Rice

*Oryza sativa* (Asian rice) or *Oryza glaberrima* (African rice) Grain, Cereal, Staple

Rice Grain, Cereal, Staple

At a Glance

  • Category Grain, Cereal, Staple

The Forktionary Angle

"The humble grain that powers civilizations and forms the backbone of countless global cuisines."

Definition

A staple grain worldwide, offering versatile culinary uses from side dishes to main courses, rich in carbohydrates and available in many varieties.

Global Production (million metric tons/year) ~500 (paddy rice)
Leading Producing Country China (followed by India)
Starch Type Amylose & Amylopectin ratio determines texture

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Rice are:

Neutral earthy nutty (depending on variety)

Chef’s Secret

Toasting dry rice grains lightly in a pan with a little oil before adding liquid enhances their nutty flavor and creates a firmer texture.

Best Substitutes

Quinoa

for texture/protein
Ratio 1:1

couscous

for quick cooking
Ratio 1:1

barley

for hearty dishes
Ratio 1:1

farro

for chewy texture
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Choose based on desired starch content and cooking outcome (e.g., long-grain for fluffy, short-grain for sticky). Store in airtight containers.

Recipes Using Rice

30 Minutes Or Less Low Cholesterol Occasion Healthy 2

1 2 3 Rice And Chili Burritos

Quick, easy, and delicious! These 1-2-3 Rice and Chili Burritos are ready in just 20 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, they're a crowd-pleaser guaranteed to satisfy. Enjoy with classic white rice or opt for a healthier twist with brown rice and low-carb tortillas!

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Side Dishes Low Cholesterol Main Ingredient Citrus

2Bleu's Lemony Rice With Peas Risi E Bisi

This vibrant and refreshing 10-minute Risi e Bisi recipe is the perfect side dish! A zesty blend of lemony rice, sweet peas, and crunchy nuts (walnuts, pecans, pine nuts, or sunflower seeds – your choice!), it's a delightful accompaniment to grilled fish, roasted meats, or even as a light vegetarian meal. A fantastic way to use up leftover rice, this recipe is bursting with flavor and easy to customize.

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Time To Make Preparation Vegetables Course

Absolutely The Best Spam Fried Rice

Craving unbelievably delicious fried rice? This recipe is a game-changer! Inspired by a college student's secret recipe (that was even amazing cold!), this Spam Fried Rice is bursting with flavor and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Perfect as a hearty meal or a tasty side dish, it's easily adaptable to any serving size. Get ready to experience fried rice like never before – this recipe is so good, you'll want to make it again and again!

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4 Hours Or Less 4 Hours Or Less Preparation Time To Make

Airman Anderson's Chicken

Inspired by Sunny Anderson's Cooking for Real, this recipe delivers crispy, juicy chicken with a vibrant orange sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this Airman Anderson's twist on classic orange chicken is sure to become a family favorite! Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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Meat Beef Low Cholesterol Rice

American Sukiyaki

A quick and easy American take on the classic Asian Sukiyaki! This recipe delivers rich, savory flavors in just 20 minutes. Perfect for a weeknight meal, it's sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy tender meat and crisp vegetables in a delicious, thickened sauce, served over fluffy rice.

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Preparation Preparation Course Time To Make

Artichoke Chicken Saute

This quick and easy 20-minute Artichoke Chicken Saute recipe is perfect for busy weeknights! Adapted from a popular cooking magazine, this recipe is incredibly versatile. Enjoy tender chicken and artichoke hearts in a creamy, flavorful sauce – easily customizable to your taste. Swap artichokes for broccoli or asparagus, and use chicken broth instead of wine for a delicious, alcohol-free option. We've added tips and ingredient adjustments for a more flavorful and healthy dish, including using evaporated fat-free milk for a lighter sauce.

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Creole Dietary Cuisine Low In Something

Authentic Chicken And Andouille Sausage Gumbo

A taste of New Orleans! This authentic Chicken and Andouille Sausage Gumbo recipe is a culinary journey back to the heart of the city. Experience the rich flavors and comforting warmth of a true New Orleans classic, passed down through generations. This isn't just gumbo; it's a piece of history, simmered to perfection.

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Easy Inexpensive Easy Time To Make

Baked Broccoli With Rice

A classic comfort food recipe passed down through generations! This creamy baked broccoli and rice casserole is inspired by a 1979 cookbook featuring listener-favorite recipes from WCCO Radio's Joyce Lamont. Get ready for a cheesy, comforting dish the whole family will love. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a potluck!

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Steaks Main Ingredient Main Dish For 1 Or 2

Barbara's Flank Steak Dinner

This irresistible flank steak dinner, inspired by Michele Urvater's 'Monday to Friday Cookbook,' became a crowd favorite after friends clamored for 'Barbara's' recipe! Enjoy perfectly seared, thinly sliced flank steak served over vibrant sauteed vegetables and fluffy rice. This recipe is quick, easy, and even reheats beautifully for a delicious lunch the next day. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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Weeknight 4 Hours Or Less Side Dishes Low Protein

Barbara's Rice

This heartwarming rice casserole, a treasured family recipe, is bursting with flavor! A delightful blend of sautéed mushrooms, fragrant oregano, and fresh green onions creates a magical symphony of tastes. This recipe, passed down from a cherished friend, is guaranteed to become a new favorite in your kitchen. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal or a special occasion.

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Potluck Preparation Dietary Picnic

Barbecued Garlic Chicken

Experience the vibrant flavors of Thailand with this mouthwatering Barbecued Garlic Chicken recipe! Inspired by the classic Gai Yang, this versatile dish is perfect for a picnic, barbecue, or a crowd-pleasing dinner. Enjoy juicy, flavorful chicken with crispy skin, infused with aromatic garlic, zesty lime, and fragrant coriander. This recipe is easily adaptable for whole chickens or individual pieces.

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Time To Make Equipment North American 5 Ingredients Or Less

Bbq Chicken And Rice

A family favorite, this incredibly easy BBQ chicken and rice recipe is bursting with flavor! Tender chicken simmered in a smoky BBQ sauce, served over fluffy rice – a comforting and delicious meal ready in under an hour. Get ready for tastebud-tingling goodness!

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Meat Dietary Rice Pasta Rice And Grains

Beef And Bean Taco Skillet

Quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful! This one-pan Beef and Bean Taco Skillet is ready in under 30 minutes. Packed with seasoned ground beef, hearty beans, sweet corn, and zesty chiles, it's a family-friendly weeknight meal that's sure to become a new favorite. Serve with your favorite taco toppings for a fiesta in your mouth!

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Preparation Beef Cuisine Time To Make

Beef Bombay Curry

Indulge in this rich and flavorful Beef Bombay Curry, adapted from a treasured Dutch cookbook! This recipe elevates tender beefsteak to aromatic perfection with a blend of warming spices. The slow-simmered curry, infused with coconut milk, creates a luxuriously creamy and deeply satisfying dish. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion!

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30 Minutes Or Less Cuisine 30 Minutes Or Less Dietary

Beef Over Rice

This incredibly simple 4-ingredient Beef Over Rice recipe is a lifesaver on busy weeknights! Tender beef, fluffy rice, and a touch of savory goodness come together in just 20 minutes for a comforting meal the whole family will love. Inspired by a cherished family recipe, this dish is quick, delicious, and perfect for those nights when you need dinner on the table fast. Use pre-cooked beef to shave even more time off your cooking!

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Easy Time To Make Steak Stir Fry

Beef Tomato

A flavorful and easy-to-make Beef Tomato stir-fry recipe, inspired by a Japanese college roommate's secret family recipe! This dish boasts tender beef, perfectly sautéed vegetables, and a rich, savory gravy – all ready in under an hour. Get ready for a taste of Japan in your kitchen!

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Cuisine Main Dish 60 Minutes Or Less Course

Bicol Express

Experience the fiery thrill of Bicol Express, a legendary Filipino dish named after the iconic Manila-Bicol train! This intensely flavorful stew packs a spicy punch from native chilies and savory depth from shrimp paste and coconut milk. Perfect for adventurous palates, it's a rewarding culinary journey, though some ingredients may require a trip to your local Filipino or Asian grocery store. Prepare for a flavor explosion that will leave you craving more!

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Course Casseroles Cauliflower Preparation

Curried Cauliflower Casserole

This creamy, dreamy Curried Cauliflower Casserole is a comforting and flavorful vegetarian main dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Tender cauliflower florets are nestled in a rich and aromatic curry sauce, then baked to golden perfection. Served over linguine, it's a satisfying and surprisingly easy recipe that will impress your family and friends. Get ready for a burst of curry spices!

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