Leftover rice sitting in your fridge again? Don’t let it just sit there! We’ve put together 25 inventive ways to transform that plain rice into delicious new meals. Whether you’re in the mood for something spicy, sweet, or savory, these ideas will breathe new life into your leftovers and keep your weeknight dinners fresh and exciting.
Pineapple Fried Rice
This recipe combines sweet pineapple with Asian veggies for a fun twist on dinner using leftover rice. It’s easy and adds a tropical touch to your meal.
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Spicy Collard Greens and Rice
Spice up your leftover rice by mixing it with spicy collard greens and a splash of lemon. It’s a quick side dish that goes great with any protein.
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Bison Stuffed Peppers
These stuffed peppers use rice, veggies, and lean ground bison for a hearty and healthy dinner. It’s a perfect way to use up leftover rice and sneak in some veggies.
Get the Recipe: Bison Stuffed Peppers
Mexican Ground Beef Skillet
This one-pan meal uses rice and taco seasoning for a super quick and flavorful dinner. Great for when you’re in a hurry.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Ground Beef Skillet
Greek Brown Rice Bowls
Pack your leftover rice into these bowls full of gyro-style lamb and veggies. It’s a great dinner that brings Greek flavors right to your table.
Get the Recipe: Greek Brown Rice Bowls
Tofu Fried Rice
Use your leftover rice to whip up this easy tofu fried rice. It’s loaded with veggies and gives you those takeout vibes without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Tofu Fried Rice
Vegetarian Nasi Goreng
Turn leftover rice into Nasi Goreng, a popular Indonesian dish. Packed with veggies and topped with an egg, it’s great any time of day.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Nasi Goreng
Tawa Pulao
This Mumbai street food is great for turning rice leftovers into something special with just a few veggies and spices. It’s vegan and super simple.
Get the Recipe: Tawa Pulao
Easy Ham Fried Rice Recipe
Got leftover ham and rice? Throw them together for a quick dinner that’s full of flavor and perfect for a busy weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Easy Ham Fried Rice Recipe
How to Make Onigiri
Making onigiri is easier than you think. It’s a fun way to use leftover rice and can be filled with your favorite ingredients.
Get the Recipe: How to Make Onigiri
Fajita Chicken and Rice Burrito
Wrap up your leftover rice with some fajita chicken for a fast and tasty dinner that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Chicken and Rice Burrito
Leftover Rice Fritters
These crispy fritters are a perfect snack or side dish, especially if you have some leftover rice. They’re vegan, gluten-free, and ready in no time.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Rice Fritters
Lemon Rice
Brighten up your leftover rice with this lemon rice recipe. It’s quick to make and packs a punch of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Rice
Cowboy Caviar Salad
Mix rice with beans, avocado, and a spicy dressing to create this lively salad. It’s perfect for a summer meal or a BBQ side.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Caviar Salad
Chicken and Rice Salad with Fresh Basil and Lemon
This refreshing salad mixes chicken, rice, and basil with a tangy lemon dressing. It’s easy to make and great for a light meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Rice Salad with Fresh Basil and Lemon
Easy Khao Pad Recipe
This Thai fried rice is a fantastic way to use up leftover rice. It’s simple, packed with flavor, and ready in no time.
Get the Recipe: Easy Khao Pad Recipe
Peanut Butter Rice with Vegetables
Peanut butter adds a rich flavor to this quick vegan fried rice, making it a hearty meal for any night.
Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter Rice with Vegetables
Cheesy Curry Chicken and Rice Casserole
This casserole is a crowd-pleaser with a sauce that blends rice, chicken, and veggies under a cheesy top layer. It’s been a family favorite for years.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Curry Chicken and Rice Casserole
Firecracker Spicy Rice
Add some excitement to your meals with this spicy rice dish. It’s quick to make and packs a serious flavor punch.
Get the Recipe: Firecracker Spicy Rice
Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken Pineapple Bowl
Serve up dinner in a pineapple bowl! This dish combines teriyaki chicken and fried rice for a fun, tropical meal.
Get the Recipe: Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken Pineapple Bowl
Blackstone Fried Rice
Make Japanese-style fried rice right at home on your griddle. This hibachi recipe is a great way to use leftover rice.
Get the Recipe: Blackstone Fried Rice
Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice Sushi
This easy sushi recipe is great for a date night. Spicy tuna and crispy rice make a simple yet flavorful combo.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice Sushi
Jeera Rice Recipe
This simple dish flavors rice with cumin for a quick side that goes with just about anything.
Get the Recipe: Jeera Rice Recipe
Ultimate Vegan Buddha Bowl
This bowl is a full meal with veggies, healthy fats, and protein, all in one. It’s great for when you want something nutritious and filling.
Get the Recipe: Ultimate Vegan Buddha Bowl
Colorful Vegetarian Kimchi Fried Rice
Use your leftover rice for this veggie-packed, flavorful fried rice. It’s a great way to make a meal exciting.
Get the Recipe: Colorful Vegetarian Kimchi Fried Rice
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
