The rice aisle at your local market can be an overwhelming place. Unlike standing in line at Chipotle, white rice or brown is just the beginning of your options. Here’s a guide to the many types of rice available.
Rice is used widely in Asian and Indian cuisines, but it can be found in all kinds of dishes from around the world. Paella and curry rely on it heavily. You can’t make sushi without rice. Rice can really bring a burrito together, and jambalaya wouldn’t be the same without it.
These popular edible seeds from the plant Oryza sativa comes in several shapes, sizes, textures, and unique flavors. If you were to list the famous dishes that require rice as an ingredient, that would just be the beginning. It’s easily one of the most consumed food worldwide, so it’s no wonder there are so many different types.
Arborio rice
This your go-to rice for making any risotto dish. It retains more starch than some other types of rice, which releases when you cook it lends itself to creating creamy, yummy risotto. But once cooked, it will still have a slightly firm texture.
Basmati rice
This is a type of long-grain, Indian rice. You’ve probably had it in curry. It’s nutty and aromatic, sometimes compared to Jasmine rice for that reason. If you want to make your own pilaf, this is the rice you should turn to.
Black rice
It’s sometimes called the forbidden rice, though it’s not so forbidden these days, widely available at stores like Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, and even Walmart. It tastes earthy and nutty. It contains antioxidants known as anthocyanins, which is what turns it a dark color (the same antioxidant that’s in blueberries and blackberries).
Jasmine rice
Jasmine rice is nutty and aromatic, a little more so than basmati rice, but it originated in Thailand. It’s a shorter grain than basmati rice, but they can be used interchangeably. I use it all the time in my Chinese fried rice, but if you’re looking for a simple side dish, try my coconut rice recipe.
Brown rice
Cooking brown rice is the new white rice. It can be easily substituted into any dish in the place of white rice and it contains more nutrients such as phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium, while also offering more fiber per serving than white rice.
Red cargo rice
Red cargo rice is chewy once cooked and leeches out a red color. It has a nutty flavor, but some complain that its texture is too gummy.
Parboiled rice
Parboiled rice is processed differently than regular white and brown rice. The hull is left on as it’s soaked and steamed. It’s then dried, hulls are removed, and the resulting rice is packaged. Because the hull is left on for longer in the process, the grains absorb more nutrients like vitamin B and potassium. Once cooked, it’s dry and has a firm texture.
Sticky rice
Sticky rice contains less amylose than other types of rice which causes the grains to stick together cooked. It’s a sweet rice used in many Asian dishes, including desserts. You can boil it or steam it, but you can also cook as you would risotto.
Sushi rice
This is a short-grain glutinous white rice (like sticky rice or Calrose rice) that’s combined with rice vinegar and then cooled to roll in sushi. Sometimes, you can find it packaged and labeled as “sushi rice.”
Valencia rice
Named after the region it’s commonly grown — Valencia, Spain — Valencia rice is best known for making paella. Its grains are short and round. You might also hear it referred to as bomba rice. It has a superpower in the sense that it absorbs more water, and therefore it absorbs more flavor than many other types of rice.
Long grain white rice
The classic white rice — long grain white rice is long and thin, just as the name implies, which also makes it fluffy once cooked. The shorter the rice, the more likely the grains are to stick together. The longer, the fluffier. Here is my guide on how to cook white rice perfectly every time.
Wild rice
Interestingly enough, wild isn’t actually rice. It just looks, cooks, and acts like rice so it gets to borrow the name. Wild rice is actually made of seeds that come from a type of marsh grass. It has more antioxidants than actual rice and may help improve heart health and lower the risk of diabetes. Like long-grain white rice, it has a fluffy texture but tastes more rustic and earthy. The photo pictured above is a mixture of wild and brown rice.
Calrose
This is a shorter to medium-grain rice that gets sticky once it’s cooked. It absorbs a lot of flavors and, like other types of sticky rice, it can stand its ground in soups and stews.
What’s the right ratio of water-to-rice?
Well, it depends! The ratio is typically 1 part rice to 1.5 or 2 parts water depending on the variety. I find that long-grain requires a higher amount of water (1½ to 2 parts), medium-grain needs slightly less (1½ to 1¾ parts), and short-grain requires the least but is often soaked for several hours in cold water and then steamed, not simmered in water.
The best place to check is the manufacturer’s suggestions on the back of the bag. There’s typically a recommended rice-to-liquid amount to follow. Oftentimes there is an option to add about ¼ cup more or less to yield a drier or more moist product.
How much does dry rice yield once cooked?
Dry rice can typically swell around three times its size. One cup of dried rice can yield 3 cups of cooked rice for most types. A generally recommended serving size is 1 ounce of dried rice, about ½ cup cooked. I’ve noticed that most labels on rice products say ¼ cup of dried rice is a serving, therefore manufacturers are estimating about ¾ cup of cooked rice per person.
How long does it take to cook rice?
Timing is dependent on the shape, quantity, and type. White rice cooks quicker than brown rice because there’s no outer fibrous bran layer due to milling. This can range from 15 to 25 minutes for white rice and 30 minutes or more for wild and black rice.
Most sticky rice requires soaking in cool water and then steaming for 30 to 45 minutes. Cooking brown rice takes almost double the time to soften the bran and to allow for water absorption into the center of the endosperm.
Mel says
This is really interesting and informative.
I would say that jasmine rice cannot always be used interchangeably with basmati. Persian rice dishes are made almost exclusively with basmati, and many would fall apart or not set correctly if made with jasmine, since jasmine is shorter grain.
Dheep' says
Have always blended Long Grain White & Parboiled. It makes for a great blend of Rice.
Everyone seems to like it & it works great for Fried Rice, as it did today. As Long as you make it very early, or the day before. After it is all broken up, you put in in the Frig to cool for all day or overnight.
Just minutes away from testing another batch of Fried Rice. So far so good
Jessica Gavin says
Thanks for sharing! I will have to try that rice blend next time I made fried rice.
Ruth (Canada) says
I’ve heard about a favourite Indian variety of rice called Swarna – what does it taste like and where can I purchase it in Canada?
Margaret Bauld says
This article on the types of rice was a real eye opener for me. I am from the Bahamas and we eat a lot f rice. The info was a real education. Thank you.
Jessica Gavin says
You’re welcome, Margaret! What type of rice is often used in the Bahamas?
Dorostkar iran says
Hello Jess
We have a type of rice in Iran that is better than all of them, called Tarom.
Jessica Gavin says
Thank you for sharing! I will have the try the Tarom variety of rice, it sounds delicious!
LAVERA NAGLE says
I have used Valencia for making paella. So matter how low the temperature on an electric stove the bottom gets too brown, actually burned, and I’m trying to get a crust which is traditional. Should I try another kind of rice? Do you have any suggestions
Viqar says
Basmati rice is not Indian alone. In fact it is more Pakistani.
Jessica Gavin says
Thanks for the rice info, Viqar!
Helen says
This is so organized and useful. I often blend two or more rices (and wild rice) for texture and health reasons. My family used to think it was strange (they called it “mom’s blend”) but eventually enjoyed the surprise rice dish, such as in sushi or topped with sauces like donburi or teriyaki, and always served with loads of veggies on the side. Thank you so much for your informational article.
Jessica Gavin says
I love that you make your own rice blend, so flavorful and healthy!
Jasmine F says
Thank you for sharing your rice knowledge and I’ll have to tell you I was simply blown away by the wild rice actually not being rice absorbed but yet a seed as races I thought that was so interesting I absolutely love wild rice ha ha you can’t say wild seeds it sounds ridiculous
William says
Thanks allot am now an expert in rice preparing. Can’t believe my boss appreciated it after 5 years of rice eating. Am here in Uganda in Africa
Shehan says
We here in sri lanka… Always rice… ?
Aravinda says
yeh hahah……..
Ash says
Hi! You didn’t get Assamese rice – borasaul and johasaul. The first is oink n sticky the second a little sticky n smells oh wow
coby says
stop making so many rices
Juan Aguilar says
Thanks for the article on the different types of rice. I really enjoy making rice pudding for my grandkids. What is the best rice for this dessert? Thanks!
Jessica Gavin says
For the creamiest rice pudding, I would use medium-grain white rice like arborio or calrose. Long grain rice can also be used, but will be a little lighter.
Karen Griffin says
Good article on the many basic types of rice. Well-written and it was very helpful. Thanks!
Jessica Gavin says
Glad to hear that you found the rice article helpful, Karen!
alda says
Is there a sweet rice used for making rice flour?
Jessica Gavin says
I believe that short grain sweet rice is used for rice flour, like Mochiko.
gloria says
Thanks Jessica
Although I’m a vegan, I find your information relevant.
Jessica Gavin says
Happy to hear that you found the rice article informative, Gloria!
Elyn Catli says
Have you had rice made in the Columbian style? We frequent a Columbian restaurant because all their food is amazing, but I cannot replicate their rice. They fry their rice first and then boil it. I have since learned many other South American countries do the same. Is it the type of rice or the way it is cooked that makes Columbian rice so heavenly?
Jessica Gavin says
I haven’t had Columbian-style rice, but it sounds like I need to! I think it’s the preparation and specific type of rice they use to give them the flavor and texture.
JJ says
One of your best, Jessica!! I think I have 4 types rice and I’m blown away to see how many more there are…just left it to the take-outs…LOL.
*SIGH*…back to Amazon to try to find these guys.
Thanks for posting (again)!
Jessica Gavin says
I can’t wait to hear what types of rice you try, JJ. Let me know which ones you like!
Sharon says
Thank You Jessica…My favorites are wild rice and basmati…I am from Louisiana and it was ‘rice’ for us growing up and tho I do cook potatoes some I still prefer rice…I love your emails and what you do to share so many wonderful things with us. Thank You, Sharon
Jessica Gavin says
Thank you, Sharon! I love visiting Lousiana, you have some of the best rice dishes!
Samba says
Wonderful, this is very educative. Thank you so much for making me understand more about rice.
Jessica Gavin says
You’re welcome, Samba!
stace says
I would have loved a picture of Valencia rice but this was extremely helpful, thank you.
Margaret McCullough says
Thanks for the descriptions.
I’ve recently found and am enjoying whole grain jasmine and red jasmine rice.
Abel says
Hi Jess that is excellent info about Asian rice type, please could include african rice type too.
Jessica Gavin says
Thanks for the suggestion, I will look into it!
Sherif says
came across this when looking for best rice for Rice Cooker !
Informative and helpful, Excellent,
Looking forward to exploring the rest of the site
Jessica Gavin says
Thanks for checking out my website Sherif!
Ben says
How on earth are Basmati and Jasmine rice interchangeable?
Basmati rice, when cooked right, is very loose,the grains don’t stick together.It’s rather dry but delicate. Impossible to eat with chopsticks.
Jasmine rice is more lumpy and sticks together (not as much as sticky or japanese rice though),and is much more wet.Thais don’t eat rice with chopsticks,but it would be possible with jasmine rice.
Dave says
Jessica. AWESOME! Thank you so much.
Jessica says
Thank you so Much David! It really means a lot
Gillian says
Hi Jessica check out this rice it’s called Mata or commonly Rosamata its from Sri -lanka and was suggested to me by my pharmacist who is srinlankan the rice is good for people with diabetes its not starchy as you know starch is the enemy of diabetics
Jessica Gavin says
I will keep an eye out for the Rosamata rice!