10+ Easy Rice Recipes to Make Delicious Meals in No Time

Rice is such a simple, flexible ingredient. You can use it in tons of different meals, and it always seems to cook quickly.

It works with all sorts of flavors, so it’s a go-to for easy recipes you can whip up any day.

Easy rice recipes let you prepare tasty dishes without spending a lot of time or effort. Whether you want something plain or with a twist, rice can fit your needs and help you enjoy a quick, satisfying meal.

1) 15-Minute Easy Fried Rice

Making fried rice is a lifesaver on busy days. Just grab some leftover rice and toss in any veggies or protein you’ve got.

This dish cooks fast, usually in about 15 minutes, and still tastes great.

Start by heating oil in a pan or wok. Cook your vegetables first, like peas and carrots, then add scrambled eggs.

Stir in the rice and soy sauce for that classic flavor. If you want, throw in chicken, shrimp, or tofu—whatever you’re craving.

This recipe is pretty forgiving, so you can swap ingredients to fit your mood or what’s left in your fridge.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups cooked rice (day-old works best)
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, green onions)
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• Optional: cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu

Cooking Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat (about 375°F / 190°C).
2. Add vegetables and cook for 2-3 minutes until tender.
3. Push veggies to the side, add eggs, scramble until cooked.
4. Stir in cooked rice and soy sauce. Mix well and heat through for 3-4 minutes.
5. Add any optional protein, cook until warmed. Serve hot.

For a quick guide, see this 15 Minute Fried Rice recipe.

2) Buttery Seasoned Rice

Buttery seasoned rice is such a cozy upgrade from plain rice. Butter adds richness, and you can throw in some garlic, onion, or herbs for extra flavor.

This rice works with almost any meal. It’s quick and doesn’t need much.

If you want more flavor, add paprika or parsley. That’ll give it a pop of color and taste.

Ingredients

• 1 cup long grain white rice
• 2 cups water
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 garlic clove, minced (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
2. In a pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add the rice and stir to coat with butter.
4. Pour in water and add salt and paprika if using.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 18 minutes.
6. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
7. Fluff with a fork and serve.

For a full recipe, check out this buttery seasoned rice guide.

3) Garlic Butter Rice

Garlic Butter Rice is one of those sides you’ll actually look forward to eating. Butter and garlic transform plain rice into something rich and savory.

Start by melting butter in a pan and sautéing finely minced garlic until it smells amazing. Add the rice and cook it with chicken broth for extra flavor.

You’ll end up with soft, buttery rice with a gentle garlic kick. It usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes—nothing too crazy.

Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 ½ cups long grain white rice
• 2 ½ cups chicken broth

Cooking Instructions:

1. Melt the butter in a medium pan over medium heat (around 350°F / 180°C).
2. Add the garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Stir in the rice and cook for 2 minutes, coating it in butter.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
5. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until rice is tender.
6. Remove from heat, let sit covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.

Try this easy garlic butter rice for a quick addition to your meals. Check the full method at Mel’s Kitchen Cafe for more tips.

4) Turmeric Rice

Turmeric rice is bright, warm, and so simple. The turmeric gives it a lovely yellow color and a hint of earthiness.

You can make this rice in one pot using basmati or jasmine rice. Garlic and a pinch of salt boost the flavor.

It’s perfect when you want something healthy and colorful without a lot of fuss. Usually takes less than 30 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup basmati or jasmine rice
• 2 cups water
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon butter or oil (optional)

Cooking Instructions:

1. Rinse the rice under cold water until water runs clear.
2. In a pot, heat butter or oil over medium heat.
3. Add garlic powder and turmeric, stir for 30 seconds.
4. Add rice, water, and salt. Stir once.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
6. Turn off heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
7. Fluff rice with a fork before serving.

For more tips, check this easy turmeric rice recipe.

5) Spanish Rice with Bell Peppers

Spanish rice with bell peppers is a crowd-pleaser that’s super easy to make. Diced peppers, onions, and tomato sauce give it a nice mix of flavors.

Start by sautéing onions and bell peppers in olive oil until they soften. Add the rice and cook it until it gets a little golden.

Pour in the tomato sauce and broth, then let it simmer until the rice is tender. Adjust the amount of bell peppers if you want.

This dish cooks in one pot, so cleanup is a breeze.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 medium onion, diced
• 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 cups white rice
• 3 cups low sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• Salt, to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large pan.
2. Add onion and bell pepper, sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft.
3. Stir in rice, cook for 2-3 minutes until lightly toasted.
4. Pour in chicken broth and tomato sauce, stir to combine.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes until rice is cooked.
6. Remove from heat, let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

6) Taco Rice

Taco Rice is a one-pan wonder for busy nights. It’s got seasoned ground beef, rice, salsa, and cheese—pretty much all the good stuff.

Add toppings like sour cream, avocado, or fresh tomatoes if you want to get fancy. It’s a family favorite that’s easy to customize.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup long grain white rice
• 1 ¾ cups water or broth
• 1 packet taco seasoning or 2 tbsp homemade seasoning
• 1 cup salsa
• 1 cup shredded cheese

Cooking Instructions

1. Brown the ground beef with onion and garlic in a large pan over medium heat.
2. Add taco seasoning and rice, stirring well.
3. Pour in water or broth and salsa, mix together.
4. Cover and simmer on low for 18-20 minutes until rice is cooked.
5. Remove from heat and sprinkle cheese on top. Cover until the cheese melts.
6. Serve with your favorite toppings.

7) Cilantro Lime Rice

Cilantro lime rice is fresh, bright, and ridiculously simple. It goes well with chicken, fish, or tucked inside burrito bowls.

Just cook up some white rice, then stir in lime juice and chopped cilantro. A little salt brings out the flavors.

If you’re feeling extra, add lime zest or scallions. The whole thing takes about 20 to 30 minutes.

Ingredients

• 1 cup long grain or basmati rice
• 2 cups water
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 lime, juice of
• 3 tbsp fresh chopped cilantro

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the rice under cold water until clear.
2. Combine rice, water, and salt in a pot.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover.
4. Cook for 18-20 minutes until water is absorbed.
5. Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
6. Fluff rice with a fork and stir in lime juice and cilantro.
7. Serve warm.

For more tips on making cilantro lime rice, check out this easy cilantro lime rice recipe.

8) Broccoli and Rice Medley

Broccoli and rice medley—honestly, it’s one of those dishes you throw together when you want something quick and not fussy. You just mix cooked rice with fresh broccoli, and you’re pretty much set.

If you want to change things up, try adding a handful of cheese or a splash of soy sauce. That’s the fun part—customizing it to fit your mood.

Sometimes I stir-fry the broccoli and rice together, other times I just toss them in a pot and let them mingle. It’s flexible, and you can toss in any veggies or spices you have on hand.

Want to keep it vegan or vegetarian? Just skip the eggs or cheese—easy.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Toss in the broccoli and cook about 5 minutes, until it’s tender.
3. Add the cooked rice and soy sauce if you’re using it.
4. Stir everything together for another 3-4 minutes.
5. Take it off the heat and, if you want, mix in the cheese.
6. Season with salt and pepper. Serve it warm.

9) Vegetable Fried Rice

Vegetable fried rice is my go-to when there’s leftover rice hanging around. You can toss in whatever veggies are in the fridge, honestly.

It only takes about 15 to 20 minutes, which is perfect if you’re hungry and impatient. Start by stir-frying garlic and onions for a good base.

Then just add peas, carrots, or whatever you like. Throw in the rice and stir it all together.

A splash of soy sauce or your favorite spices brings it to life. Brown rice works too, if you’re feeling healthy.

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked white or brown rice
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 cup peas and carrots (fresh or frozen)
• 2 scallions, sliced
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add garlic and onion; cook until they’re soft.
3. Stir in peas, carrots, and scallions, and cook for 3-4 minutes.
4. Add rice and soy sauce, then stir to combine.
5. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring often. Serve it hot.

If you want more ideas, check out this easy vegetable fried rice recipe.

10) Simple Rice Pilaf

Rice pilaf is such a straightforward way to make plain rice taste a lot better. I like to start by toasting the rice in butter or oil for a subtle nutty flavor.

After that, I cook the rice in chicken or veggie broth instead of water. It’s a small change, but it makes a big difference.

A bit of chopped onion adds extra flavor. You don’t need much else.

It all comes together in one pot and only takes about 20 minutes.

Ingredients

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Melt some butter in a skillet over medium heat.

2. Toss in the chopped onion and let it cook until it softens.

3. Stir in the rice and toast it for a couple of minutes, maybe two or three.

4. Pour in the broth, then sprinkle in some salt.

5. Wait for it to boil, then turn the heat down low.

6. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes, just until the rice turns tender.

7. Grab a fork and fluff up the rice before serving.

Honestly, this rice pilaf is so easy—makes a great side dish and brings a little extra flavor to dinner.

Want to dive deeper? Check out more about making rice pilaf here.