This is what you want- it adds to the creaminess:).
- In small bowl, combine cornstarch and water. Pour into rice mixture and stir. It should thicken up fairly quickly. If it doesn't thicken immediately, don't worry. Just keep at medium heat and stir frequently until it is of desired consistency.
- Pour into bowls and serve immediately. You may top with cool whip if desired.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 324.7, Fat 0.6, SaturatedFat 0.3, Cholesterol 4.9, Sodium 205.6, Carbohydrate 67.4, Fiber 0.3, Sugar 37.7, Protein 10.6
QUICK RED BEANS AND RICE
Quick, easy approximation of Louisiana-style red beans and rice. Just before serving, sprinkle with smoked salt or a little liquid smoke. Serve atop brown rice with more hot sauce at the table.
Provided by coldweatherkim
Categories 100+ Everyday Cooking Recipes
Time 55m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Heat a large nonstick pot over medium-high heat.
- Place onion and garlic into a food processor and pulse on and off to mince. Add to the heated pan. Chop bell pepper finely in the processor and add to pan. Repeat with the celery.
- Stir vegetables well and add 2 tablespoons water. Cook until soft, 6 to 10 minutes.
- Place 1/2 of the beans and tomatoes into the food processor. Process until all beans are coarsely chopped, just short of pureed.
- Stir the blended beans, whole beans, remaining tomatoes, hot sauce, thyme, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne. Cover tightly, reduce heat to lowest setting, and cook until flavors combine at least 30 minutes. Stir every 5 or 10 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 214.8 calories, Carbohydrate 40.1 g, Fat 1 g, Fiber 14.5 g, Protein 12.5 g, Sodium 1013.7 mg, Sugar 3 g
EASY AND QUICK HAMBURGER AND RICE DINNER
This is a fast dinner. I usually have all of the ingredients on hand for a last minute supper. You can get creative and doctor this up a bit by adding green pepper or other vegetables.
Provided by Jenny Frenny
Categories White Rice
Time 25m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Brown hamburger and onion over medium heat in a large skillet (one with a lid). Drain off excess fat.
- Add the rice, tomato, water, salt and pepper. Mix well and cover pan with lid. Simmer on low for 10 minutes.
- Check halfway to see if you feel it needs a few tablespoons of water added. Stir and then sprinkle the cheese over top. Don't mix in, allow to melt over top while it finishes simmering.
QUICK SPANISH RICE
This is awesome as a side dish with enchiladas, tortillas, or any other Mexican dish.
Provided by Cathy C
Categories Side Dish Rice Side Dish Recipes Spanish Rice Recipes
Time 35m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Heat butter in a frying pan over medium heat; cook and stir onion, green bell pepper, celery, and garlic until slightly tender, 5 to 10 minutes. Stir tomatoes with juice, chili powder, beef bouillon granules, and salt into onion mixture; add rice. Simmer rice mixture, stirring occasionally, until heated through and flavors are blended, 15 to 20 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 203.4 calories, Carbohydrate 31.4 g, Cholesterol 15.4 mg, Fat 6.3 g, Fiber 2.7 g, Protein 4.1 g, SaturatedFat 3.8 g, Sodium 606.6 mg, Sugar 5.4 g
SUNNY'S QUICK WILD RICE AND SAUSAGE STUFFED SQUASH
Provided by Sunny Anderson
Time 50m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- For the squash: Prick the squash all over with a fork. Place on a plate and microwave, flipping halfway through, until cooked through, 10 to 15 minutes. Let cool until easy to handle.
- Cut off the squash stem, then cut the squash in half lengthwise and use a spoon to scoop the flesh into a large bowl, discarding the seeds and leaving about 1/4 inch of flesh within the skin to help maintain its shape. Level off the squash halves so they rest without tilting by cutting a tiny slice off each skin side. Place on a baking sheet, flesh-side up.
- Add the rice, bocconcini, raisins, walnuts, a pinch of salt and a few grinds of pepper to the bowl with the scooped squash and mix well to combine.
- For the sausage: Add the olive oil, onions, sausage, curry powder, thyme and salt and pepper to taste to a large pan over medium-high heat. Cook, breaking up the sausage into small crumbles, until the sausage is cooked through, 5 to 10 minutes. Add to the bowl with the squash and stir to combine.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Fill the hollowed squash halves with the mixture and roast it until the cheese melts and the tops are golden brown, about 15 minutes. Sprinkle with the cilantro, drizzle over some olive oil and serve warm.
QUICK TURKEY AND RICE SOUP
Barley or orzo can stand in for rice from one batch to the next in our tasty and Quick Turkey and Rice Soup.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Soups, Stews & Stocks Soup Recipes
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add leek, celery root, parsnip, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until leek is translucent, about 2 minutes.
- Add stock, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer until vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in turkey and rice, and cook until heated through. Season with salt and pepper, and serve immediately.
QUICK BROWN RICE AND MUSHROOM PILAF
This flavorful rice pilaf made with Minute® Brown Rice, mushrooms, onions, celery and chicken broth, is wonderful paired with chicken or pork.
Provided by Minute Rice
Categories Trusted Brands: Recipes and Tips Minute® Rice
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Heat oil in medium saucepan on medium heat. Add onions and celery; cook 3 minutes or until crisp-tender, stirring occasionally.
- Add mushrooms; cook 3 minutes or until mushrooms are tender, stirring occasionally. Add broth; stir. Bring to boil.
- Stir in rice; cover. Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer 5 minutes. Remove from heat; let stand 5 minutes. Add walnuts and parsley; mix lightly.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 163.4 calories, Carbohydrate 19.7 g, Cholesterol 1.1 mg, Fat 9.1 g, Fiber 1.9 g, Protein 3.4 g, SaturatedFat 0.9 g, Sodium 227.3 mg, Sugar 1.1 g
QUICK AND EASY RED BEANS AND RICE
A quick and easy recipe using many of the staples you have on hand. Serve with your favorite cornbread.
Provided by DIANESEALS
Categories Main Dish Recipes Rice Beans and Rice Recipes
Time 40m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Bring the rice and water to boil in a pot. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer 20 minutes.
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Stir in onion and green bell pepper, and cook until tender. Stir in sausage, and cook until evenly browned. Mix in beans and tomatoes, and continue cooking until heated through. Serve skillet mixture over the rice.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 531.1 calories, Carbohydrate 42.8 g, Cholesterol 61.6 mg, Fat 28.4 g, Fiber 5.7 g, Protein 23.9 g, SaturatedFat 11.1 g, Sodium 1423.6 mg, Sugar 4.3 g
QUICK FRIED RICE
I revised this recipe from an old cookbook. It's a great way to use up leftover cooked rice and it can be ready in just a few minutes.-Rhonda Olivieri, East Earl, Pennsylvania
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Side Dishes
Time 20m
Yield 4 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- In a large skillet, saute onion in butter until tender. Stir in the rice, teriyaki sauce, parsley, garlic powder and pepper. Cook over medium-low heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the egg; cook and stir until egg is completely set, about 3 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 344 calories, Fat 13g fat (8g saturated fat), Cholesterol 84mg cholesterol, Sodium 592mg sodium, Carbohydrate 48g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 7g protein.
AUTHENTIC AND QUICK RED BEANS AND RICE (WITH ANDOUILLE SAUSAGE)
I modified this from an authentic Louisiana Red Beans & Rice recipe because I didn't have time to soak dried beans. This still has all the flavor, but is faster since it uses canned beans. A nice touch is to use both light and dark kidney beans and to crumble some sausage into the mix. People will ask you for the recipe for this one!
Provided by Slicey
Categories Stew
Time 2h30m
Yield 8-12 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- Heat one cup of water and soak bay leaves in the water for at least 30 minutes.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced celery and cook 1-2 minutes. Then add diced Onion, bell pepper, and garlic and cook 3-4 minutes.
- Transfer vegetables to large stock pot. Drain kidney beans, reserving some of the liquid, and add beans to pot. Add one can of diced tomatoes (with liquid) to stock pot. Remove the bay leaves from the hot water and add the seasoned liquid to the pot. (If the bay leaves have not soaked long enough, you can add them later). If additional liquid is needed, add some of the reserved liquid from the beans or a small amount of water.
- In the same skillet you sauteed vegetables in, add Andouille sausage and cook over medium heat. You can slice the sausage then cook it or cook whole sausage then let cool and slice.
- Add cayenne pepper, thyme, sage, parsley, and Cajun seasoning to the stock pot with the beans and vegetables. Bring to a slight boil, and then reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 1 hour.
- Stir cooked sausage into beans, and continue to simmer for 30 minutes. At this point, you can add Goya brand Sofrito (a sauce used to season soups and stews) or 1 packet Sazon Goya (a seasoning packet that contains MSG) if desired. You can find Goya products in the Mexican food aisle of the grocery store.
- Add additional water, salt, pepper, or Creole seasoning to taste, if needed.
- Meanwhile, prepare the rice. In a saucepan, put 1 Tablespoon butter, and 2 cups water for every one cup dry rice and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes. Serve beans over steamed white rice. Serve Louisiana Hot Sauce at the table, if desired.
QUICK COCONUT CURRY WITH RICE, CORN, AND BEANS
This is a quick curry because there are no vegetables to clean and chop. All ingredients are ones that can be stored on the shelf or freezer.
Provided by SN
Categories Side Dish Rice Side Dish Recipes
Time 35m
Yield 7
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Mix black-eyed peas, coconut milk, corn, tomato paste, curry powder, sugar, and 3/4 teaspoon salt in a pot until smooth and evenly combined; simmer over medium-low heat, stirring often, until curry sauce is heated through, about 5 minutes.
- Pour enough water into a separate pot to almost fill and bring to a boil; season with a pinch of salt. Add rice to boiling water and cook, stirring occasionally, until rice is very soft, about 15 minutes. Drain excess water from rice.
- Mix rice and curry sauce together in a large bowl.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 374 calories, Carbohydrate 58.6 g, Fat 13.4 g, Fiber 5 g, Protein 9.4 g, SaturatedFat 11 g, Sodium 615.4 mg, Sugar 5.4 g
Tips for Cooking Perfect Rice Every Time:
- Choose the right type of rice: Different types of rice have different cooking times and textures. Long-grain rice like Basmati or Jasmine is best for pilaf, while medium-grain rice like Sushi or Arborio is best for risotto.
- Rinse the rice: Rinsing the rice removes excess starch, which can make the rice sticky. Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh strainer under cold water until the water runs clear.
- Use the right amount of water: The amount of water you use will depend on the type of rice and the cooking method. A good rule of thumb is to use 1 1/2 cups of water for every cup of rice.
- Bring the water to a boil: Before adding the rice, bring the water to a boil. This will help to create a more even cook.
- Add the rice and stir: Once the water is boiling, add the rice and stir gently. This will help to distribute the rice evenly and prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Reduce the heat and simmer: Once the rice is added, reduce the heat to low and simmer for the recommended cooking time. Do not lift the lid during cooking, as this will release steam and make the rice sticky.
- Let the rice rest: Once the cooking time is complete, remove the pot from the heat and let the rice rest for 5-10 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
Conclusion:
Cooking rice may seem like a simple task, but there are a few key tips and tricks that can make all the difference in the final product. By following these tips, you can cook perfect rice every time, no matter what type of rice you're using or what cooking method you prefer.
With a little practice, you'll be able to master the art of cooking rice and impress your friends and family with your culinary skills. So next time you're cooking rice, take a few minutes to follow these tips and see for yourself how much better your rice turns out.
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