Are you looking for Easy Rice Recipes that double as Easy Dinner Recipes? You’ve come to the right place! I have handpick the best, most delicious rice-based dishes. Whether you need something comforting, spicy, or vegetarian-friendly, this compilation covers a variety of quick rice recipes you can whip up in no time.

Whether you’re a busy professional or a home cook seeking easy dinner recipes, these quick rice recipes will simplify your mealtimes. Each dish is customizable and can be adapted for dietary needs—vegetarian, vegan (where applicable), or protein-rich with meat or eggs.
30 Easy Rice Recipes
Here’s My List Of Easy Rice Recipes that are quick, nutritious, flavour packed and are perfect of the days when you are looking for easy dinner recipes.
1. Paneer Biryani
- Aromatic basmati rice cooked with spiced paneer cubes.
- Perfect balance of fragrant spices, making it a hearty one-pot meal.
- Great for weekend family dinners or special occasions.
Why You’ll Love It: If you adore paneer and are looking for a simple rice dish that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen, Paneer Biryani is a must-try. Serve it with raita or plain yogurt for a cooling contrast.
2. Tawa Pulao
Highlights:
- Mumbai street-style rice dish prepared on a flat griddle or “tawa.”
- Spiced with pav bhaji masala for a unique, tangy flavor.
- Loaded with veggies, making it a satisfying, veggie-forward meal.
Why You’ll Love It: Tawa Pulao is a staple for those nights when you crave a quick yet flavor-packed meal. It’s also an excellent way to use up leftover rice.
3. Egg Biryani
Highlights:
- Protein-rich biryani with boiled or lightly sautéed eggs.
- Infused with spices and caramelized onions for a rich taste.
- Works well as an easy dinner recipe or a lunchbox option.
Why You’ll Love It: This dish offers the irresistible flavors of biryani without a ton of prep work. A great option for egg lovers seeking a quick one-pot rice meal.
4. Vegetable Pulao
Highlights:
- Classic Indian rice dish loaded with colorful vegetables.
- Mildly spiced, making it suitable for all ages.
- Can be paired with curry, dal, or enjoyed as-is.
Why You’ll Love It: Vegetable Pulao is a healthy rice recipe that’s both versatile and crowd-pleasing. It’s also an excellent way to sneak extra veggies into your diet.
5. Soya Chunks Biryani
Highlights:
- High-protein biryani with tender soya chunks.
- Bursting with flavors from aromatic whole spices and herbs.
- Ideal for vegetarians or anyone wanting a plant-based protein source.
Why You’ll Love It: Soya Chunks Biryani is an easy rice recipe that satisfies your craving for something hearty without using meat. Serve with cucumber raita for a refreshing complement.
6. Curry Leaves Rice
Highlights:
- Southern Indian twist with fragrant curry leaves.
- Simple tempering of spices for a burst of flavor.
- Quick to cook, perfect for busy weeknights.
Why You’ll Love It: This is a simple rice dish that highlights the unique aroma of curry leaves. If you need a hassle-free meal, this is sure to become a weeknight favorite.
7. Spinach Rice (Palak Rice)
Highlights:
- Nutritious spinach purée mixed with basmati rice.
- Subtle spices enhance the flavor without overpowering.
- Vibrant green color and high nutrient content.
Why You’ll Love It: For a healthy and easy dinner recipe, Spinach Rice delivers both flavor and nutrition. Serve with yogurt or a simple tomato-onion raita.
8. Tomato Rice
Highlights:
- Tangy and slightly spicy rice dish popular in South India.
- Made with fresh tomatoes and a blend of aromatic spices.
- Perfect for lunchboxes or a quick side dish.
Why You’ll Love It: Tomato Rice is a delicious way to add variety to your dinner lineup. Pair it with a cool yogurt dip or a crisp salad for a complete meal.
9. Masala Khichdi (Dal Khichdi)
Highlights:
- Comforting blend of rice and lentils, mildly spiced.
- Great for days when you want a light, soothing meal.
- Can be made in under 30 minutes and is easily digestible.
Why You’ll Love It: Khichdi is the ultimate comfort food recipe, perfect for a cozy evening. It’s also budget-friendlyand a wonderful option when you need something quick yet nutritious.
10. Sambar Rice
Highlights:
- A one-pot fusion of rice and tangy lentil-based stew (sambar).
- Enhanced with vegetables like drumsticks, carrots, and beans.
- Popular South Indian meal, ideal for lunch or dinner.
Why You’ll Love It: If you adore South Indian flavors, Sambar Rice is a weeknight rice meal that can come together swiftly. Enjoy it with a dollop of ghee on top.
11. Kuska Biryani
Highlights
- Also known as “Plain Biryani,” typically made without any veggies or meat.
- Relies on aromatic basmati rice, ghee, and a blend of spices like cinnamon, clove, and bay leaf.
- Often served with kurma, raita, or spicy gravies on the side.
Why You’ll Love It
- Perfect for those craving the biryani aroma but in a simpler, lighter version.
- Ideal as a base biryani—add veggies or proteins as desired.
- Quick to assemble since you skip the layering of meat or vegetables.
12. Brown Rice Pulao in Microwave
Highlights
- Healthy pulao option using brown rice for extra fiber and nutrients.
- Cooked conveniently in the microwave, minimizing hands-on time.
- Mixed veggies (carrots, peas, beans) and mild spices make it both nutritious and flavorful.
Why You’ll Love It
- Great for those looking to incorporate whole grains without much fuss.
- Saves stovetop space—handy when you’re cooking multiple dishes.
- Perfect for meal prep and busy weeknights.
13. Tahri Recipe- Flavourful & Easy Rice recipes
Highlights
- A North Indian one-pot dish similar to a pulao, featuring rice and vegetables (often potatoes, peas, cauliflower).
- Seasoned with basic spices like turmeric, cumin, and a light masala.
- Comforting and mildly spiced, often enjoyed with yogurt or pickle.
Why You’ll Love It
- Budget-friendly and straightforward—excellent for weeknight dinners.
- A classic, home-style dish that appeals to all ages.
- Easy to adapt with different veggies based on what’s in your fridge.
14. Masale Bhat
Highlights
- A Maharashtrian specialty made with rice, goda masala (regional spice mix), and veggies like eggplant, peas, or potatoes.
- Infused with a distinct aroma from goda masala, coconut, and other local spices.
- Typically garnished with fresh coriander and served with a tangy raita.
Why You’ll Love It
- Bursting with authentic Maharashtrian flavors.
- One-pot comfort meal that’s both filling and unique.
- Can be dressed up for festive occasions or made simply for everyday meals.

15. Gatta Pulao
Highlights
- Rajasthani-style pulao featuring gatte (besan/chickpea flour dumplings).
- Rice is cooked with mild spices, yogurt, and onion-tomato masala.
- The dumplings add a chewy, savory element to the dish.
Why You’ll Love It
- A delightful way to enjoy chickpea flour in a main course.
- Rich, tangy taste thanks to the yogurt-based gravy.
- A specialty that introduces authentic Rajasthani cuisine to your table.
16. Kala Chana Pulao
Highlights
- Protein-rich pulao with black chickpeas (kala chana) and fragrant basmati rice.
- Spiced with onions, tomatoes, and a blend of warming masalas.
- Offers a hearty, earthy taste, perfect for lunch or dinner.
Why You’ll Love It
- Combines carbs and high protein in a single pot—balanced meal.
- Ideal for anyone looking for a plant-based protein source.
- Tastes great with a refreshing cucumber raita or a tangy pickle.
17. Chana Pulao
Highlights
- Uses regular white chickpeas (kabuli chana) for a lighter flavor than kala chana.
- Cooked with aromatic whole spices, onions, tomatoes, and sometimes mint leaves.
- Fluffy rice studded with chickpeas for a satisfying bite.
Why You’ll Love It
- Another excellent vegetarian protein-rich option.
- Mild yet flavorful—kids and adults enjoy it alike.
- Easily paired with any type of raita or salad for a wholesome meal.
18. Pineapple Fried Rice
Highlights
- Sweet and savory combination featuring chunks of pineapple, mixed veggies, and rice.
- Commonly flavored with soy sauce, chili sauce, or light curry powder for a tropical twist.
- Often served in a hollowed-out pineapple for an eye-catching presentation.
Why You’ll Love It
- Perfect balance of sweet fruitiness and salty-spicy notes.
- Quick stir-fry method—great for leftover rice.
- A fun dish to impress guests or add variety to your dinner rotation.
19. Mushroom Biryani
Highlights
- Fragrant biryani layered with mushrooms, onions, tomatoes, and a medley of spices.
- Mushrooms soak up the biryani masala, adding a rich, earthy flavor.
- Can be made in one pot with a dum-cooking technique or in layers.
Why You’ll Love It
- A fantastic vegetarian alternative to chicken or mutton biryani.
- Meaty texture without any actual meat—perfect for mushroom enthusiasts.
- Serve with fresh raita or a simple gravy for a complete meal.
20. Vegetable and Lentil Rice
Highlights
- Combines rice with a variety of lentils (often moong or masoor) plus mixed vegetables.
- Similar to khichdi but with distinct, separate grains and lentils.
- Balanced in protein, carbs, and fiber.
Why You’ll Love It
- A wholesome, balanced meal in a single bowl.
- Ideal for health-conscious folks or families with varied dietary needs.
- Mild in flavor, easy to digest, and kid-approved.
21. High Protein Tempeh Pulao
Highlights
- Uses tempeh (fermented soybean) chunks, known for their high protein content.
- Spiced and sautéed with onions, tomatoes, and basmati rice.
- Offers a nutty, slightly earthy flavor distinct from tofu or paneer.
Why You’ll Love It
- An excellent plant-based protein option.
- Hearty yet light, suitable for lunchboxes or quick dinners.
- Pairs nicely with a cooling raita or chutney.
22. Mexican Rice (Arroz Rojo)
Highlights
- Vibrant red rice cooked with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and sometimes jalapeños.
- Seasoned with cumin, chili powder, and chicken or veggie stock.
- A staple side dish in Mexican cuisine, often served with beans or grilled vegetables.
Why You’ll Love It
- Adds a zesty, international twist to your rice repertoire.
- Easy to customize spice levels—mild or fiery.
- Complements tacos, burritos, or any Tex-Mex meal perfectly. A must include easy rice recipe for dinners.
23. Lebanese Mujadara Pilaf
Highlights
- Classic Middle Eastern dish of rice, lentils, and caramelized onions.
- Seasoned simply with salt, cumin, and sometimes allspice or cinnamon.
- Rich texture from the onions, plus protein from lentils.
Why You’ll Love It
- A wholesome, comforting dish that’s naturally vegan.
- Minimal ingredients yet bursting with flavor.
- Often served with a fresh salad or yogurt sauce.
24. Thair Sadam (Curd Rice)
Highlights
- South Indian comfort food made by mixing cooked rice with yogurt (curd).
- Tempered with mustard seeds, curry leaves, ginger, and sometimes veggies like grated carrot.
- Cooling, creamy, and perfect for hot days.
Why You’ll Love It
- Soothing, light meal ideal for digestion.
- Easy to prepare and great for lunchboxes.
- Tastes wonderful with a side of pickle or crispy papad.
25. Vangi Bhat
Highlights
- A popular rice dish from Karnataka/Maharashtra using eggplant (vangi).
- Flavored with a special spice blend known as “vangi bhath powder,” plus tamarind pulp for tang.
- Earthy, tangy, and slightly spicy.
Why You’ll Love It
- A must-try if you enjoy eggplant and South Indian spices.
- Unique flavor profile different from typical pulao or biryani.
- Perfect with yogurt, raita, or a drizzle of ghee.
26. Mushroom Rice
Highlights
- Quick stir-fry style rice featuring sliced mushrooms, onions, garlic, and herbs.
- Often seasoned with minimal spices or sauces to let the mushroom flavor shine.
- Can be made in a single pan for easy cleanup.
Why You’ll Love It
- Ideal for mushroom enthusiasts who prefer lighter seasoning than a biryani.
- Great base for adding more veggies or proteins as desired.
- Delicious as a standalone meal or a side to grilled meats/veggies.
27. Egg Fried Rice
Highlights
- Indo-Chinese classic where scrambled eggs are stir-fried with rice, veggies, and soy sauce.
- Quick-cooking on high heat for that signature smoky “wok hei.”
- Adaptable—add chicken, shrimp, or keep it strictly egg-veg.
Why You’ll Love It
- Perfect for busy weekdays or a last-minute dinner.
- Satisfies restaurant-style fried rice cravings at home.
- Customizable spice levels—add chili flakes or Sriracha for extra heat.
Pro Tips for Making Perfect Rice Every Time
- Proper Rice Washing: Rinse your rice a few times to remove excess starch, which can prevent stickiness.
- Use the Right Ratio: Typically, a 1:2 rice-to-water ratio is a good rule of thumb for most biryanis and pulaos.
- Layering for Biryani: If making biryani, layer par-cooked rice over marinated ingredients and seal the pot to retain steam.
- Flavor Enhancers: Whole spices (cardamom, cinnamon, bay leaves) add depth to your Easy Rice Recipes. Don’t skip them if you crave authentic flavor.
Bringing It All Together
- Try pairing:
- Paneer or Soya Biryani with chilled raita
- Tawa Pulao with a fresh cucumber salad
- Tomato Rice with crispy papad and pickle
- Storage & Meal Prep:
- Make extra rice for weekday lunches.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Reheat with a splash of water to maintain moisture.
From fragrant biryanis to comforting khichdi, these Easy Rice Recipes offer variety, flavor, and convenience. Each recipe can be put together quickly, making them ideal for easy dinner recipes on busy nights. If you’re new to cooking rice or want to explore different regional Indian flavors, bookmark this compilation for fuss-free rice ideas that the whole family will love! Which of these Easy Rice Recipes will you try first.