Paella night is always a hit at our place. We love the mix of flavors and textures. Sometimes, though, we run out of the right rice.
We’ve all been there, staring at the pantry, wondering what to use. It’s not just about finding any rice. It’s about getting that perfect paella vibe.
We’ve tried a few alternatives, and some work surprisingly well. Each one brings something different to the table.
We’re sharing our top picks for easy swaps. These options keep the dish tasty and satisfying.
So, if you’re short on paella rice, we’ve got you covered with these six easy alternatives.
6 Quick Substitutes for Paella Rice
Here are our top picks for easy and delicious paella rice substitutes.
1 – Arborio Rice
First up, Arborio rice. We’ve used it in risottos and paellas. Its creamy texture works well.
Arborio is easy to find. Most grocery stores have it. We like how it absorbs flavors.
It’s a bit stickier than paella rice. Stir it less to keep the grains separate. Use a 1:1 ratio for substitution.
Arborio holds up in slow-cook dishes. It brings a rich taste to meals. Plus, it’s versatile in many recipes.
We’ve found it reliable. The texture stays creamy, even without paella rice.
2 – Calrose Rice
The next option is Calrose rice. We’ve tried it in various dishes. Its soft texture fits well.
Calrose is easy to find. Most supermarkets stock it. We like how it holds flavors.
It’s a bit softer than paella rice. Cook it carefully to avoid mushiness. Use a 1:1 ratio for substitution.
Calrose works well in quick-cook dishes. It brings a mild taste to meals. Plus, it’s versatile in many recipes.
We’ve found it dependable. The texture stays consistent, even without paella rice.
3 – Basmati Rice
The choice of Basmati rice is interesting. We’ve used it in many dishes. Its long grains add a unique texture.
Basmati is easy to find. Most stores carry it. We like how it stays separate.
It’s less sticky than paella rice. Cook it with care to maintain its fluffiness. Use a 1:1 ratio for substitution.
Basmati works well in quick-cook dishes. It brings a fragrant aroma to meals. Plus, it’s versatile in many recipes.
We’ve found it reliable. The texture stays light, even without paella rice. For more options, check out these basmati rice substitutes.
4 – Jasmine Rice
The choice of Jasmine rice is intriguing. We’ve used it in stir-fries and paellas. Its fragrant aroma adds a nice touch.
Jasmine is easy to find. Most supermarkets have it. We like how it cooks quickly.
It’s softer than paella rice. Cook it gently to keep the grains intact. Use a 1:1 ratio for substitution.
Jasmine works well in fast-cook dishes. It brings a subtle flavor to meals. Plus, it’s versatile in many recipes.
We’ve found it dependable. The texture stays fluffy, even without paella rice. For more ideas, check out these jasmine rice substitutes.
5 – Carnaroli Rice
The choice of Carnaroli rice is solid. We’ve used it in risottos and paellas. Its creamy texture is a plus.
Carnaroli is easy to find. Most specialty stores have it. We like how it absorbs flavors well.
It’s a bit firmer than paella rice. Stir it less to keep the grains separate. Use a 1:1 ratio for substitution.
Carnaroli holds up in slow-cook dishes. It brings a rich taste to meals. Plus, it’s versatile in many recipes.
We’ve found it reliable. The texture stays creamy, even without paella rice.
6 – Short-Grain Brown Rice
Last but not least, short-grain brown rice. We’ve tried it in various dishes and were pleasantly surprised! Its nutty flavor adds a new dimension to the dish.
Short-grain brown rice can be found in most grocery stores. We like how its whole grain aspect adds some extra nutrients to the dish.
It’s a bit firmer than paella rice, so cook it with care to avoid mushiness. Use a 1:1 ratio for substitution.
Short-grain brown rice works well in slow-cook dishes, adding a hearty and earthy taste. Plus, it’s versatile in many recipes.
We’ve found it dependable and a healthier option compared to white rice substitutes.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.