Leftover Rice 5 Ways

Make extra rice on purpose and use up the leftovers all week. Whether it’s regular or instant, choose whole-grain brown rice more often for extra vitamins plus hunger-curbing protein and fiber.

Related To:

Food Network Magazine Curried Chicken & Rice Soup

Chicken Soup_021.tif

Make extra rice on purpose and use up the leftovers all week. Here are five delicious ways to clean out that fridge stockpile.

Whether it’s regular or instant, choose whole-grain brown rice for extra vitamins and hunger-curbing protein and fiber. Some of these recipes call for other types of rice, but you can trade in brown rice easily.

Fried Rice

Get dinner on the table fast! Already cooked rice makes this healthy take on stir-fry effortless.

Rice Salad

Rice dishes don’t have to be warm to be delicious. Grain salads make a satisfying lunch that can be served chilled or at room temperature. I use whatever is in the fridge or pantry, and toss with a drizzle of vinaigrette dressing. This recipe adds crunchy apples ( in season right now) and chicken breast for a filling meal.

Rice Cakes

I love rice cakes -- they're tender yet flavorful. Just pass on the deep-fried kind. Gently sauté them in a nonstick skillet with a small amount of oil. Experiment with various vegetables and spices -- bell pepper, shredded zucchini and dried oregano is a great combo. Or give yours a Mexican flair with beans.

Rice & Beans

This classic combination isn’t only delicious, it’s a great choice for vegetarians and carnivores alike. Together, rice and beans provide all the different types of protein that your body needs. Serve up as an easy side dish, or wrap in tortillas with salsa and grilled veggies for tasty burritos.

Chicken & Rice Soup

Or really, any soup will do! As the cold weather sets in, I’m dusting off my soup recipes for the coming months. If you’re pressed for time, make my Speedy Soup with leftover brown rice to replace the whole-grain pasta. When you’ve got more time, prepare this recipe from scratch, and add cooked rice at the end.

RECIPE: Curried Chicken and Rice Soup (shown above)

PHOTO: Antonis Achilleos / Food Network Magazine
TELL US: How do you use up your extra rice?

Next Up

How to Use Leftover Rice

From fried rice to stuffed cabbage to dessert: 15 easy recipes to use up those leftovers.

How to Reheat Rice 3 Ways

For tender, fluffy rice, harness the power of steam.

The Best Ways to Use Up Leftover Chicken

Easy skillets, pastas, salads and more await.

8 Genius Ways to Turn Leftovers Into Lunch

Make last night's dinner today's lunch.

Should You Wait To Cool Leftovers Before Storing in the Refrigerator?

Yes, but it’s critical to cool and store your food properly. Here’s how.

How to Reheat Leftover Pizza

Whatever you do, skip the microwave.

What to Do with Leftover Brisket

Give your leftover brisket a new lease on life with our best recipes and meal ideas.

How to Reheat Steak

Follow these steps and you’ll never dry it out.

Best Dishes to Make Out of Thanksgiving Leftovers

Why, yes, those are deep-fried balls of stuffing.