37 Easy Asian Rice Recipes to Keep in Your Arsenal

Say goodbye to plain old white rice and give these exciting Asian rice recipes a go.

They’re fragrant, spicy, and downright delicious. 

Rice is such a versatile ingredient. And it’s one of the most popular staple foods in Asia.

From Thailand to the Philippines, no two rice dishes taste the same! And that’s because Asian cuisine is so fantastically diverse.

Each dish is packed with complex flavors, from fiery spices to fragrant ingredients. 

So, what are you waiting for? Grab a bag of rice and take a tour through Asia with these Asian rice recipes!

1.  Simple Asian Rice (Instant Pot)

Short on time? You can have this simple Asian rice on the table in just 15 minutes.

It makes for a fantastic quick and easy side dish.

This dish is so tasty and tender. The trick to not making a mushy mess is to use brown rice. 

And you only need a handful of ingredients and an instant pot!

This simple rice dish goes with just about anything.

2. Benihana Fried Rice

Bring the fun of Benihana to your very own home!

You can whip up this Benihana fried rice super easily in your kitchen. 

Benihana is an exciting restaurant experience where the Teppanyaki chef cooks your meal right in front of you at the table!

If you can’t get yourself to a restaurant, you can recreate the magic at home. And the fried rice is just as delicious. 

3. Asian Rice Pilaf

This savory Asian pilaf makes for the perfect rice side dish to have with meat and fish dishes. 

It only takes a few extra minutes to make than plain rice, but it’s most definitely worth it!

Cook the rice in chicken stock instead of water for an extra depth of flavor. 

Add a little garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil.

Then, finish off this tasty rice with some fresh, chopped cilantro. It brightens the rice beautifully. 

4. Chinese Sticky Rice

Once you learn how easy this Chinese sticky rice is to whip up, you’ll want to make it all the time!

This tender, soft sticky rice is impossible to resist scarfing down.

It’s just that good. And you only need one pot to make it.

Check out this recipe to find out what sticky rice is, then pair it with Chinese sausage and shiitake mushrooms for a complete meal.

5. Sesame Garlic Basmati Rice

Enjoy your next seafood stir fry or meaty curry with a side of this sesame garlic basmati rice. 

Stir-fry the uncooked rice in butter and garlic before cooking it in seasoned chicken broth.

This packs so much flavor into every grain. 

Once the rice is cooked, don’t forget to fluff it with a fork!

Sprinkle it with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds and it’s ready to go.

6. Asian Rice Bowls

These build-your-own rice bowls can be made with any combo of rice, veggies, and protein you like.

Just smother them with a deliciously addictive sauce for an easy meal.

They’re a fantastic way to use up leftovers. 

Easy, delicious, and practical, what more could you want? 

7. Ginger Rice

Rice always makes for a tasty and hearty side dish. And this ginger rice is no different. 

This ginger rice adds so much more flavor to Asian dishes.

It’s so much better than plain white rice, and it’s pretty simple to make, too. 

Gobble up this aromatic ginger rice with Korean BBQ or Chinese sticky ribs. Yum!

8. Ban Fan

A Chinese bàn fàn is a simple bowl of mixed rice similar to Korean bibimbap.

It’s basically a bowl of rice topped with all kinds of tasty ingredients. 

Plain white rice is thrown on top of oyster sauce, soy sauce, sugar, garlic, scallion, and cilantro.

Top the rice with a fried egg, mix it up, and dig in!

9. Bubur Ayam

The next time you’re craving comfort food, whip up this bubur ayam.

It’s a silky-smooth chicken and rice congee that’s just as tasty as it is hearty.

This rice porridge or congee is the perfect meal to have when you’re feeling under the weather. 

Top this bubur ayam with soy sauce, sesame oil, white pepper, chopped green onion, and thin slices of ginger.

It’s pure perfection.

10. Kimchi Fried Rice

Serve up a real treat for dinner tonight and make this kimchi fried rice! The whole family will just love it. 

This fried rice dish is loaded with so much flavor.

Bacon adds a tasty smokiness and enoki mushrooms give this dish a lovely bite. 

And of course, it’s chock-full of tangy kimchi. Top your kimchi fried rice with a fried egg and enjoy!

11. Beef Chao Fan

This Chinese-inspired Filipino fried rice dish is chock-full of amazing flavors. 

Beef Chao fan is made with ground beef, chopped vegetables, onion, and garlic.

It’s seasoned with soy sauce and oyster sauce.

It’s a Chowking-inspired stir-fried rice that you can gobble up as a complete meal.

Loaded with veggies, protein, and carbs, it has everything you need.

12. Pork Chao Fan

The rich and bright flavors in this pork chao fan are simply mouthwatering. You’re going to want every last bite. 

This fried rice is a feast for all your senses!

It’s incredible to look at, has a mouthwatering aroma, and tastes absolutely heavenly.

Celebrate the very best of Filipino-Chinese cuisine with this tasty dish. It’s fantastic! 

13. Yellow Shawarma Rice

Light, fluffy, and stunning to look at, this yellow shawarma rice makes for a delightful side dish. 

The eye-popping yellow hue of this dish is enough to make it a showstopper.

But luckily for everybody that gets to taste it, it’s just as big of a hit on the tastebuds. 

Serve this bright yellow rice with chicken shawarma and white sauce for the perfect meal. Yum!

14. Best Shanghai Fried Rice

This Shanghai fried rice is good enough to eat as a stand-alone dish.

It’s absolutely jam-packed with delicious spices and ingredients. 

The key to making great fried rice is to prepare all your ingredients ahead of time.

That way, you can just throw everything into the pan and fry it!

It only takes 10 minutes to cook, which is great news for busy bees. 

15. Chicken Congee

Are you feeling the chill? Warm yourself up from the inside with a steaming bowl of chicken congee.

This Chinese-Vietnamese dish is the ultimate winter warmer. It’s exactly what you need to have you feeling cozy.

And it’s packed with so much flavor!

Coriander seeds and fennel seeds add a wonderful herbaceous flavor to this dish.

16. Chinese Pumpkin Rice

If you have some leftover pumpkin, you don’t know what to do with, whip up this fabulous Chinese pumpkin rice.

It’s loaded with pumpkin, chicken, mushrooms, and lots of tasty Asian seasonings.

Umami-packed dried shrimp and shiitake mushrooms add so much flavor to every bite.

And the best part is you only need one pot to make it! 

17. Hong Kong Fried Rice

This Hong Kong fried rice is a great clean-out-the-refrigerator recipe.

It’s loaded with eggs, veggies, and whatever leftovers you like!

The aromatics of garlic, ginger, and onion add a wonderfully smoky and savory flavor to this dish.

It’s so comforting, eating it is like getting a warm hug.

Hong Kong fried rice is a great way to use up leftovers.

Throw in whatever you like, and it’ll taste just as delicious!

18. Sriracha Fried Rice

If you like your fried rice to pack a little heat, give this Sriracha fried rice a go!

Not only does it add a little liveliness to your meals, but it also works as a fantastic meal prep.

You can whip it up and have it ready to go in just 30 minutes.

Make this tasty fried rice with some leftover rice, eggs, peas, and shredded chicken.

A little pineapple works great, too. 

19. California Roll Sushi Bowls

Can’t get enough sushi? Whip up these California-roll sushi bowls!

They’re packed with all your favorite fresh sushi flavors.

These bowls are essentially deconstructed California bowls.

They’re brimming with so many amazing flavors and textures in every bite.

Don’t waste time rolling up your sushi rolls. Just throw everything into a bowl and get to eating!

20. Instant Pot Sushi Rice

The key to great sushi is great sushi rice. And don’t worry, it’s way easier to make than you might think!

This fail-proof instant pot sushi rice is as easy as can be. You only need a handful of ingredients to make it. 

It’s all about getting the seasoning right.

A balance of white wine vinegar, rice vinegar, oil, sugar, and salt makes this rice simply divine. 

21. Thai Basil Fried Rice With Chicken

This Thai rice recipe is full of spicy and sweet flavor. 

Fresh Thai basil pairs perfectly with the rich umami flavor of the fish sauce seasonings. 

Warning: “Thai spice level” is very hot! So, just be careful with how many Thai chilies you decide to use.

You don’t want to scorch your tastebuds!

22. Better-Than-Takeout Shrimp Fried Rice

There’s no need to waste extra cash on takeout!

This shrimp fried rice tastes way better than takeout, and it’s a whole lot easier and cheaper.

Homemade anything always tastes way better, especially this homemade shrimp fried rice.

This fantastic dish is not as greasy as some Chinese takeout tends to be.

So, it’s healthier too! Does it get any better? 

23. Lebanese Rice With Vermicelli

Service this fantastic Lebanese rice with vermicelli at your next dinner party.

It goes with just about anything, especially other delicious Lebanese dishes!

You only need four ingredients to make this fabulous rice side dish.

Just grab rice, pasta, olive oil, and some toasted pine nuts.

The toasted pine nut topping on this rice is simply divine.

It adds a nice nutty flavor and an amazing, crunchy texture.

24. Chicken Maqluba (Upside-Down Rice)

Looking for a fabulous centerpiece for your dinner table? This chicken maqluba is a surefire show-stopper. 

Chicken maqluba is a Middle eastern upside-down rice dish.

You essentially have to turn your cooking pot upside down and onto a plate.

Hold your breath and hope that the rice tower stays together!

Because when it works, this dish is such an exciting meal to share. 

25. Chicken Majboos

If you’re looking for a super flavorful rice dish, whip up this chicken Majboos.

Chicken Majboos is an Arabic spiced rice dish with herb chicken.

It’s considered a national dish of Kuwait, and it’s served with an amazing tomato garlic sauce called Daqoos. 

It takes a little extra time to make, but the flavors are so worth it! 

26. Chicken Biryani

This chicken biryani is a whole lot easier to make than traditional recipes. It’s fail-proof!

You can use a pot or pressure cooker to make this dish.

Because you’ll use basmati rice, there’s no risk that the rice will turn mushy.

Instead, you’ll get lovely, fluffy rice that’s loaded with amazing chicken flavor. Delish! 

27. Vietnamese Sticky Rice

Impress your friends and family with this insanely delicious Vietnamese sticky rice.

It’s loaded with tasty toppings and sautéed until crispy.

The textures alone in this dish are outstanding.

From the soft and sticky rice to the crispy fried onions, there’s so much to love!

You can add so many toppings to this dish.

So, pile it high with Chinese sausage, quail eggs, roasted peanuts, and pork floss. The more the merrier! 

28. Vietnamese Chicken Rice

Com ga hoi an, or Vietnamese chicken rice, is a wonderful Vietnamese dish that’s so tasty and refreshing.

It’s essentially a zesty shredded chicken salad served with turmeric rice. And it has the most amazing textures.

This dish is packed with crunchy onions, fresh Vietnamese coriander, and stunning turmeric rice. Yum!

29. Crab Fried Rice

Seafood lovers are going to adore this crab-fried rice. This fabulous Thai dish really makes crab the center star of the meal!

Delicate lump crab pairs perfectly with the fish sauce seasonings in this recipe.

And chopped scallions and cilantro add a lovely bite of freshness. 

Serve this crab-fried rice and finish with a squeeze of lime juice and your favorite chili oil. Perfection.

30. Thai Mango Sticky Rice

On the hunt for a fantastic dessert? You have to give this Thai mango sticky rice a go!

Mango sticky rice is a super popular Thai street food. The rice is mixed with thick coconut cream and sugar.

It’s then paired with a perfectly ripe yellow sweet mango.

Simple and delicious. Sign me up, please! 

31. Bagara Rice

This bagara rice goes perfectly with all kinds of tasty vegetarian curries.

It’s super flavorful and pretty simple to make too. 

Bagara rice is an Indian rice dish made with whole spices, mint, and coriander leaves. 

The spices in this dish really make it shine. It’s loaded with shahi jeera, cardamoms, cloves, bay leaves, and cinnamon. 

32. Indian Lemon Rice

Serve up this zesty Indian lemon rice at your next Indian-themed dinner party! It’s sure to go down a treat.

The rice is infused with Indian spices and tangy, zesty lemon.

It’s baked, creating a deliciously crispy crust that is so addictive! 

This rice pairs perfectly with grilled fish, Indian curries, and roasted veggies. Yum!

33. Dim Sum Sticky Rice Lotus Leaf Wraps

Now, this dim sum sticky rice is a real treat. 

Steamed sticky rice and chicken are wrapped in fragrant lotus leaves, making the most amazing rice parcels. 

Serve your dim sum sticky rice with a little chili oil and enjoy!

34. Sweet Coconut Sticky Rice

Looking to make an impression?

Serve this sweet coconut sticky rice to all your friends and family and watch their jaws hit the floor!

This popular Vietnamese breakfast dish and snack is one of the most eye-catching dishes out there. 

Green, purple, or yellow, this sticky rice tastes as amazing as it looks. 

35. Rice Cooker Savory Sticky Rice

This Vietnamese rice cooker sticky rice makes for a fantastic comfort meal. It’s absolutely loaded with savory toppings. 

You can mix whatever you like into this savory rice dish.

It’s delicious with Chinese sausage, pork floss, dried shrimp, and mushrooms. 

This sticky rice recipe is perfect for when you’re craving something super tasty and hearty. 

36. Chicken Kabsa

Cook up a storm tonight for your family and make this chicken kabsa!

It’s bound to be a hit with just about everyone. 

Arabian spiced grilled chicken and flavorful rice are a match made in heaven. 

This one-pot chicken and rice dish is aromatic, savory, and packed with spices. Are you drooling too? 

37. Duck Fried Rice

Have some leftover Chinese duck? Put it to good use and whip up this delicious duck-fried rice!

This is a fantastic recipe if you’re short on time and stuck with refrigerator leftovers.

Just throw together rice, duck, and veggies with some seasonings for an amazing meal.

The best part is it only takes 5 minutes to fry up!