The Ultimate Guide to Rice: Types, Uses, and Tasty Recipes

This guide to rice will take you through the major types of rice, explain their unique traits, and most importantly, show you how to make delicious dishes with them.

Rice is an absolute kitchen classic and the silent star of countless meals worldwide. Yet, not all rice is created equal. From fragrant basmati to sturdy Arborio, each variety has its own personality. Knowing which one to use can mean the difference between culinary bliss and a mushy, mismatched mess.

What Makes Rice, Rice?

Before we get fancy, let’s cover the basics. Rice comes in different grain lengths, long-grain, medium-grain, and short-grain, and this matters more than you might think. Long-grain rice stays fluffy and separate, making it perfect for things like biryanis and salads. Medium-grain varieties can have a slightly creamy texture, ideal for risottos, while short-grain rice is sticky and clings together like a cosy hug so perfect for sushi or rice pudding!

Now, let’s meet the main characters of the rice world and figure out what makes each one special.

Long-Grain Rice

1. Basmati Rice

Basmati rice is a long-grain rice, with a fragrant aroma. Popular in Indian and Middle Eastern kitchens, this rice delivers a light, fluffy texture.

How to Use It

• Perfect for curries, pair it with a spicy butter chicken or vegetarian lentil daal.
• Use it in biryanis, where its delicate flavour complements spices like saffron, cumin, and cardamom.

Pro Tip

Rinse your basmati rice before cooking to remove excess starch for perfectly separated grains.

2. Jasmine Rice

Jasmine rice is Basmati’s laid-back cousin. Grown in Southeast Asia, its soft, floral fragrance is subtler. It’s slightly stickier than basmati, making it great for hearty meals.

How to Use It

• Serve alongside Thai green curry or stir-fried veggies.
• Use it in fried rice for a quick and satisfying meal.

Pro Tip

Cook with the absorption method for best results. Fluff it up with a fork when done cooking.

Medium-Grain Rice

3. Arborio Rice

Arborio rice is rich, creamy, and loves to soak up flavours. Its high starch content makes it a risotto staple, leaving you with a luscious, velvety dish.

How to Use It

• Whip up a classic Butternut Squash Risotto or Mushroom Risotto.
• You can use Arborio to make rice pudding for dessert—it’s not just for savoury dishes!

Pro Tip

Be patient when stirring risotto! It’s the slow addition of stock that helps Arborio achieve that dreamily creamy consistency.

4. Paella Rice

Paella rice, often referred to as Bomba or Calasparra rice, is a bit of a team player. It absorbs lots of liquid—like Arborio—but without getting overly creamy. This makes it perfect for Spanish paellas.

How to Use It

• For a crowd-pleaser, try a Mixed Meat Paella with chicken, chorizo, and prawns.
• Prefer something veggie-focused? A Vegetable and Chickpea Paella offers a hearty, plant-based twist.

Pro Tip

Spread the rice evenly across the pan and resist the urge to stir—it’s all about achieving that crunchy socarrat at the base.

Short-Grain Rice

5. Sushi Rice

Short-grain sushi rice is sticky, slightly sweet, and essential for—you guessed it—sushi. Its glue-like texture lets it hold ingredients together, which is why rolls and nigiri wouldn’t work without it.

How to Use It

• Make classic sushi rolls like California rolls or spicy tuna rolls.
• Use it for poke bowls topped with sashimi, avocado, and soy-based dressings.

Pro Tip

Add rice vinegar, sugar, and salt after cooking to season sushi rice properly.

Speciality Rices for Custom Dishes

6. Wild Rice (Not Technically Rice)

Wild rice isn’t actually rice, it’s a grass seed. With its chewy texture and earthy, nutty flavour, it’s perfect for salads and stuffing.

How to Use It

• Toss it into a Rice Salad with roasted veggies, dried cranberries, and feta for a refreshing dish.
• Stuff your chicken or peppers with a mix of wild rice, nuts, and herbs.

Pro Tip

Cook it with chicken or vegetable stock for enhanced flavour.

How to Cook Rice Like a Pro

Rinse and Repeat

Always rinse your rice unless stated otherwise. This removes excess starch, preventing clumping (especially important for long-grain varieties).

Learn the Rice Ratios

Each type needs different water-to-rice ratios. For example:

• Basmati rice typically uses 1 cup rice to 1.5 cups water.
• Sushi rice often requires equal parts water and rice.
• Arborio rice adjusts liquid quantities as you cook.

Experiment with Add-ins

Cook your rice in coconut milk for extra creaminess or add aromatics like bay leaves, cinnamon, or cloves for flavour depth.

Which is your favourite rice? How do you cook it? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.