When cooking up weeknight meals, we often rely on a few staples to form the foundations of our dishes. Pasta, potatoes and rice all lay the base for some great suppers. When it comes to rice, though, some home cooks tend to balk. Making rice takes time and if you don’t have a rice cooker, you always run the risk of it burning. The easiest solution is instant rice.
Yep, we’re talking the rice you can zap in the microwave or boil on your stovetop for a few minutes. But of course, not all rice options are the same. We found the best through some serious testing in our Test Kitchen.
What Is Instant Rice?
Instant rice is regular rice that’s been cooked and then dehydrated. When you make instant rice at home, all you’re really doing is rehydrating the grains and heating them back up again. The whole process is pretty quick—typically under 10 minutes. That’s a fraction of the time it takes to cook rice right out of the bag.
You’ll find all kinds of instant rice varieties, including jasmine and brown. For our test, though, we focused on basic white rice.
How We Found the Best Instant Rice
Our Test Kitchen wrangled up every brand of quick white rice they could find. As always, our testing was conducted blindly by a panel of our Test Kitchen staffers, who kept these questions in mind:
Flavor: How did the rice taste? Were there any additional or outstanding flavors?
Texture: What was the texture of the rice like? Tender? Mushy? Al dente? Sticky?
Appearance: How did the rice look? Was it pure white? Did it look appealing?
Our Test Kitchen-Preferred Instant Rice Brands
Think all rice is the same? No way! These quick-cooking brands were our Test Kitchen’s favorites.
Best Basic Rice: Good & Gather Instant White Rice
Overhead Shot Of Good & Gather White Rice In Package And On Plate
This brand had a tender texture and a beautiful snow-white appearance. Testers agreed it would be a great start to any dinner recipe and especially good for soaking up delicious stir-fry sauces.
Overhead Shot Of Minute White Rice In Package And On Plate.
Oftentimes quick rice products can come off as sticky or claggy when all you really want is fluffy white rice. For that perfect texture, try Minute White Rice.
This rice got high marks for its fluffy texture—in fact, every tester used the term fluffy to describe Minute rice. And it wasn’t mushy or too crunchy. The grains separated easily and tasted like delicious white rice—all without the hassle of making rice on the stovetop.
Overhead Shot Of Success White Rice In Package And On Plate
Getting just the right texture can be challenging with rice. At least it can be if you’re not using Success Boil-in-Bag White Rice.
This rice cooked up with a pleasant texture that was slightly chewy without being sticky or dense. Combined with the lightly toasted flavor and creamy color, our testers enjoyed this brand and could picture using it to whip up this top-rated Southwest rice and veggie side.
While the sole ingredient in this product is long grain rice, it definitely tasted a bit more like brown rice than we expected (not a bad thing!).
Overhead Shot Of Great Value White Rice In Package And On Plate
While every brand we tested was plain white rice, some brands had more notable flavors, especially Walmart’s Great Value Instant White Rice.
Great Value tasted slightly nutty to our testers, giving it more personality than its competitors. While we know that rice is just a starting point for most dishes, it never hurts to start with a little extra flavor. Be aware, though, that this tasty rice was a bit stickier than other options—though sticky rice definitely has a place on your table!
Just like with traditional rice, you can use instant rice as the foundation for all sorts of meals. Spend your time and effort making a delicious stir-fry or curry dinner and pop a package of this quick rice in the microwave as you finish it off.
You'll find my easy Spanish rice is better than any found in grocery stores. Best of all, it can be prepared in the same amount of time as those so-called “quick and easy” boxes. —Anne Yaeger, Washington DC, Washington
My husband and I thought the original skillet dish lacked pizzazz, so we created this tastier version. I've had teenage nieces and nephews request the recipe after their first bite. —Joyce Whipps, West Des Moines, Iowa
I created this recipe upon returning home from traveling. With little food in the house, I used what was there. My husband loves this dish because it's tasty, and I love it because it's easy. —Allison Gapinski, Cary, North Carolina
My son named this "pizza rice" after I threw together a quick dinner from what I had in the fridge and pantry. Add any other pizza topping ingredients you desire. I often add black olive slices or mushrooms. Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan
Mother used to fix this wonderful, easy dish when we had company. She was from a family of fantastic Cajun cooks, so our food was always well-seasoned. In Louisiana, rice is part of many meals. The cheese sauce sets these stuffed peppers apart from any others I've tried. —Lisa Easley, Longview, Texas
I enjoy cooking ethnic foods, especially those that call for lots of rice. Like my mom, I often prepare this dish for special Sunday get-togethers. Traditional paella uses saffron, but turmeric is a budget-friendly alternative. —Ena Quiggle, Goodhue, Minnesota
This Asian stir-fry is a household best bet. The spicy sauce works with chicken, seafood, pork or beef. Add whatever veggies you have on hand. —Kristin Rimkus, Snohomish, Washington
These saucy chickpeas add just a little heat to meatless Mondays. They're especially good over hot, fluffy brown rice. —April Strevell, Red Bank, New Jersey
This is a yummy dish. My husband loves the kick that the sausage gives this quick gumbo, and it’s such a cinch to assemble. —Amy Flack, Homer City, Pennsylvania
We still can’t settle on our favorite salsa, but, honestly, why bother? There are so many fantastic options! We love trying them all in this twist on classic meat loaf. You can make these loaves ahead, and they’ll last for a few days—perfect for meat loaf sandwiches topped with a little Monterey Jack cheese. —Tasha Tully, Owings Mills, Maryland
This hearty, satisfying dinner has all the flavors of an authentic jambalaya with little effort. The foil packets can be prepared a day ahead and cooked right before serving. These are also good on the grill! —Allison Stroud, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
My mother made shrimp Creole when I was growing up, so I’ve carried on the family tradition. For extra kick, pass the Louisiana hot sauce. —Gina Norton, Wonder Lake, IL
I practically grew up in my Polish grandmother's kitchen, watching Babci cook and listening to her stories. I made her cabbage roll recipe healthier with whole grains and turkey, but kept the same rich flavors I remember. —Fay Moreland, Wichita Falls, Texas
This is my go-to pepper stew. When my garden yields green peppers, I dice and freeze them for those cold, blustery days to come.—Debbie Johnson, Centertown, Missouri
Chunks of tender chicken add heartiness to this appealing brunch casserole. This was my son's favorite hot lunch meal from high school. —DeLee Jochum, Dubuque, Iowa
On our busy ranch, we often need meals we can put on the table in a hurry. This all-in-one chicken dish - with its delicate lemon flavor - fits the bill and it's inexpensive to boot. —Kat Thompson, Prineville, Oregon
Ham, rice and mushrooms make a tasty combination in this homey stovetop dish. It goes from start to finish in just 25 minutes. —Susan Zivec, Regina, Saskatchewan
It's a snap to change the spice level in this popular rice side dish by choosing a milder or hotter salsa. It's a delicious way to round out burritos or tacos when the clock is ticking. —Molly Ingle, Canton, North Carolina
Flavorful pork sausage, fresh zucchini and instant rice make this stovetop sensation a favorite. Everyone I have shared this recipe with tells me how delicious it is. —Connie Putnam, Clayton, North Carolina
I like to serve this Greek-style rice dish alongside steaks with mushrooms. It makes an elegant side that can be doubled for guests. —Jeanette Cakouros, Brunswick, Maine
Preparing stuffed cabbage rolls can be time-consuming, but this version with butternut squash has the classic flavors —and it’s table ready in just 30 minutes. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Peach preserves sweeten the spicy salsa in this delicious dish that’s nice enough for company. Adjust the heat level to taste by using mild or spicy salsa and seasoning. —Melissa Molaison, Hawkinsville, Georgia
Skillet pork chops make easy comfort food. We have them with a salad and fruit. If you've got fresh green beans or steamed broccoli, go for it. —Donna Roberts, Manhattan, Kansas
As the stew of the South, jambalaya is a definite staple. For ages, home cooks have been making their own tweaks on the traditional recipe. This rendition is my favorite. —Judy Batson, Tampa, Florida
Thanks to tangy balsamic vinegar and sweet apples, this one-pot pork chop lets you have a little something special anytime. —Greg Hageli, Elmhurst, Illinois
The first recipe my kids requested when they left home was broccoli with sausage and rice. If fresh zucchini or summer squash is available, add it to the mix. —JoAnn Parmentier, Branch, Michigan
My mom gave me a fundraiser cookbook, and this is the recipe I’ve used most. My whole family is on board. For toppings, think sour cream, tomatoes, jalapeno and red onion. —Judy Hughes, Waverly, Kansas
Juicy stuffed chicken is perfect for basil fans, but I've just as easily used shredded cheese in place of the pesto for my pickier eaters. —Rachel Dion, Port Charlotte, Florida
When my husband and I were dating, he told me he liked Asian food. I got a wok and discovered the joy of dishes like this pork stir-fry. —Laurie Martignon, Niagara, Wisconsin
At our house, we're big on healthy eating. These ultra tender chops with colorful rice and black-eyed peas are a meal fancy enough for a dinner party. —Annie Holmes, Murfreesboro, Tennessee
I've been loving the subtle spice from curry lately, so I incorporated it into this saucy chicken and rice dish. It's a one-pan meal that's become a go-to dinnertime favorite. —Mary Lou Timpson, Colorado City, Arizona
Like a lot of people here in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, my boyfriend, Michael, loves to fish. When we have an abundance of fresh salmon on hand, this is one way we cook it. —Amy Paul Maynard, Albany, Oregon
I don't recall where I got this recipe, but it's my all-time favorite turkey soup. Everyone who has tried it agrees. The sweet red pepper is what gives the soup its distinctive flavor. —Bobby Langley, Rocky Mount, North Carolina
