Here are some of the most popular rice dishes in the US. Rice, being a widely consumed staple food for a significant portion of the world’s population, has been incorporated into various delicious creations.
Check out these famous rice dishes that put a fresh twist on a timeless favorite.
Table of Contents
1. Jambalaya
Jambalaya is a tasty dish from Louisiana with influences from Spanish and French cuisines. It’s made by mixing vegetables, meat, and rice. Usually, it includes sausage like andouille, along with other meats or fish such as pork, chicken, crawfish, or fish.
The vegetables used are often onion, celery, and green bell pepper, known as the “holy trinity” in Cajun cooking. Other veggies like carrots, tomatoes, chilis, and garlic can also be added. The meat and vegetables are browned and sautéed, then sausage, rice, and liquid are added and cooked together until the rice is done.
2. American Fried Rice
American fried rice is a Thai dish that incorporates “American” ingredients like fried chicken, ham, hot dogs, raisins, ketchup, and croutons. Sometimes, pineapple can also be included.
It was originally created to serve United States military personnel stationed in Thailand during the Vietnam War. While it was not commonly found in Thai restaurants outside Thailand, it has now become popular on Thai restaurant menus in the United States.
3. Glorified Rice
Glorified rice is a dessert enjoyed in Minnesota and other states in the Upper Midwest, particularly in rural areas with a large Lutheran population. It is made with rice, crushed pineapple, and whipped cream, and is often decorated with maraschino cherries.
4. Calas
Calas, also known as Creole rice fritters or rice doughnuts, are delicious dumplings made primarily with cooked rice, yeast, sugar, eggs, and wheat. The batter is deep-fried and results in a tasty treat. In the past, rice was boiled, chilled, and combined with yeast to create a sponge that would proof overnight.
Additional ingredients like sugar, eggs, and flour were added to the batter before frying. Modern recipes have evolved to adapt to different ingredients and cooking techniques, using baking powder instead of yeast and vegetable oil instead of lard.
5. Chicken Bog
Chicken bog is a flavorful rice dish resembling a pilaf. It consists of rice, chicken, and various ingredients like onion, spices, and sometimes sausage. To make it, a whole chicken is boiled until tender with the sausage, onion, and spices (if included).
Then the rice is cooked separately and added to the pot, absorbing all the flavorful liquid. Some cooks remove bones and inedible portions before adding the rice, while others leave them for diners to pick out as they eat. Chicken bog is a popular dish in the Pee Dee and Lowcountry regions of South Carolina.
6. Dirty Rice
Dirty rice is a traditional Creole dish made with white rice that gets its “dirty” color from being cooked with small pieces of pork, beef, or chicken, along with green bell pepper, celery, onion, and black pepper for seasoning.
It is commonly found in the Creole areas of southern Louisiana, but variations can also be found in other parts of the American South under different names like chicken and rice or rice dressing.
7. Gumbo
Gumbo is a delicious stew that is popular in the state of Louisiana and is considered the official state cuisine. It is made primarily with a roux-based stock, meat or shellfish, a thickener, and a combination of celery, bell peppers, and onions, known as the “Holy Trinity” in Louisiana cooking. Gumbo can be thickened with either okra or filé powder (made from dried and ground sassafras leaves).
The name “gumbo” likely comes from Louisiana French and may have origins in the Choctaw word for the dish. Gumbo comes in different varieties depending on the choice of meat or shellfish used. It is a flavorful and hearty stew that is enjoyed by many in Louisiana.
8. Hawaiian Haystack
Hawaiian haystack is a convenient and customizable dish consisting of a base of rice topped with various ingredients. It is often prepared by adding toppings like chicken, chicken gravy, diced pineapple, diced tomatoes, Chinese noodles, cheese, and celery.
Each topping is prepared separately and presented buffet-style, allowing individuals to add their preferred toppings to the rice. It is a popular meal in the Western United States, commonly served in school lunches and family gatherings.
9. Hokkien Fried Rice
Hokkien fried rice, also known as Fujian fried rice, is a popular Chinese-style fried rice dish commonly found in Chinese restaurants. It is prepared by stir-frying rice with a thick sauce that typically includes ingredients like mushrooms, meat, and vegetables.
The sauce adds flavor and richness to the fried rice. Despite its name, this dish did not originate in Fujian, but rather was created by Chinese restaurants in Taiwan, influenced by Fujian cuisine.
10. Hoppin’ John
Hoppin’ John, also known as Carolina Peas and Rice, is a delicious dish served in the Southern United States. It is made with black-eyed peas or red cowpeas, rice, chopped onion, chopped bacon, and seasoned with salt.
Some variations may include additional ingredients like celery, ham hock, fatback, country sausage, smoked turkey parts, green peppers, vinegar, and spices. The dish has a rich and comforting flavor and is often enjoyed on New Year’s Day as a symbol of good luck and prosperity.
11. Rice and Gravy
Rice and gravy is a staple dish in Louisiana Creole and Cajun cuisine. It consists of a flavorful brown gravy made from pan drippings, which are deglazed and simmered with additional seasonings. The gravy is then served over boiled or steamed rice. Rice has been a significant agricultural crop in southwest Louisiana for a long time, and it is a key ingredient in many local dishes like boudin, gumbo, and étouffée. Rice and gravy can be made with various meats such as beef, pork, chicken, and can be customized with different vegetables and seasonings.
12. Shrimp Creole
Shrimp Creole is a mouthwatering dish of Louisiana Creole origin. It consists of cooked shrimp in a flavorful mixture of whole or diced tomatoes, the Holy Trinity of celery, onion, and bell pepper, and is spiced with hot pepper sauce or cayenne-based seasoning.
The dish is served over steamed or boiled white rice. The shrimp can be cooked within the mixture or separately and added at the end. Other “creole” dishes can be made by substituting shrimp with different meats or fish, or by omitting the meat entirely.
13. Spanish Rice
Spanish rice, also known as Mexican rice, red rice, or Arroz Rojo, is a popular Mexican side dish or ingredient used in various dishes. It is made by sautéing white rice in a skillet with fat or oil until it turns a golden brown color.
Then water or chicken broth is added along with tomatoes, either in the form of chopped tomatoes or tomato sauce. Spanish rice is different from traditional Spanish cuisine and is typically yellow in color due to the inclusion of saffron. In Mexican cuisine, it is reddish, often cooked with tomato sauce or tomato paste, giving it the characteristic “red rice” appearance.
14. Yangzhou Fried Rice
Yangzhou fried rice, also known as Yeung Chow fried rice, is a popular Chinese-style fried rice dish that can be found in many Chinese restaurants around the world, including the USA. It is often marketed as special fried rice in the UK. Yangzhou fried rice is prepared by stir-frying cooked rice with various ingredients.
The dish typically includes diced vegetables, such as carrots, peas, and onions, along with proteins like shrimp, chicken, or pork. Eggs are also commonly added to the dish. The ingredients are stir-fried together in a hot wok, seasoned with soy sauce and other spices, resulting in a flavorful and colorful fried rice dish.
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My Thought
Now that you know about these delicious rice dishes from different parts of the world, you can explore their unique flavors and try making them at home or enjoy them at restaurants.
Rice is a versatile ingredient that can be transformed into a wide variety of dishes, catering to different tastes and preferences. Whether you prefer spicy Cajun gumbo, comforting Hawaiian haystacks, or flavorful Yangzhou fried rice, there is a rice dish for everyone to enjoy!