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

Time To Make Beef Course Preparation

35 Minute Teriyaki Meatballs

Satisfy your teriyaki cravings with this quick and delicious 35-minute meal! Tender, flavorful meatballs in a rich teriyaki glaze are served alongside fluffy rice and vibrant steamed vegetables. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this recipe is easy enough for beginners but impressive enough for a family gathering. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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Pork Easy 5 Ingredients Or Less Main Ingredient

5 Ingredient Chops In A Crock Pot

Juicy, tender pork chops bursting with flavor? Yes, please! This 5-ingredient crockpot recipe is incredibly easy and delivers unbelievably delicious results. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe requires minimal prep and lets your slow cooker do all the work. Serve with steamed rice and soak up that amazing sauce!

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Course Preparation Soups Stews Low Saturated Fat

Affordable Basic Restaurant Style Tomato And Macaroni Soup

Craving that comforting restaurant-style tomato macaroni soup? This nostalgic recipe, inspired by a family restaurant favorite from the 1950s, delivers big flavor without breaking the bank! Made with simple, affordable ingredients, this fat-free soup is quick to make and even better the next day. Customize it with rice, parsley, leftover veggies, herbs, celery leaves, cheese, or diced tomatoes for endless variations. Double or triple the recipe for a crowd-pleasing meal!

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Low Cholesterol Low Fat Beginner Cook Stove Top

Almond Spice Rice Pudding From Leftover Rice

Transform leftover jasmine rice into a decadent and aromatic almond spice rice pudding! This easy recipe is perfect for a comforting dessert or a quick breakfast. Infused with warm spices and creamy almond extract, it's a delightful twist on a classic comfort food. Easily customizable to your taste and the amount of rice you have on hand.

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Beef Meat 30 Minutes Or Less Low Calorie

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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4 Hours Or Less Low In Something Time To Make Pasta Rice And Grains

Another Pilaf

This aromatic Another Pilaf recipe is a delightful blend of fluffy rice, fragrant spices, and sweet-tart cranberries and raisins. Perfect as a side dish with pork or chicken, or enjoyed on its own with fresh fruit and crusty bread. The combination of textures and flavors will tantalize your taste buds! Get ready for a culinary adventure in just 65 minutes!

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Weeknight Oven Dietary Time To Make

Apricot Chicken Thighs

Sweet and savory apricot chicken thighs are a delightful and easy weeknight meal! Tender chicken thighs are glazed with a tangy apricot sauce, creating a flavor explosion that's perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. This recipe is incredibly simple to follow, resulting in juicy, flavorful chicken that will impress your taste buds.

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Meat Poultry Meat Main Ingredient

Asian Chicken Thighs

Juicy and flavorful Asian Chicken Thighs – a family favorite! This easy recipe, adapted from Taste of Home, delivers tender, succulent chicken thighs in a delicious, savory sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, these thighs are sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Get ready for a burst of Asian-inspired goodness!

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Low In Something Time To Make Low In Something Preparation

Assyrian Chicken And Potatoes With Yellow Rice

Aromatic and flavorful Assyrian feast! This recipe features tender chicken and potatoes baked to perfection with a vibrant saffron-infused yellow rice. Experience the rich spices of the Middle East in this comforting and satisfying dish, perfect for a family dinner or special occasion. Easy to follow instructions for delicious results!

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One Dish Meal Time To Make Course 4 Hours Or Less

Aunt Virgie's Stuffed Green Bell Peppers

A heartwarming Polish family recipe! These savory stuffed green peppers, filled with a delicious ground beef mixture and simmered in a rich tomato sauce, are sure to become a new family favorite. Relive the comforting memories of Grandma's kitchen with this easy-to-follow recipe. Perfect served with mashed potatoes and warm rye bread – a complete and satisfying meal!

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Inexpensive Creole Beans Mardi Gras Carnival

Awesome Red Beans And Rice

Authentic New Orleans Red Beans and Rice recipe! This foolproof recipe delivers the creamy, flavorful red beans you crave. Perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion, this recipe is a taste of Nawlins you won't forget. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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Course 4 Hours Or Less Weeknight Low In Something

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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Rice Time To Make Preparation Main Ingredient

Basic Rice Pilaf

Master the art of fluffy, flavorful rice pilaf with this easy recipe! A perfect side dish for any meal, this classic pilaf is ready in under 30 minutes and bursting with aromatic flavors. Learn the simple techniques for perfectly cooked rice every time.

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Meat Curries Time To Make 4 Hours Or Less

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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Eggs Dairy Dinner Party Eggs Dairy Main Dish

Beef Stroganoff From The Old Russian Tea Room

Experience the legendary Beef Stroganoff from the original NYC Russian Tea Room (before the change in ownership)! This authentic recipe, using traditional methods and served over rice (not noodles), delivers an unforgettable flavor experience. No shortcuts here – just rich, tender beef in a creamy, savory sauce. Perfect for a special occasion or a comforting weeknight meal.

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Beef Main Ingredient Japanese Steak

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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Course Occasion White Rice Equipment

Best Copycat Benihana Japanese Chicken Rice

Craving that amazing Benihana chicken rice? This copycat recipe recreates the magic of that savory, fluffy rice served hot after their famous onion soup. Discover the secret ingredient that makes this recipe authentically Benihana-inspired! Perfect as a satisfying appetizer or side dish, this recipe is easy to follow and delivers restaurant-quality results in your own kitchen. Get ready to impress your family and friends!

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Low In Something Poultry High In Something Appetizers

Chinese Sticky Chicken

Craving incredibly crispy, sticky, and flavorful Chinese Sticky Chicken? This easy recipe is ready in under an hour and delivers an explosion of taste! Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is guaranteed to impress. Get ready for a mouthwatering experience!

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