September is National Rice Month, a perfect time of year to celebrate the delicious, multi-purpose grain that has been a staple of cuisines around the world for thousands of years. With more than 520 million metric tons of rice consumed annually, rice is the primary staple food for more than half the world’s population—a truly essential grain.
Rice is an incredibly versatile ingredient that can be incorporated into a wealth of dishes. It’s at home as the star of a meal, an excellent base for proteins and side dishes, and even a great part of many desserts. Coming in a multitude of varieties, rice can bring an array of flavors and textures to a meal. Plus, it can be prepared in a number of different methods that add even more variation to how you can enjoy rice.
The beauty of rice is that it’s used in cuisines around the world, so it’s the perfect ingredient to celebrate different cultures through cooking. This National Rice Month, take the time to explore cooking with rice, celebrating foods from around the world that highlight this wonderful ingredient. Below are just some of the regions and cultures from around the world that use rice in their cuisines. Get some inspiration on your next dish for National Rice Month with these easy, stress-free Minute Rice recipes!
Rice Recipes from Around the World
India
India, the world’s second largest producer of rice, is known for its aromatic basmati rice. Rice is the base of many classic Indian dishes like curries and accompanies many of the country’s popular dishes like butter chicken. This Butter Chicken recipe is a quick and easy version of the Indian classic, using creamy butter chicken sauce and a Minute Basmati Rice Cup to quickly come together for lunch or dinner. India also incorporates rice into some of its sweet dishes, such as this dessert inspired by Mango Lassi. Coconut milk and mango bring sweetness to this dessert while flavors like cardamom, cilantro and lime add warm spice and complexity.
For some more Indian recipe inspiration this National Rice Month, check out our list of Best Vegetarian Indian Dishes You Must Try.
Thailand
Thai food is a cuisine that’s incredibly popular in the United States, so it’s likely you’ve had some Thai-inspired dishes already. Encapsulate Thai flavors this National Rice Month in dishes like this Pad Kra Pao, which is packed with classic Thai ingredients like Thai chilies, Thai basil and fish sauce. Served with Minute Jasmine Rice Cups, this dish is perfect for a dinner the whole family will enjoy.
Another popular Thai dish, Thai Red Curry Rice, can be made easily at home with this four-ingredient recipe. Simply combine coconut milk and red curry paste with a Minute Jalapeño Rice Cup and top with cilantro for an incredibly quick and easy dish that packs just the right amount of spice.
Asian Fusion
Asia encompasses a huge region of the world, and therefore is home to a wide variety of different and unique cuisines. Many Asian dishes are a fusion of the cuisines of multiple countries and cultures, offering you a chance to explore a multitude of flavors in a single dish.
Despite its name, this simple Singapore Rice is actually a blend of classic Chinese fried rice combined with Indian spices like curry. This simple recipe helps you make this fusion takeout favorite at home, perfect for a quick and flavorful lunch or dinner. After scrambling an egg, cook shrimp, curry powder, garlic, ginger and carrot. Combine the mixture with an aromatic Minute Jasmine Rice Cup and season to your liking with soy sauce.
These Asian Lettuce Wraps are another great example of a dish that incorporates many classic Asian ingredients and flavors, like peanuts, green onion, chili sauce and soy sauce. Made with Minute Chicken & Herb Seasoned Rice Cups, each bite of these wraps is packed with flavor.
The Americas
Rice is a staple in many cuisines in South, Central and North America as well. Classic Mexican tacos commonly include rice, such as these Fiesta Mexican Soft Tacos made with Minute Instant Brown Rice, salsa, black beans, green bell peppers and cheese all inside soft tacos. For a fun spin on another Mexican classic, try this Green Chili Enchilada Bowl that incorporates enchilada ingredients like chicken and green chili sauce into a deliciously seasoned Minute Yellow Rice Cup for a quick meal on the go.
This contemporary Hawaiian dish, Loco Moco, is another great recipe to help you celebrate National Rice Month. The unique dish combines a burger, gravy and a fried egg over Minute Instant White Rice for an incredibly satisfying meal. Or, try this Shrimp Etouffee created by recipe creator Meaghan Ashworth for an easy take on the classic Louisiana dish that packs plenty of rich flavor without requiring hours in the kitchen.
In the Caribbean, jerk chicken is a classic dish and pairs perfectly with rice and beans. This Caribbean Jerk Chicken with Rice and Beans is an easy take on traditional jerk chicken, so you can bring classic Caribbean spices to your dinner table in under 15 minutes.
Europe
Spain is known for paella, so it’s no surprise that rice is a common staple in Spanish cuisine. Minute Spanish Rice Cups are perfect to enhance your meal with Spanish flavors and seasonings like tomato, garlic and onion. Try this Spanish Ham & Cheese Rice bowl, which includes classic Spanish ingredients like ham and manchego cheese, to bring a taste of Spain to your next meal.
Other European classics can be revamped to incorporate rice as well, like this Greek Salad. Typical Greek salad ingredients like cucumber, olives and feta cheese are included in this fun take on the classic salad, using Minute Yellow Rice Cups to add a hearty base and another layer of flavor to the dish.
Nigeria
One of the top 10 rice consuming countries in the world, Nigeria offers a cuisine rich with rice-centric dishes. One Nigerian dish you can prepare at home is this vibrant Nigerian Style Jollof Rice. Packed with spices like ginger, paprika, nutmeg and thyme, this dish is known for its bold, spicy taste and aromatic blend of tomatoes, peppers, and spices. This recipe only takes 10 minutes to prepare, so you can easily serve it on a busy day to incorporate some spice into your weeknight dinner routine.
West Asia
Persian cuisine is known for its colorful, rich ingredients and use of earthy spices like turmeric. This Persian Rice is a quick and easy take on the dish that can be ready in under five minutes using Minute Brown Rice Cups. Simply combine turmeric, pomegranate seeds, walnuts and parsley with brown rice and you have a delicious rice dish perfect for a quick meal. If you toss with arugula and add your favorite dressing, this dish can also become a great lunchtime salad.
Another west Asian classic is Lebanese tabbouleh, a salad typically made with bulgur, finely chopped parsley, mint, tomatoes and onions. This Mediterranean Tabbouleh Salad substitutes bulgur for Minute Instant Rice & Quinoa for a tasty take on this traditional recipe that’s fast and easy to prepare. This dish is great for meal prep to enjoy throughout the week—the rice and quinoa will soak up the rich flavors of all the ingredients and, with no lettuce in the salad, there’s no risk of wilting.
Celebrate Cultures Around the World through Cooking
With countless delicious and diverse rice dishes from around the globe, it’s no surprise that rice is a beloved ingredient in so many cultures. This National Rice Month, celebrate the versatility of rice by trying recipes from around the world that highlight its delicious taste and texture. With these simple and quick recipes, you’ll be able to enjoy all rice has to offer from the comfort of your own kitchen.
