Easy Gluten Free Rice Recipes

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I’m sharing 15 Easy Gluten Free Rice Recipes from rice bowls to soups and casseroles. These are fun and versatile ways to use rice that are loaded with flavor and super satisfying!

The Best Gluten-Free Rice Dishes

All rice, all rice, all rice (*Matthew McConaughey voice*). Who’s excited about some easy rice recipes? If you grew up thinking that rice is maybe the most boring food ever, this round-up is here to officially change that. Yes, rice can be exciting. No more boring rice dishes!

I’ve put together some of my best gluten-free rice recipes made with healthy, wholesome ingredients that are sure to have the whole family full and satisfied.

Is Rice Gluten-Free?

Yes, on its own, rice is a gluten-free grain. This includes varieties like white or brown rice, wild rice, and products like gluten-free rice flour. Even glutinous rice (Asian “sticky rice”, a.k.a. sushi rice) is naturally gluten-free despite its name. 

Of course, rice can occasionally be harvested and processed in the same facilities that handle wheat products. Packaged rice can also have flavorings and add-ins that are not gluten-free. I go in-depth on the topic in my resource page, Is Rice Gluten Free?, but as a general rule, always look for rice that’s certified gluten-free.

Is Rice Good for You?

Rice, like potatoes, sometimes gets a bad rap for being high in starch and carbs. And while it’s true that rice is rich in carbohydrates, it doesn’t contain fats or sugars, and it even contains a bit of protein! Brown rice, the whole grain version of white rice, is even higher in nutritional value as it contains many healthy vitamins and minerals.

The body needs a healthy amount of carbs to stay energized throughout the day. When prepared properly, rice is a great way to fill up and fuel up with nourishing home-cooked meals!

Why You’ll Love These Recipes

Here are just some of the reasons to love the recipes below:

• Hearty and healthy. Rice is super filling and can be healthy too! These recipes turn regular rice into nutrient-rich, wholesome gluten-free meals for the whole family.
• Full of flavor. Say it with me: rice doesn’t have to be boring. You also don’t need extravagant ingredients to make it delicious. My gluten-free rice recipes are here to prove it!
• Use up leftover rice. Some rice recipes are even better when they’re made with leftover rice. The recipes below are the perfect excuse to not let yesterday’s homemade or takeout rice go to waste.

15 Easy Gluten-Free Rice Recipes

Below you’ll find a collection of healthy gluten-free rice recipes that you can make tonight! Whether you’re craving a light meal or something stick-to-your-ribs, there’s a recipe for everyone. Don’t forget to scroll after the round-up for helpful rice-cooking tips!

Tips for Cooking Rice

Many of the recipes I’ve included here begin with basic white rice. I have a helpful tutorial on How to Cook Rice to use in all your favorite rice recipes! Of course, you can always check the directions on the package, and keep these tips in mind:

• Use a rice cooker. If you have one, you already know a good rice cooker is a game-changer! Rice cookers are the best way to set it and forget it, and wind up with perfect rice every time.
• If you don’t have a rice cooker, use a large enough pot with a tight-fitting lid. The rice needs room to expand, and holding in the steam is key to evenly cooked rice.
• Rinse your rice. Not all rice recipes require rinsing the rice before it’s cooked, but it’s a good idea to do it when you can. Rinsing cleans the rice of excess dust, powder, and starches, and the cooked result often has a much better texture. Rinsing also reduces the amount of arsenic that’s found in rice.
• Get the water-to-rice ratio right. Not all rice and cooking methods call for the same amount of water to rice. But a good rule of thumb is to stick to a 2:1 ratio (2 cups of water for every 1 cup of rice). Or, use the “knuckle trick”: Place the tip of your middle finger on top of the rice, and fill the water to your first knuckle. I swear, it works!
• For more nutrition, swap white rice for brown rice. I mentioned it earlier, but brown rice is more nutrient-dense than white rice. It’s a healthier option as long as you don’t have any digestion issues related to fiber-rich foods. You can check out my post on How to Make Brown Rice for more tips and tricks.

Storing and Reheating Rice Dishes

It’s important to store leftover rice within two hours of when it was cooked. Leaving rice at room temperature for too long can lead to the growth of dangerous bacteria. Once the rice is cool, transfer it to an airtight container to keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.

Since rice tends to dry out in the fridge, I like to add a spoonful or two of water to the rice before I reheat it. Reheat rice either in the microwave or on the stovetop, covered, until piping hot throughout.