Savoring the taste of satisfaction while indulging in nutritious meals? Brown rice is the perfect ingredient to achieve this harmony, offering a nutty flavor and a boost of fiber that keeps you feeling full. As a versatile grain, it’s not only healthy but also packed with opportunities for culinary creativity. But how do you unlock its true potential?
Discover the art of cooking brown rice to perfection and elevate your meals with these delectable recipes, expertly blending meat, vegetables, cream, and cheese to create a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving more.
Oven Baked Chicken and Brown Rice Casserole
Imagine the perfect blend of wholesome ingredients: brown rice, chicken, peas, mushrooms, and onions. This harmonious combination not only sounds healthy but also promises to satisfy everyone’s appetite. The oven-baked casserole serves six generous portions, ensuring there’s plenty to go around for the whole family.The prep time is remarkably short at just 10 minutes, leaving you with ample opportunity to prepare other essentials while waiting for the dish to bake for an hour. As the timer counts down, anticipation builds, and the aroma of moist, tender goodness wafts through the air. To elevate this culinary delight even further, a sprinkle of parmesan cheese adds a delightful tanginess.
Crockpot Fiesta Chicken Rice Bowls
In this recipe, the combination of rice, chicken, enchilada sauce, green chilies, and pico de gallo creates a flavorful fiesta in every bowl. The best part? It’s made entirely in the crockpot, requiring minimal effort and maximum convenience. This nutrient-dense meal is a cinch to prepare, allowing you to indulge without breaking a sweat. And if you’re feeling extra adventurous, add some pita chips for an added crunchy texture that takes it to the next level.
Instant Pot Chicken and Rice
A hearty pot of goodness is created by combining chicken breast and thighs with brown rice and carrots, yielding a protein- and fiber-rich meal that’s both filling and satisfying. The aromatic flavors of thyme, oregano, bay leaves, and cumin come together in harmony to elevate this dish. What’s more, it’s incredibly easy to prepare – taking just under an hour to cook – making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or weekend lunch. And the best part? It’s creamy and utterly irresistible.
Healthy Chicken Fried Rice
Experience the authentic flavors of Asian takeout at home with a healthy fried rice dish loaded with an array of vegetables – including peppers, carrots, onions, peas, and eggs. The addition of garlic and toasted sesame oil creates a rich, earthy depth of flavor. Coconut aminos bring a savory quality to the bowl, making each bite a culinary delight. To complete the Chinese restaurant-inspired look, top your fried rice with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a visually appealing presentation.
Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Brown Rice Casserole
Get ready to indulge in a creamy, comforting dish that’s dairy-free! This recipe is a game-changer for mushroom soup lovers, offering all the richness without the dairy. Imagine a hearty dinner filled with sautéed onions and mushrooms, tender chicken, fresh baby spinach, fluffy rice, and a velvety coconut cream sauce.
Chicken Brown Rice Meal Prep
For those who swear by the convenience of meal prep, this recipe is a game-changer. By combining pan-fried chicken and vegetables with a serving of rice, you’ll be fueling up on a balanced mix of protein, fiber, and essential minerals and vitamins. The real clincher, though, is the liberal use of garlic – we’re talking ten whole cloves here. This adds an unparalleled depth of flavor and aroma to the dish, making it almost impossible not to get excited about opening your lunch box at the office.
Brown Rice Chicken Congee
Congee, often described as rice porridge, is a culinary delight that offers endless possibilities for experimentation. This creamy and flavorful dish excels at accommodating various ingredients, making it an ideal canvas for creative cooking. The foundation of this congee recipe lies in the harmonious blend of chicken broth, water, and soy sauce, to which are added the savory elements of chicken, ginger, garlic, lime juice, and sesame oil. For an added layer of depth, consider adding a pinch of chili flakes or a sprinkle of paprika to taste.
Chicken Biryani
To give the classic chicken biryani a healthier twist, I’ve replaced regular white rice with nutty brown rice, boosting the fiber content of this dish. The addition of aromatic herbs and seasonings infuses a warm, inviting flavor that pairs beautifully with the juicy chicken. The vibrant orange hue of the dish is not only eye-catching but also complements the rich color of the chicken perfectly. Meanwhile, the saffron-infused brown rice delivers a subtle yet satisfying depth of flavor, which is expertly balanced by the creamy yogurt-marinated chicken.
Chicken and Vegetable Brown Rice
While often made using leftover rice, this recipe’s merits extend far beyond mere kitchen scraps. In fact, cooking the dish from scratch yields a result so satisfying, you’ll want to make it intentionally. The combination of brown rice with an array of colorful vegetables – peppers, broccoli, bok choy, and cherry tomatoes – is elevated by Italian-inspired seasonings. To add depth and complexity, the recipe incorporates two red chilies and seven garlic cloves, resulting in a spicy, aromatic, and utterly captivating culinary experience.
Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Soup
This comforting soup is a year-round delight, regardless of the season. Its familiar flavors and warming spices create a sense of cozy familiarity that’s hard to resist. With its generous portions of chicken, onions, carrots, and broth, it’s no wonder this recipe has become a staple in many households. The addition of brown rice makes for a satisfying and filling meal. The aromatics – ginger, garlic, thyme, and bay leaves – add depth and complexity to the dish. To finish, simply squeeze a sliver of lemon over the top and garnish with some chopped parsley for a pop of freshness.
Healthy Shrimp and Brown Rice Recipes
While I confess to having a weakness for seafood paella, the pairing of rice and shrimp is a match made in culinary heaven. Yet, don’t just take my enthusiasm at face value – instead, explore this collection of mouthwatering, nutritious recipes that showcase the unbeatable combination of these two beloved ingredients.
Shrimp Fried Rice
This effortless dinner combines the convenience of frozen shrimp, peas, and corn to create a quick and healthy meal that’s ready in just 22 minutes. The best part? It’s packed with flavor from ginger and garlic, making it a superior alternative to takeout. With its simplicity and nutritional benefits, there’s no excuse not to give this Chinese-inspired dish a try.
Shrimp Pesto Rice Bowls
I have a penchant for dishes that offer a depth of flavors and textures, and this particular bowl does just that by combining succulent shrimp, caramelized onions, crunchy edamame, and sweet peppers atop a bed of nutty brown rice. What truly elevates this dish is the pesto-marinated shrimp, which are infused with a rich, herby flavor that’s expertly balanced. The recipe also provides the added bonus of showing you how to craft the sauce from scratch, ensuring an unparalleled level of authenticity. As everything comes together on the plate, it’s clear why this dish is so tantalizing – each component has been carefully grilled to bring out its natural sweetness, resulting in a culinary experience that’s at once both bold and refined.
Rainbow Asian Rice Salad
While brown rice may not be as ubiquitous in Western cuisine as white rice, it has a natural affinity for Asian dishes, easily absorbing soy sauce and other flavorful elements to add depth and complexity to any meal. Similarly, this vibrant Asian salad brings together a medley of textures and tastes, featuring brown rice alongside carrots, cabbage, mushrooms, radishes, cucumbers, and succulent shrimp. The Asian-inspired dressing ties everything together, while the trio of fresh herbs – basil, cilantro, and mint – provides a welcome burst of freshness to balance out the savory flavors.
Shrimp Biryani
Imagine a dish that harmoniously combines tender shrimp, fluffy basmati rice, caramelized onions, and warm Indian spices that tantalize your senses. This culinary delight is made effortlessly in the Instant Pot, requiring only 40 minutes of your time. It’s a recipe so impressive, you’ll find yourself making it again and again. While traditional basmati rice provides a classic base, feel free to experiment with brown rice for a nutty twist. The versatility of this dish is matched only by its ease of preparation.
Shrimp Stir Fry
Imagine a savory blend of succulent shrimp and colorful vegetables, smothered in a rich teriyaki sauce and served atop fluffy brown rice. This mouthwatering meal is ready in just 20 minutes, making it an ideal solution for a quick yet satisfying dinner that’s sure to become a household favorite. The versatility of this recipe shines through, as bell peppers and snow peas are recommended, but any seasonal vegetables or even frozen options can be used to add extra flavor and nutrition. This generous serving caters to four people, although you might find yourself wishing for seconds – and possibly even thirds! As with many great recipes, this one lends itself well to experimentation and variation, so be sure to explore other delicious shrimp-based dinner ideas.
Cajun Shrimp and Rice
While a cast-iron skillet is ideal for this recipe, any sturdy pan will do. Begin by coating the shrimp with Cajun seasoning and frying until they’re golden brown, around four minutes. The next step involves sautéing onions, garlic, peppers, and tomatoes to create a flavorful base. Then, it’s time to add cooked rice and drown everything in a savory stock. The result is a dish that’s simultaneously juicy, tender, and fluffy – a perfect showcase for your Cajun seasoning. This recipe makes for an excellent weekend dinner option, ideal for a fun family night with everyone gathered around the table.
Creole Shrimp Jambalaya
This mouthwatering recipe doesn’t just boast tender shrimp but is also packed with succulent chicken, adding a delightful layer of complexity. The vegetable medley – comprising onions, celery, peppers, and tomatoes – takes center stage, infusing the dish with its signature flavor profile. A trifecta of herbs, including thyme, oregano, and paprika, combines forces with a generous sprinkle of Cajun seasoning to create a true taste sensation reminiscent of New Orleans’ renowned cuisine.
Shrimp and Kimchi Stir Fry
Indulge your taste buds in a flavorful fusion of salty, spicy, and tangy notes by trying this delectable stir fry. Marinated shrimp, infused with the savory essence of soy and gochujang, are cooked to perfection and combined with spicy kimchi, adding an intense depth of flavor. Served atop a bed of fluffy brown rice, this nutritious meal is not only rich in fiber but also bursting with umami goodness.
Easy Brown Rice Recipes
For individuals seeking straightforward and time-efficient culinary solutions, the simplicity of these wholesome brown rice dishes is a perfect match for hectic evening meals. Packed with nutrient-rich whole grains, each recipe offers a satisfying blend of ease and nutritional value.
Healthy Brown Rice Salad
Imagine sinking your teeth into a dish that’s as vibrant as it is complex. The combination of fluffy brown rice, corn, red peppers, dried apricots, and pecans creates a medley of textures that’s hard to resist. The sweetness from the sultanas and the freshness from the coriander add depth without overpowering the other flavors. Meanwhile, the honey, Dijon, and orange dressing brings everything together in harmony. But what truly elevates this dish is the subtle warmth imparted by the generous teaspoon of cinnamon infused into the rice, adding a comforting dimension to each bite.
Brown Rice and Sweet Potato Pilaf
This recipe draws inspiration from Tehri, a beloved Pakistani dish. What sets it apart is its harmonious blend of flavors, which comes together beautifully. The combination of sweet potatoes, curry powder, garlic, scallions, and ginger creates an aromatic, warm, and fluffy pilaf that’s almost too soft to be true. You owe it to yourself to give this a try. To take it to the next level, consider finishing it off with toasted cashews, which add a satisfying crunch and texture.
Brown and Wild Rice Stuffed Peppers
When it comes to stuffed peppers, whether they’re meat-based or not, I always feel like I’m in for a treat. They’re a satisfying and nutritious option that’s easy to serve, making them perfect for gatherings with friends and family. This vegan recipe takes things to the next level by combining brown and wild rice with sweet notes from apples and oranges. The warm spice of cinnamon adds depth, while crunchy chopped walnuts provide a delightful textural contrast.
Miso Mushroom Brown Rice
When hosting family gatherings, a show-stopping meal that’s both impressive and accessible is always a winner. This brown rice and mushroom dish with caramelized onions and garlic is a crowd-pleaser that’s incredibly easy to prepare. By baking it in the oven, you can create a depth of flavor that’s hard to match. The real magic happens when you combine the nutty sweetness of red miso with the savory umami of soy sauce. Feel free to add some grated parmesan cheese to give the dish an extra layer of sharpness and sophistication.
Rice and Beans
This incredibly versatile Spanish rice dish can be enjoyed at lunch, dinner or as a side dish – making it an ideal recipe for busy cooks who crave convenience without sacrificing flavor. In just 30 minutes, this mouthwatering recipe brings together the perfect blend of beans, onions, garlic, and tomatoes to create the most tantalizing Spanish rice you’ve ever had.
Mediterranean Rice Salad
Rice salads are remarkably versatile, capable of serving as a standalone meal or as a satisfying side dish. Their adaptability makes them an ideal choice for potlucks and large gatherings, where they can easily be paired with a variety of dishes. This particular salad thrives when served chilled, its flavors and textures expertly balanced by the combination of cannellini beans, crumbly feta cheese, and fragrant herbs. The judicious addition of lemon and garlic notes elevates the dish to new heights, filling the air with an irresistible aroma.
Collard Greens Rice
A flavorful and nutritious brown rice dish is brought together with sautéed onions and collard greens, infused with a blend of aromatic spices including cumin, ginger, turmeric, and coriander. A squeeze of lemon juice adds a burst of freshness to the mixture, while one tablespoon of hot sauce provides an optional kick for those who enjoy a little heat. For those who prefer a milder flavor, feel free to omit this step. This quick-cooking recipe takes just 15 minutes from stove to table and serves four people.
Greek Brown Rice Bowls
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Greece by recreating a taste of your Mediterranean getaway in this satisfying grain bowl recipe featuring a perfect blend of brown rice. For those who adore both Gyros and Greek salad, this dish strikes the perfect balance, minus the need for wraps. The addition of brown rice ensures a filling meal that will keep you satisfied throughout the day.The recipe combines ground lamb with an array of fresh ingredients, including red onions, cucumber, kalamata olives, herbs, and crumbly feta cheese, creating a symphony of textures and flavors. What’s more, this nutritious dish can be prepared in just 35 minutes, making it an ideal option for a quick yet satisfying meal.
Brown Rice Mushroom Pilaf
Simplify your mealtime routine with a recipe that requires just one pot and a mere five ingredients. Our latest culinary creation embodies this philosophy, featuring brown rice, onions, garlic, mushrooms, and broth as its core components. For added flavor, feel free to introduce salt, butter, or parmesan cheese into the mix. What’s more, our recipe presents two distinct preparation methods: stovetop and Instant Pot. While the appliance offers convenience, we encourage you to experiment with both techniques to uncover your preferred approach.
Vegetarian Mexican Casserole
While this Mexican casserole may resemble a dish born from leftover ingredients, it’s actually a flavor-packed recipe that will leave you wanting more, regardless of whether you have rice on hand or not. The combination of red onions, juicy tomatoes, sweet corn, black beans, spicy jalapenos, and an array of peppers creates a vibrant medley of textures and tastes. To elevate these ingredients, the dish is generously sprinkled with melted cheese and finished with a squeeze of fresh lime juice, allowing each component to shine. What’s more, this oven-baked delight can be ready in just 40 minutes and requires minimal effort, making it an ideal meatless dinner option for a stress-free Monday night.
Cilantro Lime Brown Rice
Combining lime and cilantro creates an invigorating fusion that effortlessly elevates the flavors of any dish. This dynamic duo adds a burst of aroma, zestiness, and richness to even the most mundane rice or veggie dishes. The incorporation of garlic-infused brown rice in this recipe ensures that every bite is filled with depth and excitement. Moreover, its earthy, fluffy texture makes it an excellent canvas for quick and effortless meal preparation. In fact, using leftover rice can streamline the process to mere minutes, making it a perfect solution for busy days.
Edamame Cranberry Brown Rice Salad
While edamame and cranberries may not be the most intuitive pairing at first glance, they surprisingly harmonize in a delightful culinary experience. The combination yields a symphony of textures and flavors that tantalizes the palate with each morsel. This rice dish boasts a satisfying chewiness, fluffiness, and crunchiness, punctuated by bursts of tanginess.
Mexican Pinto Beans and Rice
Imagine a culinary symphony, where the harmonious blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, and oregano creates a flavor profile that’s both bold and balanced. This Tex-Mex rice dish is more than just a combination of ingredients – it’s an explosion of taste and aroma, thanks to the addition of peppers, tomatoes, and jalapenos. The rich vegetable broth plays a crucial role in bringing everything together, resulting in a creamy texture that will leave you wanting more. Whether you’re hosting a Tex-Mex dinner party or simply looking for a comforting meal, this recipe is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. And if you happen to have leftover beans, be sure to check out our canned pinto bean recipes for some tasty and creative ways to repurpose them.
Brown Rice Salad
With a vibrant medley of brown rice, beans, corn, creamy avocado, and sweet cherry tomatoes, this nutritious salad is as visually appealing as it is flavorful. The perfect blend of textures – fluffy, soft, crunchy, and tangy – creates a delightful culinary experience. What’s more, this fiber-rich salad can be prepared in just 20 minutes, making it an ideal addition to your lunchbox routine.
One of the standout features of this recipe is its versatility, drawing inspiration from Indian, Mediterranean, and Mexican cuisines. The result is a dish that seamlessly blends flavors and textures from around the world, offering something for everyone.
Brown Rice and Sweet Potato Hash
Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, comforting bowl of brown rice packed with an array of flavors and textures. It’s not a typical hash-brown recipe, but it’s equally as satisfying. The combination of sweet potatoes, corn, edamame, and chicken is elevated by the unexpected crunch and sweetness provided by pecans and cranberries. This dish offers a delightful harmony of texture and taste, making it a great option for both immediate consumption and future meals. Better yet, this easy recipe can be prepared in just 30 minutes, ensuring that you’ll have ample time to enjoy the fruits of your labor.
One Pot Mexican Rice Skillet Dinner
A stress-free evening without an excessive amount of dishes to wash is the epitome of relaxation, especially after a long and exhausting day. The allure of a one-pot wonder like this skillet dinner becomes even more enticing when the promise of minimal effort and maximum satisfaction is involved.
This Tex-Mex delight requires just a few key ingredients – rice, corn, onions, cheddar, salsa, and a generous helping of Taco seasoning. With its quick cooking time and impressive yield, it’s no wonder this recipe disappears as quickly as it appears on the table. For an added kick, feel free to incorporate hot sauce or chopped jalapenos for an extra layer of flavor.
Veggie Stir Fry
For those who revel in the savory flavors of meat, it’s natural to approach vegan dishes with skepticism. However, this culinary masterpiece is poised to challenge your perceptions and win you over. Packed with an impressive array of nutrients, including protein, fiber, and a medley of bold flavors, this dish will transport your taste buds to a realm reminiscent of chicken. The harmonious union of creamy rice, crunchy broccoli, sweet peppers, caramelized onions, and tender tofu, all carefully cooked in a pan and infused with the pungent aroma of garlic, will leave you wondering if you’re indulging in a culinary deception or simply savoring a truly exceptional vegan creation.
One Pot Vegan Pilaf
Imagine a flavorful pilaf that can win over even the most dedicated meat enthusiasts – this vegan masterpiece is it! Packed with an array of vegetables, including mushrooms, peppers, zucchini, onions, lentils, and carrots, as well as aromatic spices like ginger and garlic, this one-pot wonder is sure to please. And if you’re worried about leftovers, fear not – they actually taste even better reheated. To take it to the next level, simply sprinkle some parmesan cheese on top and reheat for a satisfying dinner that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Creamy Brown Rice Risotto
The allure of risotto lies in its creamy, velvety texture, making it an ideal solution for anyone seeking a satisfying meal. This plant-based recipe eschews vegan creams altogether, relying instead on the silky smoothness of a bean puree to coat the rice. While non-vegans may be tempted to add parmesan for extra flavor, I highly recommend experiencing this dish in its pure form – you won’t be disappointed by the richness and fullness it provides.
Sprouted Brown Rice Tuna Stuffed Pepper Salad
In a bold departure from traditional stuffed pepper recipes, this dish is served uncooked and sans oven. The star of the show is a creamy tuna salad filled with an unexpected medley of ingredients – cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, hummus, and brown rice. While it may sound unconventional, the result is a refreshing twist on the classic recipe that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds. If you’re looking for more innovative ways to enjoy green peppers, be sure to check out some of our other flavorful recipes!
Tuna Sushi Bowl
This deconstructed sushi bowl takes the humble leftovers of rice and transforms them into an ingenious creation. At its core are tuna, cucumber, avocado, and nori sheets, which provide a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The dish is elevated further by a drizzle of spicy sriracha and mayo sauce, adding a tangy and creamy dimension. This recipe lends itself to customization, and one such variation is the addition of smoked salmon, which introduces a new layer of complexity and sophistication. Furthermore, you can easily scale up this recipe to create a large bowl or divide it into individual portions for a unique presentation.
Miso Fried Rice
Savory flavors abound in this dish, with a harmonious balance of earthy and buttery notes that leave you craving more. The star players here are kale, mushrooms, rice, and rich butter, all brought together by the subtle yet profound presence of white miso and soy sauce. What sets this dish apart is the baking process for the kale and mushrooms, which imbues them with a satisfying depth of flavor.
Shakshuka with Rice and Greens
Imagine a dish that effortlessly transitions from breakfast to brunch to dinner, all while packing a nutritious punch. That’s precisely what happens when you combine the classic shakshuka with a serving of fluffy rice. The addition of fiber-rich ingredients like peppers, tomatoes, spinach, and onions not only adds texture but also amplifies the Mediterranean flavors. And let’s not forget the crowning glory: creamy eggs and crumbly feta cheese. This recipe is a masterclass in versatility, requiring just 30 minutes to prepare and yielding a dish that’s as satisfying as it is soft.