12 Rice Recipes Everyone Is Cooking Right Now

Rice is one of the most versatile ingredients in the kitchen, and this collection proves it. From comforting casseroles and flavorful stir fries to sweet desserts and creative low carb swaps, these recipes show just how many delicious directions a simple bowl of rice can go. Whether you want something quick, cozy, budget friendly, or packed with bold flavors, you will find plenty of easy dishes to add to your weekly rotation.

Arroz con Coco (Colombian Coconut Rice)

A close-up of a bowl of cooked rice mixed with raisins, with a spoon partially visible on the side. — Arroz con Coco (Colombian Coconut Rice). Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Would you like to save this?

We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!

This classic Colombian coconut rice is rich, fragrant, and slightly sweet. It pairs perfectly with seafood or savory mains and is surprisingly easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Arroz con Coco (Colombian Coconut Rice)

Authentic Shrimp Fried Rice (Better Than Takeout!)

Bowl of shrimp fried rice with vegetables, accompanied by a small dish of chili sauce, on a table with a blue checkered cloth. — Authentic Shrimp Fried Rice (Better Than Takeout!). Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

Made with leftover rice, veggies, eggs, and shrimp, this fried rice cooks quickly and tastes better than takeout. A great weeknight staple.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Shrimp Fried Rice (Better Than Takeout!)

Basil Fried Rice

A mound of fried rice with red bell peppers and herbs served on a blue patterned plate, accompanied by chopsticks. — Basil Fried Rice. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Basil fried rice is a Thai-inspired favorite that brings loads of flavor to a simple fried rice recipe, comes together in minutes and makes an easy side dish or base to add your favorite protein to.
Get the Recipe: Basil Fried Rice

Basil Fried Rice: Delicious Thai-Inspired Recipe

A plate of fried rice with cherry tomatoes, basil, green onions, spinach, and lime wedges. — Basil Fried Rice: Delicious Thai-Inspired Recipe. Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

A fresh take on fried rice with fragrant basil and sweet tomatoes. This vegetarian version is colorful, flavorful, and easy to enjoy any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Basil Fried Rice: Delicious Thai-Inspired Recipe

Beef Congee-Easy Rice Porridge Recipe

A bowl of rice porridge with diced beef, carrots, chopped green onions, and thin ginger strips, placed on a white surface beside a gray cloth. — Beef Congee-Easy Rice Porridge Recipe. Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

This cozy rice porridge simmers until thick and silky, with tender beef adding comfort and richness. It is a warm bowl of simple goodness.
Get the Recipe: Beef Congee-Easy Rice Porridge Recipe

Brisket Fried Rice

A bowl of vegetable fried rice garnished with avocado, lime wedges, and jalapeño slices, surrounded by cilantro, red onion, garlic, and a pepper grinder on a textured surface. — Brisket Fried Rice. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Leftover brisket becomes the star of this bold, Southwestern inspired fried rice. It is smoky, hearty, and full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Brisket Fried Rice

Broccoli Rice Casserole

A wooden spoon lifts a serving of cheesy broccoli and rice casserole from a white baking dish. — Broccoli Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

Cheesy, creamy, and baked to perfection, this casserole blends tender broccoli and fluffy rice into a comforting family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Rice Casserole

Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf

Side view of wild rice pilaf with pomegranate and butternut squash. — Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Sweet butternut squash and nutty wild rice come together in a hearty pilaf that is perfect for fall meals or holiday gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf

Cajun Dirty Rice Recipe with Ground Beef

A cast iron skillet filled with cooked ground meat, chopped vegetables, and green herbs, next to a bowl with wooden utensils on a countertop. — Cajun Dirty Rice Recipe with Ground Beef . Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

This spicy Cajun dish features ground beef and cauliflower rice for a lighter twist. Serve it as a side or a filling main dish.
Get the Recipe: Cajun Dirty Rice Recipe with Ground Beef

Cajun Seafood Rice Casserole

Shrimp and rice in a skillet. — Cajun Seafood Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

Packed with seafood and bold spices, this casserole is warm, hearty, and full of Cajun flavor. A great dish to feed a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Cajun Seafood Rice Casserole

Chai Rice Pudding

A bowl of rice pudding topped with blueberries sits on a striped cloth beside a spoon, with cinnamon sticks in the foreground and another bowl in the background. — Chai Rice Pudding. Photo credit: Sage Alpha Gal.

This creamy rice pudding is infused with chai spices for a comforting treat that works as breakfast or dessert. It is ready in minutes in the Instant Pot.
Get the Recipe: Chai Rice Pudding

Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito

A grilled burrito cut in half is stacked on a white plate next to a bunch of fresh cilantro. — Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

These burritos are filled with melty cheese, seasoned beans, and fluffy rice for a quick and satisfying meal. Perfect for busy nights and meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito