Quick recipes with rice and vegetables
Got rice and vegetables and not sure what to make? Here are 8 easy dinners you can cook tonight. Each one keeps to everyday ingredients and a single skillet or sheet pan where possible, with rough prep and cook times so you can pick by how much time you have. Prefer to cook with exactly what's on your shelf? Tell Cache & Cook what you have and it drafts a recipe free.
Garlic Fried Rice with Broccoli and Egg
15 min Serves 2weeknightvegetarianasian-inspired
Ginger-Scallion Rice with Charred Broccoli and Crispy Chickpeas
20 min Serves 4weeknightvegetarianasian-inspired
Charred Broccoli and Crispy Rice with Chili Oil
25 min Serves 4weeknightasian-inspiredspicy
Skillet Rice with Charred Broccoli and Ginger-Garlic Oil
22 min Serves 4weeknightvegetarianone-pan
Crispy Rice & Caramelized Vegetable Skillet
25 min Serves 4weeknightvegetariancomfort-food
Lime-Cilantro Rice Bowl with Crispy Chickpeas and Charred Broccoli
20 min Serves 4weeknightvegetarianbright
Buttered Rice with Roasted Root Vegetables and Crispy Thyme
35 min Serves 4weeknightvegetariancomfort-food
Ginger-Scallion Rice with Stir-Fried Snap Peas and Carrots
20 min Serves 4weeknightvegetarianlight
More ideas
Common questions
- Can I substitute white rice with brown rice in quick rice and vegetable recipes?
- Yes, but brown rice takes about twice as long to cook (45-50 minutes vs. 15-20 minutes for white rice), so plan accordingly or use quick-cooking brown rice varieties. The flavor is nuttier and the texture is chewier, which works well in most vegetable rice dishes.
- What vegetables cook fastest and work best in quick rice recipes?
- Softer vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, snap peas, and corn cook in 5-10 minutes, while harder ones like carrots and broccoli need 10-15 minutes. Cut everything into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
- How do I make rice and vegetable dishes cheaper?
- Buy rice in bulk and use whatever vegetables are on sale or in season, as frozen vegetables are just as nutritious and often cheaper than fresh. Dried beans or lentils can stretch the dish further and add protein.
- Can I make rice and vegetable recipes ahead of time?
- Yes, cooked rice and vegetable dishes keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days in airtight containers; reheat gently with a splash of water or broth to restore moisture. You can also meal-prep components separately and combine them when ready to eat.
- What should I serve with rice and vegetable dishes to make it a complete meal?
- Add a protein like grilled chicken, tofu, eggs, or canned beans to make it more filling and balanced. A simple sauce like soy sauce, peanut sauce, or lemon vinaigrette ties everything together nicely.