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We all know that you go to the basmati aisle when you want a delicious rice dish, such as basmati rice. However, what happens when you do not have basmati on hand or the stores are out of stock?
Today, we will share some fantastic alternatives that are replicas of basmati rice in taste, shape, and are easy to find if you are in a pinch or do not have the luxury to buy expensive basmati.
Some of the best basmati rice substitutes you can always use are American long-grain white rice, long grain jasmine rice, popcorn rice, cauliflower rice, long-grain brown rice, etc.
Let us quickly look at each option to see how they can replace basmati rice in your meals!
What is Basmati Rice?
Basmati rice is long and slender grain. It is advisable to consume basmati rice generously, especially when looking after your health and diet.
The health benefits of basmati rice cannot be overstated, as it offers a wealth of nutrients.
On top of that, the fragrance and flavour of basmati rice are unlike anything else. It has a natural sweetness and toasted aroma that others cannot match.
When cooked correctly, it is fluffy like no other white rice. It absorbs all the spices in your meal.
Basmati rice contains less fat than most other kinds of rice on the market today compared to its brown counterparts. In addition, there is almost no sodium at all!
Best Basmati Rice Substitutes
1. American Long-Grain White Rice
The problem with basmati rice is that it is not so easy to find. On the other hand, when you do find it, it is expensive. In addition, if you are new to cooking, it might not be as easy to use.
Fortunately, American long-grain white is one of those breeds of rice with a very distinct set of qualities like basmati that makes it different from other types of rice.
Therefore, you can use it if you are out of basmati rice. Besides, American long-grain white nutty flavour tastes better and cooks quickly.
2. Long Grain Jasmine Rice
The decision is easy for rice: Long Grain Jasmine Rice is superior to basmati. Here is why:
First, long-grain jasmine rice is just better tasting. You can immediately tell that it has been prepared with care and attention — it is not bland like basmati rice and has a much more delicate flavour profile that compliments a wide range of dishes.
Secondly, long-grain jasmine rice has lower levels of arsenic than basmati rice. This means you can eat more without worrying about brain damage and cancer from arsenic exposure.
However, Long Grain Jasmine Rice is a bit stickier when cooked than basmati, which is drier and fluffier after cooking. While this difference might not be necessary for someone who is cooking for themselves, for people who are cooking for many people at one time, it can make a big difference.
Lastly, Long Grain Jasmine Rice can be purchased as brown or white rice, whereas almost all Basmati Rice is sold as white rice. Brown rice contains more nutrients than white, and has more flavour because it is less processed.
3. Popcorn Rice
Here is the thing: globally, basmati rice is the best-smelling and most delicious rice. We would not even be asking you to consider this switch if that were not true.
Popcorn rice, though, is a different breed altogether. You can use popcorn rice for almost anything— and it makes for a much more interesting dish than plain basmati every time.
You can use it in place of risotto or any other rice-based dish where you want an unexpected, crispy texture. If you have never had fried popcorn rice, you are welcome.
In addition, you can cook a big batch of popcorn rice and use it as the crunchy base in your custom trail mix. Add dried fruit and nuts and some chocolate chips if you’re feeling wild, and call it Snack Mix instead of Trail Mix because you’ll be bringing it everywhere with you (and it’ll go fast).
Grind up popcorn rice into flour and use it to make bread! Alternatively, bake it right into your favourite cookies or cakes! What was once a staple side dish becomes the star attraction in this scenario
4. Cauliflower Rice
To rice or not to rice? If you choose between cauliflower rice and basmati rice, the answer is simple. Cauliflower rice is a healthier option that helps you cut calories and get more nutrients as part of a balanced diet.
Compared to basmati rice, cauliflower rice has:
- Fewer carbohydrates
- Zero fat
- More fiber
More vitamins and minerals like vitamin K, vitamin C, and potassium. These nutrients may help you lower your cholesterol and blood pressure levels, reduce the risk of diabetes, and even improve your digestion — and that is just for starters.
5. Long-Grain Brown Rice
Long-grain brown rice is a better option than basmati rice because it is richer in nutrients, like magnesium and has more fiber. Brown rice also contains more antioxidants compared to white rice.
Basmati rice offers similar health benefits as other types of brown rice, but not to the same extent as long-grain brown rice. Long-grain brown rice is a whole grain. It contains the bran, germ, and endosperm.
The bran layer is where most of the fibre and minerals are found. The germ layer contains vitamin E, B, iron, zinc, potassium, and phosphorus. The endosperm contains starchy carbohydrates (an essential energy source) and small amounts of protein and fibre.
Therefore, if you want to eat healthily, Long-grain brown rice is your best bet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Healthiest Type Of Rice?
Brown rice! Brown rice still has the bran and germ intact, so it retains the nutrients that white rice would generally have. Brown rice is a good source of fiber, magnesium, selenium, and vitamins B1, B3, and B6. Brown rice contains antioxidants and beneficial plant compounds called lignans.
It is also low in calories and has a low glycemic index, making it an ideal food for people with diabetes or obesity issues. Brown rice also takes less time to cook than white rice does—only 30 minutes! That makes it an easy addition to your diet!
What Is The Best Type Of Rice For Fried Rice?
If you love fried rice, you know that the most crucial part is choosing the perfect rice. Many people do not realize this, but the rice you use for fried rice can make or break a dish. You might have heard that long-grain white rice is the best option for fried rice.
That is the utmost truth! Long-grain white rice is perfect for fried rice because it cooks up fluffy and not sticky, which allows the individual grains to remain separate and helps the dish retain a light and airy texture.
What Is The Best Type Of Rice To Use In A Rice Cooker?
Many different types of rice can be cooked perfectly in a rice cooker, from brown, white, short-grain, long-grain, basmati, jasmine, to wild rice. While most types will work just fine, some differences between them may affect the taste and texture of your dish.
However, most people claim its jasmine rice is best suited for rice cookers because of its ability to produce consistent results without compromising quality.
What Is Short-Grain Rice?
Short grain rice is a type of rice often used to make sushi. It is smaller than medium or long-grain rice, and because of its high starch content, it is more sticky, chewy, and glutinous than other types of rice. It can also be referred to as sweet rice, pearl rice, sushi rice, or glutinous rice.
Conclusion
Sifting through all the rice options available can be confusing, especially if you are new to this type of rice. We have created this guide to help you identify the top options for the best basmati rice substitute.
There is no need to do a little bit of searching and asking around. We can almost guarantee that you will find one or two bastima alternatives that you will be comfortable with, taste great, and suit your budget.
Aside from rice, you can even use Couscous, Bulgur Wheat, Quinoa, or Orzo. They are also preferable options to help you skip the sticky rice palaver.
