Think rice is boring? Think again! These 19 vegetarian rice recipes are here to change your mind and steal the show. From creamy risottos to zesty stir-fries, each dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
I’ll be honest—I used to think rice was boring. For context, I grew up on plain ol’ white rice and butter (so… not much of a culinary adventure, if ya know what I mean).
But thanks to my nutritionist schooling and kitchen experimentations with cuisines like Indian, Mexican, and Korean, I’ve learned that rice is like a blank canvas that can be transformed into a flavorful side or star of the show!
Types of Rice
Let’s talk about the different kinds of rice because, believe it or not, there’s a whole world beyond your average bowl of white rice! Rice can be grouped into three categories: short, medium, and long grain.
Short Grain: These types are wider than they are long, and they’re generally best for when you want sticky clusters of rice.
Long Grain: On the other hand, long grain rice is 4 to 5 times longer than wide—great for fluffy, distinct grains!
Medium Grain: Right in the middle, these grains are a tad sticky and creamy, making them the best of both worlds.
Each group’s rice varieties are characterized by their features, like stickiness or firmness. Here are a few common types of rice.
Sushi Rice: This short-grain rice is super sticky when cooked, making it the obvious choice for all your sushi needs.
Arborio Rice: This medium-grain rice is packed with amylopectin starch, which makes it perfect for an ultra-creamy risotto meal.
Brown Rice: Known as whole grain rice, this type still has its outer hull layer, giving you more fiber and vitamins.
Jasmine Rice: This long-grain rice has a mildly sweet flavor and a sticky texture, making it the perfect match for curries.
Substituting Rice
Since rice varieties have different characteristics, you should exercise caution when substituting them. Recipes are typically designed around rice size and texture, so you’ll likely get a different outcome if you substitute another one.
Vegetarian Rice Recipes
Speaking of recipes, here are 19 vegetarian rice recipes packed with flavor! From spicy curries and burrito bowls to salads and deconstructed sushi, we’re covering it all.
Kimchi Bibimbap
Kimchi bibimbap is a traditional Korean dish made with kimchi, mushrooms, roasted veggies, and a delicious gochujang sauce. And it all sits on a bed of crispy rice!
I’m not exaggerating when I say that this Baked General Tso’s Cauliflower tastes better than the Chinese takeout we all know and love (but without the frying or meat!) Rice plays the role of “flavor vessel”, absorbing all the juices that drip out so you can enjoy every ounce of flavor!
This refreshing Tofu Stuffed Cucumber Sushi Roll is a simple sushi method that involves hollowing out a cucumber, stuffing it with crispy tofu, veggies, and sushi rice, then slicing into colorful pieces of vegetarian sushi!
Kimchi fried rice is on another level. Made without meat, this dish is bursting with flavor and is perfect for customizing. It requires just 15 minutes, making it the perfect dish for busy evenings.
Looking for a vegetarian meal prep recipe that’s high in protein and so tasty that you’re actually excited for lunch time? While the photos show quinoa, I also LOVE these bowls with wild rice!
This Vegan Tuna Sushi Bowl has plant-based tuna made with tomatoes, and all the fixings of your favorite poke bowls (including the spicy mayo)! The sushi rice provides that authentic sushi bowl texture, but you can substitute brown or white rice.
A flavor packed (and easy to make) vegan burrito bowl with tempeh taco meat and copycat Chipotle cauliflower rice! (Hint: replace the cauliflower rice with, you know, actual rice for a more traditional burrito bowl).
For a dinner that breaks from your usual routine while also being a flavorful classic, give this Easy Mushroom Risotto recipe a try! Packed with wild mushrooms, wine, and cheese… what more could you want from a dinner?
This Green Goddess Vegetarian Sushi Bowl takes all the deliciousness of fresh sushi, tosses it easily into a bowl, and drizzles it with sriracha mayonnaise. The same great taste without the hassle. What’s not to love?
Think cauliflower is boring? Dress it up in a quick panko coating and sticky Asian-style sauce and I promise your mind will be changed! Serve over a bed of warm rice for maximum takeout vibes.
Risotto is a pretty under-appreciated dinner, considering the amount of flavorful creamy goodness it packs into one bowl. With two kinds of cheese, spinach, green onions, and lemon, this Pepper and Gorgonzola Risotto is no exception!
This Chickpea Tikka Masala recipe is an easy dinner to whip up when the Indian food cravings hit (plus, it’s vegan!) Serve with white, brown, or jasmine rice.
This week for lunch, consider Fried Rice Meal Prep your go-to! Consisting of fried rice, tofu, and sriracha mayo, this combo is filling and full of flavor.
Get ready for a flavor-packed fiesta with this irresistible Slow Cooker Mexican Rice Bowl recipe! It’s a true winner, combining ease, vegan goodness, customizability, and ultra-filling ingredients.
Packed with over 100 reader-favorite vegetarian recipes, my cookbook is your go-to guide for easy, healthy meals that make plant-based eating a breeze.
