Cooked brown rice is a versatile and nutritious ingredient that can be used to create a variety of delicious and healthy meals. Whether you have leftover rice from last night’s dinner or you simply want to try out new recipes, there are plenty of options to choose from. In this article, we will explore some creative and tasty ideas for what to make with cooked brown rice.
Mouth-watering Stir-Fry Recipes
1. Veggie Stir-Fry
A veggie stir-fry is a fantastic way to incorporate cooked brown rice into a tasty and nutritious meal. Start by heating some oil in a skillet and sautéing your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, and snap peas. Once the vegetables are tender-crisp, add the cooked brown rice and stir-fry sauce of your choice. Toss everything together until well combined and serve hot.
2. Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry
For a delightful twist on a classic stir-fry, consider making a teriyaki chicken stir-fry with cooked brown rice. Begin by cooking bite-sized chicken pieces in a skillet until golden brown. Add in chopped bell peppers, onions, and pineapple chunks, and continue to stir-fry until the vegetables are slightly tender. Then, mix in a homemade teriyaki sauce and the cooked brown rice. Stir everything together until well-coated and heated through. Serve with a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an extra touch of flavor.
Satisfying Buddha Bowls
1. Mediterranean Bowl
A Mediterranean bowl is a wholesome and delicious option to enjoy leftover cooked brown rice. Start by layering a bed of spinach or mixed greens in a bowl. Top it with cooked brown rice and then add a variety of ingredients such as cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, feta cheese, and chickpeas. Feel free to add some cooked chicken or tofu for extra protein. Drizzle some olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice over the bowl, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy this satisfying and refreshing meal!
2. Tex-Mex Bowl
If you’re a fan of Tex-Mex flavors, a Tex-Mex bowl with cooked brown rice is the way to go. Begin by layering cooked brown rice in a bowl and then add ingredients like black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, avocado slices, and shredded lettuce. Top it off with some grilled chicken or seasoned tofu if desired. For an added kick, drizzle some salsa or hot sauce over the bowl and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. This vibrant and flavorful bowl is sure to satisfy your taste buds.
Delectable Stuffed Peppers
1. Greek Stuffed Peppers
Using cooked brown rice as a filling for stuffed peppers is a wholesome and delightful option. For a Greek twist, mix cooked brown rice with chopped tomatoes, feta cheese, Kalamata olives, diced red onions, and fresh herbs such as parsley and oregano. Cut the tops off bell peppers and remove the seeds. Stuff the peppers with the rice mixture and bake them in the oven until the peppers are soft and slightly charred. Serve these delicious Greek stuffed peppers as a main course or a side dish.
2. Mexican Stuffed Peppers
For a Mexican-inspired version, combine cooked brown rice with seasoned ground beef or black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and shredded cheese. Fill the bell peppers with the mixture and bake until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve these flavorful and nutritious Mexican stuffed peppers with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for added appeal.
Wholesome Rice Salad
1. Greek Rice Salad
A Greek rice salad is a refreshing and satisfying dish that makes a perfect meal on its own or a tasty side dish. In a large bowl, combine cooked brown rice with chopped cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onions, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese. Toss the ingredients together with a simple dressing made from olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Chill the salad in the refrigerator for an hour to allow the flavors to meld together. This colorful and flavorful Greek rice salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at picnics or gatherings.
2. Thai Rice Salad
If you’re in the mood for some Thai flavors, consider making a delightful Thai rice salad with cooked brown rice. In a bowl, combine cooked brown rice with diced mango, shredded carrots, chopped red bell pepper, sliced scallions, and chopped fresh cilantro. Toss the salad together with a dressing made from lime juice, fish sauce, honey, and a touch of Sriracha for some heat. This vibrant and sweet-and-spicy Thai rice salad will transport your taste buds to Southeast Asia.
In conclusion, cooked brown rice is a fantastic ingredient to create delicious and healthy meals. From mouth-watering stir-fries to satisfying Buddha bowls, delectable stuffed peppers, and wholesome rice salads, the possibilities are endless. So next time you have leftover cooked brown rice, don’t let it go to waste. Get creative in the kitchen and enjoy these delightful ideas for a flavorful and nutritious meal.