Rice is a staple in many people’s diets. It’s filling, inexpensive, and a great mild-tasting addition to flavorful dishes.
However, rice — white rice in particular — may not be appropriate for everyone’s dietary needs. For instance, people who are trying to eat fewer carbs or calories may want a lighter alternative like riced cauliflower.
In addition, swapping out rice for alternative healthy choices, such as other whole grains, can add variety to your diet.
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Explore new cuisinesHere are 11 healthy alternatives to rice.
1. Quinoa
While it assumes a grain-like taste and texture after cooking, quinoa is a seed. This popular rice substitute is gluten-free and much higher in protein than rice.
A 1/2-cup (92-gram) serving of cooked quinoa provides 4 grams of protein — double the amount found in the same serving of white rice.
Quinoa is a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids that your body needs. This makes it a great protein source for vegetarians.
It’s also a good source of the vital minerals magnesium and copper, which play important roles in energy metabolism and bone health.
To cook it, combine one part dried quinoa with two parts water and bring it to a boil. Cover and reduce the heat, allowing it to simmer until all the water is absorbed. Remove the cooked quinoa from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes, then fluff it with a fork.
If you’re gluten-sensitive, only purchase quinoa that is certified gluten-free due to the risk of cross-contamination.
2. Riced cauliflower
Riced cauliflower is an excellent low-carb and low-calorie alternative to rice. It has a mild flavor, as well as a texture and appearance similar to that of cooked rice, with only a fraction of the calories and carbs.
This makes it a popular rice alternative for people on low-carb diets like keto.
A 1/2-cup (57-gram) serving of riced cauliflower has only 13 calories, compared with 100 calories for the same serving of white rice.
To make riced cauliflower, chop a head of cauliflower into several pieces and grate them using a box grater, or finely chop them using a food processor. The riced cauliflower can be cooked over medium heat with a small amount of oil until tender and slightly browned.
You can also purchase premade riced cauliflower in the freezer section of most grocery stores.
3. Riced broccoli
Like riced cauliflower, riced broccoli is a smart rice alternative for people on low-carb or low-calorie diets.
It’s similar in nutrient content to riced cauliflower, with 1/2 cup (57 grams) packing about 15 calories and 2 grams of fiber.
Riced broccoli is also an excellent source of vitamin C, with 1/2 cup (57 grams) providing over 25% of your daily value. Vitamin C acts as a powerful antioxidant that can help prevent cellular damage and boost immune health.
Like riced cauliflower, riced broccoli can be prepared by grating broccoli with a box grater or chopping it in a food processor, then cooking it over medium heat with a bit of oil. Some grocery stores also sell riced broccoli in the freezer section.
4. Shirataki rice
Shirataki rice is another popular rice alternative for low-carb and low-calorie dieters.
It’s made from konjac root, which is native to Asia and rich in a unique fiber called glucomannan.
According to the product packaging, a 3-ounce (85-gram) serving of shirataki rice does not contain any calories.
However, when a portion of food provides fewer than 5 calories per serving, the manufacturer can legally state that it has zero calories, which explains why a 3-ounce (85-gram) serving of shirataki rice appears to be calorie-free.
Glucomannan, the primary fiber in konjac root, is being studied for many potential health benefits, including its ability to form a protective barrier along the lining of your intestines.
Suggested read: 9 low carb grains (and some high carb ones to avoid)
Still, you would need to eat a large amount of shirataki rice to consume a significant amount of glucomannan.
To prepare shirataki rice, rinse it well in water, boil it for 1 minute, and then heat the rice in a pan over medium heat until dry. Rinsing shirataki rice before cooking helps reduce its unique odor.
5. Barley
Barley is a grain that’s closely related to wheat and rye. It looks similar to oats and has a chewy texture and earthy taste.
With about 100 calories, a 1/2-cup (81-gram) serving of cooked barley provides about the same number of calories as an equal serving of white rice. Yet, it contains a bit more protein and fiber.
In addition, barley packs a variety of nutrients. A 1/2 cup (81 grams) provides over 10% of the daily value for niacin, zinc, and selenium.
To cook barley, bring one part hulled barley and four parts water to a boil, then reduce it to medium heat and cook it until the barley is soft, or about 25–30 minutes. Drain the excess water before serving.
6. Whole-wheat couscous
Couscous is a type of pasta that’s widely used in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine. It’s made of very small pearls of flour.
Whole-wheat couscous is a healthier option than regular varieties, as it’s richer in fiber and protein.
Couscous pearls are much smaller than grains of rice, so they add a unique texture to the foods they’re served with.
To make couscous, combine one part couscous and one part water, and bring the mixture to a boil. Remove it from heat and allow the couscous to sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff it with a fork before serving.
7. Chopped cabbage
Chopped cabbage is another excellent alternative to rice. Cabbage is low in calories and carbs with a mild flavor that compliments many styles of cuisine.
It’s an excellent source of vitamins C and K, with a 1/2-cup (75-gram) serving to provide 31% and 68% of the daily value, respectively.
Vitamin K helps regulate blood clotting and circulation. It also plays an important role in bone health.
Suggested read: 14 healthy whole-grain foods (including gluten-free options)
To cook chopped cabbage, finely chop a cabbage by hand or using a food processor. Then cook it with a small amount of oil over medium heat until it’s tender.
8. Whole-wheat orzo
Orzo is a type of pasta that’s similar to rice in shape, size, and texture.
Whole-wheat orzo packs more fiber and protein than regular orzo, which makes it the healthier choice.
Still, it’s fairly high in calories, providing about 50% more calories than an equal serving of white rice. Therefore, be sure to choose a portion size that is appropriate for your health goals.
Whole-wheat orzo is a great source of fiber, which can help improve digestion by bulking up and softening your stool, as well as serving as a food source for your healthy gut bacteria.
To prepare orzo, boil the pasta in water over medium heat until it reaches the tenderness you desire, and drain it before serving.
9. Farro
Farro is a whole-grain wheat product that can be used similarly to rice, though it’s much nuttier in flavor and has a chewy texture. It’s similar to barley but has larger grains.
Farro contains a hefty dose of protein and — like quinoa — is another excellent plant-based source of this important nutrient.
To ensure you’re getting all nine essential amino acids, pair farro with legumes, such as chickpeas or black beans.
To prepare it, bring one part dried farro and three parts water to a low boil and cook it until the farro is tender.
10. Freekeh
Freekeh — like barley and farro — is a whole grain. It comes from wheat grains that are harvested while they’re still green.
It’s rich in protein and fiber, with a 1/4-cup (40-gram) dried serving providing 8 and 4 grams of these important nutrients, respectively.
What’s more, the same serving packs 8% of the daily value for iron, which is needed to create healthy red blood cells.
Freekeh is cooked by bringing it to a boil with two parts of water, then reducing the heat to medium and allowing the grain to simmer until it’s tender.
Suggested read: Is couscous gluten-free?
11. Bulgur wheat
Bulgur wheat is another whole-wheat substitute for rice.
It’s similar in size and appearance to couscous, but whereas couscous is pasta made from wheat flour, bulgur wheat is small, cracked pieces of whole-wheat grains.
It’s commonly used in tabbouleh, a Mediterranean salad dish that also features tomatoes, cucumbers, and fresh herbs.
Except for the vegetable-based alternatives on this list, bulgur wheat is the lowest in calories. It contains 76 calories in 1/2 cup (91 grams), about 25% fewer calories than an equal serving of white rice.
It’s a great rice alternative for those who are trying to cut calories but still want the familiar texture and flavor of grain.
Bulgur wheat is cooked by boiling one part bulgur wheat and two parts water, then reducing the heat to medium and allowing the bulgur to cook until tender. Before serving, drain the excess water and fluff the cooked bulgur with a fork.
If you can’t find bulgur wheat at your local supermarket, shopping online may be a convenient option.
Summary
There are many alternatives to rice that can help you meet your personal health goals or simply add variety to your diet.
Quinoa is a great gluten-free, high-protein option.
Vegetables, such as riced cauliflower, riced broccoli, and chopped cabbage, are low-calorie and low-carb alternatives packed with nutrients.
Plus, many whole-grain options, including bulgur, freekeh, and barley, can add a nutty, earthy taste and chewy texture to your dishes.
Next time you want to put rice aside and swap it for something different, try one of the nutritious and diverse alternatives above.
