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What to serve with white rice โ 50+ ideas! White rice is a staple starch at any meal. Itโs versatile, budget-friendly, and easy to make for dinner or batch cook and freeze in advance. Check out this list of meal ideas to make your next meal plan frugal and delicious.
White rice is one of the best budget-friendly staples you can keep in your pantry because it's incredibly affordable. I buy it for less than $1 per pound at Costco (it's one of my top Costco pantry staples), but have also seen it for great deals at many of my favorite Cheap Grocery Stores. And when stored with my long term food storage methods, can last up to 30 years!
I like to cook large batches of white rice using my Instant Pot or Slow Cooker and freeze it in 2 cup portions using my Souper Cubes. Then, when I need a cheap and delicious base or side dish to serve alongside my meal, I'll place the frozen block of rice in the microwave for 5-8 minutes, or until it's perfectly moist and fluffy again.
Silicone Cubes
My favorite way to freeze individual portions and meals. Use code HOMECOOKEDROOTS10 for 10% off.
What to Serve with White Rice
It's the perfect neutral base to serve with just about anything. In this post, I've shared some of my favorite budget-friendly recipes made with the following cheap proteins: lentils, tofu, beans, tempeh, and chickpeas.
Browse this collection by protein type or bookmark this page for later so you can incorporate these recipes in your meal plan every week to save money!
Recipes with Lentils
2
Lentil Mushroom Stroganoff
Savory, creamy lentil mushroom stroganoff recipe is a vegetarian and gluten-free version of the classic Stroganoff packed with nutrition.
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Credit: cookednadloved.com
3
Vegan Lentil Fesenjฤn (Pomegranate Walnut Stew)
9-ingredient vegan Fesenjฤn made with lentils! A hearty stew of toasted walnuts, pomegranate molasses, onion, and spices. A comforting, Persian-inspired, plant-based meal!
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Credit: minimalistbaker.com
4
Lebanese Mujadara
Mujadara is a Middle Eastern lentils and rice recipe with crispy caramelized onions. Just 3 ingredients make a easy vegan, protein-rich meal!
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Credit: feelgoodfoodie.net
5
Soyrizo Lentil Rice Bowls
These Soyrizo Lentil Rice Bowls are the best vegan dinner! Plenty of veggies, zesty soyrizo & cooked lentils in broth!
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Credit: thissavoryvegan.com
6
Lentil Balls with Zesty Rice (Vegan Meal Prep)
These Lentil Balls with Zesty Rice are so versatile! Theyโre easy to make, filled with flavour and so meal preppable! Made from Vegan Yack Attack On The Go!
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Credit: jessicainthekitchen.com
7
Red Lentil Dahl with Coconut Milk by Wholesome Soulfood Kitchen
Creamy red lentil dahl is a simple dish that requires only one pot and a few simple ingredients. This protein-packed lentil dish is fantastic with rice and fresh herbs.
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8
Moroccan Lentil-Stuffed Eggplant
Stuffed baked eggplant with Moroccan-spiced lentils! Just 9 ingredients, big flavor, plenty of protein and fiber, and the perfect side dish or entrรฉe.
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Credit: minimalistbaker.com
9
The Best Lentil Salad
This is the BEST Lentil Salad! Loaded with a lot of ingredients that are not only good for your body, but for your tastebuds, too.
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Credit: noracooks.com
10
Lentil Chili
Lentil Chili is an easy, hearty, and delicious 1-pot vegan meal. Made with hearty red lentils, black beans, walnuts, vegetables, and a handful of smoky spices, itโs perfect for layering on tons of toppings and will brighten up any cold or gloomy day!
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Credit: noracooks.com
Recipes with Tofu
12
Tofu Palak Paneer
Cheese is replaced with tofu in this impressive but easy Indian-inspired vegan meal. For this Tofu Palak Paneer, spiced pan-fried tofu cubes are tossed in a creamy spinach curry, and then served over rice. Ready in about 30 minutes!
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Credit: noracooks.com
13
Sticky Vegan Orange Chicken by Home-Cooked Roots
This dish is so indulgent feeling yet much healthier than takeout! It's refined sugar free, gluten free and the flavor packed sticky orange sauce is made with only 6 ingredients. Plus, the whole dish comes together in about 30 minutes. The best recipe for weeknights or when you're craving the classic takeout orange chicken.
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14
Crispy Baked Teriyaki Tofu
This crispy teriyaki tofu is better than takeout and easy enough for a weeknight dinner! Serve with rice and steamed veggies for a scrumptious vegan meal.
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Credit: connoisseurusveg.com
15
Copycat Chipotle Sofritas Recipe
Craving Chipotle Sofritas but donโt want to pay restaurant prices? This spot-on copycat recipe gives you the same rich, smoky flavor for a fraction of the costโand itโs even better homemade!
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16
Crispy Lemon Pepper Tofu
This lemon pepper tofu is crispy and saucy, with the best chewy texture! It takes minutes to make and itโs perfect for meal bowls, salads, wraps, and more!
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Credit: jessicainthekitchen.com
17
Vegan Egg Roll in a Bowl by Home-Cooked Roots
Loaded with fresh vegetables and extra firm tofu, this flavorful vegan egg roll in a bowl is a hassle-free take on a popular appetizer. If you serve this over white rice, it's a very hearty and nutritious dinner.
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18
Tofu Mushroom Stir Fry
Thisย Tofu Mushroom Stir Fryย tosses crispy fried tofu and meaty mushrooms in a delicious stir fry sauce to give you an easy yet flavor-packed dinner for any night of the week!
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Credit: frommybowl.com
19
30 Minute Crispy Peanut Tofu by Home-Cooked Roots
This 30-Minute Crispy Peanut Tofu is made with tofu that's been air fried until golden brown and crispy, then tossed in a quick and easy vegan peanut sauce. Oven-baking and pan frying methods included!
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20
General Tso's Tofu by Home-Cooked Roots
Sticky, saucy, and delicious, this General Tso's tofu is way better than takeout. This easy weeknight-friendly dish goes wonderfully with white rice and any vegetable you like.
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Recipes with Beans
21
Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice (Vegetarian) by Home-Cooked Roots
Super flavorful and satisfying, this Instant Pot red beans and rice dish is loaded with vegan sausage and tons of flavor. Serve this plant protein-heavy dish with white rice and your favorite vegetable or a side salad.
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22
Cuban Black Beans and Rice
Black beans are simmered with cumin and lime, then served over rice with pan-fried plantains to make this mouthwatering Cuban-inspired meal.
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Credit: connoisseurusveg.com
23
Salsa Verde & White Bean Casserole
This Dump-and-Bake Salsa Verde & White Bean Casserole is a veggie-packed and cozy! You only need 8 simple ingredients for this fuss-free main.
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Credit: frommybowl.com
24
Italian Beans & Rice
Savory, simple and delicious, these Italian Beans & Rice are made with vegan sausage, veggies, white beans and white rice or brown rice.
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Credit: thissavoryvegan.com
25
Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers
This healthyย Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers recipe is packed with rice, beans, veggies, and so much flavor! They are easy to make too!
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Credit: tastesbetterfromscratch.com
26
BBQ Bean Bowl with Corn and Coleslaw
A vegan BBQ bowl with smoky BBQ baked beans, creamy coleslaw, and grilled corn or cornbread! I like to add a serving of fluffy white rice to make the meal more hearty!
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Credit: minimalistbaker.com
27
Easy Three Bean Salad
Three bean salad: a GO-TO side for summer gatherings, or any time youโre craving an easy, fiber-packed dish made with pantry staples! Serve over fluffy white rice to make it a complete meal!
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28
Vegan Black Bean Stew
This easy vegan black bean stew is the perfect fall and winter comfort food dish. Simple, filling, and full of plant based nutrients!
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Credit: makeitdairyfree.com
29
One Pot Vegan Southwest Rice
This easy one pot vegan southwest rice is ready in just 30 minutes! Flavorful with easy cleanup is always a win for a new favorite meal!
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Credit: makeitdairyfree.com
30
New Orleans-Style Vegan Gumbo Recipe
Made with the holy trinity of flavor bases and vegan sausage, this vegan gumbo will make you feel like youโve just stepped into a Louisiana kitchen.
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Credit: liveeatlearn.com
Recipes with Tempeh
31
Vegan Tempeh Burrito Bowls
A flavor packed (and easy to make) vegan burrito bowl with tempeh taco meat and copycat Chipotle cauliflower rice!
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Credit: liveeatlearn.com
32
Tempeh Chili Meal Prep
This vegan Tempeh Chili Meal Prep is ready in 30 minutes and takes care of lunch for the week (plus itโs like…really tasty).
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Credit: liveeatlearn.com
33
Tempeh Stir Fry with Peanut Ginger Sauce (Vegan)
This Tempeh Stir Fry with Peanut Ginger Sauce is done in 35 minutes & perfect for a weeknight meal! A great meal prep option, and so delicious!
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Credit: jessicainthekitchen.com
34
BBQ Tempeh Bowls with Garlic Herb Rice
These BBQ Tempeh Bowls with Garlic Herb Rice are loaded with flavor-packed rice, corn, tomatoes, greens, crispy tempeh and vegan dressing.
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Credit: thissavoryvegan.com
35
Tempeh Enchilada Rice Skillet
This Tempeh Enchilada Rice Skillet is the best one-pot vegan dinner recipe! Plenty of veggies, flavor-packed rice and crispy tempeh!
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Credit: thissavoryvegan.com
36
Peanut & Lemongrass Tempeh Satay
Incredibly flavorful Thai- and Indonesian-inspired tempeh satay infused with lemongrass, turmeric, peanut butter, and coconut aminos for a hearty, rich depth of flavor. Enjoy over white rice, on salads, in wraps, or as an appetizer!
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Credit: minimalistbaker.com
37
Tempeh Kecap
Youโll be blown away by the unique flavors in this Indonesian Tempeh Kecap! Fried tempeh and peanuts are coated in a sticky, sweet, umami-rich sauce perfumed with lime leaves and lemongrass. Itโs a gourmet stir fry thatโs surprisingly easy to make.
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Credit: rainbowplantlife.com
38
Vegan Tempeh Marsala
This Vegan Tempeh Marsala is creamy, satisfying, and filled with mouthwatering flavor! Serve over white rice instead of pasta for a twist on the Italian classic!
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Credit: frommybowl.com
39
Fall Favorite Maple-Mustard Tempeh Bowls
These tempeh bowls are a true fall favorite! Massaged kale, sweet potatoes, roasty marinated maple-mustard tempeh, crunchy apple, and an unexpected pile of briney sauerkraut. Serve over white rice for a full and hearty vegan main!
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Credit: pinchofyum.com
40
Sesame Tempeh Bowls
These Sesame Tempeh Bowls are a great vegan alternative to sesame chicken and only take about 20 minutes to make. An easy fast vegan meal prep!
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Credit: budgetbytes.com
Recipes with Chickpeas
41
Vegan Butter Chicken with Cauliflower and Chickpeas by Home-Cooked Roots
This vegan butter chicken is a non-traditional take on a popular Indian dish but it is just as creamy, tangy and it's bursting with flavor. Comes together in just about 30 minutes making this the perfect weeknight recipe!
42
20-minute miso veggie stir-fry
20-minute miso veggie stir-fry anyone? This recipe is what I describe as healthy asian comfort food. It takes less than 20 minutes to whip together, and only 10 ingredients.
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Credit: twospoons.ca
43
Tomato Braised Chickpeas
These simple Tomato Braised Chickpeas are made in one pot with just a few ingredients. Serve with crusty bread for an easy vegan dinner!
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Credit: thissavoryvegan.com
44
Chickpea Tikka Masala
Tender chickpeas are cooked in a spicy cream sauce, made with coconut milk and rich tomato sauce. Youโll love this vegan tikka masala!
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Credit: jessicainthekitchen.com
45
Lemony Chickpea Soup
This Lemon Chickpea Soup is a light and bright meal for spring, made with chickpeas, dill, lemon juice, spinach, and a creamy chickpea puree. Serve over white rice for a more filling dish.
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Credit: rainbowplantlife.com
46
Marry Me Chickpeas
This one-pan Marry Me Chickpeas recipe combines canned chickpeas with a dreamy sun dried tomato cream sauce. Scoop up every bite with crusty bread or serve over white rice for unforgettable comforting bites!
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Credit: noracooks.com
47
Chickpea Curry Casserole (Dump & Bake)
Make this flavorful Chickpea Curry Casserole tonight with just 15 minutes of prep and simple pantry staple ingredients.
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Credit: frommybowl.com
48
Warming 1-Pot Chickpea Curry (Vindaloo-Inspired)
Easy, 1-pot chickpea curry with tomatoes, red bell pepper, and warming spices. A comforting, plant-based meal perfect for meal prep or weeknights!
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Credit: minimalistbaker.com
49
Instant Pot Coconut Chickpea Curry
Instant Pot Coconut Chickpea Curry is a one-pot creamy vegan curry made with pantry ingredients. Make pot-in-pot brown rice for complete meal.
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Credit: pipingpotcurry.com
50
Thai Yellow Curry Recipe
This Yellow Curry recipe is one of my favorite Thai curries! It's loaded with plant-based protein, hearty potatoes, lemongrass, yellow curry paste, and coconut cream to make an ultra rich and hearty dinner. Serve with jasmine rice, fresh herbs, and a final squeeze of lime juice!
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Recipes with Extra Veggies
51
Vegan Kung Pao Cauliflower by Home-Cooked Roots
This takeout inspired dish is tangy, spicy, and slightly sweet! A delicious, simple and gluten free weeknight meal!
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52
Easy Vegetable Rice Pilaf
This Vegetable Rice Pilaf is an easy-to-make, healthy side dish thatโs packed with nutrition, flavor, and fresh vegetables.
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Credit: sweetsimplevegan.com
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