The Life Span of Rice

  • Level: Easy
  • Yield: various (see body of recipe)
Advertisement

Ingredients

Meal One: Leftover Rice Salad

1 quart leftover white rice

1/2 cup chopped carrot

1/2 cup chopped celery

1/2 cup chopped red pepper

1/2 cup sliced, cooked green beans

1/2 cup vinaigrette

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

Meal Two: Leftover Fried Rice

1 tablespoon canola oil

1/2 cup chopped onions

1 clove garlic, chopped

1 cup chopped cabbage

2 to 3 cups Leftover Rice Salad, recipe above

2 tablespoons soy sauce

2 scallions, sliced thinly

Meal Three: Leftover Risotto

2 to 3 cups Leftover Fried Rice, recipe above

1/4 cup white wine

1 cup chicken stock

1/2 pound chopped shrimp

1/2 cup chopped mushrooms

1/4 cup heavy cream

1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

Meal Four: Leftover Rice Cakes

1 large egg, beaten

1 to 2 cups Leftover Risotto, recipe above

1/2 cup bread crumbs, plus more as needed

1 tablespoon olive oil

Chopped chives, for garnish

Directions

  1. Meal One: Combine the rice and vegetables in a large bowl. Combine with your favorite vinaigrette, season with salt and pepper, and toss well.
  2. Yield: 2 servings plus leftovers
  3. Prep Time: 10 minutes
  4. Ease of preparation: easy
  5. Meal Two: Heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat and add the oil. Add the onions, garlic, and cabbage and stir-fry for 1 minute. Add the Leftover Rice Salad and soy sauce and stir-fry until the rice is hot and starting to get crispy, about 3 minutes. Toss in the scallions and serve.
  6. Yield: 2 servings plus leftovers
  7. Prep Time: 10 minutes
  8. Cook Time: 5 minutes
  9. Ease of preparation: easy
  10. Meal Three: Put a medium skillet over medium-high heat and add the Leftover Fried Rice. Pour in the wine and cook for 1 minute. Add half of the chicken stock and stir well to release the starch in the rice to thicken everything up. Cook until most of the liquid is absorbed, then add the remaining chicken stock. Stir in the shrimp and mushrooms and cook until the shrimp are done, about 3 minutes. (If risotto becomes too thick, add some more chicken stock or water.) Add the cream and Parmesan and stir well. Remove the risotto from the heat and stir in the butter; taste, and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Cover, let rest for 1 minute, and serve.
  11. Yield: 2 servings plus leftovers
  12. Prep Time: 10 minutes
  13. Cook Time: 15 minutes
  14. Inactive Prep Time: 1 minute
  15. Ease of preparation: easy
  16. Meal Four: Combine the egg, Leftover Risotto, and bread crumbs in a bowl. Form this mixture into patties, adding more bread crumbs as needed to get the right consistency for them to hold together. Heat the oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Brown the patties on both sides, making sure the rice cakes are heated through, about 3 to 4 minutes. Serve, garnished with chopped chives.
  17. Yield: 2 servings with no leftovers
  18. Prep Time: 10 minutes
  19. Cook Time: 8 minutes
  20. Ease of preparation: easy

Let's Get Cooking!

Sign up for the Recipe of the Day newsletter to receive editor-picked recipes,tips and videos delivered to your inbox daily. Privacy Policy

Thanks for subscribing to the Recipe of the Day newsletter. Check out all our other great newsletters from Easy Recipes, Healthy Eating Ideas and Chef Recipe Videos.

We're sorry, there was an error signing you up. Please try again later.

Advertisement

Barbara J B.

Only got to Meal Two. My household is small. If you love using whatever you have, you'll love this use of the rice you get from your favorite Chinese take out place.

See All Reviews