4 Different Types of Rice and How to Use Them

Rice is just rice, right? Well, yes and no. Sure, all rice comes from the same plant family; most commonly from two different species— Oryza glaberrima and Oryza sativa.

However, the nutritional value of rice may differ depending on the type you use. There is a big difference in the nutritional value of white versus brown rice, for example.

But, there is more variety to try to understand than just simple white versus brown rice. There is rice that is suited to different dishes, too, and knowing that difference can be pretty important.

Have you ever tried making sushi rolls with basmati rice? Not a good idea. Take a look at this list of different types of rice and learn which rice is best for which dish or cuisine.

Source: Everyday Food/YouTube

1. White Versus Brown Rice

Let’s start with the basic’s here. Sometimes shelves in the supermarket look as though these are your only two options, but it is a little more complex than that.

Choosing white or brown rice doesn’t really tell the type of rice you are buying, all it really tells you is something about the process it went through from plant to table.

White rice- White rice is generally less nutrient dense than brown rice. White rice is just brown rice that has had its husk, bran, and germ removed.

While this gives the rice a higher shelf life, it removes many nutrients and fiber. Because of this, white rice is often fortified with nutrients.

Brown rice- Brown rice, on the other hand, is much higher in nutrients, including some of the B vitamins, manganese, selenium, and magnesium.

One issue with brown rice is that it contains a higher level of phytic acid than white rice. Phytic acid acts as an anti-nutrient that binds with nutrients such as calcium, zinc, and iron, making them less available to the body. One way to counteract this is to soak your rice before you cook it.

Next, let’s get on to the different varieties of rice to choose from and how you might best use them in dishes.

2. Short-Grain Rice

Source: Veggie Dragon Roll

Short-grain rice tends to be short, stubby, and fatter than the more common rice. It is also much starchier and stickier than common rice.

Because of its sticky properties, it is an excellent choice for making creamy paellas, sweet puddings, rice balls, and sushi rolls. Sticky rice is also more easily eaten with chopsticks where clumps can be scooped up and shoveled into your mouth without it all falling apart.

Short-grain rice can be used in these OGP recipes-

• Veggie Dragon Roll
• Mango Beet Sushi
• No-Bake Rice Pudding Cake
• Black Sticky Rice Pudding (Bubur Pulut Hitam)
• High Protein Spinach and Rice Balls
• Spring Vegetable Paella

3. Medium-Grain Rice

Source: Tofu Kebabs With Grilled Mango Sorrel Salad

Medium-grain rice tends to be less glutenous and sticky than short-grain rice. Though it may still be on the sticky side, it has a more tender and chewy texture than short-grain rice.

Many Italian rice varieties are medium-grain such as Arborio, Carnaroli, and Vialone Nano.

Medium-grain rice is also excellent for making paellas, risottos, and rice pudding. It tends to be light and fluffy right after cooking but can start to get stickier and clumpier as it cools down.

Here are some great OGP recipes that would work well with medium-grain rice-

• Mushroom and Asparagus Risotto
• Arroz Con Dulce: Puerto Rican Rice Pudding
• Yaprak Sarma: Low FODMAP Turkish Stuffed Grape Leaves
• Tofu Kebabs With Grilled Mango Sorrel Salad

4. Long-Grain Rice

Source: Cilantro Lime Rice

Long-grain rice is definitely not one to be trying to eat with chopsticks. It is prized for being the ultimate in light fluffy rice and tends not to clump or stick together at all.

Jasmine rice and basmati rice are two of the most common long-grain rice varieties and are used in Asian cooking. Basmati rice is popular in Indian cuisine while jasmine rice is more commonly used in Southeast Asian cuisine.

Of the two long-grain rice varieties, jasmine rice tends to be a little more sticky than basmati rice and is great to use in stir-fries and fried rice dishes.

Basmati rice, on the other hand, is excellent served with curries and pilaus.

Here are some great recipes that are perfect for using long-grain rice varieties.

• Iranian Jeweled Basmati Rice Pilaf
• Turmeric Coconut Rice
• Cilantro Lime Rice
• Thai Red Curry with Cilantro-Jalapeno Jasmine Rice
• Spiced Basmati Rice with Cauliflower and Pomegranate
• Simple Veggie Fried Rice

Related Content:

• How to Grow Rice on a Small Scale
• Indian Fried Rice: Sweet Potato Veggie Biryani
• Unfried Cauliflower Rice in Ginger Miso Sauce
• Spicy Chipotle Rice and Beans
• How to Make Perfect Sushi Rice
• How to Cook The Perfect Brown Rice

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