Ting ting ting… the alarm keeps ringing! You wake up suddenly, realizing it’s Monday morning and you’re late for work. You peek at the clock— “Oh, no! I have only 30 minutes to prepare, or I will miss my transportation!”
Sound familiar? I bet you’ve experienced it—rushing against time. In these beats, healthy meals are often the first thing we skip.
But what if I told you there are easy rice recipes that take under 30 minutes, are nutritious, and require minimal cleanup? Yes, it’s possible! Here are five fantastic simple rice recipes for beginners that will save you time and energy, all while keeping your health in check!
Why are easy rice recipes the go-to solution for busy days?
Before we get into the recipes, let’s discuss why easy rice recipes are a lifesaver when time is tight. Firstly, rice is a versatile, budget-friendly staple found in kitchens worldwide. Hence, it’s quick to cook—some varieties take just 10 minutes. Also, you can make a big batch ahead of time, perfect for prepping a quick rice meal for busy days. Now, let’s dive into some simple recipes that will make your hectic days a little easier!
Fast rice meals for families
This recipe not only satisfies both children and adults but also offers a healthier option for everyone, thanks to its emphasis on fast cooking.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 4 hot dogs or sausages, sliced
- 1/2 red pepper, diced
- 1/2 green pepper, diced
- One onion, diced
- 1 tbsp seasoned salt (I prefer Lawry’s)
- 2 cups rice
- 4 cups chicken broth
- For adults: poached egg and scallions (optional)
Method:
Saute hot dogs in a bit of oil for a few minutes or until gently browned. After adding the onions and peppers, sauté them until they become transparent. Then, mix in the salt and combine all of the ingredients well. Next, after a minute or two, add the rice and sauté. Cover, add the chicken broth, and heat until it boils. Lastly, after 20 minutes, reduce the heat and simmer.
Want to swap rice for soup ? Here are 4 favorite soup recipes to warm up your days!
Lazy fried rice
Lazy Fried Rice is a staple 20-minute meal that utilizes leftovers and freezer items all in one pan. And this quick meal is much healthier than takeout!
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- One medium onion, chopped
- Two cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cooked and chopped chicken breast, shrimp, or tofu (or just add more veggies)
- Sesame oil or oil of your choice, 1 tsp
- 1 cup frozen, shelled edamame
- Three large eggs
- 1 1/2 cup frozen mixed veggies
- 2 cups cooked long-grain brown or white rice
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
Method:
First, add the onion, edamame, and vegetables to a large pan over medium-high heat and cook. Then, stir for approximately 3 minutes until the veggies are soft. Move the veggies to the sides, crack your eggs into the center, and scramble until just cooked. Simultaneously, push the eggs aside and add sesame oil in the center. Afterward, place cooked rice on top, pressing it down to create crunchy bits on the bottom. Stir in your choice of meat or extra veggies and soy sauce. Finally, add more soy sauce or water if the mixture looks too dry to get the right consistency.
One pot rice recipes in the rice cooker
I love one-pot dishes for easy dinners, as they save time on cooking and cleanup. Also, an instant Pot or rice cooker is a true lifesaver for this recipe!
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 cup short grain or sushi rice (you can use long grain white or brown rice too)
- One-inch chopped ginger
- One teaspoon veg. oyster oil
- One tsp sesame oil
- 1 1/2 cups frozen mixed veggies (you can add fresh ones too)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 cup canned and chopped sausage or tofu (or just add more veggies)
- ½ tsp sugar (if using)
Method:
Rinse your rice 2-3 times until the water runs clear, then drain off any excess. Next, fill the rice cooker pot with rice, sesame oil, vegetable oyster sauce, sugar (if used), and soy sauce. Stir in the water. After that, layer your vegetables and protein on the rice, cover the cooker, and start cooking. Once it’s finished, stir everything together and adjust the seasoning with additional soy sauce and chopped parsley if you like. Serve with sesame seeds and your preferred chili sauce or chili oil. Enjoy!
Healthy rice within budget
Are you a vegetarian and craving for budget-friendly rice recipes? Then, this recipe is just for you.
Cook Time: 15 minutes (less than 10 minutes with pre-cooked rice)
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- A cup of dry long-grain white rice or 2 cups if you like lots of leftovers
- 1 & 1/2 cups frozen mixed veggies (you can add fresh ones, too)
- One tsp tamari sauce
- 1 tsp sriracha
- 2-3 tablespoons peanut oil or any kind of broth (Chicken/ Vegetable)
Method:
First, heat a wok over medium heat for about 5 minutes, then add oil, veggie broth, water, and frozen vegetables. Personally, I prefer a few tablespoons of peanut oil, but vegetable broth is also a great low-oil option. Next, start with larger vegetables like a Normandy blend, stirring constantly for about 5 minutes until warmed but not soggy. After that, add smaller veggies like frozen peas, bok choy, or bamboo shoots, and drizzle in tamari sauce. Cook for 1-2 minutes, then stir in 4 cups of cooked rice. Finally, remove from heat, add more tamari and sriracha to taste, and mix well. For extra protein, consider adding tofu or tempeh.
Easy dinner rice recipe, packed with flavor
For a hassle-free meal that doesn’t compromise on taste, try these easy rice recipes that will satisfy your cravings!
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 2
Ingredients:
- 250g ground beef
- Small onion, one piece
- ½ red pepper
- ½ cup good frozen corn (you can use fresh corn, too)
- One tsp garlic powder
- One tablespoon of cajun seasoning
- Salt to taste (here I used 1 tsp)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ cup crushed tomatoes
- ½ cup white jasmine rice (rinsed)
- 1 cup vegetable stock or water
- Fresh cilantro and avocado to garnish
Method:
Start by applying a light oil coating to the pan and gently sauté the onion until it softens. Once the onion is tender, add the ground beef and cook over medium-high heat until browned. Next, stir in the spices, red peppers, corn, crushed tomatoes, and rinsed rice. Pour in the stock and bring everything to a boil. Then, lower the heat, cover, and let it simmer for 15 minutes. After cooking, turn off the heat and allow the dish to rest for 5 more minutes to absorb the remaining heat. Serve with avocado, fresh cilantro, or your favorite taco toppings like salsa or tortilla chips!
And if you’re hungry at midnight, you can still have unique, healthy, and easy snacks! Check this out: Healthy Midnight Snacks: 5 Best Guilt-free Options for Night Owls
Tips to Keep in Mind
When preparing easy rice recipes, remember that different stovetops, pots, and types of rice may require slight adjustments. However, if your first attempt doesn’t turn out perfectly, take note of what could be improved and adjust next time.
Cooking Pot
Pressure cookers and Instant Pots can make cooking quick and easy. I use mine multiple times a week, and it’s ideal for one-pot meals. If you don’t own one, consider investing in the right size for your family. Alternatively, stovetop cooking works, too—just make extra rice and refrigerate it for later!
Rice Types
For easy rice recipes, medium to long-grain rice works best. Opt for Jasmine, Basmati, or long-grain varieties, which remain light, fluffy, and sturdy when fried. On the other hand, short-grain rice is stickier, while Minute Rice cooks in 5-8 minutes without rinsing.
Liquid to Rice Ratios
For white rice (long-grain, basmati, jasmine), use a 2:1 liquid-to-rice ratio. Meanwhile, brown rice requires 2.5-3:1, while short-grain rice (like Arborio or sushi rice) needs 1.5-2:1. For wild rice, use a 3:1 ratio with a longer cooking time.
Don’t Peek!
Avoid lifting the lid while the rice is cooking, as the trapped steam is crucial for proper rice preparation.
Storage
To safely store cooked rice, refrigerate it in an airtight container after cooling and consume it within 4-6 days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 2-3 months, though the texture may change. Reheat thoroughly to 165°F, checking for any signs of spoilage, and avoid reheating more than once to prevent bacterial growth.
Wrap up
We’ve all experienced those hectic days when cooking feels like an impossible task, but that’s when easy rice recipes truly save the day. And, these rice recipes are the ideal solution for preparing quick, nutritious meals that seamlessly fit into even the busiest schedules. You only need a handful of ingredients and minimal effort to prepare delicious meals that the whole family will love. So, the next time you’re in a hurry, rely on these easy rice recipes and let rice add ease and flavor to your day!
