Best Rice Substitutes
What Can I Use Instead of Rice in a Recipe?
Use the same amount as the original. Orzo is a rice-shaped pasta with a tender, slightly firmer texture than cooked rice. Use equal volume but reduce liquid slightly and cook for 8–10 minutes.
Need to replace Rice in a recipe? These 5 alternatives have you covered. From pantry staples to specialty swaps, this guide walks through every practical Rice replacement you can use in cooking and baking — with the ratios you need to get it right. Ideal if you need to keep things plant-based or eat gluten-free. The top pick is Orzo — it's the closest match for most recipes. Orzo is a rice-shaped pasta with a tender, slightly firmer texture than cooked rice. Use equal volume but reduce liquid slightly and cook for 8–10 minutes.
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Get ratios for Rice →All Rice Substitutes (5 options)
Orzo is a rice-shaped pasta with a tender, slightly firmer texture than cooked rice. Use equal volume but reduce liquid slightly and cook for 8–10 minutes.
Barley has a chewy, nutty character and takes 5–10 minutes longer to cook. Flavor is earthier; works well in soups and pilafs but changes the dish profile.
Couscous has a lighter, fluffier texture and cooks much faster (10 minutes vs. 18 minutes). Works well in most dishes but creates a different mouthfeel; adjust liquid if used in pilaf-style preparations.
Pearl barley has a similar cooking time and absorbs liquid similarly to rice. Use equal amounts, but note the flavor and texture differ—barley is chewier and nuttier.
Quinoa has a nutty flavor and slightly different texture; use equal amounts but note it cooks faster (15 minutes vs 18–20 for white rice). Works well in pilafs and grain bowls.
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Tips for Substituting Rice
For most recipes, Orzo is the best starting point. Orzo is a rice-shaped pasta with a tender, slightly firmer texture than cooked rice. Use equal volume but reduce liquid slightly and cook for 8–10 minutes. Going plant-based? Quinoa is a vegan-friendly option that work well in most recipes. If you need a gluten-free alternative, Quinoa fits the bill without the gluten. If you're unsure which Rice substitute to use, think about why the original is in the recipe: flavor, texture, moisture, or binding? Choose the substitute that best matches that function.
Common Questions About Rice Substitutes
The best substitute for Rice is Orzo. Use the same amount. Orzo is a rice-shaped pasta with a tender, slightly firmer texture than cooked rice. Use equal volume but reduce liquid slightly and cook for 8–10 minutes.
This guide lists 5 Rice alternatives. The best one depends on your recipe, dietary needs, and what you have on hand — check the substitution cards above for details on each.
Quinoa is a great plant-based alternative to Rice. Quinoa has a nutty flavor and slightly different texture; use equal amounts but note it cooks faster (15 minutes vs 18–20 for white rice). Works well in pilafs and grain bowls.
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