cooked rice

Cooked Rice

Cooked rice is a versatile and widely consumed grain known for its mild, slightly nutty flavor and soft, fluffy texture. Available in various types, including long-grain, medium-grain, and short-grain, each offering subtle differences in starch content and cooking characteristics. Commonly used as a staple food globally, cooked rice provides a blank canvas for absorbing flavors from accompanying sauces, spices, and ingredients. It's a great source of carbohydrates and can be easily incorporated into a wide array of dishes, from simple side dishes to complex main courses. Learn about the best way to cook rice at home for perfect fluffy grains every time, with easy methods for boiling, steaming, or using a rice cooker.

Common Uses

  • Served as a base for stir-fries and curries: Cooked rice provides the perfect foundation for soaking up flavorful sauces and complementing proteins and vegetables in stir-fried dishes and rich, aromatic curries from around the world.
  • Used as a side dish with grilled or roasted meats and vegetables: A simple serving of fluffy cooked rice makes a satisfying and complementary side dish alongside grilled chicken, roasted salmon, or vibrant vegetable skewers.
  • Incorporated into rice bowls with diverse toppings: Create customizable rice bowls with various toppings, such as avocado, edamame, kimchi, seasoned meats, and a drizzle of savory sauce, for a complete and balanced meal.
  • Added to soups and stews for added body and texture: Cooked rice can be stirred into hearty soups and stews to thicken the broth and contribute a comforting, filling texture.
  • Used as a key ingredient in rice puddings and desserts: Sweeten cooked rice with milk, sugar, and spices like cinnamon or cardamom to create creamy and comforting rice puddings or other rice-based desserts.
  • Stuffed into vegetables like bell peppers or cabbage leaves: Cooked rice can be mixed with ground meat, herbs, and seasonings and then used as a filling for stuffed bell peppers, cabbage rolls, or other stuffed vegetable dishes.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

205.0kcal (10.25%)

Protein

4.3g (8.5%)

Carbs

44.8g (16.29%)

Sugars

0.1g (0.18%)

Healthy Fat

0.2g

Unhealthy Fat

0.1g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Health Benefits

  • Good source of energy due to its carbohydrate content.
  • Provides essential nutrients like manganese and magnesium.
  • Can contribute to feelings of fullness, aiding in weight management.
  • Some varieties, like brown rice, are high in fiber, promoting digestive health.
  • Gluten-free and easily digestible, suitable for many dietary needs.
  • May help regulate blood sugar levels when consumed in moderation (especially brown rice).

Storage Tips

Cooked rice is highly perishable and should be handled carefully to prevent bacterial growth. For best results, cool cooked rice quickly and refrigerate it within one hour of cooking. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, ensure it reaches a temperature of 165°F (74°C) to kill any potential bacteria. Cooked rice can also be frozen for longer storage (up to 2 months); thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

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