Rice is a pantry staple in many households around the world, and in the United States, it’s no different. However, rice is far from being a one-size-fits-all ingredient. With numerous varieties available, each type of rice offers different textures, flavors, and best cooking methods. Whether you’re making a comforting risotto, serving up a flavorful stir-fry, or simply preparing a side dish, choosing the right type of rice can make all the difference.
In this article, we’ll explore the most common types of rice found in the United States, how to cook them, and the dishes they are best suited for.
Long-Grain White Rice
Long-grain white rice is one of the most popular and versatile varieties in the U.S. It has long, slender grains that remain separate and fluffy when cooked, making it ideal for a wide range of dishes.
Best Uses : Long-grain white rice is perfect for everyday meals. It’s commonly used as a side dish for stir-fries, roasted meats, or curries. It’s also the go-to rice for dishes like pilaf , fried rice , and stuffed peppers because it maintains its shape without becoming sticky or clumpy.
Cooking Tip : Use a 2:1 water-to-rice ratio. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes until the water is absorbed.
Basmati Rice
Basmati rice, an aromatic long-grain rice, is known for its fragrant aroma and slightly nutty flavor. It’s commonly used in Indian, Middle Eastern, and South Asian cooking.
Best Uses : Basmati rice is a must for dishes like biryani , pulao , and Indian curries . Its light, fluffy texture makes it the perfect accompaniment to saucy dishes, and its subtle fragrance enhances the flavors of spiced meals.
Cooking Tip : Rinse basmati rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch and help the grains remain separate. For extra flavor, cook it in a mix of water and broth, and consider adding whole spices like cardamom or cinnamon to the pot.
Jasmine Rice
Jasmine rice, native to Thailand, is another aromatic long-grain rice. When cooked, it has a slightly sticky texture, and its delicate floral scent makes it a popular choice in Southeast Asian cuisine.
Best Uses : Jasmine rice pairs beautifully with Thai curries, stir-fries, and grilled meats. It’s also great for dishes like fried rice or as a simple side dish for teriyaki chicken .
Cooking Tip : Rinse jasmine rice before cooking to prevent it from becoming overly sticky. Use a 1.5:1 water-to-rice ratio for the perfect texture.
Short-Grain White Rice (Sushi Rice)
Short-grain white rice is sticky and plump, making it ideal for dishes that require the rice to hold together. It’s often referred to as “sushi rice” due to its primary use in making sushi, though it’s also used in other Asian dishes.
Best Uses : Aside from sushi , this rice is great for making onigiri (Japanese rice balls), kimbap (Korean seaweed rice rolls), and even Japanese rice bowls . Its sticky nature makes it a good base for dishes where the rice needs to hold its shape.
Cooking Tip : Use a 1:1.25 water-to-rice ratio. After cooking, season the rice with a mixture of rice vinegar, sugar, and salt if using it for sushi.
Brown Rice
Brown rice is the whole grain version of white rice, meaning it retains the bran layer, giving it a nuttier flavor and a chewier texture. It’s considered more nutritious than white rice because it contains more fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Best Uses : Brown rice works well as a healthy side dish for salads , grain bowls , and stir-fries . Its heartier texture makes it a great choice for stuffing vegetables like bell peppers or as a base for buddha bowls .
Cooking Tip : Brown rice takes longer to cook than white rice—around 40-50 minutes. Use a 2.5:1 water-to-rice ratio, bring to a boil, then cover and simmer until the water is absorbed.
Wild Rice
Wild rice is not technically rice, but a type of aquatic grass seed native to North America. It has a nutty, earthy flavor and a slightly chewy texture that makes it stand out from traditional rice varieties.
Best Uses : Wild rice is great in salads, stuffings, and soups, and it can also be mixed with other rice varieties to add texture and flavor to your dish. It’s commonly used in pilafs and as a base for grain bowls.
Cooking Tip : Wild rice takes longer to cook, about 40-50 minutes. Use a 3:1 water-to-rice ratio and simmer until the grains are tender and some have burst open.
Arborio Rice
Arborio rice is a short-grain, starchy rice that’s essential in Italian cooking, particularly for making risotto. When cooked, the high starch content of arborio rice creates a creamy texture.
Best Uses : Arborio rice is most commonly used for risotto . The creamy consistency is perfect for soaking up broth and flavors. Arborio is also great for making rice pudding or other creamy dishes where a rich texture is desired.
Cooking Tip : Arborio rice requires constant stirring and gradual addition of liquid when making risotto. Add broth one ladle at a time, stirring continuously, to release the starch and achieve a creamy consistency.
Carolina Gold Rice
Carolina Gold is a variety of long-grain rice with a rich history in the southern United States. It’s slightly more aromatic than traditional long-grain white rice, with a subtle nutty flavor.
Best Uses : This rice is perfect for pilafs , gumbos , and low-country Southern dishes like Hoppin’ John or red beans and rice . Its versatility and historical significance make it a beloved choice in Southern cuisine.
Cooking Tip : Rinse Carolina Gold rice to remove excess starch, then use a 1.5:1 water-to-rice ratio for cooking.
Parboiled Rice
Parboiled rice, also known as converted rice, is partially boiled in the husk before processing, giving it a firmer texture and helping it retain more nutrients than white rice.
Best Uses : Parboiled rice is great for making rice salads , pilafs , or serving alongside grilled meats, as it stays firm and separate when cooked. It’s also less likely to become sticky, making it a good option for batch cooking.
Cooking Tip : Use a 2:1 water-to-rice ratio and simmer for about 20 minutes until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed.
Choosing the Right Rice for Your Dishes
With so many varieties of rice available, there’s a perfect type for every dish and cooking style. Whether you’re preparing a hearty risotto, a light and fluffy side dish, or a creamy bowl of rice pudding, knowing the differences between these rice varieties will help you achieve the best results.
When experimenting with new recipes or creating a collection of go-to rice dishes, consider using FamilyCookbookProject.com to store and organize your favorite rice recipes. By creating a personal cookbook, you can easily revisit your favorites and share them with family and friends.
No matter what dish you’re cooking, the right type of rice will enhance your meal and elevate your cooking to the next level.
Bill Rice is Founder and Co-Publisher of the Great Family Cookbook Project, a website that helps families and individuals collect, preserve and share food memories by creating their own printed personal cookbooks. He is the author of The Wellfleet Oyster Cookbook and the Cape Cod Cocktail Cookbook (Available on Amazon), both created using FamilyCookbookProject.com. He is also editor of the Donovan Family Cookbook, now it’s third printing and is an avid genealogist tracing his family back to the 1600’s.
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