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Rice is a staple food for many people, but making it can be time-consuming. If you're busy, instant rice can be a great choice to help you whip up a quick meal! There is a variety of flavor profiles for you to choose from as well, from plain rice that goes well with everything, to flavorful rice dishes packed with extra ingredients like meat or veggies.
Overwhelmed with all the options available? Don't worry! Take a look at our list of the top 10 instant rices that are well-loved by consumers. We liked CJ's Cooked White Rice because it has a sticky and soft texture that's perfect for side dishes and sushi. We have nine other great options to share with you as well. Make sure to check out our buying guide, too!
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Not sure which type of rice goes well with meat or veggie dishes? Wondering what makes instant rice taste homemade? Our buying guide will help you solve all of your concerns! There are various tips to help you pick out the right instant rice for you, so take a look.
Rice is a staple in many pantries. But, did you know that there are many types of rice with different tastes and textures? Not all types work for all recipes. So to help you know the best rice to use, this section introduces some common varieties.
The shape of long-grain rice is obviously quite thin and lengthy. After cooked, the fluffy grains are separated from each other. Some of the most common types that you'll encounter include Basmati and Jasmine rice.
Basmati rice is actually a must-have for Indian and Asian cuisine. It imparts a nutty flavor that works well with curries. You can add herbs like parsley, scallions, or dill for some extra flavor.
Jasmine rice is another well-loved long-grain rice. It originates from Thailand and has a subtle, delightful floral aroma. The texture of Jasmine rice is moist and soft, so it can soak up sauces or spices fantastically.
It's a great addition to curries and tastes wonderfully alongside grilled food, braised dishes, or soups. You might want to avoid using jasmine rice for stir fry; it might get too soggy, and the floral aroma may fade away.
Compared to long-grain rice, medium-grain rice is a little bit rounder and stickier after it's cooked. Since short-grain and medium-grain rice are both fluffy and sticky, they can often be used in place of each other.
However, for dishes such as risotto, paella, and rice pudding, you'll need medium-grain rice such as Valencia or Arborio for an authentic taste. These varieties are chewy and will become creamy when cooked.
Short-grain rice is the shortest among all types of rice. Quite shocking, right? Due to the high starch composition, it becomes fluffy, chewy, and sticky. If you're looking for the right rice to make sushi, this is it! You can also add coconut milk, sugar, and mangoes to make the infamous Thai sticky rice dessert.
Most instant rices on the market are either brown or white. The difference between them doesn't just rest on the color of the rice. In fact, their taste and nutritional profile are what truly set them apart. Let us tell you more about their distinctive points so that you can choose the right kind for you.
Brown rice is technically a whole grain and still has all of the bran and germ intact. Meanwhile, white rice has had its bran, germ, and husk removed, so it's quite low in nutrients compared to brown rice.
On average, 3.5 ounces of cooked brown rice supplies approximately 1.8 grams of fiber, while the same amount of white rice only provides 0.4 grams. White rice also has lower levels of vitamins and minerals, such as thiamine, niacin, and vitamin B6. So if health is your priority, brown rice is more nutrient-dense and healthier.
Substituting white rice with brown rice has been shown to control blood sugar levels and reduce diabetes risk. But, brown rice is not that easy to digest due to the rice bran. It can actually lead to digestive issues such as diarrhea, bloating, and constipation.
If you have a sensitive digestive system, you might want to consider consuming white rice instead. There's also sprouted brown rice, which is much gentler on your digestive tract.
And when it comes to flavor, brown rice tastes a bit nutty and is quite chewy. It will bring more depth and texture to your meals and tastes great in a stir fry or with soup. You can also top it with avocado slices, black beans, or your favorite veggies to make a healthy, vegan meal.
White rice has a slightly sticky texture and is quite mild in flavor. Therefore, it can complement all kinds of dishes and won't interfere too much with your meal's flavor.
However, white rice is not that healthy if consumed excessively. It has a medium glycemic index and contains mostly empty carbs without a lot of vitamins and minerals. So overconsumption may cause some health risks, including high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes.
Nowadays, many manufacturers enrich white rice with nutrients like iron and B vitamins to give you more health benefits. Plus, the low fiber content of white rice makes it much easier to digest than brown rice.
While searching for instant rice, another crucial factor to consider is the flavor profile. If you need a side dish to eat with your meat or veggies, plain rice is a great choice.
Since it's bland and doesn't have much flavor, you can add in herbs and spices as you like. Or, you can use it as a base for stir fry or other scrumptious rice dishes.
On the other hand, if you're looking for a quick, well-rounded meal (or even a snack), an instant rice dish that has been seasoned with herbs and spices, drenched in sauce, or mixed with extra ingredients might work wonderfully.
The flavor options are pretty much endless! Want something hearty and filling? Rice-a-Roni (a blend of rice and pasta with sauce) can immediately fill you up. If you are looking for a healthier option, you can go for a combination of rice and superfoods like quinoa or lentils instead.
In the mood for a bold rice dish that works as a main course? Consider dishes such as Spanish or Mexican-style rice, teriyaki chicken rice, beef-flavored rice, and so on. For those who crave something creamy and rich, rice cooked in coconut milk or a butter and herb sauce sounds pretty delish, right?
Instant rice comes in pouches, trays, or bowls. When it comes to convenience, nothing can really beat trays and bowls. Just pop them in the microwave and wait for a few minutes. There's no need to transfer the rice to another bowl or cook it on the stove at all!
On the other hand, pouches are easy to store and won't take up a lot of space. They're usually more affordable than the trays or bowls, but you'll need a bowl to pour the cooked rice in.
And while the trays and bowls are meant for a single serving, pouches might contain enough servings for up to four people. Also, pouches can usually be cooked over a stovetop or microwaved directly in the pouch!
Instant rice doesn't require a long time to cook. In fact, most of them can be microwaved and take less than five minutes to cook completely. But to make sure that the preparation time works for you, check your product's cooking instructions.
You should see if your instant rice requires any additional ingredients as well. Most of the time, you don't need to add anything at all. But some products might require water to help soften the grains.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Price | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | CJ Cooked White Rice|12 pack | $19.98 High Mid | Korean White Rice Without Preservatives | ||
2 | Seeds of Change Organic Brown Basmati Rice|12 pack | $26.64 High Mid | Healthy, Organic Brown Basmati Rice | ||
3 | truRoots Olive Oil and Sea Salt Quinoa, Brown Rice, and Lentil Blend|8 pack | $20.79 High Mid | A Filling Blend of Quinoa, Brown Rice, and Lentils | ||
4 | Veetee Dine In Rice and Tasty Thai Jasmine|6 pack | $10.86 Mid | Thai Jasmine Rice for a Subtle Floral Aroma | ||
5 | Annie Chun's Sprouted Brown Rice |6 pack | $15.89 Mid | Easy-to-Digest Sprouted Brown Rice | ||
6 | Quaker Rice a Roni Chicken Flavor|12 pack | $11.28 Mid | A Scrumptious Meal With Chicken Broth, Herbs, and Spices | ||
7 | Uncle Ben's Ready Rice Spanish Style | $1.98 Low Mid | Spanish Rice With a Flavorful Blend for Taco Night | ||
8 | Tasty Bite Organic Coconut Rice |6 pack | $21.13 High Mid | Sweet Coconut Rice to Pair With Savory Dishes | ||
9 | Minute Enriched White Rice | $4.44 Low Mid | Convenient and Versatile Long Grain White Rice | ||
10 | Knorr Rice Sides Herb and Butter | $1.00 Low | Savory Rice and Pasta Blend With a Rich Herb and Butter Sauce |
This cooked white rice might look simple, but its production process is actually quite complicated! The rice is first meticulously harvested, stored at 59 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure freshness, and then cooked within 24 hours of the milling process for a homemade taste.
On top of that, the rice is sterilized, so there's no need for preservatives at all! And with this rice, you can make a variety of dishes, from sushi, California rolls, to fried rice. Of course, it tastes fantastic as-is.
Many reviewers were impressed with how fresh and delightful this rice tasted. They further noted that the rice had a slightly sticky and fluffy texture and paired well with various dishes such as fermented vegetables, meat, and soup. The bowl had the perfect quantity for a single serving as well!
For those who're health-conscious, this organic brown basmati rice might work wonderfully for you. First of all, it's certified organic by the USDA, so you know it contains no artificial additives. Second, it's packed with fiber that can help you feel fuller and support your digestive health.
Also, being healthy doesn't mean sacrificing taste! This product has a nutty flavor to complement your main dishes. It also does the trick for stir-fry and salad.
A few people were unhappy that they received a bad batch that tasted old and rancid. If you encounter the same situation, we suggest contacting the manufacturer for a refund or replacement. Nonetheless, for many reviewers, this rice was a staple in their pantry.
They liked that it is healthy and contains a low amount of sodium. Plus, the rice was quick to cook. You just pop it in the microwave for about 90 seconds, and voila! Since the product contains purely brown rice without any added ingredients, various consumers enjoyed it as a side dish.
Need something quick and hearty that can fuel you up? This product is exactly what you're looking for. Crafted with a healthy blend of quinoa, brown rice, and lentils, this blend is high in protein and fiber to bring you the energy you need.
The dash of sea salt and olive oil further enhances the taste and leaves you craving more. And, the whole thing takes only one minute in the microwave! Reviewers liked the nutty flavor and said that it's healthy and filling. Since it is not overly seasoned, it made a great base for veggies, meat, and fish dishes.
To enhance the taste, reviewers suggest adding more spices. Ingredients like garlic or cumin seeds worked wonderfully as well. People on a vegan diet also found the product a great addition to their meal plans.
For those who love the delicate floral fragrance and sticky and fluffy texture of Thai Jasmine rice, this product is for you. This kind of long-grain rice soaks up sauces nicely, so you can pair it with virtually any saucy or soupy dishes.
Just think about it with some creamy green curry. Yum! You can also blend in some spices and sweet coconut milk to make a rice pudding dessert that kids will surely love.
Some people were frustrated that they got the wrong order. In fact, many received basmati rice instead of Thai Jasmine rice. Check with the seller to ensure that you're getting what you pay for! We've also included the link to Walmart just to be safe.
Various reviewers were infatuated with the flavor and texture of this rice. After microwaved, it didn't turn too hard or too mushy, unlike other products. Instead, the grains were soft and completely separated from each other, and this reminded many people of homecooked, freshly-made rice.
If you love the nutty taste and health benefits of brown rice but avoid it out of fear of digestive issues like diarrhea or bloating, worry no more! This sprouted rice is much easier to digest and stills packs a powerful nutritious punch. Besides, once cooked, it tastes slightly sweeter in comparison to brown rice.
Many reviewers were hooked on this sprouted brown rice, mentioning that it had an incredibly soft and slightly sticky texture that complemented meat, seafood, or vegetable dishes. But, some did notice that the rice had a sour aftertaste.
On the other hand, those with a sensitive digestive system didn't experience any stomach issues like bloating or indigestion. People were also able to stay on track with their diet thanks to the high nutrient content of this yummy rice.
Other reviewers were also happy that the rice was packed in a microwavable bowl that was convenient to bring to school and work for a quick meal or snack.
If you're looking for a hearty meal that can immediately satiate your hunger, look no further! This product combines rice, vermicelli, and other herbs and spices to bring you a burst of flavor. Whether you need a snack or side dish, this product can surely do the trick!
But keep in mind that this product contains milk, soy, and wheat ingredients, so take caution if you have dietary restrictions or allergies. It's also worth noting that some people received damaged or unsealed products. Contact the manufacturer in that case!
Many reviewers found this product a tasty and convenient treat. The size was perfect for a single serving and helped people with portion control as well. Just add a bit of water, microwave the cup for about three and a half minutes, and your meal is ready!
This Spanish rice will delight your taste buds with a savory blend of tomatoes, poblano peppers, garlic, and onions. It's a great addition to tacos, fajitas, or enchiladas. The best part about it is that you only need to throw it in the microwave for 90 seconds!
Plus, this product is free from trans fat and cholesterol. It's actually a great source of nutrients such as thiamine, niacin, and folic acid. For many, this Spanish-styled rice was packed with flavor and quite satisfying. However, some noted that the rice was a bit dry, so you might want to cook it a little bit longer than instructed for a softer texture.
Still, reviewers found that this product tasted wonderful with grilled meat, beans, and vegetables. To further enhance the flavor of the product, many added some cheese, salsa, and sour cream.
If you want something different from regular savory rice, this coconut rice can make a fantastic change. Made with coconut milk and raw sugar, it's sweet, fragrant, and contrasts nicely with salty dishes.
Not to mention, this product uses brown rice, which is loaded with nutrients and can keep you feeling full. It's also certified organic and doesn't contain preservatives or additives. There are only four simple, wholesome ingredients that give you a homemade-tasting rice dish.
According to many reviewers, this convenient rice had a subtle note of coconut and tasted fresh and soft. It was a little bit on the sweet side and went beautifully with curry and other savory dishes. It worked as a dessert as well if you add milk, fruits, and nuts. Plus, it only takes a minute and a half to cook!
This instant long-grain white rice is already pre-cooked, so you only need to add water and microwave on high for a few minutes. Pretty simple, right? Plus, you'll find no traces of preservatives, cholesterol, sodium, and other kinds of additives. Rice is the only ingredient!
Besides using it as a side dish, you can add more flavor to the rice by cooking it with broth in lieu of water. Herbs and spices can give your rice a nice kick as well. Many reviewers called this product a must-have in their kitchen.
It was easy and quick to prepare without the need for constant stirring. After microwaved, the rice came out soft, fluffy, and not mushy at all. A lot of people also loved the versatility of this product. They used it for stir fry or simply as a side dish. Some reviewers added butter for a richer, more decadent taste!
This rice and pasta dish is drenched in a rich butter sauce and seasoned with basil, rosemary, thyme, and oregano to wake up your taste buds. You'll be surprised at how complex the flavor of this product is!
What's more, it doesn't contain any artificial flavors and can be cooked in the microwave for about seven minutes. All you need is some water. For those who want something extra indulgent, you can add butter or margarine.
Buyers said that cooking the rice was beyond easy. After cooked, the rice turned out soft and quite creamy without becoming gummy. And since the flavor was light and not too overwhelming, this product made a great complement to virtually all kinds of dishes such as pork chops, green beans, and baked chicken breasts.
Feeling tired? We've got some instant food suggestions that can give you a quick energy boost!
No. 1: CJ|Cooked White Rice|12 pack
No. 2: Seeds of Change|Organic Brown Basmati Rice|12 pack
No. 3: truRoots|Olive Oil and Sea Salt Quinoa, Brown Rice, and Lentil Blend|8 pack
No. 4: Veetee Dine In|Rice and Tasty Thai Jasmine|6 pack
No. 5: Annie Chun's |Sprouted Brown Rice |6 pack
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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