Rice is a staple food in many cultures, and it is often cooked in large quantities. But what do you do with those leftover cups or bowls of rice in your fridge?
Instead of tossing it away, why not repurpose it into a delicious meal or snack? In this blog post, I will share with you 45 easy and yummy recipes that you can make with leftover rice.
Plus, all of these recipes are easy to follow and can be made in 30 minutes or less. So next time you have some leftover rice, don’t reach for the takeout menu. Instead, try one of these delicious and easy recipes.
45 Easy Recipes with Leftover Rice
1. Fried Rice
Perhaps the most obvious way to use leftover rice is to make fried rice.
Simply mix the rice with veggies, meats, and spices, and voila! You have a tasty and filling dish. You can add egg, soy sauce, and sesame oil for more flavor.
2. Rice Cakes
Combine leftover rice, cheese, breadcrumbs, and egg to make rice cakes.
These can be fried like patties or baked in the oven. They are perfect for a quick snack or if you need a light lunch.
3. Rice Pudding
Who doesn’t love a creamy and sweet rice pudding?
Heat your rice in milk, add sugar, cinnamon, and raisins, then cook until it reaches the desired consistency. You can serve it hot or cold.
4. Rice Stuffed Peppers
Cut bell peppers in half and stuff them with leftover rice, ground beef, veggies, and cheese. Bake until the cheese is melted. It’s a healthy and delicious way to use up your leftovers.
5. Cowboy Rice Salad
Mix leftover rice with fresh veggies, herbs, and a vinaigrette dressing for a refreshing summer salad. Add some olives, feta cheese, or cucumber to give it a Mediterranean touch.
6. Rice and Bean Soup
Turn your leftover rice into a hearty soup by adding some beans, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth. This dish is perfect for a cold night or if you need something comforting.
7. Arancini (Italian Fried Risotto)
This Italian dish uses leftover risotto to make crispy balls filled with cheese, ham, or veggies. Dip them in marinara sauce for a burst of flavor.
8. Rice Paper Dumplings
Ah, rice paper dumplings! Those delicate, translucent wrappers filled with a symphony of flavors. I completely understand your interest – they’re incredibly versatile and delicious!
9. Sushi Rice and California Rolls
Use your leftover rice to make sushi rolls. Combine it with your favorite fish, seafood, or veggies to create a tasty snack or lunch. It requires some practice, but the results are worth it.
10. Rice Wraps
Wrap your leftover rice in a lettuce leaf along with veggies and protein to create a low-carb and healthy lunch option.
You can add some peanuts or hoisin sauce for a touch of sweetness.
11. Rice Croquettes
Mix leftover rice with mashed potatoes, cheese, and herbs to create croquettes. Fry them until golden brown for a crunchy and flavorful appetizer or side dish.
12. Rice Fritters
Combine rice with flour, eggs, and milk to make fritters. You can add veggies, cheese, or meat for more flavor. Serve with sour cream or salsa for dipping.
13. Broccoli Rice Casserole
Mix your leftover rice with veggies, cream of mushroom soup, and shredded cheese to make a rice casserole.
You can add some chicken or ham for protein. Bake it in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
14. Rice Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
Use steamed cabbage leaves to wrap your leftover rice, ground beef, and veggies. Bake them in the oven and serve with tomato sauce. It’s a healthy and hearty meal.
15. Onigiri
These Japanese rice balls are incredibly tasty and easy to make.
Simply shape your leftover rice into balls, fill them with tuna, seaweed, or wasabi, and wrap them in nori. They are perfect for a snack or if you want a light lunch.
16. Spinach Rice
Mix leftover rice with chopped spinach, onions, garlic, and Parmesan cheese to make a tasty and comforting dish. You can add chicken or shrimp for more protein.
17. Leftover Rice Cutlets
Leftover rice cutlets are a tasty and resourceful way to breathe new life into leftover cooked rice. They’re also incredibly versatile, allowing you to get creative with flavors and ingredients.
18. Italian Rice Pie
Use your leftover rice to make a savory pie. Mix it with sautéed mushrooms, onions, garlic, and cream to make a filling. Top it with puff pastry and bake it in the oven. It’s a great option for dinner parties.
19. Rice and Egg Bowl
Fry an egg and place it on top of your leftover rice. Add some soy sauce, green onions, and sesame seeds for a quick and delicious meal.
20. Cheesy Ham and Rice Casserole
Mix leftover rice with diced ham, broccoli, and cheese. Place it in a casserole dish and bake it until the cheese is melted and bubbly. It’s a great way to use up leftover ham.
21. Leftover Rice Pancakes
Leftover rice pancakes? You’re onto something fantastic! These versatile little delights can be a tasty and creative way to transform last night’s dinner into a whole new culinary adventure. To get you started safely and deliciously, let’s explore some inspiring options:
22. Rice and Chicken Enchiladas
Use your leftover rice to make a filling for chicken enchiladas. Mix it with cooked chicken, cheese, and diced tomatoes. Wrap it in tortillas and bake it in the oven. Top with sour cream and guacamole.
23. Rice and Black Bean Burritos
Combine leftover rice with black beans, sautéed onions, and your favorite burrito fillings like cheese, salsa, and guacamole. Wrap them in tortillas for a quick and satisfying meal.
24. Teriyaki Rice Bowl
Sauté leftover rice with teriyaki sauce and stir-fry your choice of vegetables and protein like chicken, beef, or tofu. Top with sesame seeds and green onions for a delicious Asian-inspired dish.
25. Pineapple Fried Rice
Give your fried rice a tropical twist by adding pineapple chunks, diced ham, and some cashews. The sweet and savory flavors make it a delightful meal.
26. Rice and Shrimp Scampi
Sauté shrimp with garlic, butter, lemon juice, and parsley, then serve it over a bed of your leftover rice for a quick and flavorful seafood dish.
27. Rice and Vegetable Omelette
Whip up a delicious omelette by mixing leftover rice with eggs, diced vegetables, and your choice of cheese. Cook until it’s set, and you have a hearty breakfast or brunch option.
28. Lemon Rice
Add a refreshing twist to your leftover rice by mixing it with lemon zest, lemon juice, and fresh herbs like parsley or dill. It’s a light and zesty side dish.
29. Rice and Tofu Stir-Fry
Sauté tofu with your favorite stir-fry veggies and a flavorful sauce. Toss in your leftover rice for a quick and healthy vegetarian meal.
30. Rice and Broccoli Casserole
Combine leftover rice with steamed broccoli, cheese, and a creamy sauce to make a comforting casserole. Top with breadcrumbs and bake for a cheesy, crispy topping.
31. Rice and Mushroom Risotto
Create a creamy and flavorful risotto by sautéing mushrooms, onions, and garlic with your leftover rice. Add white wine and broth slowly while stirring until it’s creamy and delicious.
32. Cheesy Rice Stuffed Bell Peppers
Similar to stuffed peppers, but with a cheesy twist. Mix your leftover rice with cheese and your favorite seasonings and stuff bell peppers. Bake until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted.
33. Rice and Spinach Quiche
Make a vegetarian quiche by combining leftover rice with eggs, cream, spinach, and cheese. Bake it until it’s set and golden brown.
34. Beef and Rice Tacos
Brown ground beef and mix it with taco seasoning. Serve it over your leftover rice in taco shells, and top with your favorite taco toppings like lettuce, cheese, and salsa.
35. Rice and Lentil Soup
Turn your leftover rice into a hearty soup by adding cooked lentils, diced tomatoes, and a variety of seasonings. It’s a nutritious and filling option.
36. Rice and Vegetable Sushi Bowl
Deconstruct sushi by placing your leftover rice in a bowl and topping it with sushi ingredients like sliced avocado, cucumber, and your choice of fish or seafood. Drizzle with soy sauce and enjoy.
37. Rice and Pine Nut Pilaf
Sauté leftover rice with pine nuts, onions, and garlic. Add a touch of lemon juice and fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a delightful pilaf.
38. Rice and Turkey Club Wrap
Use leftover rice as the base for a club sandwich wrap. Add turkey, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise, then wrap it in a tortilla for a quick and satisfying lunch.
39. Rice and Ratatouille
Combine leftover rice with a classic French ratatouille made with eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes. It’s a comforting and flavorful dish.
40. Rice and Tuna Salad
Make a quick and protein-packed tuna salad by mixing leftover rice with canned tuna, mayo, celery, and your choice of seasonings. Serve it on a bed of lettuce or in a sandwich.
41. Rice and Coconut Curry
Create a delicious coconut curry by sautéing vegetables and protein with curry paste, coconut milk, and your leftover rice. It’s a flavorful and comforting meal.
42. Rice and Beef Stir-Fry
Sauté thinly sliced beef with your choice of stir-fry vegetables and a flavorful sauce. Toss in your leftover rice for a quick and satisfying stir-fry.
43. Rice and Corn Chowder
Turn your leftover rice into a creamy corn chowder by combining it with corn, potatoes, bacon, and a creamy broth. It’s a hearty and comforting soup.
44. Rice and Beef Tacos
Cook ground beef with taco seasoning and serve it over your leftover rice in taco shells. Top with your favorite taco toppings for a quick and delicious meal.
45. Rice and Sausage Jambalaya
Create a flavorful jambalaya by sautéing sausage, vegetables, and spices with your leftover rice. It’s a Cajun-inspired dish with a kick.
Final Thoughts,
There you have it! 45 easy and yummy recipes that you can make with leftover rice. Don’t throw away your extra rice; get creative and turn it into a delicious meal or snack.
Whether you prefer sweet or savory dishes, there’s something for everyone. So, next time you cook rice, cook a little extra, and have fun experimenting with these recipes. Happy cooking!
