Ever find yourself with leftover rice that’s been sitting in the fridge? It may be tempting to just toss it out, but don’t.
Leftover rice can be transformed into a delicious meal in no time. This is why we’ve come up with our favorite and simple recipes with leftover rice.
You may have been wondering what to make with leftover white rice or other rice in general. Well, don’t worry. Here you will find delicious and simple recipes with leftover rice. Leftover rice can be used for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even dessert.
In no time, leftover cooked rice can be transformed into a delicious dish like stuffed bell peppers, easy fried rice, rice casseroles, and more.
These leftover rice recipes are perfect for when you want to make something in a hurry without having to start from scratch.
From fried rice to baked rice pudding and green peas pulao, there are plenty of delicious ways to use up leftover rice in no time.
So, if you’re after a quick lunch or a filling dinner, these recipes will help you reduce food waster and make the most of your leftover rice at the same time.
So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get started!
20 Simple Ways to Use Leftover Rice
1. Chorizo Fried Rice
Chorizo fried rice is an easy and flavorful way to use up leftover rice. The smoky and spicy flavor of chorizo pairs perfectly with the flavors of the dish, especially the rice.
It’s quick to make, and makes for a delicious weeknight dinner. It’s bound to be a hit with your family and friends.
2. Baked Rice Pudding
After something a bit sweet? This classic dessert is a comforting and delicious way to use up any leftover rice you may have in the fridge.
This baked rice pudding is a rich and satisfying dessert perfect for any occasion.
Enjoy it warm, or serve with a dollop of ice cream or whipped cream for an even more special treat.
3. Air Fryer Arancini
Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. These air fryer arancini are delicious rice balls that make for the perfect appetizer or snack.
Made with leftover rice, cheese, and other flavorful ingredients, these delightful little bites are air fried until they are golden and crisp.
It’s a gourmet appetizer that is sure to impress your guests. It’s perfect for birthday parties, afternoon teas, or even those special occasions like Christmas, or Easter.
4. Char Siu Fried Rice
If you’re like us and love Chinese BBQ pork (char siu), then you have to try this char siu fried rice recipe.
The flavorful and tender char siu is the star of the dish. This, along with vegetables and rice, it makes for a filling meal and tastes just as great as takeout.
5. Tuna Fried Rice
Got a can of tuna handy? This tuna fried rice recipe is an easy way to use up leftover rice and that can of tuna that has been sitting in your pantry.
The tuna not only makes this rice dish more filling but it also adds protein to the dish and healthy omega-3s.
It’s perfect for a busy weeknight when you need to get dinner on the table fast.
6. Rice Cutlets
Looking for a tasty snack that is ready in no time?
These crispy, and delicious rice cutlets use basic ingredients like onions, potatoes, and herbs and spices to create a simple but mouth-watering snack.
They are great for finger food, tail gaiting, or even a little snack after work.
Oh, and did I mention that it’s vegan and gluten free?
7. Pineapple Fried Rice
The combination of juicy pineapple, sweet corn, rice, and vegetables, makes for a dish that’s both sweet and savory.
This pineapple fried rice is vegan friendly, and is perfect to enjoy for lunch or dinner.
8. Baked Rice Pudding with Sweetened Condensed Milk
This baked rice pudding with sweetened condensed milk is a twist on the classic rich and creamy dessert baked rice pudding.
It uses sweetened condensed milk for a new level of sweetness and richness. This makes it even more indulgent and satisfying to devour.
9. Cheesy Vegan Cauliflower Casserole
This vegan casserole dish is a healthy and delicious way to use up leftover rice. It’s creamy and filling, and is sure to be a hit with anyone.
This recipe is great for a cozy and comforting dinner.
10. Creamy Taco Soup with Rice
This satisfying and hearty soup is a delicious way to use up leftover rice.
The combination of veggies, beans, and spices, creates a flavourful and filling meal. It’s perfect for a comforting lunch or a quick and easy weeknight dinner.
11. Singapore Fried Rice
Flavorful and spicy Singapore fried rice. The combination of rice, spices, chicken, and shrimp, creates a dish that is packed full of flavor and is most satisfying.
It’s a must for anyone who loves bold flavors and spicy dishes.
12. Spam Fried Rice
This recipe for spam fried rice is a quick and easy dinner, great for the whole family. This twist on classic fried rice adds a new level of flavor to leftover rice.
By using spam, the savory and salty taste of this canned meat adds a delicious and unique element to the dish.
13. Rice Loaf
Use up any leftover rice you have to make this tasty rice loaf.
The rice is combined with vegetables, tomato sauce, and other savory ingredients, and then is baked until it is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
14. Shrimp Fried Brown Rice
A healthier version on classic fried rice, this shrimp fried brown rice is great if you have some leftover cooked brown rice sitting in your fridge.
15. Chicken Meatballs in a Skillet
One great way to use up rice and ground chicken is by making these tender and juicy meatballs.
It’s a healthy, quick and easy recipe that is great for a party appetizer, light snack during the day, or even as tail gaiting food.
16. Rice Pakora
This crispy Indian snack is made from leftover rice, gram flour, and spices. Rice pakora is also known as Chawal Ke Pakore. It’s a deep fried snack perfect any time of the year.
17. Soya Chunks Pulao
Soya chunks pulao is a protein-packed rice dish made with soya chunks, rice, vegetables, and aromatic spices. It’s perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, lunch, or even dinner parties.
18. Carrot Rice
Simple yet delicious carrot rice. This healthy dish is made with carrots, leftover rice, nuts, and a variety of spices.
This version is kid friendly, meaning it is great for the whole family! And, it’s great if you are in a rush as it can be made in under 30 minutes.
19. Green Peas Pulao
Green peas pulao is a flavorful and fragrant dish. It’s a great way to use up leftover rice and is perfect to serve as a side dish or main course.
This recipe includes both stovetop and Instant Pot instructions, so it’s up to you how you want to make it.
20. Rice Stuffed Dolmades
Rice stuffed dolmades are a classic Greek dish. Made with fresh herbs, olives, roasted eggplant, spices, and aromatic basmati rice.
Rice stuffed dolmades is a fantastic side dish, main meal, or even appetizer.
FAQ
You can use leftover rice in a variety of dishes, from rice puddings, fried rice, rice salads, and even stuffed peppers. You can also use leftover rice as a side dish with other main courses like stews, curries, or roasted vegetables.
To spruce up leftover rice, you can use to make another dish like stuffed peppers or fried rice. Or, you can add some fresh or cooked vegetables, like peas, carrots, and onions.
Or, you could also add protein, such as chicken, egg, tofu, or shrimp. You could also add different spices or sauces like sriracha, soy sauce, or curry powder, to add more flavor to leftover rice.
Plain rice can be served as a side dish or can be used as a base to make other dishes like pilafs, stif-fries, and soups. You can also add different flavors and spices to plain rice, such as adding cheese, herbs, roasted vegetables, and nuts.
Yes, leftover rice can be frozen. It’s best to portion out your rice into small containers or resealable bags and label them with the date. When you want to use your frozen cooked rice, simply thaw it in the refrigerator or microwave.
Bear in mind, that freezing rice can affect the texture of it and cause it to become more gritty and drier.
Yes, you can use leftover rice in desserts or sweet dishes, such as rice pudding, or sweet rice balls.
Yes, you can use any type of rice for leftover rice recipes. However, different types of rice may have different textures and flavors, so you may need to adjust cooking times and seasoning accordingly.
You can keep leftover rice in the fridge for up to 4-5 days before it goes bad. It's important to store it in an airtight container or resealable bag to prevent bacteria growth.
Recipe
Simple Recipes with Leftover Rice
Ingredients
- Chorizo Fried Rice
- Baked Rice Pudding
- Air Fryer Arancini
- Char Siu Fried Rice
- Tuna Fried Rice
- Rice Cutlets
- Pineapple Fried Rice
- Baked Rice Pudding with Sweetened Condensed Milk
- Cheesy Vegan Cauliflower Casserole
- Creamy Taco Soup with Rice
- Singapore Fried Rice
- Spam Fried Rice
- Rice Loaf
- Shrimp Fried Brown Rice
- Chicken Meatballs in a Skillet
- Rice Pakora
- Soya Chunks Pulao
- Carrot Rice
- Green Peas Pulao
- Rice Stuffed Dolmades
Instructions
- Choose your favorite recipe from the list above.
- Gather all the ingredients.
- Follow the recipe directions and cook up something delicious with leftover rice.
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