The World’s Best Rice Dishes that Will Make Your Mouth Water

 

One of the most popular foods consumed worldwide is rice. In the days of feudal Japan, this cereal was so significant throughout history that it was used as a form of payment (the koku was the amount needed to feed a person for a year). Another illustration is the custom of throwing rice at weddings, which originated in China where rice is a representation of richness and prosperity.

 

Its widespread consumption can be attributed to the variety of kinds (there are more than 40.000 different types of rice) and cooking techniques that can make it sticky, brothy, or loose. Additionally, rice is incredibly adaptable and can be used as a traditional side dish, a delectable main dish, or even a dessert.

Check out next some of the most famous rice dishes in the world:

Galinhada

One of the most well-known comfort dishes in Brazil is galinhada. Rice, chicken, and spices (parsley, green onions, turmeric, and cumin) are the essential components of this ideal Sunday supper, with local variations.

The key component of the Galinhada dish is to cook the rice and chicken together. Since only one pan needs to be washed, it is both delectable and simple to prepare.

 

Biryani

One of India's most well-known meals, biryani is still up for controversy as to where it came from. Basmati rice, meats (usually chicken or lamb), and numerous spices, including black pepper, cumin, saffron, cardamom, mint, ginger, nutmeg, and bay leaf, are used to make traditional biryani.

Depending on the location, other items that might be utilised include potatoes, almonds, dried fruit, rose water, and yoghurt. On Eid (the last day of Ramadan), which is a popular occasion to eat biryani, two traditional preparation techniques known as Kacchi and Pakki are used.

Pilaf

The term "pilaf," which has Middle Eastern roots, is a method of cooking rice (or other grains like quinoa and amaranth) that results in very loosely packed grains. Prior to the addition of vegetable broth in the dish, the rice is sautéed with oil or ghee butter, onion, and several spices (such as cinnamon, cardamom, cumin, and star anise), which gives the rice its flavour and perfume.

Paella

Unquestionably, one of the most well-liked rice dishes in the West is paella. Seafood is frequently used in paellas, however the original recipe (Paella Valenciana), which calls for bomba-type rice, chicken, rabbit meat, snails, tomatoes, saffron, rosemary, garrofón (a type of giant white bean), and ferradura, does not include these items (similar to green bean). Paella Marinera is the name for seafood paella.

The large, circular, and handle-equipped pan used to prepare the dish originally went by the term paella.

 

Arroz Al Horno

Arroz Al Horno is another popular meal in Valencia, Spain, in addition to the classic Paella. In this recipe, the rice is first sautéed before being combined with the chicken broth and then baked, preferably in a round clay pot or ceramic dish.

Short grain bomba rice, pig (ribs and bacon), Spanish blood sausage, potatoes, tomatoes, garlic, saffron, paprika, and chickpeas are the main ingredients in arroz al horno.

 

Arroz de Polvo

Octopus rice, also known as arroz de polvo, is a staple of Portuguese cuisine. The meal is prepared with long-grain rice of the Carolino variety, which is frequently used in "malandrinhos"-style preparations, a Portuguese term for brothier dishes.

This recipe ensures greater flavour by cooking the rice in the same broth as the octopus. Olive oil, tomatoes, white wine, and numerous spices like onions, garlic, bay leaves, black pepper, and coriander are also required.

 

Nasi Lemak

Nasi Lemak is regarded as the emblematic dish of Malay cuisine among the many traditional Malaysian cuisines. Rice is referred to as Nasi, while Lemak implies anything rich or delicious. Jasmine or other long-grain rice is simmered in water with coconut milk, spices, and pandan leaves (a leaf with a scent akin to vanilla).

Rice is typically served with fried dried anchovies, cucumber, roasted peanuts, and Sambal, a fiery sauce made with shrimp paste. You can supplement the protein in your meal with egg, tofu, or fried chicken.

Nasi Goreng

One of the most well-liked dishes in Indonesia is called fried rice, or nasi goreng. The sweet Kecap Manis sauce, which is composed with soy sauce, sugar, pepper, ginger, kaffir lime leaves, and tamarind juice, is combined with the rice. The dish can include meat, veggies, and a fried egg on top, as well as krupuk (a kind of chips made with starch).

Sushi

Sushi is a dish made from short-grain cooked rice (this type of rice has a high starch content, which causes the grains to adhere together), vinegar, sugar, and salt. It is regarded as an icon of Japanese cuisine.

There are other varieties of sushi, including Makizushi (one of the most popular), in which a dumpling is wrapped in a sheet of dried seaweed and may be filled with a variety of ingredients, including vegetables, omelettes, and raw fish (dumpling covered by a slice that can be raw fish, octopus, shrimp or egg).

 

Bibimbap

One of the most popular dishes in Korean cuisine, bibimbap is regarded as the national dish of Korea.

Glutinous rice, a variety of vegetables (such as spinach, bean sprouts, carrots, and zucchini), shiitake mushrooms, stripped meat (often beef), eggs, and a red pepper paste known as gochujang are the ingredients used to make this delicacy. It is known as Dolsot Bibimbap when it is served in an extremely hot stone pot (called a Dolsot).

 

Pad Kra Pao

The word "pad" in Thai means "fried," and the herb known as "kra pao" or "Thai basil" is one of the primary components in this recipe. The rice is jasmine (long grain), and it is cooked with garlic, Thai basil, bird's eye pepper, and a choice of protein (chicken, pork, beef, seafood, or tofu). On top of it is typically a fried egg.

Risotto

Risotto, a dish that originated in the Italian region of Lombardy, must be included in this list because it would not be complete without it. The rice is sautéed and then slowly cooked in liquid to make risotto (from vegetables or meat). There are many different risotto recipes, and most of them pair quite well with wines, like many Italian foods do.

You should select rice that releases starch while cooked, such as arbóreo, carnaroli, and vialole nano, which are the most popular varieties because creaminess is one of the risotto's key distinguishing features.

 

Jambalaya

A rice meal with New Orleans roots is called jambalaya (USA). Traditionally made with rice, chicken or pig, smoked sausage, and shellfish like shrimp. Cajun and Creole are the two varieties of jambalaya. Both the method of preparation and some of the components, such as the use of tomatoes in the Creole version, differ between the two.

By the way, Cajun seasoning, which can be used in many different recipes, is regarded as one of the best seasonings in the world.

 

Jollof Rice

Jollof Rice is a rice dish that is very well-liked in West African nations, particularly Nigeria and Ghana, despite the fact that they were not the dish's original originator. Instead, the Wolof people of Senegal and Gambia are credited with creating the meal.

Well, aside from the story, the Jollof recipe calls for cooking the rice in a beaten broth made of tomatoes, peppers, onions, and red pepper (it's popular to use Scotch Bonnet pepper, which has a heat level similar to Habanero pepper). Then, several spices are included in it, including curry powder, bay leaves, and thyme. a mouthwatering rice dish with vibrant and hot ingredients.

 

Arroz Chaufa

The dish is a part of the Chifa cuisine, which was developed by Chinese immigrants who modified their recipes with Peruvian ingredients. Chaufa Rice is the equivalent of Chinese fried rice in Peru.

With soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, onion, egg, chives, peppers, and chopped beef (beef, hog, or chicken), or shrimp, this recipe is an excellent way to use up leftover cooked rice.