Top 40+ easy rice recipes for busy weeknights

Ridiculously good rice recipes

Ridiculously good rice recipes, Arancini, Bibimbap, Maqloubeh with aubergines and peppers, Stir-fried runner beans with holy basil, Jerk haddock and jollof rice salad, Butternut squash risotto, Cavolo nero biryani, Slow-cooked lamb shoulder with spiced rice, Prawn and cabbage fried rice, Stuffed aubergines

Cheap and abundantly available, rice is a versatile ingredient that's as comforting as it is filling. It also plays a starring role in countless delicious dishes, from risotto and paella to bibimbap and nasi goreng. Looking to transform those packets of rice into something truly special? We've got all the recipes you need.

Click or scroll through our gallery to discover 40 ridiculously tasty rice recipes you'll want to make on repeat.

Arancini

Ridiculously good rice recipes, Arancini, Bibimbap, Maqloubeh with aubergines and peppers, Stir-fried runner beans with holy basil, Jerk haddock and jollof rice salad, Butternut squash risotto, Cavolo nero biryani, Slow-cooked lamb shoulder with spiced rice, Prawn and cabbage fried rice, Stuffed aubergines

If you have leftover risotto, you simply must make a batch of arancini. These crispy-on-the-outside, cheesy-on-the-inside Italian rice balls are always better when they're made with rice that's slightly overdone – so they’re ideal to make the next day. In our recipe, they're also stuffed with wild mushrooms, and served with a tomato ragù. Perfect for dipping!

Bibimbap

Ridiculously good rice recipes, Arancini, Bibimbap, Maqloubeh with aubergines and peppers, Stir-fried runner beans with holy basil, Jerk haddock and jollof rice salad, Butternut squash risotto, Cavolo nero biryani, Slow-cooked lamb shoulder with spiced rice, Prawn and cabbage fried rice, Stuffed aubergines

Literally meaning mixed rice in Korean, bibimbap is a brilliant way to use up any leftovers you’ve got lurking about in the fridge. You could throw in bean sprouts, matchstick carrots, thinly sliced beef or kimchi. Chop and change the ingredients to include whatever suits you – just make sure you top it all off with a crispy fried egg. 

Maqloubeh with aubergines and peppers

Ridiculously good rice recipes, Arancini, Bibimbap, Maqloubeh with aubergines and peppers, Stir-fried runner beans with holy basil, Jerk haddock and jollof rice salad, Butternut squash risotto, Cavolo nero biryani, Slow-cooked lamb shoulder with spiced rice, Prawn and cabbage fried rice, Stuffed aubergines

Maqloubeh is usually made with meat – but it's still a hugely satisfying meal if you leave it out. Baked aubergines and red peppers make a brilliant base (and later, the top) in this upside-down Palestinian spiced rice dish. You could serve it as a main course, or as an accompaniment to grilled meat or fish.

Stir-fried runner beans with holy basil

Ridiculously good rice recipes, Arancini, Bibimbap, Maqloubeh with aubergines and peppers, Stir-fried runner beans with holy basil, Jerk haddock and jollof rice salad, Butternut squash risotto, Cavolo nero biryani, Slow-cooked lamb shoulder with spiced rice, Prawn and cabbage fried rice, Stuffed aubergines

Swapping minced meat for soy mince, this healthy stir-fry is a vegetarian take on a classic Thai dish. It’s sure to become a quick midweek favourite, and is best served topped with a crispy fried egg over some fluffy steamed rice – the perfect vessel for this flavoursome meal.

Jerk haddock and jollof rice salad

Ridiculously good rice recipes, Arancini, Bibimbap, Maqloubeh with aubergines and peppers, Stir-fried runner beans with holy basil, Jerk haddock and jollof rice salad, Butternut squash risotto, Cavolo nero biryani, Slow-cooked lamb shoulder with spiced rice, Prawn and cabbage fried rice, Stuffed aubergines

Inspired by Caribbean flavours, this dish is packed with onions, peppers, tomatoes and Scotch bonnet chillies. It's hearty and spicy enough to see you through colder days, but it's not so heavy that you'll find yourself in a carb coma afterwards. As an added bonus, it's ready in under an hour.

Butternut squash risotto

Ridiculously good rice recipes, Arancini, Bibimbap, Maqloubeh with aubergines and peppers, Stir-fried runner beans with holy basil, Jerk haddock and jollof rice salad, Butternut squash risotto, Cavolo nero biryani, Slow-cooked lamb shoulder with spiced rice, Prawn and cabbage fried rice, Stuffed aubergines

The flavours of this squash, sage and Comté risotto are simply irresistible. The creamy cheese, the earthy squash and the tang of the sage all work together brilliantly to create a hearty meal that's so much greater than the sum of its parts.

Cavolo nero biryani

Ridiculously good rice recipes, Arancini, Bibimbap, Maqloubeh with aubergines and peppers, Stir-fried runner beans with holy basil, Jerk haddock and jollof rice salad, Butternut squash risotto, Cavolo nero biryani, Slow-cooked lamb shoulder with spiced rice, Prawn and cabbage fried rice, Stuffed aubergines

Think you need meat to create a flavoursome biryani? Think again. Laden with aromatic saffron, heady cardamom, cumin and big-hitting ginger, this superb biryani will definitely prove you wrong. Not only that, but it's vegan too.

Slow-cooked lamb shoulder with spiced rice

Ridiculously good rice recipes, Arancini, Bibimbap, Maqloubeh with aubergines and peppers, Stir-fried runner beans with holy basil, Jerk haddock and jollof rice salad, Butternut squash risotto, Cavolo nero biryani, Slow-cooked lamb shoulder with spiced rice, Prawn and cabbage fried rice, Stuffed aubergines

This Lebanese-inspired recipe has a secret weapon. Not only is the bed of rice spiked with an aromatic seven spice mix, as well as ras el hanout and mint, but lamb mince is also mixed through – making it the ultimate feast. For even more deliciousness, the lamb shoulder and rice are crowned with plump dried fruits, infused with cinnamon, star anise and rose water. 

Prawn and cabbage fried rice

Ridiculously good rice recipes, Arancini, Bibimbap, Maqloubeh with aubergines and peppers, Stir-fried runner beans with holy basil, Jerk haddock and jollof rice salad, Butternut squash risotto, Cavolo nero biryani, Slow-cooked lamb shoulder with spiced rice, Prawn and cabbage fried rice, Stuffed aubergines

Looking for a tasty way to take fried rice to the next level? Simple: add prawns and cabbage. The leafy greens impart a sweet crunchiness, and the meaty shellfish absorbs the soy and oyster sauce base. You'll need to move fast when you're making this stir-fry – otherwise the prawns can overcook and become rubbery.

Stuffed aubergines

Ridiculously good rice recipes, Arancini, Bibimbap, Maqloubeh with aubergines and peppers, Stir-fried runner beans with holy basil, Jerk haddock and jollof rice salad, Butternut squash risotto, Cavolo nero biryani, Slow-cooked lamb shoulder with spiced rice, Prawn and cabbage fried rice, Stuffed aubergines

Stuffed aubergines don't have to be boring. Give this recipe a shot – the cooked flesh is mixed with roasted red peppers, onions, garlic, chopped tomatoes, cinnamon, coriander, toasted pine nuts and cooked rice, giving the whole dish bags of flavour. It's an excellent way to use up leftover rice and vegetables, too.

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