Let’s face it: we’ve all been there. Dinner time is fastly approaching and you’re not sure what to cook. You’re craving something delicious but the thought of making it is somewhat daunting. Luckily, Minute Rice® is here to inspire you with delicious rice meals you can make in 30 minutes or less. From quick and easy salad recipes to scintillating stir-fries to comforting chicken dinners, we’ve got you covered. Now let’s dive into some recipes!
Hearty Salads for Busy Weeknights
First up, here are two simple salad recipes that are guaranteed to satisfy at the end of a busy day. Our 16 Minute Spring Rice Salad with Herbed Buttermilk Dressing is packed with nutritious greens like snow peas, kale, spinach, cucumber, and chives. What’s more, it’s made even tastier by the addition of refreshing feta cheese and our creamy buttermilk dressing.
Equally easy and satisfying is this Green Goddess Rice Salad. Ready in 16 minutes, this dish blends fluffy white rice with leafy greens and tender salmon to give you hearty rice salad you can whip up in a flash.
Quick and Easy Chicken and Rice Meal in the Air Fryer
Chicken and rice are two ingredients that are simply made for each other. The simple pairing always makes dinner time a breeze as there are so many ways to cook them. If you’re looking for a quick and easy meal that combines this classic pairing, how about trying your hand at this 15 Minute Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Recipe? Made with fragrant Minute Rice® Basmati Cups, it makes for a hearty dinner meal with a spicy kick.
Alternatively, if you’d like to add some Mediterranean flair to your cooking, this 30 Minute Grilled Chicken Souvlaki Rice Bowl could be right down your street. In this recipe, succulent souvlaki chicken blends beautiful with classic Mediterranean salad ingredients for a meal that’s as refreshing as it is satisfying.
Seafood Meals in a Flash
Now it’s time for a spot of mythbusting. There’s a common misconception in the culinary world that cooking seafood is difficult. This couldn’t be further from the truth and Minute Rice® has the recipes to prove it! This 25 Minute Lime Ginger Shrimp Fried Rice is the perfect dish to prepare when you’re craving seafood flavours. Likewise, this Super Easy Tuna Casserole is a mouthwatering meal you can rustle up in just 20 minutes.
Stir-Fry and Skillet Meals
Stir-fry and skillet recipes are great for those busy weeknights when you’re in the mood for something delicious but don’t have the time to commit to a long cooking session. Simply gather your ingredients in one pot or pan and the rest is easy. This Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is a convenient dish that combines nutritious veggies with tender beef. Ready in 25 minutes, it’s a low-fuss meal that’s sure to satisfy.
Love one-pot beef and rice recipes? Then we’ve got just the recipe for you: our One Pot Beef and Rice Skillet. Cheesy, meaty, and featuring fresh broccoli, this meal has got it all!
Versatility of Rice in Quick Meals
Rice is a remarkable ingredient that can adapt to a variety of quick meal solutions, making it a favourite in kitchens across Canada. Its ability to complement numerous flavours allows for countless culinary creations.
Types of Rice for Fast Cooking
There are several types of rice that are particularly well-suited for quick meal preparation, each with unique characteristics:
- White Rice: This is the most common type, cooking rapidly and providing a neutral base for various dishes.
- Brown Rice: Although it takes slightly longer to cook, brown rice offers a chewy texture and nutty flavour. Pre-cooked or quick-cook varieties can speed up the process.
- Jasmine Rice: Known for its fragrant aroma, Jasmine rice cooks in about 15-20 minutes, making it perfect for meals that require a touch of elegance.
- Basmati Rice: This long-grain rice is quick to prepare and is often used in Indian and Middle Eastern dishes, providing a light and fluffy texture.
Time-Saving Dinner Preparation Tips
Effective time-saving tips can streamline dinner preparation, making it easier to enjoy delicious meals without stress. Implementing these strategies helps maximize efficiency in the kitchen.
Pre-Cooking and Storing Rice
Cooking rice in large batches and storing it can significantly reduce cooking time during busy weeknights. Consider the following methods:
- Cook multiple cups of rice at once using a rice cooker or instant pot. This allows for versatile meal options throughout the week.
- Store cooked rice in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to five days. It’s easy to reheat and pair with various dishes.
- Freezing portions of pre-cooked rice in freezer bags can extend its shelf life. Simply thaw and reheat when needed.
Cooking the quality meals we crave midweek doesn’t have to be a chore. With Minute Rice® by your side, you’ll never be short of culinary inspiration.