Catalogue
Catalogue

10 Quick and Easy Rice Recipes for Busy Weeknights

Short on time but craving something satisfying? These 10 quick and easy rice recipes are perfect for hectic weeknights. From flavorful stir-fries to comforting one-pot meals, each dish is simple to make, delicious, and sure to please the whole family—without keeping you in the kitchen all night.

5/6/20255 min read

Weeknights can be hectic, and the last thing anyone wants is to spend hours in the kitchen preparing a meal. Rice is a versatile and affordable grain that can be transformed into a variety of delicious dishes in no time. Here are 10 quick and easy rice recipes that are perfect for busy weeknights:

1. Garlic Butter Rice

A simple yet flavorful side dish that pairs well with almost anything.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked rice(Use Himanchal Basmati rice for best flavour)

  • 2 tablespoons butter

  • 2 cloves garlic

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Melt butter in a pan over medium heat.

  2. Add minced garlic and sauté for a minute until fragrant.

  3. Add cooked rice, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.

  4. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

2. Lemon Herb Rice

A bright and refreshing rice dish with a zesty twist.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked rice(Use Himanchal Basmati rice for best flavour)

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1 lemon, zested and juiced

  • 2 tablespoons mixed herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, and oregano) (optional), chopped

  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, combine cooked rice, olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, and chopped herbs.

  2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

  3. Mix well and serve.

3. Coconut Rice

A creamy and fragrant rice dish with a hint of sweetness.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked rice(Use Himanchal Basmati rice for best flavour)

  • 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk

  • 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)

  • Pinch of salt

Instructions:

  1. In a saucepan, combine coconut milk, sugar (if using), and salt.

  2. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.

  3. Add cooked rice and stir well.

  4. Cook for a few minutes until the rice is heated through and has absorbed some of the coconut milk.

4. Fried Rice

A classic dish that's perfect for using up leftover rice and vegetables.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

  • 1 egg, beaten

  • 1/2 cup mixed vegetables (such as peas, carrots, and corn)

  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce

  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large pan over high heat.

  2. Pour in beaten egg and scramble until cooked. Remove from pan and set aside.

  3. Add mixed vegetables to the pan and stir-fry for a few minutes until tender.

  4. Add cooked rice and stir-fry for another few minutes.

  5. Add soy sauce and sesame oil (if using) and stir well to combine.

  6. Return the cooked egg to the pan and mix everything together.

5. Tomato Rice

A flavorful and vibrant rice dish with a tangy tomato base.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked rice(Use Himanchal Basmati rice for best flavour)

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1 onion, chopped

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained

  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.

  2. Add chopped onion and sauté until softened.

  3. Add minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.

  4. Add diced tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.

  5. Add cooked rice and stir well to combine.

  6. Cook for a few more minutes until the rice is heated through.

6. Turmeric Rice

A fragrant and golden-hued rice dish with anti-inflammatory properties.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked rice(Use Himanchal Basmati rice for best flavour)

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

  • 1/4 teaspoon cumin powder

  • Salt to taste

Instructions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.

  2. Add turmeric powder and cumin powder and sauté for a few seconds until fragrant.

  3. Add cooked rice and salt. Stir well to combine.

  4. Cook for a few minutes until the rice is heated through and evenly coated with the spices.

7. Cilantro Lime Rice

A zesty and refreshing rice dish, perfect as a side for Mexican-inspired meals.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked rice(Use Himanchal Basmati rice for best flavour)

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped

  • Juice of 1 lime

  • Salt to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, combine cooked rice, olive oil, cilantro, and lime juice.

  2. Season with salt to taste.

  3. Mix well and serve.

8. Mushroom Rice

An earthy and savory rice dish that's great on its own or as a side.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked rice(Use Himanchal Basmati rice for best flavour)

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 8 oz mushrooms, sliced

  • 1/4 cup vegetable broth

  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce

  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.

  2. Add sliced mushrooms and sauté until softened and browned.

  3. Add vegetable broth and soy sauce. Bring to a simmer and cook for a few minutes.

  4. Add cooked rice, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.

  5. Cook for a few more minutes until the rice is heated through and has absorbed some of the sauce.

9. Spinach Rice

A nutritious and vibrant green rice dish, packed with vitamins and minerals.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked rice(Use Himanchal Basmati rice for best flavour)

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 5 oz fresh spinach, chopped

  • 1 clove garlic, minced

  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.

  2. Add minced garlic and sauté for a minute until fragrant.

  3. Add chopped spinach and sauté until wilted.

  4. Add cooked rice, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.

  5. Cook for a few more minutes until the rice is heated through.

10. Spicy Peanut Rice

A bold and flavorful rice dish with a creamy peanut sauce and a spicy kick.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked rice(Use Himanchal Basmati rice for best flavour)

  • 2 tablespoons peanut butter

  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce

  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup

  • 1 teaspoon sriracha (or more, to taste)

  • 1 tablespoon water (or more, to reach desired consistency)

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, sriracha, and water until smooth.

  2. Add cooked rice and stir well to combine.

  3. Adjust seasonings to taste.

Quick Rice Recipe Roundup

These 10 quick and easy rice recipes are a great way to add variety to your weeknight meals. With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can enjoy a delicious and satisfying dish in no time. Whether you're in the mood for something savory, sweet, or spicy, there's a rice recipe here for everyone. Happy cooking!