Healthy Brown Rice Recipes the Whole Family Will Love

By Carl Hanson
December 03, 2020
Credit: bd.weld

Brown rice is the wholesome, whole grain way to enjoy rice-based meals. Unlike white rice, brown rice retains all the good stuff — the healthy bran and germ, which are removed from white rice. These top-rated brown rice recipes will make delicious additions to your healthy dinner recipe collection.

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Kung Pao Chicken

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A healthy, easy-to-make version of traditional kung pao chicken with skinless chicken, brown rice, bok choy, and fresh ginger. "Knocked it outta the park with this one," raves Ed L. "Super easy & delicious!"

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Vegetarian Banh Mi Bowls

Credit: fabeverydayblog
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"This vegetarian bowl version of the beloved Vietnamese banh mi sandwich gets its protein from quinoa and has a kick from a spicy vegetarian mayo sauce," says fabeverydayblog.

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Grain Bowl with Blackened Shrimp, Avocado, and Black Beans

Credit: Sahara B.
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This blackened shrimp salad bowl is big and bold in flavor and makes for a low-calorie meal packed with shrimp, brown rice, corn, crisp bell pepper, black beans, and avocado," says Sahara B. "Easy to create with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen/pantry. If you prefer to serve burrito-style, just heat up some flour tortillas and wrap it all up. Either way, it's delish!"

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Pineapple Fried Rice with Ham

Credit: Misty Noelle
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"A quick and easy weeknight meal that's so much cheaper, tastier, and healthier than take-out," says Misty Noelle. "It is made with brown rice and lots of vegetables."

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Easy Korean Ground Beef Bowl

Credit: bd.weld
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This quick-and-easy recipe calls for lean ground beef seasoned with green onions, ginger, soy sauce, and sesame served over brown rice. "Korean beef bowls are quick and easy to make," says bd.weld. "The ingredients can easily be adjusted to suit your taste. Serve over warm rice or spiralized vegetables."

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Garlic Chicken Fried Brown Rice

Credit: Fit&Healthy Mom
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Leftover brown rice is reborn in this chicken fried rice with peppers and onions," says JOYCE. "Season with black pepper, paprika, or dried parsley after it's cooked."

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Brown Rice Pilaf with Onions and Corn

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Here's a simple, 5-ingredient brown rice pilaf with sauteed fresh corn and onions simmered in chicken broth. "Quick, easy, and tasty," says JBLEVY.

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Lemongrass Shrimp and Rice

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"A very tasty copycat bowl from a popular Caribbean chain restaurant that includes shrimp, rice, snow peas, and edamame, flavored with lemongrass, lime, and coconut milk," says CRNAsarah.

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Black Bean and Rice Enchiladas

Credit: Maria Steinmetz Raddatz
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Enjoy vegetarian black bean enchiladas, featuring picante sauce, brown rice, diced tomatoes and green chiles, and seasonings. "These vegetarian enchiladas are just as satisfying as those served in restaurants," says Diane Manzella.

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Ashley's African Peanut Soup

Credit: Linda Zhang
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This beautiful, fragrant soup incorporates brown rice with tomatoes, peanut butter, garlic, and a host of warming spices. Reviewers recommend substituting chickpeas for chicken if you're looking for a satisfying   vegetarian meal. 

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Veggie-Packed Chicken Fried Rice

Credit: Allrecipes Magazine
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"This better-than-takeout main dish cuts the grease and loads up on fresh vegetables," says ChefBillT. "Get your kids involved by letting them choose which vegetables they want to include."

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Chicken Jook

Credit: Linda T
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A healthy chicken soup with cabbage, snow peas, bean sprouts, scallions, ginger, garlic, and jalapeno pepper. "This is a creamy Chinese rice porridge also known as congee," says MTCHYG. "It cooks perfectly in a slow cooker too. Serve garnished with additional scallions and soy sauce."

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Lemony Shrimp Over Brown Rice

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This was absolutely scrumptious! And quick!" raves Vivian M. A deliciously tangy mixture of shrimp, parsley, lemon, and white wine. 

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Texi-Fied Black Beans and Brown Rice

Credit: MyHotSouthernMess
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Black beans and brown rice with bell peppers, chili powder, and other seasonings put a Tex-Mex spin on black beans and rice. "We loved the flavor," says grandma french, "and I served it with some diced avocado on top. I love that this is completely vegan and tastes amazing. You don't miss the meat or cheese. Quick, easy, and thrifty.

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