For some of our favorite dishes, including sushi, Chicken Tikka Masala, and Chicken Teriyaki, rice makes a nice, comfortable bed. And in so many cultures, it's a staple. It's because rice is easy to make, cheap, filling, and versatile.
But in particular, white rice can be a polarizing topic. While it's a fast, satisfying side dish, the nutrition of other whole grains is missing. That's why rice alternatives, from riced broccoli to cauliflower rice, are growing in number.
There is a bevy of white rice alternatives to add value and taste to your meals while also enjoying the starchy, sticky sensation of a comfortable pillow full of rice on your palate, whether you are looking for a better option or are simply sick of plain white rice.
Chopped cabbage
A low-calorie substitute for rice is chopped cabbage, and it compliments many different cuisines, such as Asian or Mexican. To help improve immunity and vitamin K, it is a great source of vitamin C, which helps with blood clotting and circulation. Finely cut it or place it in a food processor and then cook until tender using a little bit of oil over medium heat.
Riced broccoli
A half-cup of riced broccoli has just 15 calories in 2 grams of fiber. And broccoli is a cruciferous crop, ensuring that when it comes to its antioxidant strength, it is a superstar and can also aid combat cancer. It's easier to buy pre-riced cauliflower, too. Using the food processor or a box grater to provide the proper size and shape for your broccoli.
Quinoa
A higher-protein alternative to rice, quinoa is always whole grain. If you prefer quinoa over white rice, you'll get a lot of phytonutrients, proteins, fiber, and antioxidants. It's also a strong source of magnesium, folate, and iron. Quinoa is a perfect choice for those who choose to resist carbohydrates, like rice.
Cauliflower rice
This cruciferous vegetable is an outstanding low-calorie alternative to rice and is filled with antioxidants, phytonutrients, and extra fiber. It often saves a large number of calories (25 calories per cup vs. 204 per cup in rice) and carbohydrates (5 grams vs. 45 grams of rice), so it will aid for weight reduction to consistently use riced cauliflower instead of rice. For those with diabetes who wish to control their consumption of carbohydrates, a very good option is cauliflower.
Finding a side dish that always leaves you pleased is the trick. If you want to layer it on your plate like fluffy clouds with the texture of the rice, try a riced vegetable like cauliflower or broccoli, so your rice substitute will also assist your intake of vegetables. A whole-grain substitute will fulfill your appetite for rice if you love the taste. Or consider adding half cauliflower rice and half traditional white rice.
