Think rice is boring? Let these 19 flavor-packed vegetarian rice recipes change your mind and make one for dinner tonight!
I used to think rice was boring. And I guess when you grow up eating white rice with butter, there’s no way to avoid that (incorrect) opinion.
But rice has become so much more than plain as I’ve learned to cook and have explored different cuisines, like Indian, Mexican, and Korean. Rice can be a flavor vessel as a side dish, or it can be the star of the show!
Rice grains can broadly be grouped into three types: short, medium, and long grain. Short grains are wider than they are long, and are generally best for when you want sticky clumps of rice. Long grains, on the other hand, are 4 to 5 times longer than they are wide, and are great when you want more distinct rice grains. Medium grains run somewhere in the middle, with a somewhat sticky, creamy texture.
Within each group, rices are characterized by their features, like stickiness or firmness. A few common types of rice include:
- Sushi Rice: A short-grain rice that becomes very sticky when cooked.
- Arborio Rice: Used to make risotto, this is a medium-grain rice with a lot of amylopectin starch, making it creamy when cooked.
- Brown Rice: Otherwise known as whole grain rice, has not had the outer hull layer removed, making it higher in fiber and vitamins than white rice (which has the hull polished off). Both American brown and white rice are a long-grain rice.
- Jasmine Rice: A long-grain rice with a mildly sweet flavor and sticky texture, making it great for serving with curries.
Because of these distinct differences, you should substitute rice varieties with caution. Recipes are often designed around the size and texture of rice, so you may get a different outcome if you substitute a different rice.
Vegetarian Rice Recipes
Speaking of recipes, here are our favorites! These 19 vegetarian rice recipes are packed with flavor, from zingy stir fries to creamy risotto. Enjoy!
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!
Baked General Tso's Cauliflower
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!
Spanish Rice and Beans
This easy Spanish Rice and Beans recipe is quick to whip up and is a great source of complete proteins!
Tofu Stuffed Cucumber Sushi Rolls
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!
Lemon Basil Risotto
This Lemon Basil Risotto is rich, creamy, and zingy! Perfect as an easy and unique side dish or delicious and filling main course.
Kimchi Fried Rice
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.
Crispy Chickpea Bowls with Carrot Ginger Dressing
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!
Thai Vegetarian Coconut Curry
This Thai Vegetarian Coconut Curry recipe is an easy, flexible Thai curry recipe that transforms boring weeknight dinner into an exciting meal!
Vegan Tuna Sushi Bowl
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.
Tempeh Vegan Burrito Bowl
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).
Easy Mushroom Risotto
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?
Fall Salad with Pomegranate Vinaigrette
This simple fall salad packs in the tastiest ingredients of the season and is drizzled with a creamy pomegranate balsamic vinaigrette!
Mix & Match Vegetarian Meal Prep
Rice is also a great addition to meal prep! Here’s a formula for the easiest, tastiest vegetarian meal prep recipe… Mix & Match Vegetarian Meal Prep!
Green Goddess Sushi Bowl
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?
Sticky Orange Cauliflower
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.
Pepper and Gorgonzola Risotto
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!
Stuffed Butternut Squash
A flavor packed butternut squash, stuffed to the brim with wild rice, apples, cranberries, and more!
Chickpea Tikka Masala
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.
Fried Rice Meal Prep
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.
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