Category: Rice Recipes

Rice Recipes

25 Easy Rice Recipes including chicken and rice recipes, rice bowl recipes, rice recipes for dinner, and more!

The post Rice Recipes appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Rice is a great inexpensive ingredient that you can easily incorporate into your everyday meals. Not only is it budget-friendly, but its also shelf stable and very filling! You can add it as a base ingredient to different rice bowl recipes or jazz it up with lots of flavor and spices to serve as a side dish to your main meal. However you decide to enjoy it, we’ve gathered 25 of our top Rice Recipes including chicken and rice recipes, rice bowl recipes, rice recipes for dinner, and easy rice recipes!

Collage of six easy rice recipes with title text in the center.

Get ready to dive into 25 delicious, affordable, and easy to make rice recipes that we’re sure you and your whole family will enjoy!

Chicken And Rice Recipes

One Pot Chicken And Rice

One Pot Chicken and Rice

Close up of chicken being scooped out of the skillet.
This hearty and delicious chicken and rice combines rich and flavorful rice with well seasoned chicken or an easy one pot meal.
4.75 from 67 votes
$5.82 recipe / $1.46 serving Get the Recipe

This super popular One Pot Chicken and Rice dish is packed with rich and delicious flavor and since everything cooks in one pot, no flavors are lost! It’s easy, cozy, and ultra satisfying.

One Pot Teriyaki Chicken And Rice

One Pot Teriyaki Chicken and Rice

Close up of One Pot Teriyaki Chicken and Rice in the skillet.
This One Pot Teriyaki Chicken and Rice is an easy and satisfying meal that the whole family will love. It also meal preps well for lunches all week! 
4.34 from 45 votes
$6.26 recipe / $1.57 serving Get the Recipe

Juicy chicken, rice, stir fry vegetables, and a yummy teriyaki sauce come together to make this easy One Pot Teriyaki Chicken and Rice!

Southwest Chicken Skillet

Southwest Chicken Skillet

If you're looking for a quick and easy dinner, this Southwest Chicken Skillet is it! Precooked chicken makes this dinner possible in about 30 minutes. BudgetBytes.com
If you’re looking for a quick and easy dinner, this Southwest Chicken Skillet is it! Precooked chicken makes this dinner possible in about 30 minutes.
4.82 from 169 votes
$6.76 recipe / $1.69 serving Get the Recipe

A quick & easy Southwest Chicken Skillet made with beans, salsa, rice, and comes together in under 30 minutes…um, sign me up please!

Chipotle Lime Chicken And Rice

Chipotle Lime Chicken and Rice

Chipotle lime chicken and rice in the skillet garnished with limes
This easy one-pot chipotle lime chicken and rice is tangy, smoky, spicy, and incredibly delicious. Makes a great main dish or meal prep!
4.49 from 27 votes
$9.16 recipe / $2.29 serving Get the Recipe

The flavor in this Chipotle Lime Chicken and Rice is simply undeniable. There is a hefty dose of spices, tangy lime juice, and a bunch of flavor from the chicken that cooks right in the same pot. So delicious!

Arroz Con Pollo (Puerto Rican Chicken And Rice)

Arroz Con Pollo (Puerto Rican Chicken and Rice)

Over head view of arroz con pollo in a red Dutch oven.
This scrumptious Puerto Rican chicken and rice dish is a weekly staple at my house. Arroz con Pollo is an easy one-pot meal, that's ready in no time and is perfect for meal prep and freezer meals.
4.84 from 18 votes
$12.30 recipe / $2.46 serving Get the Recipe

This mouth-watering, budget-friendly, Arroz Con Pollo is a one pot Puerto Rican chicken and rice dish. It has tons of flavor and is perfect for a cozy, weeknight dinner meal.

Creamy Chicken And Rice Skillet

Creamy Chicken and Rice Skillet

Close up of chicken and rice being scooped out of the skillet with a wooden spoon.
This easy one pot Creamy Chicken and Rice Skillet makes a comforting weeknight dinner during those long, dark winter months! Makes great leftovers, too!
4.86 from 42 votes
$7.12 recipe / $1.78 serving Get the Recipe

This Creamy Chicken and Rice Skillet is probably one of the most well-love comfort food recipes of all time! It’s creamy, cheesy, and all made in one skillet.

Rice Bowl Recipes

Sushi Bowls

Sushi Bowls

Completed sushi bowl from above on a dark background.
Sushi Bowls are a fast, easy, and inexpensive alternative to your favorite sushi bar. Get your sushi fix without spending a fortune. 
4.99 from 53 votes
$8.824 recipe / $2.21 each Get the Recipe

When you’re craving sushi, but you want something that’s easy to make and easy on the budget – these Sushi Bowls will hit the spot!

Roasted Cauliflower Taco Bowls

Roasted Cauliflower Taco Bowls with Cilantro Lime Ranch

Close up overhead view of a roasted cauliflower taco bowl topped with cilantro lime ranch and a black fork in the middle
These light and flavorful Roasted Cauliflower Taco Bowls have tons of color, flavor, and texture to keep you coming back for more! Great for meal prep!
4.95 from 51 votes
$8.31 recipe / $2.08 serving Get the Recipe

Taco and burrito bowls are my favorite!! Especially when they’re made with fresh ingredients like these Roasted Cauliflower Taco Bowls! Vibrant, flavorful, and perfect for lunch or dinner.

Sesame Tempeh Bowls

Sesame Tempeh Bowls

Sesame Tempeh Bowls being eaten with chopsticks
These Sesame Tempeh Bowls are a great vegan alternative to sesame chicken and only take about 20 minutes to make. An easy fast vegan meal prep! 
4.83 from 35 votes
$6.74 recipe / $1.69 serving Get the Recipe

These quick & easy Sesame Tempeh Bowls are made with a simple stir-fry sauce and served with rice and frozen broccoli florets. Perfect for meal prep!

Slow Cooker Taco Chicken Bowls

Taco Chicken Bowls

Slow Cooker Taco Chicken Bowls are the ultimate “set it and forget it” easy weeknight meal that the whole family will love.
4.88 from 188 votes
$10.31 recipe / $1.72 serving Get the Recipe

These Taco Chicken Bowls are made in a slow cooker so they’re perfect for busy families, college students, and even bachelors. You just dump all your ingredients together in the pot, let it cook, and you have an easy weeknight dinner meal!

Poor Man’s Burrito Bowls

Poor Man’s Burrito Bowls

Close up overhead shot of a poor man's burrito bowl with melted cheese
These easy no-frills burrito bowls are super fast and affordable. They're the perfect satisfying weeknight meal for times when money is tight!
4.86 from 63 votes
$7.07 recipe / $1.18 serving Get the Recipe

Burrito bowls have become super popular over the past few years, but if you don’t have a lot of money for fancy take-out, you can certainly indulge in these simple, Poor Man’s Burrito Bowls! Simple ingredients, easy to customize, and still very filling.

Teriyaki Meatball Bowls

Teriyaki Meatball Bowls

Close up of teriyaki meatball bowls with sauce being drizzled over top
Teriyaki Meatball Bowls include fragrant jasmine rice, tender pork meatballs, homemamde teriyaki sauce, and broccoli florets for an easy meal prep friendly meal!
4.77 from 90 votes
$8.86 recipe / $2.22 serving Get the Recipe

If you haven’t noticed we’re kind of obsessed with meatballs here at Budget Bytes. These Teriyaki Meatball Bowls are covered in a homemade teriyaki sauce and served with jasmine rice and broccoli florets. Absolutely delish!

Rice REcipes For Dinner

Cajun Sausage And Rice Skillet

Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet

Side view of a skillet full of Cajun Sausage and Rice
This easy Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet is the perfect easy and filling weeknight dinner, packed with plenty of smoky-spicy flavor!
4.84 from 140 votes
$7.21 recipe / $1.80 serving Get the Recipe

Our super popular Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet might just be your new favorite recipe! It’s made with similar ingredients as jambalaya, but it’s a slightly scaled back, simplified version, perfect for quick weeknight dinner.

One Pot Lemon Garlic Shrimp ANd Rice

One Pot Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Rice

overhead view of lemon garlic shrimp and rice in a skillet
You only need one pot and 8 ingredients to make this easy and flavorful Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Rice. Fast, easy, and delicious!
4.69 from 48 votes
$7.53 recipe / $1.88 serving Get the Recipe

This One Pot Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Rice dish is packed with flavor and comes together in just 30 minutes! Not only is it easy to make, but it’s also very impressive for serving to company (or a special date night!)

Southwest Lentils And Rice Skillet

Southwest Lentils and Rice Skillet

Overhead shot of southwest lentils and rice skillet garnished with green onions and a wooden spoon placed inside the skillet.
This Southwest Lentils and Rice Skillet is packed with veggies and bold flavors for a super filling, budget-friendly, and easy to make one pot skillet meal!
4.77 from 13 votes
$5.65 recipe / $1.41 serving Get the Recipe

This Southwest Lentils and Rice Skillet is a simple one pot meal made with brown lentils, white rice, lots of veggies, and bold spices. It’s budget-friendly and great for meal prep!

Unstuffed Bell Peppers

Unstuffed Bell Peppers

Close up side view of unstuffed bell peppers in the skillet
All the ingredients and flavor of stuffed bell peppers cooked in one skillet for an easy, free-form bowl meal. It's UNstuffed Bell Peppers!
4.75 from 81 votes
$8.29 recipe / $1.38 serving Get the Recipe

Don’t get me wrong, I love a good stuffed bell pepper, but even better if I can throw all the same ingredients into one skillet for a super easy Unstuffed Bell Peppers meal! #winwin

Puerto Rican Rice And Beans

Puerto Rican Style Red Beans and Rice

Overhead shot of a white bowl of red beans and rice.
Puerto Rican Rice and Beans is a dish with bold flavors, it's easy to prepare, and it's budget-friendly! Make it a meal with a side of ripe yellow plantain slices, or serve it as a sidekick to any protein.
4.70 from 13 votes
$8.24 recipe / $0.69 serving Get the Recipe

Puerto Rican Style Red Beans and Rice can be a meal on its own with a side of ripe yellow plantain slices or you can serve it as a sidekick to any protein!

Broccoli Cheddar Casserole

Broccoli Cheddar Casserole

Broccoli cheddar casserole being scooped out of the dish
A creamy broccoli cheddar casserole from scratch, using no "cream of" soups. Rich, cheesy comfort food at its best!
4.73 from 74 votes
$6.56 recipe / $1.09 serving Get the Recipe

Broccoli Cheddar Casserole is a classic rice dish! It’s cheesy, comforting, and perfect as a Thanksgiving side, or just a tasty addition to dinner any night of the week!

Easy Rice Recipes

Vegetable Fried Rice

Vegetable Fried Rice

Overhead view of a plate full of vegetable fried rice on a yellow background.
Vegetable Fried Rice is a fast, easy, delicious, and budget-friendly meal that you can whip up with ingredients on hand at any time!
4.96 from 22 votes
$4.5 recipe / $1.13 serving Get the Recipe

Vegetable Fried Rice is a classic rice dish that’s fast, easy, filling, and delicious! You can mix and match veggies and add some meat if you want for the perfect lunch or dinner meal!

Mushroom Rice

Mushroom Rice

Close side view of mushroom rice in a pan
This simple mushroom rice combines earthy mushrooms, savory garlic, rich butter, and flavorful vegetable broth for a simple yet flavorful side dish.
4.92 from 25 votes
$2.93 recipe / $0.73 serving Get the Recipe

No need for box flavored rice dishes, try this super flavorful Mushroom Rice instead! Savory garlic, rich butter, and vegetable broth really amps up the flavor; and it’s perfect to serve on the side with baked chicken, roasted pork tenderloin, or even homemade meatloaf.

Tomato Rice

Tomato Rice

Tomato rice is an easy yet flavorful side dish that uses only a few simple ingredients, and it's sure to liven up any dinner plate!
4.67 from 9 votes
$2.40 recipe / $0.30 serving Get the Recipe

This Tomato Rice recipe is similar to Mexican rice (although not authentic) and is the perfect side to liven up your dinner plate! It’s made with simple ingredients that give it a bright & savory flavor.

Coconut Rice

Coconut Rice

Coconut rice on a plate garnished with green onion and toasted coconut.
This savory coconut rice features fragrant jasmine rice, rich coconut milk, and savory garlic for a simple yet delicious side dish.
4.85 from 53 votes
$2.88 recipe / $0.48 serving Get the Recipe

Just 5 ingredients is all you need to make this rich, savory, and insanely delicious Coconut Rice!

Cilantro LIme Rice

Cilantro Lime Rice

Cilantro Lime Rice - BudgetBytes.com
Cilantro lime rice is a bright and flavorful alternative to plain white rice and works great as a side or stuffed into burritos. 
4.93 from 14 votes
$1.99 recipe / $0.33 serving Get the Recipe

Cilantro Lime Rice is a big favorite of mine and it tastes great with burrito bowls, taco bowls, or as a side dish with any Mexican meal!

Yellow Jasmine Rice

Yellow Jasmine Rice

This savory Yellow Jasmine Rice combines warm and fragrant Indian spices and chicken broth to make the most flavorful rice you’ve ever tasted!
4.69 from 148 votes
$2.01 recipe / $0.34 serving Get the Recipe

This Yellow Jasmine Rice is incredibly flavorful and delicious! It’s one of our most popular rice recipes for good reason. If you haven’t tried it yet, make it NOW!

Creamy Rice Pudding

Creamy Rice Pudding

finished rice pudding in the pot topped with sliced almonds.
Creamy rice pudding is a simple, delicious, and inexpensive dessert full of warm flavors like vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
4.84 from 18 votes
$1.68 recipe / $0.42 serving Get the Recipe

Creamy Rice Pudding is a simple, warm, and comforting dish that is always satisfying. Enjoy it plain or add other add-ins like raisins, nuts, saffron, or toasted coconut. Delish!

More Recipe Roundups

The post Rice Recipes appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Southwest Lentils And Rice Skillet

This Southwest Lentils and Rice Skillet is packed with veggies and bold flavors for a super filling, budget-friendly, and easy to make one pot skillet meal!

The post Southwest Lentils And Rice Skillet appeared first on Budget Bytes.

I don’t know about you all, but I love one pot skillet meals! This simple Southwest Lentils and Rice Skillet was inspired by a protein meal bag that I used to buy in the grocery freezer section. I loved the flavors and combination of ingredients, but I realized that I could make 3 times as much and save more money by making it at home. But the best part about this dish is that it’s a “pantry cleaning” recipe. Meaning most of the ingredients are pantry staples like canned beans and tomatoes, lentils, rice, corn, herbs and spices. It’s truly budget-friendly, super filling, easy to make, and probably your new favorite meal prep recipe! :)

Overhead shot of southwest lentils and rice skillet garnished with green onions and a wooden spoon placed inside the skillet.

What’s in Southwest Lentils and Rice Skillet?

The good news is you probably already have most of these ingredients for this tasty skillet meal in your pantry right now! So here’s a brief rundown of what you’ll need:

  • Lentils & Rice – Lentils and rice are the base components of this recipe and a great combination for a filling meal. There are several different types of lentils, but we used brown lentils and long-grain white rice for this recipe. I’ll provide more details about lentils in the section below.
  • Vegetables – I used a simple combination of black beans, fire-roasted tomatoes, and frozen corn for this recipe. Feel free to use canned corn (drained) or regular diced tomatoes if that’s what you have on hand. Just know you’ll be missing out on the smoky flavor you would get from using fire-roasted tomatoes.
  • Red Onion and Garlic – Both of these aromatics add depth and great flavor to the dish. You can certainly substitute yellow onion instead of red onion if you prefer.
  • Vegetable Broth – Vegetable broth to cook the lentils and rice and to keep this recipe vegetarian. Feel free to use chicken broth if that’s what you have on hand.
  • Spices – Spices like cumin, chili powder, adobo seasoning, and oregano create a bold Southwest-inspired flavor base for this skillet meal.
  • Cheddar Cheese & Green Onions – We topped things off with some fresh shredded cheddar cheese and sliced green onions for extra flavor and color.

What Type of Lentils To Use?

There’s usually a wide variety of lentils sold in grocery stores these days including brown, red, yellow, black and french-style lentils. For this recipe you’ll want to use brown or brownish-green lentils which cook with about 20 minutes of simmering and do not require soaking. I don’t suggest using red or yellow lentils for this recipe because they break down quickly when cooked and they don’t hold their shape as well as brown lentils.

Can I use Brown Rice?

This recipe would be a little tricky to substitute brown rice in because brown rice takes much longer to cook than white rice, and it requires more liquid. The longer cook time would also cause the lentils to become mushy. So I recommend just sticking with the white rice for this recipe.

Topping Ideas

One of the best parts about this Southwest Lentils & Rice skillet is being able to customize it with all your favorite taco-style toppings! You can top it with some cilantro, your favorite cheese, and even a few diced tomatoes.

Or get really fancy with some diced avocado, pickled jalapeños, or a drizzle of lime crema. My personal favorite is to just serve it with shredded cheese, green onions, a side of salsa, and some tortilla chips. Sooo good!! :)

Storing & Reheating

This lentils and rice meal holds up great in the fridge. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. And it’s perfect for meal prep! I’ve meal-prepped this recipe quite a few times in separate storage containers, reheated in the microwave until warm, and boom…a quick and easy lunch or dinner any day of the week!

Overhead view of a white bowl full of southwest lentils and rice with tortilla chips, a napkin, and black fork on the side.
Overhead shot of southwest lentils and rice skillet garnished with green onions and a wooden spoon placed inside the skillet.
Print

Southwest Lentils and Rice Skillet

This Southwest Lentils and Rice Skillet is packed with veggies and bold flavors for a super filling, budget-friendly, and easy to make one pot skillet meal!
Course Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine Mexican
Total Cost $5.65 recipe / $1.41 serving
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 4 (1.5 cups each)
Calories 369kcal
Author Marsha – Budget Bytes

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 Tbsp olive oil $0.11
  • 1 small red onion $0.42
  • 2 cloves garlic $0.16
  • 1.5 tsp cumin $0.15
  • 1 tsp chili powder $0.10
  • 1 tsp adobo seasoning $0.10
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano $0.05
  • 1/2 tsp salt $0.04
  • 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper $0.02
  • 1/2 cup brown lentils, rinsed $0.38
  • 1 15oz. can black beans, drained & rinsed $0.79
  • 1 14.5oz. can fire roasted tomatoes $1.25
  • 1 cup frozen corn $0.60
  • 2 cups vegetable broth $0.34
  • 3/4 cup long grain white rice, rinsed $0.32
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese $0.58
  • 2 green onions, sliced $0.24

Instructions

  • Dice the red onion and mince the garlic. Add olive oil and onion to a large deep skillet over medium heat and sauté until onions are translucent, approximately 2-3 minutes. Add minced garlic and sauté an additional 30 seconds or until garlic is fragrant.
  • Add the cumin, chili powder, adobo, oregano, salt, and pepper to the skillet, stir and toast spices for about 30 seconds.
  • Next add in the lentils, black beans, fire roasted tomatoes (with juices), corn, and vegetable broth. Stir everything to combine. Place a lid on the skillet, turn the heat up to medium-high, and allow the mixture to come to a full boil. Once boiling, immediately reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes. This will allow the lentils to start cooking first before adding the rice.
  • After 5 minutes, remove the lid and add the rice. Stir briefly just to evenly distribute the rice, cover with a lid, bring the skillet back to a boil, then reduce the heat again and simmer for 20 minutes.
  • While the mixture is cooking, grate the cheddar cheese and slice the green onions.
  • After 20 minutes, remove the skillet from the heat and let it rest, with the lid on, for 5 minutes. After it has rested, remove the lid, fluff the rice and gently stir to redistribute the veggies.
  • Top the lentils and rice mixture with shredded cheese and sliced green onions. Serve with more of your favorite toppings and enjoy!

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Nutrition

Serving: 1.5cups | Calories: 369kcal | Carbohydrates: 59g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 9g | Sodium: 872mg | Fiber: 10g
Side front view of southwest lentils and rice skillet with a wooden spoon scooping some out.

How to Make Southwest Lentils And Rice Skillet – Step by Step Photos

Diced red onion, garlic, and spices in a skillet.

In a large deep skillet, add 1 Tbsp olive oil and 1 small red onion, diced. Sauté over medium heat until onions are translucent, approximately 2-3 minutes. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté an additional 30 seconds. Now add 1 1/2 tsp cumin, 1 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp adobo seasoning, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp cracked black pepper. Stir and toast the spices for about 30 seconds.

Lentils, fire-roasted tomatoes, black beans, corn, and vegetable broth added to the skillet.

Add 1/2 cup brown lentils, one 15oz. can black beans (drained & rinsed), one 14.5oz. can fire roasted tomatoes (with juices), 1 cup frozen corn, and 2 cups of vegetable broth to the skillet. Stir everything to combine. Place a lid on the skillet, turn the heat up to medium-high, and allow the mixture to come to a full boil. Once boiling, immediately reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes. This will allow the lentils to start cooking first before adding the rice.

Long grain white rice being added to the skillet.

After 5 minutes, remove the lid and add 3/4 cups long grain white rice (rinsed). Stir briefly just to evenly distribute the rice, cover with a lid, bring the skillet back to a full boil, then reduce the heat again and simmer for 20 minutes. While the mixture is cooking, grate 1/2 cup cheddar cheese and slice two green onions.

Cooked southwest lentils and rice skillet with rice being fluffed with a fork.

After 20 minutes, remove the skillet from the heat and let it rest, with the lid on, for 5 minutes. After it has rested, remove the lid, fluff the rice and gently stir to redistribute the veggies.

Finished Southwest Lentils and Rice Skillet with shredded cheddar cheese and sliced green onions on top.

Top the lentils and rice mixture with the shredded cheese and sliced green onions.

Overhead view of a white bowl full of southwest lentils and rice with tortilla chips, a napkin, and black fork on the side.

Serve with more of your favorite toppings and enjoy!

More Easy Skillet Recipes

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Arroz Verde (Green Rice)

Arroz Verde is a vibrant Mexican green rice dish that’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and infused with lots of earthy, herby flavors!

The post Arroz Verde (Green Rice) appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Rice is one of our favorite budget-friendly side dishes, so when we saw the recipe for Arroz Verde in Karla Salinari’s new book, Abuela’s Plant-Based Kitchen: Vegan Cuisine Inspired by Latin & Caribbean Family Recipes, we knew we had to give it a try! This simple Arroz Verde (Green Rice) recipe is bright, full of earthy flavor, and the perfect way to use up any herbs or leafy greens in your fridge! So if you’re looking for a new tasty way to enjoy this weeknight staple side dish, then definitely give this green rice recipe a try!

Overhead view of a white bowl full of Arroz Verde with parley and a grey napkin on the side.

What is Arroz Verde?

Arroz Verde is a popular Mexican and Latin American green rice dish that’s known for its vibrant green color and herby flavors. It’s often made by cooking rice in a blended herb and leafy greens puree until it’s fluffy and infused with lots of earthy flavor.

INGREDIENTS FOR ARROZ VERDE

This green rice recipe includes lots of vegetables and packs a ton of flavor! Here’s what you need to make this simple rice dish:

  • Basmati Rice – Basmati rice, which is fragrant and fluffy, is the base for this recipe. We used jasmine rice, which is also fragrant because that is what we had on hand, but feel free to use any long-grain white rice that fits your budget.
  • Green Leafy Vegetables – Lots of earthy green leafy vegetables and herbs are used in this arroz verde recipe including Swiss chard, spinach, parsley, and cilantro. It makes the rice bright and super flavorful! If you can’t find Swiss chard, simply substitute it with more spinach.
  • Olive oil and Garlic – Both of these are added with the leafy vegetables to create a green powerhouse blended mixture. The pureed mixture is then sautéed to release some of its fragrance before being cooked with the rice.
  • Green Peas and Scallions – Cooked green peas and sliced scallions give the dish more color, texture, and flavor, making this an anything-but-boring side dish.

What to serve with Arroz Verde?

Arroz Verde would pair nicely with Easy Cilantro Lime Chicken, Garlic Butter Baked Cod, Pan Seared Chicken Breasts, or even with a side of Seasoned Black Beans! Other Mexican-inspired dishes like Cheese Enchiladas or Black Bean and Avocado Enchiladas would also go great with this rice dish!

Side front view of a bowl full of Arroz Verde.
Overhead view of a white bowl full of Arroz Verde with parley and a grey napkin on the side.
Print

Arroz Verde (Green Rice)

Arroz Verde is a vibrant Mexican green rice dish that’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and infused with lots of earthy, herby flavors!
Course Dinner
Cuisine Latin
Total Cost $5.49 recipe / $0.92 serving
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 6 about 1 cup each
Calories 404kcal
Author Karla Salinari – Abuela’s Plant-Based Kitchen

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Swiss chard, stems removed* $1.50
  • 1 cup fresh spinach $0.28
  • 1 cup parsley $0.39
  • 1/2 cup cilantro $0.29
  • 1/2 cup olive oil $1.28
  • 3 cloves garlic $0.24
  • 2 cups long grain white rice, washed & rinsed $0.84
  • 2 cups boiling water $0
  • Salt to taste $0.01

For Serving

  • 1/2 cup cooked green peas $0.31
  • 1/4 cup scallions, thinly sliced $0.35

Instructions

  • Add the Swiss chard, spinach, parsley, cilantro, olive oil, and roughly chopped garlic to a food processor. Process on high until mixture reaches a paste-like consistency.
  • Place a medium size pot over medium-high heat. Once hot, transfer the green vegetable mixture to the pot and sauté until fragrant, 2-3 minutes.
  • Add the rice to the pot and mix to combine coating the rice with the green mixture.
  • Add boiling water and salt to taste to the pot and let the mixture come to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cover with a tight lid. Cook for 20 min or until the rice is tender.
  • Once done remove the pot from the heat and using a fork fluff the rice. Add the cooked green peas and scallions and combine. Serve and enjoy!

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Notes

*If you can not find Swiss chard, you can substitute with more spinach.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 404kcal | Carbohydrates: 53g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 19g | Sodium: 38mg | Fiber: 2g
Overhead view of a bowl of Arroz Verde with a black fork lifting some out. Parsley and cooked peas garnished on the side.

How to Make Arroz Verde – Step by Step Photos

Swiss chard, Spinach, parsley, cilantro, and garlic added to a food processor with olive oil being poured in.

Add 1 cup of chopped Swiss chard, 1 cup fresh spinach, 1 cup parsley, 1/2 cup cilantro, 1/2 cup olive oil, and 3 garlic cloves (roughly chopped) to a food processor.

Green vegetable ingredients blended in food processor.

Process on high until mixture reaches a paste-like consistency.

Green vegetable mixture added to a large pot

Place a medium size pot over medium-high heat. Once hot, transfer the green vegetable mixture to the pot and sauté until fragrant, 2-3 minutes.

White rice added to green vegetable mixture in the pot

Add 2 cups long-grain white rice (washed & rinsed) to the pot and mix to combine, coating the rice with the green mixture.

Boiling water being added to rice and green vegetable mixture inside the pot

Add 2 cups of boiling water and salt to taste to the pot, then let the mixture come to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cover with a tight lid. Cook for 20 min or until the rice is tender.

Cooked green rice with cooked peas and sliced green onions added in.

Once done remove the pot from the heat and using a fork fluff the rice. Add 1/2 cup cooked green peas and 1/4 cup sliced scallions and combine.

Finished Arroz Verde dish with finely chopped cilantro on top.

Serve and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro if desired. Simple and delicious! Enjoy!

Close up side view of Arroz Verde in a serving bowl.

More Easy Rice Recipes

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Pork and Cherry Rice Bowl

These pork and cherry rice bowls are a quick and delicious rice bowl meal with a unique sweet and savory twist!

The post Pork and Cherry Rice Bowl appeared first on Budget Bytes.

If you want to break free from the same old same old, these Pork and Cherry Rice Bowls are a ridiculously delicious and unique twist on the classic rice bowl. Sweet and juicy cherries are a perfect contrast for unctuous, savory (and super budget-friendly) ground pork. The dish is finished with an acidic cherry sauce made with pork drippings that truly brings it all together. The best part: It’ll be on the table in about a half hour!

Overhead view of a pork and cherry rice bowl garnished with parsley.

What Is A Pork And Cherry Rice Bowl?

Ultimately, it’s a rice bowl. You have a grain, some protein, and produce. But rice bowls can get boring, and this out-of-the-box combination is savory with a touch of tart sweetness. For me, it was love at first bite.

Ingredients For Apple Slaw

While these rice bowls are easy enough for a weeknight meal (they come together in about a half hour!), their bold flavor makes them perfect for a special occasion. Here’s what you’ll need to make Pork and Cherry Rice Bowls:

  • Rice: This is the foundation of this rice bowl. I use jasmine rice in this recipe, feel free to use your favorite type, though of course the water ratio and cooking times might change depending on the type of rice used. If you need it, check out our handy tutorial on How To Cook Rice.  
  • Ground Pork: I use ground pork sausage patties because they’re budget-friendly and super convenient. They are already seasoned, so you only have to cook the pork through. Pork sausage patties are usually made with fennel or sage, seasonings that pair perfectly with savory cherries. You can, of course, use your favorite ground pork or plant-based sausage here; just make sure it isn’t something way out there like beer and cheese jalapeño.  
  • Cherries: I use frozen sweet cherries that are pitted and ready to go. They break down quickly into a sauce. Any type of sweet cherry will do here. If you want to use fresh, you’ll need to make sure they are pitted before putting them in the mix. Canned sweet cherries are fine as long as the don’t have added sugar. This is a savory preparation. If you don’t like cherries, I recommend you try one of our other fantastic rice bowls. 
  • Red Wine: Helps create our cherry sauce and adds depth of flavor. The alcohol thoroughly cooks out, so you won’t be getting anyone tipsy. If you want to skip the wine, use cranberry juice or chicken stock.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Add dimension by bringing a touch of smoky heat. Though it is a subtle heat and nothing that will knock your socks off, feel free to omit it if you’re not a fan.
  • Lemon Juice: Adds a touch of acidity to the sauce. If you don’t have lemon juice, use apple cider vinegar. 
  • Italian Parsley: Adds herbaceous notes to the mix and is also used for garnish. 
  • Garlic and Yellow Onion: These are aromatics that help add bulk and flavor to the ground pork. You can substitute the onion with a tablespoon of onion powder and the garlic with ½ teaspoon of garlic powder. If you can’t do onions and garlic, skip them.
  • Butter: Helps pull the sauce together and gives it a nice sheen. 

What To Serve With Pork and Cherry Rice Bowls

If you want to bulk up your meal, pair these Pork and Cherry Rice Bowls with an easy Side Salad, Butternut Squash Salad, or Herby Potato Salad. They’re also excellent with Balsamic Roasted Mushrooms or Lemon Butter Green Beans.

How To Store The Leftovers

Store the rice and ground pork separately in airtight containers; otherwise, the rice will soak up that delicious sauce. You can refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in a microwave or on a stovetop until steaming. 

Side view of a pork and cherry rice bowl.
Close up overhead view of a pork and cherry rice bowl.
Print

Pork and Cherry Rice Bowls

These pork and cherry rice bowls are a quick and delicious rice bowl meal with a unique sweet and savory twist!
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Total Cost $7.27 recipe / $1.82 serving
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Rest Time 10 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 4 (about 1.5 cups each)
Calories 749kcal
Author Monti – Budget Bytes

Ingredients

  • 4 Tbsp salted butter, divided $0.38
  • 2 cups long grain white rice, rinsed $0.75
  • 2.5 cups boiling water $0.00
  • 1/4 tsp salt, divided $0.01
  • 1 yellow onion, diced $0.32
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced $0.16
  • 12 oz. pork sausage $2.99
  • 1/2 cup Italian parsley, chopped $0.42
  • 1/2 cup frozen or fresh sweet cherries $1.25
  • 1/2 cup red wine $0.94
  • 1/8 tsp crushed red pepper $0.02
  • 1/4 tsp lemon juice $0.01

Instructions

  • In a medium pot with a heavy lid or in a rice cooker, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and mix in the rice. Toast the rice in the butter, stirring until fragrant. Then add the boiling water and 1/8 teaspoon salt.
  • Once the rice comes to a boil and there are small steam vent holes across the surface, cover and cook for 15 minutes. When the fifteen minutes are up, remove the rice from the heat, but do not uncover the pan. Allow the rice to steam for an additional 10 minutes before removing the lid.
  • In the meantime, place a skillet over medium-high heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter in it. Add the diced yellow onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 2 minutes. Add the minced garlic cloves and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
  • Add the pork sausage to the pan and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Mix the chopped Italian Parsley into the pork.
  • Remove the pork from the pan, leaving the juices in the pan. Add the red wine to the pan and deglaze it, using a wooden spoon to scrape up all the brown bits. This should take about 1 minute.
  • Chop the cherries into quaraters and add them to the deglazed pan, stirring occasionally until the liquid reduces into a thin syrup, about 5 minutes. Take the cherries off the heat. The rice should also be done cooking by now, so make sure to take it off the heat and allow it to steam for 10 minutes.
  • Add the remaining 1/8 teaspoon salt, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and lemon juice to the cherry sauce. Stir to incorporate. Add the final tablespoon of butter to the cherry sauce and stir until it melts.
  • Once the ten-minute resting time for the rice is up, uncover and fluff it. Taste for salt and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
  • Divide the rice between four bowls. Top the rice with the ground pork. Drizzle with cherry sauce. Garnish with Italian parsley and serve.

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Nutrition

Serving: 1.5cups | Calories: 749kcal | Carbohydrates: 81g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 35g | Sodium: 796mg | Fiber: 2g

How to Make Pork and Cherry Rice Bowls – Step by Step Photos

Boiling water being poured into a pot with rice.

In a medium pot with a heavy lid or in a rice cooker, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and mix in 2 cups of rice. Toast the rice in the butter, stirring until fragrant. Then add 2 1/2 cups boiling water and 1/8th teaspoon salt. 

Half cooked rice in the pot, showing air vents in the surface.

Once the rice comes to a boil and there are small steam vent holes across the surface, cover and cook for 15 minutes. When the fifteen minutes are up, remove the rice from the heat, but do not uncover the pan. Allow the rice to steam for an additional 10 minutes before removing the lid.

Sautéed onion in a skillet.

In the meantime, place a skillet over medium-high heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter in it. Add 1 diced yellow onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 2 minutes. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. 

Cooked pork sausage in the skillet.

Add 12 ounces of pork sausage to the pan and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Mix ½ cup chopped Italian Parsley into the pork. 

Red wine being poured into the pan to deglaze.

Remove the pork from the pan, leaving the juices in the pan. Add 1/2 cup red wine to the pan and deglaze it, using a wooden spoon to scrape up all the brown bits. This should take about 1 minute.

Reduced red wine sauce in the skillet.

Chop 1/2 cup fresh or frozen sweet cherries into quarters, then add them to the deglazed pan, stirring occasionally until the liquid reduces into a thin syrup, about 5 minutes. Take the cherries off the heat. The rice should also be done cooking by now, so make sure to take it off the heat and allow it to steam for 10 minutes. 

Butter added to the cherry red wine sauce in the skillet.

Add the remaining 1/8th tsp salt, 1/8 tsp red pepper flakes, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp lemon juice to the cherry sauce. Stir to incorporate. Add the final tablespoon of butter to the cherry sauce and stir until it melts.

Fluffed rice in the pot.

Once the ten-minute resting time is up, uncover the rice and fluff it. Taste for salt and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

Cherry pork rice bowl being assembled.

Divide the rice between four bowls. Top the rice with the ground pork. Drizzle with cherry sauce. Garnish with Italian parsley and serve.

A fork digging into a pork and cherry rice bowl.

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