Do you know what’s never not delicious? Even in the middle of a busy week? Fluffy rice. ♡
And if you should find yourself, sometime in the next week or so, making a perfectly fragrant pot of jasmine rice, piling it high with a saucy curry or a savory stir fry, and topping it all with fresh herbs… well, then, this week is looking good for you.
1. One-Pot Burrito Bowl
Okay, just look at this burrito bowl! It’s giving all the colors, which you know means it’s ridiculously delicious. We’re talking ground beef, salsa, black beans, chiles, and all that cheese.
This Tex-Mex wonder is just so good, I’m not sure I want to share.
2. Hawaiian Ahi Poke Bowl
This bowl starts with a bed of jasmine rice and then gets piled high with raw ahi tuna, avocado slices, radishes, and bean sprouts. The tuna gets its flavor from soy sauce, wasabi, sesame oil, and honey.
You mix it all up and get these super refreshing sashimi-style tuna bites. I mean, this is what healthy eating should look like. Just amazing.
3. Jasmine Sticky Rice
We obviously need to talk about just making the rice itself. And perfect jasmine rice? It’s so fragrant, tender, and fluffy, but still has that little bit of stickiness. I love it.
It’s an amazing canvas for sweet or savory dishes and goes with pretty much any meat or veggie. If you want to kick it up a notch, add a little salt and star anise for even more aroma. YUM.
4. One-Pot Spicy Vegetable Rice
Hello, complete-meal-in-one-pot! This is my kind of recipe. The jasmine rice gets its amazing color, flavor, and aroma from smoked paprika and turmeric.
It’s also loaded with veggies like onions, tomatoes, carrots, peppers, and peas. That color combo against the yellow rice is just beautiful. I could honestly eat this all by itself, but it’s also a perfect side for a meaty main.
5. Thai Basil Chicken
Pad Krapow Gai is just so good. It’s this savory sauté of chicken, peppers, and onions in a savory sauce. It gets finished with basil leaves, which gives it this wonderful balance of earthy, hot flavors.
The jasmine rice might be in the background here, but you absolutely need it. Just think about that sauce soaking into every bit of rice. Ugh, I’m drooling.
6. Stovetop Rice Pudding
Okay, let’s take a break from the savory and talk about this sweet rice pudding. Yes, please. It is so creamy, seasoned with cinnamon and vanilla for extra fragrance, and it’s not overly sweet.
The best part? You can eat it hot or cold, for breakfast or dessert. I mean, it’s just amazing no matter what.
7. Pineapple Fried Rice (Thai)
Are you a pineapple-on-pizza person? Then I am 100% sure you will be into this fried rice. It’s got this whole sweet and sour thing going on.
This stir-fry is loaded with pineapple chunks, a rainbow of veggies, and a sweet-savory Thai sauce. It’s just a perfect combo of flavors and textures.
8. Yellow Jasmine Rice
Need a simple way to make your basic rice more exciting? This is it. It only takes 5 minutes of prep and some chicken broth and spices.
You season the jasmine rice with turmeric, cinnamon, cumin, and a bay leaf, and it completely changes the flavor. Plus, it gives it this beautiful color. Seriously, a bowl of yellow rice? I’m so in.
9. Cilantro Lime Rice
This is how you level-up your burritos and bowls. It’s so easy. Just take your cooked jasmine rice and hit it with lime, garlic, cilantro, and scallions. That’s it!
If you want a little kick, add some jalapeños or red pepper flakes. If you love Mexican food, this is a must-make. It needs to be part of your regular rotation.
10. Authentic Arroz Caldo
Okay, here is some Filipino comfort food that is just perfect for your rainy-day list. Arroz Caldo is a savory rice porridge made with bone-in chicken.
Then you top it with fried garlic, hard-boiled eggs, scallions, and a squeeze of lemon juice. It is so, so comforting. This is the perfect thing for a gloomy day.
11. One-Pot Cajun Rice and Beans
Do you love your rice loaded with protein and other fun stuff? Then stop right here. This is a one-pot wonder. It’s packed with jasmine rice, smoked sausage, tomatoes, beans, and just a ton of spices.
This is pure Southern comfort food.
12. Chinese Rice Soup
Rice + Soup = one amazing meal. This is wildly delicious and so filling, with rice, veggies, meat, and a savory broth. What’s so great is that you can toss in any veggies you want and whatever leftover meat you’ve got.
Got some chicken, pork, turkey, or beef? It’s perfect for that.
13. Turmeric Chicken and Rice
This dish has biryani rice vibes, and I am here for it. It’s a fragrant, herbed rice served with juicy, tender chicken. The rice itself has turmeric, ginger, fish sauce, curry, cumin, cinnamon… just so many things.
Prepare for a total flavor explosion. With those juicy chicken thighs, it’s a phenomenal meal.
14. Coconut Rice
Let’s give basic white rice a tropical vibe with this stupidly easy recipe. It is wild what a little coconut milk, cilantro, sugar, and salt can do. It makes such a huge difference!
This coconut rice is just so good, a little nutty, a little sweet. Oh-so-scrumptious.
15. One Pan Shrimp and Rice
Rice and shrimp? That’s an automatic 12/10 in my book. It’s a combo you just can’t mess up. Then you add in mushrooms, peppers, and onions, and you get this super tasty, nutrient-packed meal. Yes, please.
16. Instant Pot Cranberry Pistachio Jasmine Rice
If you’re all about texture, you are going to love this. It’s a pilaf with jasmine rice, cranberries, and pistachios. So you get tender, fluffy rice, but also these little bits of crunch and chew in every single bite.
Plus, it’s finished with green onions and orange zest, which adds even more flavor and aroma.
17. Garlic Herb Rice Pilaf
Just flavor some jasmine rice with herbs and garlic, and I promise your family will ask for it all the time. This pilaf is so fluffy and has just the right amount of earthy flavor.
It’s not going to overpower your main dish at all. It’s just the perfect complement.
18. Basic Asian Rice Porridge
Congee, or rice porridge, is such a major comfort food in Asia. It’s basically rice thickened up with stock, plus meats and veggies, and it is so hearty, warming, and delicious.
I’m a big fan of adding bone-in chicken and hard-boiled eggs, but the topping possibilities are endless. This is a great base recipe to get you started. Go wild with the extras!
