10+ best rice recipes for kids
These recipes are not only healthy and packed with nutrients, but they're also easy to make and kid-friendly.
Rice is very nutritive and can be found in most regions of the world. It's one of the most flexible ingredients for food. The possibilities are endless when we think about how to cook rice in different forms and it is easy to find more than one appealing way for kids to eat rice.
Parents are always looking for new and innovative ways to get their kids to eat their vegetables. And what better way than to cook them into delicious rice dishes that the whole family can enjoy? Rice is a versatile ingredient that is good with almost every vegetable.
Using rice as a breakfast for kids is likely to make it unappealing for them to eat, so it is recommended to incorporate rice into various interesting recipes.
Healthy rice recipes for babies and toddlers
Rice is a gluten-free cereal. Before we had the prepared cereals we can use today to start feeding babies with "solids" mothers had to resort to porridge made with toasted rice flour, or another similar gluten-free alternative, and water or milk, either breast milk or formula. These days there are plenty of cereal formulas for babies of all ages and there is no need, but you can make rice porridge at home, use rice flour or cook rice and put it through a hand blender.
Baby rice pudding
You could make a rice pudding using baby milk, rice and the tiniest amount of sugar. Put through a hand blender for young babies. For older babies that are already having eggs, you could add an egg yolk.
1 tablespoon rice (short grain rice, pudding rice, rinsed)
8 tablespoons baby milk
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1 small egg yolk (optional)
Instructions
Cook the rice with the milk in a double boiler or a recipient over simmering water until the rice is tender, 25-30 minutes.
Mix in the sugar.
If using, beat the egg with the sugar and add the cooked rice, slowly, to the egg, stirring. Reheat over the simmering water, stirring, until the pudding thickens, 3-4 minutes.
Put the pudding through a hand blender for babies between 6 and 10 months.
Let the pudding cool down to body temperature before feeding the baby.
Baby kedgeree
If your baby is already having fish, try baby kedgeree.
Ingredients
2 teaspoons of cooked fish (bone and skin free, flaked)
2 tablespoons of freshly cooked rice (long grain rice)
1 tablespoon of baby milk (or a little more if needed for pureeing)
Half a pinch of salt for babies over 10 months
How to cook the rice
Rinse 1 teaspoon long grain rice, white, in a sieve under cold running water. Heat water to the boiling point in a small pan, add the rice and simmer until tender, about 13 minutes. Drain.
How to make the baby kedgeree
Mix cooked fish, rice, milk and salt, if used. Put through a hand blender if needed.
Notes
If your baby is already having eggs, you could mix the fish, rice and milk with a little olive oil or a dot of butter, melted, in a small pan, and then sprinkle up to 1/2 hard-boiled egg yolk, sieved, over the fish and rice mix. Mix the sieved egg yolk with the rice if your baby would prefer it this way.
Healthy rice recipes for children over one year
By this stage, most babies can have some cheese and other dairy products, although they usually still have some kind of formula milk.
Baby cheesy rice
Light cheesy rice only for babies.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon rice (long grain rice, rinsed in a sieve under cold running water)
1 tomato (small, peeled and de-seeded, chopped)
1 tablespoon grated cheese (heaped)
1-2 teaspoons of baby milk
Instructions
In a small pan, cook the rice with the tomato and 4 tablespoons of water until the rice is tender. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the cheese. Return the pan to the heat and warm the cheese, over very low heat, until it melts into the rice, adding baby milk if needed. Do not allow to boil.
Allow it to cool down before feeding the baby.
Notes
If your baby is already having cheese and tomato but is still not used to textured food, put the risotto through a hand blender.
Family cheesy rice
For children over a year and toddlers, you can prepare nearly the same rice dish for the whole family. You do not need to cook twice.
Ingredients
1 can tomatoes (chopped tomatoes, no seeds or skin, 14 oz can, juice included)
1 1/4 cup rice (long grain rice, heaped)
2 cups water
1 3/4 cups grated cheese
1 clove garlic (or to taste, peeled, crushed)
1 teaspoon basil (dried basil)
salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
In a pan, bring tomatoes, their juice and water to a boil. Add the rice, bring to a boil once more, cover the pan, lower the heat and cook slowly until the rice is tender, 12-13 minutes. Stir in grated cheese and keep heating slowly until it melts.
Remove a small portion. That will be the baby's meal. blend if necessary.
Add the crushed garlic and basil to the pan. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve the rice warm to the family. Allow the baby's portion to cool to the body's temperature or a little more.
Three rice recipes for kids
Fried rice is a favourite with children of all ages and you could also make it healthier by adding nutrients such as vegetables and paneers. Sweet corn is one of the most important ingredients for any kitchen since boiled quickly it is also easily used for making simple dishes like this sweet corn sour rice. Bell pepper is another ingredient we often bring with us. We have these in several colors because they can be easily served as an appetizer with spicy grilled bell pepper rice. Some kids are especially fond of restaurants. Make it easier for your cravings by using a healthy Chinese fried rice recipe.
Fried rice
This dish is simple and easy to make, and it's a great way for kids to try new flavors. All you need is cooked rice, some vegetables of your choice (we recommend onion, carrot, and peas), ham or eggs, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
Try Thai fried rice. It tastes a little different from the Chinese version.
Veggie Fried Rice
This recipe is just like fried rice but with added vegetables and minus the hem. It's a great way to get kids to eat their veggies!
Spanish rice
This dish is a classic family favorite. It's made with cooked rice, tomato sauce, spices, and green bell peppers. It's easy to make, packed with flavor, and a great way to get kids excited about eating their veggies.
Three kid-friendly rice recipes
Kid-friendly sushi rolls
Sushi rolls are a fun way to eat rice. They're easy to make and taste great. Plus, they're packed with nutrients that will help your child grow and be healthy. Here's a simple recipe for kid friendly sushi rolls that your kids will love.
Ingredients
1 cup short-grain rice, cooked and cooled
2 cups cooked vegetables (such as carrots, broccoli, or peas)
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tsp sesame oil
Toasted sesame seeds, for topping
Nori (soaked)
Instructions
In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice and vegetables.
Add the soy sauce, vinegar, and sesame oil, and mix well to combine.
Lay out a sheet of nori on a clean work surface and spread a thin layer of the rice mixture evenly over the surface of the nori.
Roll up tightly, using a bamboo mat or wax paper to help you roll.
Slice into bite-sized pieces and top with toasted sesame seeds as desired.
Enjoy your kid-friendly sushi rolls as a delicious side dish or snack!
Rice pilaf with vegetables
Here is a recipe for rice pilaf with vegetables. This is a great dish to make for your kids because it is packed with nutrients, easy to digest and can be enjoyed in many different ways. Plus, they will love the delicious flavors in this dish!
Ingredients
2 cups rice, cooked and cooled
1 cup chopped broccoli (cooked)
1 cup shredded carrots
1/4 cup olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup chopped parsley
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
In a large bowl, mix the cooked rice, broccoli, carrots, olive oil, garlic, and parsley.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve warm or chilled as a side dish for your kids or the whole family!
Enjoy this delicious and nutritious rice pilaf with vegetables today!
Kitchuri
If you were an Indian mother looking for a suitable meal for your toddler, kitchuri would likely be your choice. it is soft, and easily digested and the young ones love the spiced flavor.
Cheesy rice
Cheesy rice is an Italian risotto made simple. It is a simple and flexible recipe that can take all sorts of vegetables, besides tomatoes.
Ingredients
rice (rinsed, better soaked for 30 minutes if it is short grain)
water to boil the rice
butter
shredded cheese (Cheddar cheese works well)
seasoning
Instructions
Gather your ingredients.
Place water in a large pot and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Add the rice and cook until tender. Turn off the heat, cover, and let sit for 5 minutes.
Stir in butter, salt, cheese and seasoning, if using.
Serve warm.
Notes
The water used for cooking rice should be adjusted according to the type of rice you are using (check the package instructions) and the vegetables you add.
Substitute butter with olive oil for a healthier rice dish.
You can make any leftover boiled rice into cheesy rice. You could also try to make cheesy rice from leftover pilau rice or Spanish rice.
Cheesy rice with broccoli
When you learn the basics of making cheesy rice you can vary it a little bit by adding vegetables. To make cheesy rice with broccoli, mix some steamed broccoli with the cheesy rice after stirring the cheese. You can steam the broccoli while the rice cooks.
Cheesy rice with cauliflower
To create delicious rice with cauliflower you can mix boiled or steamed cauliflower with the rice after stirring the cheese, as recommended for the broccoli rice. The second option is to roast the cauliflower florets until they brown.
If boiling or steaming, frozen cauliflower rice is also good.
Cheesy rice with carrots
You could add cooked carrots to the cheesy rice, but it is possible to cook them together with the rice if they are thinly sliced or shredded.
Cheesy rice with corn
If desired, just stir in frozen sweet corn, cooked, with rice, seasoning and cheese. It is good as a side dish or as the base for burrito bowls
The best way to store cheesy rice
It can be perfectly stored in a refrigerator. Store in a tightly sealed bag in the refrigerator.
Freeze in suitable freezer containers for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
What's the best rice for Cheesy Rice?
Any type you like, cheesy rice works well with any kind of rice. White rice goes well for cauliflower cheesy rice since it blends right in. You can use brown rice or sprouted rice blends with other vegetables. You’ll get more fiber and B vitamins from the brown rice options as they are whole grains.
Three rice dishes for the family
Chicken and rice
A classic dish that can be made in a variety of ways and is a great way to get kids to eat their protein. Try chicken and Spanish rice.
chicken and Spanish rice recipe
Burrito bowls
A fun and easy meal that lets kids customize their dinner. Simply layer cooked rice, beans, chicken, cheese, guacamole, sour cream and other toppings of your choice for a healthy and satisfying meal.
Paella
This Spanish rice dish is packed with flavor and can be made with a variety of ingredients. It's perfect for introducing kids to new flavors and spices, and they'll love helping you prepare it!
What can I add to white simple rice?
For the most simple but dramatic difference in taste, you can cook the rice in a flavorful liquid like broth or juice.
How do I make my rice a little tasty?
I love to use a cooking liquid other than water to add flavor to the rice. Other than that, you can add melted herb butter, or cook it for a couple of minutes in oil with herbs.
What can I do with just plain rice?
Add a tablespoon of olive oil or some melted butter.
Sprinkle soy sauce on top.
Add some fried peppers and onions.
Add some tablespoons of minced fresh herbs. The ideal thing is to first heat them in hot butter.
What are the types of rice?
There are a variety of types of rice available for cooking, each with different textures and flavors. The two main categories of rice are long-grain and short-grain, but there is also medium-grain, jasmine, black forbidden rice, red Camargue rice, basmati rice and many more. There is also wild rice which is not a cereal, but the seed of a type of grass.
Long-grain rice is generally light and fluffy when cooked, while short-grain rice has a stickier texture that works well in dishes like risotto or sushi. Other types of rice, such as jasmine or basmati, have unique flavors and textures that can add variety to your cooking.
Any type of rice can be brown, whole grain with only the husk removed, or milled, white rice with also the bran and germ removed.
When can a baby have brown rice?
Babies can have brown rice when they do not need to eat pureed food anymore. Brown rice is more nutritious, but it does not have a great texture once blended, so the child should be able to eat, and digest, small bits of food.
It does not mean that they always should start that early. Brown rice has more fiber and it may not suit all babies. At this stage, babies do not eat large amounts of food and fiber may prevent them from absorbing the nutrients they need. So you could wait until later to start with brown rice. You could also give your baby one meal with a small amount of brown rice and use white rice for the next one or two meals.
What are popular rice dishes?
Paella, from Spain, a dish you can cook outdoors like simple campfire paella.
Spanish rice, from Mexico, as in chicken and Spanish rice.
Nasi goreng from Indonesia.
Sushi, from Japan, like nori sushi.
Bibimbap from Korea.
Risotto from Italy like healthy risotto with peas.
Jambalaya from Cajun cuisine.
Pilau rice from Asia, similar to the pilaf recipe above.
Fried rice, from China or Thailand, like Thai fried rice.
Jollof rice, from Africa, like this recipe for jollof rice.
Arroz chaufa from Peru.
Start cooking
Whether you're looking for something quick and simple or a more complex dish, rice is the perfect ingredient for creating delicious meals that everyone will love. With its adaptable nature and wide range of uses, it's no wonder that rice is one of the most popular foods in the world. So get your apron, gather your ingredients and start cooking!
Find as well tasty and wholesome recipes that are easy enough for kids to make on their own will help young chefs build confidence in the kitchen and develop essential cooking skills.