Leftovers can be great the first night, but after a few days of eating the same food, it can get boring. Instead of throwing out those extra leftovers, the best way to use them and not get bored with them is by revamping them into new dishes. Rice is a perfect option to revamp, as it is a neutral ingredient that can be added to various recipes. The next time you have extra, try one of these six ways to use leftover rice.
6. Curry
Starting our list of ways to use leftover rice is curry. There are all sorts of curry recipes out there, from spicy to sweet and savory, so you can customize the curry to your palate. Curries are often made with ingredients you may already have in the house, so there’s no need to head out to the store to make a new meal. The next time you try curry, experiment with this recipe from Love and Lemons.
5. Burritos
Fifth on our list of ways to use leftover rice is burritos. A staple Tex-Mex food, burritos are super easy to put together and can be made with a variety of ingredients to cater to everyone’s eating needs. When reheating the rice, add some cilantro for an extra kick of flavor. The burritos can be meat-centered or vegetarian, with the rice keeping you full long after the meal is over.
4. Chicken & Rice Soup
Next on our list of ways to use leftover rice is chicken & rice soup. Whether it’s a special family recipe or a way to get several things out of the fridge, this soup is a great filling option for a meal. Plus, the best part about soup? There are so many different kinds that you can create all sorts of blends and add rice to them. Chicken and rice is just one example where rice is a great complement. Try out this recipe from Feel Good Foodie.
3. Stuffed Peppers
Rounding out the top three ways to use leftover rice is stuffed peppers. This is also a great way to get rid of peppers that are starting to get a bit wrinkly and need a revamp, too. The best part? Stuffed peppers are totally customizable, so you can add whatever meats, seasonings, vegetables, rice, cheese, and other additions to your meal. Plus, they provide a good balance of protein, vegetables, and grains.
2. Stir-Fry
Second on our list of ways to use leftover rice is stir-fry. Throw in some meat, veggies, and your rice with some flavorings, and you have a completely new meal. While some recipes opt for steak, you can use seafood, chicken, or even opt for a vegetarian-friendly option with tofu or straight vegetables. The options are endless.
1. Fried Rice
Last but not least on our list of ways to use leftover rice is fried rice. This dish is especially perfect because the recipes often call for leftover rather than freshly cooked rice. By having the rice rest in the fridge, it gets closer to the crispy texture that is prized in fried rice. The fried rice can be eaten by itself or paired with shrimp, chicken, veggies, or other toppings.