What to Do with Leftover Rice: 5 Recipes You’ll Actually Crave

Wondering what to do with leftover rice that’s sitting in your fridge? Instead of tossing it or making the usual fried rice, try something new! These five easy recipes turn yesterday’s rice into cheesy bites, creamy desserts, and hearty meals — no waste, just deliciousness.

Got more leftovers than just rice? If you're staring at last night’s spuds and need inspiration, check out our guide on what to do with leftover baked potatoes — from crispy patties to creamy mash-ups, you’ll find clever ways to repurpose them without any waste.

Recipes in This Guide:

1. Vegetable Fried Rice – Quick, colorful, and packed with veggies.
2. Sticky Orange Eggs with Rice – Sweet, savory, and super satisfying.
3. Cheesy Rice & Broccoli Cakes – Crispy on the outside, melty on the inside.
4. Rice Pudding with Cinnamon & Raisins – A cozy, comforting dessert.
5. Stuffed Bell Peppers with Rice & Cheese – A hearty, oven-baked classic.

1. Vegetable Fried Rice

This veggie-packed fried rice is the ultimate go-to — fast, flavorful, and fridge-friendly.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked leftover rice (cold is best)
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 medium carrot, diced
• ½ cup green peas (frozen or fresh)
• 2 spring onions, chopped (white and green parts separated)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil or neutral oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps

1. Scramble the eggs: Heat oil in a large pan or wok. Scramble the eggs, then set aside.
2. Sauté the vegetables: Add carrots, peas, and white parts of the onion. Cook 2–3 mins.
3. Add the rice: Mix in the rice and break up clumps. Stir-fry 2 mins.
4. Season: Add soy sauce and sesame oil. Toss everything together.
5. Combine & serve: Stir in eggs and green onion. Serve hot.

2. What to do With Leftover White Rice? Sticky Orange Eggs with Rice

Got plain rice in the fridge and no idea what to do with leftover white rice? This sweet and savory sticky orange egg dish is the answer. It’s quick, protein-packed, and the sauce turns your rice into a flavor bomb. Perfect for lunch or a lazy weeknight dinner!

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Ingredients

• 4 eggs
• 2 tbsp cornstarch (for coating)
• 1 tbsp oil (for pan-frying)
• 1 cup orange juice
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
• 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (slurry)
• Cooked leftover rice (to serve)
• Garnish: sesame seeds and green onions

Recipe Steps

1. Prepare tofu: Cook the eggs and Pan-fry them until firm and soft.
2. Make orange sauce: In a small pan, combine orange juice, soy sauce, vinegar, syrup, garlic, and ginger. Simmer 2–3 mins.
3. Thicken sauce: Add the cornstarch slurry. Stir until thick and glossy.
4. Combine: Toss the eggs in the sauce to coat.
5. Serve: Spoon eggs and sauce over warm rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and spring onions.

3. Cheesy Rice & Broccoli Cakes

These golden, crispy cakes are the perfect way to breathe new life into leftover rice — cheesy, satisfying, and great for dipping.

Ingredients

• 2 cups leftover rice
• 1 cup cooked broccoli, finely chopped
• 1 egg
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Oil for frying

Recipe Steps

1. Mix ingredients: Combine rice, broccoli, egg, both cheeses, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
2. Shape cakes: Form the mixture into small, firm patties.
3. Pan-fry: Heat a little oil in a pan. Fry each patty 3–4 mins per side until golden and crispy.
4. Serve: Serve hot with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt if desired.

Once you’ve tackled your rice, don’t miss our roundup of leftover pot roast recipes, perfect for turning yesterday’s roast into cozy stews, savory sandwiches, and next-day dinners you’ll actually look forward to.

4. Rice Pudding with Cinnamon & Raisins

A cozy classic made from fridge rice, this creamy pudding is sweet, spiced, and comfort in a bowl.

Ingredients

• 2 cups leftover white rice
• 2 cups milk (any kind)
• 1 egg
• ⅓ cup sugar (or maple syrup)
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ cup raisins
• Optional toppings: ground cinnamon, mint

Recipe Steps

1. Heat rice & milk: Combine rice, milk, and raisins in a saucepan. Simmer on low heat.
2. Whisk egg mixture: In a bowl, whisk egg with sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon.
3. Temper & add: Slowly add the egg mixture into the rice while stirring.
4. Cook: Continue stirring for 10–15 minutes until thick and creamy.
5. Serve: Serve warm or cold. Top with extra cinnamon and a mint leaf.

5. What to do with Leftover Basmati Rice? Stuffed Bell Peppers with Rice & Cheese

If you’re asking what to do with leftover basmati rice, these cheesy stuffed peppers are a hearty, no-fuss option everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 4 bell peppers (halved or tops cut off, seeds removed)
• 2 cups leftover rice
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 zucchini, finely chopped
• 1 tomato, diced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Recipe Steps

1. Preheat oven: 180°C (350°F).
2. Cook filling: Sauté onion, zucchini, and tomato in olive oil. Mix with rice, oregano, chili flakes, salt, and pepper.
3. Stuff peppers: Fill each pepper with the rice mixture. Top with cheese.
4. Bake: Place in a baking dish and cook for 25–30 minutes until cheese is golden.
5. Garnish: Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve warm.