With the current cost of food and the impact on your household budget, the issue of food waste becomes all the more important. Although it’s difficult to enjoy the same boring meal over and over again, it’s even more disheartening to see perfectly good food go to waste.
A staple in many people’s homes is rice—and for good reason. It’s affordable, versatile, and can be paired with nearly anything. But often, we end up making just a bit too much. Unlike many other leftovers, surplus plain rice is something we can get behind—because it has the power to be completely transformed.
Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a family, reinvent any unused rice with the following quick and easy dinner ideas. There’s no need to be afraid of making too much rice again!
Spicy Arancini
Arancini are Italian rice balls that are covered in bread crumbs and deep-fried. They make a great shareable appetizer that tastes nothing like plain leftover rice!
Poached Eggs in Curried Tomato Sauce
Soak up tomato curry and runny egg yolks in leftover basmati rice. This affordable and filling meal won’t take longer than 20 minutes to make, no matter if you’re feeding yourself or a small crowd.
Beef & Egg Fried Rice
Combine your leftover rice with beef, eggs and frozen veggies to make a savoury meal filled with protein to curb your hunger. The best part is it won’t take more than 30 minutes to make.
Bibimbap
Bibimbap is traditionally a Korean colourful rice-based dish that combines a variety of crispy vegetables with meat and chilli paste.
Gado Gado Harvest Salad with Spicy Peanut Dressing
This Gado Gado Harvest Salad with Spicy Peanut Dressing is not only hearty and flavourful, it’s also quick and easy to make. As a bonus, it’s an excellent source of vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, folate, pantothenate, magnesium, manganese and selenium!
Ginseng Chai Tea Rice Pudding
If you are looking for a new spin on traditional rice pudding, this Ginseng Chai Tea Rice Pudding is a great twist on a classic recipe that you’ve probably not tried before.
The key to reducing food waste is embracing flexibility in the kitchen. Rice is the perfect canvas—neutral, adaptable, and nutritious. By transforming yesterday’s rice into today’s meal, you’re not just saving money—you’re reducing environmental impact and expanding your culinary creativity.
The next time you cook rice, don’t worry about making too much. In fact, make a little extra. With these ideas at your fingertips—and a few staple egg recipes in your back pocket—leftovers are just another word for opportunity.
