20 Different Types of Rice and How to Use Them

Rice is a versatile ingredient used in many dishes, from soups to stir-fries to puddings. There are many rice varieties to choose from, making it challenging to decide which one to buy for different dishes. Choosing white or brown rice is just the beginning since there are rice varieties from all over the world.

There are three types of rice grains. They vary in length and starchiness, among other things.

• Long-grain: Can triple in length when cooked. It’s low in starch and dry when fully prepared, making it good in rice pilaf.
• Medium-grain: Provides more moisture than long-grain but isn’t as starchy as short-grain. It is often used in rice pudding or Italian risotto.
• Short-grain: Clumps together and becomes sticky when prepared. It’s ideal for rice pudding.

20 Different Types of Rice

Rice is often a staple ingredient in many households since it can be used in many recipes and prepared in various methods. This list features the most common types of rice. Each type includes different textures, flavors, and cooking uses.

Grab it now on Instacart:

Bombay Original Basmati Rice (4 lb)

Carolina Brown Rice, Whole Grain (16 oz)

Wild Harvest Rice, Organic, Jasmine, Thai (32 oz)

Asian Taste Rice, Red Cargo (5 lb)

Alter Eco Rice, Purple, Thai Sticky (16 oz)

DeLallo Carnaroli Rice, Italian (17.6 oz)

Haddon House Wild Rice, Cultivated, Extra Fancy (8 oz)

Cacarola Extra Long Arroz Carolino (2.2 lb)

RiceSelect Rice, Sushi (2 lb)

Annie Chun's Rice Express Fresh Steamed Sticky White Rice (7.4 oz)

1. Arborio rice

Arborio rice is often used to make risotto. It’s a plump short-grain rice that contains more starch, which releases when cooked. This helps when making creamy risotto dishes.

2. Basmati rice

Basmati rice is Indian long-grain rice with a nutty flavor. It has a floral aroma, ideal for curries, rice pilaf, and saffron rice.

3. Black rice

Known as the forbidden rice, black rice isn’t so forbidden anymore. You can find it at any grocery store. It features an earthy and nutty flavor, and it includes antioxidants that turn the rice darker.

4. Brown rice

Brown rice only has the hull removed, keeping the germ, bran, and critical nutrients. You can use brown rice in many dishes, such as stir-fries, stuffed peppers, and casseroles since it cooks up light and fluffy with a nutty flavor.

5. Brown Basmati rice

In India, brown basmati rice is another aromatic long-grain rice with a popcorn aroma.

6. Valencia rice

Valencia rice is commonly grown in Valencia, Spain, and it’s often used in paella. It absorbs more water and flavor than any other type of rice. It’s also referred to as bomba rice.

7. Jasmine rice

Jasmine rice originated from Thailand. It features an aromatic nutty flavor like basmati rice, and you can easily substitute the two in recipes. It’s a shorter grain than basmati, but it works great in Asian dishes.

8. Red cargo rice

Like brown rice, red cargo rice also has the hull removed, leaving more nutrients intact. Once it’s prepared, the rice is chewy and nutty, but the texture may become gummy.

9. Himalayan red rice

This Indian long-grain rice features a reddish bran layer and a complex, nutty flavor that adds visual appeal and depth to your cuisine.

10. Purple Thai rice

Since Purple Thai rice is sweeter than other kinds of rice, it has typically been used in dessert recipes. However, people are starting to use it in savory dishes too. Add the rest of your ingredients at the end, or they may turn purple.

11. Parboiled rice

Parboiled rice is processed differently than traditional brown or white rice. It’s soaked and steamed with the hull still on before it’s dried and packaged. Once it’s prepared, it keeps a firm texture.

12. Carnaroli rice

Similar to arborio, carnaroli rice is great in risotto. This Italian rice is known for its starchiness, firmness, and creamy texture.

13. Long grain white rice

Long grain white rice is basically classic white rice. It features long and thin rice kernels, which become light and fluffy when cooked. The longer the rice, the fluffier it becomes, and the shorter it is, the stickier it is.

14. Wild rice

Technically, wild rice isn’t rice. It’s made from the seeds of marsh grass. However, it cooks like rice. Wild rice features a smoky and nutty texture and cooks up tender. It’s often used in soups and stuffings to add flavor and texture to the dish.

15. Calrose rice

Calrose rice is medium-grain rice that becomes sticky once it’s prepared. It absorbs many flavors, and like many other sticky kinds of rice, it works well in soups and stews.

16. Carolino rice

Carolino rice is Portuguese rice that stays firm and tender. It absorbs colors and flavors, and it is a wonderful addition to tomato-based seafood dishes.

17. Japanese short-grain rice

Japanese short-grain rice is used to make sushi, rice balls, and other Asian dishes. This is because Japanese rice tends to have a unique sticky texture due to its high starch and moisture content.

18. Sushi rice

Sushi rice is steamed Japanese rice that has been flavored with vinegar and seasonings. It’s the preferred rice for making sushi. In Japan, it is referred to as vinegared rice.

19. Mochigome rice

Mochigome is often referred to as Japanese sweet rice. It’s stickier and sweeter and other Japanese rice and is used in traditional desserts or mocha rice cakes.

20. Sticky rice

Sticky rice features a high starch content which makes the rice sticky and chewy. It’s often used in desserts like rice pudding, though some people like using it in their risotto as well.

Experiment with different types of rice

Rice is such a versatile ingredient. It can add texture to soups and curries and bulk up your favorite casseroles. You can also use it in desserts like rice pudding and add fruit to make it even sweeter. With so many choices, you can buy your favorite kind of rice and add it to your Instacart order. You can even choose same-day delivery and have it there within two hours.

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