Leftover rice is the secret ingredient to some really tasty recipes. It is also the key to making a delicious meal when you are short on time. These 21 tasty ways to use leftover rice will ensure you never throw away extra rice again.
Leftover rice is a staple in our household. Whether it comes from ordering extra with our takeout orders or intentionally making a little extra one night at dinner, I always keep some in the fridge because it has so many uses.
I’ve put together a collection of my absolute favorite ways to use leftover rice to give you some inspiration. While a few of these recipes don’t specifically call for leftover rice but just “cooked rice,” the leftover rice is the perfect substitute.
This quick and easy salad is perfect for lunch. Substitute the cooked rice in the recipe with some leftover rice for a delicious meal in minutes.
This recipe was the first one that got me hooked on always ensuring I had extra rice on hand. Hands down one of our absolute favorites.
This is one of my favorite meal planning recipes but I'll also throw it together on weeknights using some leftover rice in the fridge.
Leftover rice is a must in this recipe. If you like crispy rice sushi, this is a must try.
A casserole is pure comfort food and this one is no difference!
Swap out the cooked rice in this recipe for some leftover rice and you've got a tasty meal in minutes. (Pro tip: grab a rotisserie chicken and it comes together even faster.)
Extra rice is absolutely perfect for MYO bowl recipes. This spicy salmon one is always a favorite in our house.
My husband loves rice pudding and this recipe relies on leftover rice which makes it easy AND delicious.
These burritos are a perfect use of leftover rice and can also be part of your weekly meal prep. Nothing like checking off two boxes with one recipes.
All of the flavors of yummy tacos mixed in with rice...nothing more to say but YUM.
Rice bowls are my go to for lunch a lot of time because I can pre-prep the ingredients and then just build the bowl when I'm ready to eat. This Thai peanut version is always a favorite.
Ever made pancakes with rice? This recipe will change that for good.
This is another great MYO bowl recipe where you can make most of the components ahead of time, use some leftover rice, and you've got a meal in minutes when you're ready to eat.
Savory rice pancakes: the delicious recipe for recycling leftover rice
These are savory take on rice pancakes and are so tasty! This recipe stays on my must make list for sure.
These are such a fun and delicious way to use leftover rice. With lots of different options for flavors and ingredients, you'll surely find one (or more) to love.
All the flavors in this rice bowl work together so perfectly. The leftover rice just makes it even easier to throw together.
Saturdays are out takeout days. I like to order extra rice and then make this for our breakfast on Sunday.
A friendly warning: These crackers are so good but very addicting. It will be hard to eat just one.
Skip the rice cooking step and use leftover rice to make this casserole come together even faster!
All the best flavors come together in this fried rice recipe! And, of course, leftover rice makes the best fried rice.
Leftover rice would be the perfect option for this delicious soup.
If you love these ideas for quick and easy meals, be sure to check these other great recipes:
- 21 Easy Rotisserie Chicken Recipes
- Easy Beef Goulash
- One Pot Pizza Pasta
- Gyro Inspired Air Fryer Meatballs
If you make any of the recipes from the list of ways to use leftover rice or another recipe from the blog, I’d love to hear about your experience. Leave me a comment below or snap a photo and tag it #MySuburbanKitchen on Instagram.
Also, be sure to pin this post for later so you can come back and try all the delicious ideas for using leftover rice.
fahim says
What a fantastic collection of recipes! The versatility of leftover rice really shines through in these creative and mouth-watering dishes. The variety, from Greek Rice Salad to Bacon and Egg Fried Rice, ensures there’s something for every taste. The tips on using leftover rice in different ways, like in the Coconut Mango Chicken Skillet or the Bacon, Corn, and Rice Frittata, are especially helpful. Thanks for sharing these inspiring ideas! Looking forward to trying some of these soon.
Sohel Khan says
These leftover rice recipes are a game-changer! 💡🍚 Shannah, your creative ideas have turned my leftover rice into a culinary adventure. From the Weeknight Salmon Rice Bowl that became an instant favorite to the enticing Thai Peanut Rice Bowl, each recipe is a testament to the versatility of leftover rice. 🍣🌮
I’m particularly intrigued by Grandma Beulah’s Rice Pancakes—what a unique twist on a breakfast classic! 😍 And those Garlic Rice Crackers from leftover sushi rice are an absolute treat; you were right about their addictiveness! 🥢
Your collection is not just a lifesaver for busy days but a feast for any occasion. The Easy Chicken and Rice Casserole and Bacon, Corn, and Rice Frittata are now regulars on our weekend menu. 🍲🥓
Thanks for sharing these mouthwatering recipes and proving that leftover rice can be a culinary superstar! Can’t wait to try them all and share my experience. 🌟👩🍳 #MySuburbanKitchen #LeftoverRiceMagic
Sohel Khan recently posted…The Ultimate Guide to Avocado Prices: Unveiling the Green Gold’s Market Dynamics