10 Delicious Leftover White Rice Side Dish Recipes

April 21, 2023 Post a Comment

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Leftover Rice Side Dish Recipes Yummly from www.yummly.com

Description

Cooking rice is an easy and convenient way to add a healthy side dish to your meal. However, cooking too much rice can lead to leftovers that may go to waste. Instead of throwing away the extra rice, you can use it to create delicious side dishes that can accompany any meal. In this article, we will share ten easy and tasty leftover white rice side dish recipes that you can make in no time!

Prep Time and Cook Time

Preparation and cooking time for these recipes vary depending on the dish you choose. Most recipes require a prep time of 10-15 minutes and a cook time of 15-20 minutes.

Ingredients

The ingredients for these recipes are simple and easy to find at any grocery store. Some common ingredients include leftover white rice, vegetables, herbs, spices, and protein sources such as chicken, shrimp, or tofu.

Equipment

You will need basic kitchen equipment such as a saucepan, skillet, cutting board, knife, and measuring cups and spoons. You may also need a blender or food processor for some recipes.

Method

The method for each recipe is straightforward and easy to follow. Most recipes involve sautéing vegetables and protein in a pan, adding the leftover rice, and seasoning with herbs and spices. Some recipes may require blending or processing ingredients before adding them to the pan.

Notes

These leftover white rice side dishes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. You can also freeze them for up to three months. To reheat, simply microwave or heat in a skillet with a bit of oil.

Nutrition Info

The nutritional information for each recipe varies depending on the ingredients used. Most recipes are low in calories and high in protein and fiber, making them healthy and nutritious side dishes.

Recipe Tips

- Use leftover refrigerated rice that has been cooked and cooled for at least a few hours. Freshly cooked rice may be too moist and sticky for some recipes. - Customize the recipes to your taste by adding or omitting ingredients. You can also adjust the seasonings to your liking. - Use a non-stick pan or a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet to prevent the rice from sticking to the pan. - Add a bit of oil or butter to the pan before adding the rice to prevent it from drying out. - Garnish the dishes with fresh herbs, chopped nuts, or grated cheese for added flavor and texture.

Recipes

1. Fried Rice

Fried rice is a classic leftover white rice side dish that is easy to make and customizable to your taste. In a skillet, sauté diced vegetables such as onion, garlic, carrots, and peas until tender. Add diced protein such as chicken, shrimp, or tofu and cook until browned. Add the leftover rice to the pan and stir until heated through. Season with soy sauce, sesame oil, and pepper to taste. Optional: scramble an egg in the pan and mix with the rice.

2. Rice and Bean Salad

This refreshing salad is perfect for a summer day. In a large bowl, combine leftover rice, canned beans such as black or kidney beans, diced bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and chopped cilantro. In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine. Serve chilled.

3. Rice and Vegetable Stir-Fry

In a skillet or wok, sauté sliced vegetables such as broccoli, bell peppers, and mushrooms until tender. Add diced protein such as chicken, shrimp, or tofu and cook until browned. Add the leftover rice to the pan and stir until heated through. Season with soy sauce, ginger, and garlic to taste.

4. Rice and Lentil Pilaf

In a saucepan, sauté diced onion and garlic until tender. Add diced carrots, celery, and red bell pepper and cook for a few minutes. Add leftover rice, cooked lentils, and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed. Season with cumin, coriander, and salt to taste.

5. Rice and Eggplant Casserole

In a skillet, sauté diced eggplant until tender. Add diced onion, garlic, and bell pepper and cook for a few minutes. Add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, and dried basil. Simmer for 10-15 minutes. In a separate bowl, mix together leftover rice, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley. Spread the rice mixture in a baking dish and top with the eggplant mixture. Bake in the oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes or until heated through.

6. Rice and Mushroom Risotto

In a saucepan, sauté diced onion and garlic until tender. Add sliced mushrooms and cook until browned. Add leftover rice and vegetable broth one cup at a time, stirring constantly until the liquid is absorbed. Continue adding broth until the rice is cooked and creamy. Season with grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper to taste.

7. Rice and Spinach Stuffed Bell Peppers

Cut the tops off bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. In a skillet, sauté diced onion and garlic until tender. Add chopped spinach and cook until wilted. Add leftover rice and diced tomatoes and cook for a few minutes. Stuff the bell peppers with the rice mixture and place them in a baking dish. Bake in the oven at 350°F for 30-40 minutes or until the peppers are tender.

8. Rice and Shrimp Scampi

In a skillet, sauté diced garlic in butter until fragrant. Add deveined and peeled shrimp and cook until pink. Add leftover rice and chopped parsley and cook for a few minutes. Season with lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste.

9. Rice and Sausage Jambalaya

In a skillet, sauté diced onion, bell pepper, and celery until tender. Add sliced sausage and cook until browned. Add diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and leftover rice. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed. Season with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.

10. Rice and Chicken Curry

In a skillet, sauté diced onion and garlic until tender. Add diced chicken and cook until browned. Add diced potatoes, diced carrots, diced bell pepper, and curry powder. Cook for a few minutes. Add coconut milk and leftover rice and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the vegetables are tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste.