Buzz
Image by JENNIFER CAUSEYInstant rice often gets a bad rap, but it's an essential pantry item when you need a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Thankfully, instant rice is highly versatile, whether you're preparing an entire meal with a packet of rice or just a side dish to enhance some leftovers. With a few simple adjustments, you can easily elevate your instant rice for a more satisfying meal. Here’s how to get started.
Add fresh herbs
One of the simplest ways to elevate any dish is by incorporating fresh herbs. Chop up herbs like parsley, basil, mint, or any other herbs that match your taste, and mix them in just before serving the rice. You can also use these herbs as a garnish, or toast them in butter to drizzle over your finished instant rice.
Add a crunchy garnish
Give your instant rice an extra layer of texture by adding a crunchy topping. Try sprinkling sesame seeds, crushed nuts (like walnuts or pecans), or even fresh pomegranate seeds for a burst of color and crunch. If you're feeling adventurous, fry chickpeas until crispy for a savory, protein-packed addition to your rice.
Cook rice in broth for more flavor
Boost the flavor of your instant rice by using broth instead of water. You can use bone broth or stock in equal proportions, or mix some miso with water to create a rich umami base that infuses your rice. Bouillon cubes work as well! Alternatively, add your cooked instant rice to a soup to provide texture to any bisque or dish like chicken with vegetables and rice.
Add a butter topping
Mixing a pat of butter into your rice as it nears completion gives it a delightful sheen and richness that enhances any type of rice, even instant. For an extra flavor boost, use compound butter, which is butter blended with herbs or other seasonings, to elevate this simple dish.
Turn it into fried rice
Transform freshly cooked or leftover instant rice into a delicious fried rice in just minutes. Try this spring fried rice recipe for a vegetable-packed option, or get creative by adding whatever veggies or proteins you have in your fridge or freezer. If you're short on ingredients, a simple egg will do!
Make a quick rice pudding
No dessert in sight? No worries. Whip up a quick rice pudding by cooking instant rice in milk or non-dairy milk (such as coconut milk for added richness), sweetening with sugar or agave syrup, and topping with fresh fruit, nuts, or brown sugar. For a special twist, stir in some cocoa powder to turn your instant rice pudding into a chocolatey treat!
Add some cheese
While instant rice won’t transform into risotto, stirring in shredded cheese at the end will make it creamy, gooey, and utterly delicious. Try adding grated Parmesan for an Italian flair, or a chunk of Velveeta for a mac and cheese-inspired side that pairs perfectly with your main course.
Serve up a rice salad
Combine rice with greens and vegetables for a satisfying, healthy salad. For a refreshing lunch or side dish, try this herby rice salad with pistachios, arugula, and lemon dressing.
Toss in frozen veggies
Got edamame, peas, lima beans, or broccoli florets in the freezer? Stir in a serving of frozen vegetables right as your instant rice finishes cooking. This will quickly thaw the vegetables while adding a pop of color and a healthy dose of vitamins. Frozen leafy greens like spinach or kale work perfectly with this method as well.
Make a rice pilaf
Elevate your instant rice by turning it into a pilaf. For a simple rice pilaf, mix in dried cranberries, toasted nuts, and roasted mushrooms or caramelized onions, leeks, or fennel to create layers of flavor. This makes a lovely pilaf to accompany roasted meats or vegetables.
Prepare red rice
Packed with flavor and a touch of heat, red rice is a vibrant side dish that comes together with instant rice, tomato sauce, and chili peppers. Using simple pantry staples, you can create this dish and top it off with fresh greens for a gourmet touch.
Add canned beans
Pre-cooked beans can elevate any meal, and they pair perfectly with instant rice. Try adding a drained can of kidney beans, along with Cajun seasoning, for a Creole-style beans and rice, or mix in white or black beans for different flavor variations.
