What to Make with the Most Popular Types of Rice

We've carefully handpicked over 160 recipes that use 6 different types of rice. Here's how to make each warm and appetizing dish.

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Sausage Ratatouille
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White

When you think of rice, you’re probably thinking of white rice. The milled rice is popular due to its mild flavor that adds body to practically any dish. Its versatility spans all types of cuisines, too. From Polish-inspired golombki to Thai coconut beef, people from all parts of the world just can’t get enough of white rice. We’re a big fan of adding it to this Sausage Ratatouille.

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Wild

We’re wild for wild rice. Funny thing is, wild rice is not truly a rice. It’s actually the seed of an aquatic marsh grass. But because of the way it looks and cooks, it’s typically categorized in the rice family. This faux rice adds an earthy flavor to savory dishes like cream of turkey soup.

Plus, wild rice is healthy. It not only has a high fiber count, but it also contains cancer-fighting antioxidants. Plus it can help lower cholesterol, too.

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Brown

Looking for a healthy starch? Look no further than brown rice. Brown rice is rich in fiber, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. Plus, brown rice’s taste is so subtle, it blends into any dish. You won’t even notice a taste difference while you’re soaking up brown rice’s good-for-you nutrients.

Just make sure you’re cooking brown rice the right way. Main takeaway: cook brown rice just like pasta. Boil it in salted water for 25-30 minutes. You can also make it in a rice cooker.

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Parmesan Risotto
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Arborio

Considered the best rice for risotto dishes, arborio rice is a short-grain rice that should be on your radar. Why use it for risotto? Well, arborio rice absorbs liquid slowly. This slow-cook style creates a creamy consistency that is perfect for risotto.

Besides recipes like this Parmesan risotto, you can try using arborio rice in a hearty paella or an old-fashioned rice pudding.

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Jasmine

Named after the jasmine flower, this aromatic rice can trace its origins back to Thailand. Its buttery flavor complements dishes like red chicken curry and this butternut coconut curry. Also, did you know that jasmine rice makes the best Chipotle rice copycat?

One word of caution, though. Jasmine rice is notorious for sticking to the bottom of the pot. (Find out how to fix sticky rice!) Let this rice sit for 5-10 minutes before stirring to avoid clumping. Get more tips on how to cook rice from our Test Kitchen.

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Basmati

Last, but certainly not least: basmati. Basmati rice’s nutty flavor always cools down a hot and spicy Indian dish. And we’re particularly fond of slathering basmati in a tangy peanut butter sauce—like in this Thai Chicken Thigh dish.

Looking to make a customized curry dish? Oh, no problem. We’ve got you with this guide for how to make curry.

Christina Herbst
Christina is a Social Media Editor for Taste of Home. She enjoys trying out local restaurants and coffeehouses and adding copious amounts of garlic and cheese to any recipe she can get her hands on. In her free time, you can find her hunting down one-of-a-kind furniture pieces at thrift and vintage stores and DIYing trendy home decor crafts.