Calrose rice is a medium-grain rice that has become increasingly famous in the United States due to its versatility and affordability.
However, not everyone has access to this type of rice or prefers it over other types.
If you’re looking for a Calrose rice substitute, you’ve come to the right place! Here’s I guide you on substituting calrose rice for other types of long and short-grain rice.
What type of rice is Calrose rice? What does Calrose Rice taste like?
Calrose rice is a particular variety of medium-grain rice. It is an incredibly popular type of rice, often grown in California, and known for its unique flavor and texture.
In comparison to other types of medium-grain rice, Calrose has slightly more starch that gives it its signature stickiness when cooked.
So, its special sticky qualities make it a great choice for many dishes as it adheres well and has an earthy aroma.
Some say it has the faintest hint of chestnut-like sweetness from cooking without having an overly strong or overpowering flavor.
Overall, Calrose Rice offers the perfect balance between flavor and texture!
Uses of Calrose Rice
Calrose rice is an incredibly versatile grain that is used for a variety of dishes.
While most commonly associated with Japanese-style sushi, Calrose rice can also be used to make tasty rice pilafs and fried rice, as well as delicious risottos.
When cooked properly, Calrose rice produces the perfect combination of sticky and chewy texture; this makes it great for blending with other ingredients like meats, seafood, and vegetables.
Additionally, Calrose rice can easily be mixed with quinoa or barley to make healthy salads or side dish recipes.
With its unique texture and flavor profile, it’s easy to see why Calrose rice has become such a popular choice in many households around the world.
best calrose rice substitutes
1. Substituting Long Grain White Rice
Long-grain white rice is one of the most common substitutions for calrose rice. Long-grain white rice has a slightly firmer texture than calrose and holds its shape better than other varieties.
This makes long-grain white rice an ideal substitution for dishes like fried rice or casseroles where you want some definition between the grains of cooked rice.
On the downside, long-grain white rice may not have quite as much flavor as calrose.
2. Long Grain Rice Substitutes
Long grain kinds of rice are highly versatile and are used in both savory and sweet dishes. The most common long-grain rice include Basmati, Jasmine, Texmati, and Wild Rice.
Each variety offers its own unique flavor profile that pairs well with certain dishes. Here are some of the best replacements for calrose when cooking with long-grain rice:
Substituting Basmati Rice
Basmati is another popular substitution for calrose rice; it’s especially good in dishes where you want fragrant and flavorful results, like curries or pilafs.
Basmati has a naturally distinct aroma and flavor profile that sets it apart from the wide other varieties of white rice.
The main disadvantage of basmati is its cost—it tends to be more expensive than both long-grain white and calrose rice—and its tendency to become mushy when overcooked.
Moreover, it cooks up fluffy yet firm and has a nutty flavor that matches nicely with curries and stews.
Substituting Jasmine Rice
One of my favorites, Jasmine, is a great option when substituting calrose.
In fact, jasmine is often preferred over basmati by some cooks because it tends to be more widely available and less expensive than basmati while still having an aromatic flavor profile similar to basmati.
Like basmati, jasmine can become mushy if overcooked, so it’s essential to pay close attention to cook times when using this variety of rice.
It also doesn’t hold its shape quite as well as long-grain white, nor does it have quite the same nutty flavor that you get from calrose.
However, this type of rice is great for making fried rice dishes or as an accompaniment to grilled meats or fish.
Texmati Rice
Texmati is one of the most popular varieties of long-grain rice in the U.S., thanks to its light texture and mild flavor.
If you’re looking to make a healthier choice for your next meal, consider Texmati Rice in place of Calrose Rice.
Texmati Rice is ideal for those on special diets because it has fewer calories and carbohydrates than Calrose.
When cooked, the texture of Texmati Rice is similar to traditional long-grain rice, though with a nuttier flavor.
When substituting Texmati Rice for recipes that call for Calrose, simply adjust the cooking instructions per the packaging.
Making this simple switch can make all the difference in the health of your next meals!
It can be used in salads, stir-fries, casseroles, pilafs, risotto, stuffings, soups, puddings, and more!
3. Sushi rice
When it comes to Japanese cuisine, Calrose rice is a classic staple. Its short grain and sticky texture make it perfect for sushi, but this type of rice can be difficult to find outside of Asian markets.
Fortunately, there is an easier substitute to consider: sushi rice. Also known as uruchi or pearl rice, sushi rice is the same variety used in many sushi restaurants.
The most notable dissimilarity between the two types of rice is that sushi rice tends to be stickier when cooked, giving dishes like maki rolls and onigiri a better texture.
Sushi rice also has less starch than Calrose, making it light and tasty in everything from salads to soups – no matter what type of recipe you are trying to create!
4. Brown rice
Brown rice is quickly becoming a popular substitute for Calrose rice in cooking.
Not only is it healthier with more beneficial nutrients and dietary fibers, but it also adds a unique texture to meals that Calrose Rice may lack.
Most dishes cooked using brown rice will have a firmer bite and a more tender texture than if they were cooked with Calrose Rice, often adding hearty flavor to stir-fries, fried dishes, pilafs, and other recipes.
Brown rice also has a less sticky consistency than that Calrose Rice, making it an ideal choice when using larger grains such as basmati or jasmine, making it perfect for fluffy side dishes to accompany main course items.
With its amazing versatility and nutritional content, brown rice is fast becoming the number one substitution for Calrose Rice.
5. Black rice
Black rice is quickly becoming a popular substitute for Calrose Rice due to its nutty, sweet, and earthy flavoring.
Its rise in popularity could be attributed to its strong resemblance to Calrose Rice, which makes it an easy transition for anyone trying out this unusual and tasty variety of rice.
Additionally, it offers major health benefits that regular white rice does not.
Black rice has a significantly higher nutritional value, with more than three times the amount of fiber and antioxidants present.
With the same ease of use as other rice, it can become a staple in anyone’s pantry who wants to step up their nutritious eating habits. Give black rice a try today; you won’t regret it!
6. Thai fragrant rice
If you are searching for an alternative to Calrose Rice, Thai fragrant rice is certainly worth considering.
Also known as Jasmine rice, this variety of long-grain rice is extremely popular in many Southeast Asian cuisines.
Plus, its long slender grains give this rice a beautiful pearl-like appearance that is sure to bring a bit of extra flair to the dinner table.
As its name implies, it has a very fragrant aroma that perfectly complements many traditional dishes from the region.
Beyond being aromatic, Thai fragrant rice has a slightly sweet flavor and a fluffy texture when cooked and serves as the ideal base for salads and curries alike.
Compared to other varieties of long-grain rice found in stores, such as Basmati or Arborio, this substitute allows you to create delicious meals that can transport you to the coasts of Southeast Asia with every bite.
7. Mineral-rich red cargo
Red cargo rice is the perfect accompaniment for a variety of dishes. Not only does it bring with it exquisite flavor, but it is one of the healthiest alternatives to popular white rice.
Consisting mostly of brown and red covers that are especially high in minerals, red cargo rice is sure to please any connoisseur.
This savory replacement for Calrose Rice has an incredible nutty taste, and its distinct texture adds delightful complexity to any dish.
Plus, with over ten times the amount of minerals and four times more fiber per serving than Calrose Rice, red cargo rice offers a well-balanced meal that can be enjoyed by the whole family!
8. Short Grain Rice Substitutes
Short grain rice is generally less versatile than its longer counterparts but has its own unique properties that make them ideal for certain dishes such as sushi rolls or creamy risotto recipes.
The most common short-grain varieties include Arborio, Carnaroli, Bomba/Calasparra/Valenciana/Vialone Nano/Romairea, Sushi Rice (Kokuho Rose), and Sticky Rice (Glutinous).
Here’re some of the best substitutes for calrose when cooking with short-grain rice:
Arborio Rice
Arborio Rice is a great substitution for Calrose Rice. This type of rice is a short-grain, Italian variety of rice that has a round, plump shape and is high in starch.
It is often used to make creamy risotto dishes, as it absorbs liquid and flavors well while still maintaining its texture.
Arborio Rice contains a nutty flavor and a chewy texture, making it ideal for risotto and other dishes that require a creamy consistency.
Additionally, Arborio Rice can be used to make paella, sushi, salads, and even desserts.
This type of rice also works well in soups or as an accompaniment to grilled vegetables or seafood dishes.
When cooked in broth or stock, the starch is released, creating a creamy texture.
This type of rice is also simple to prepare and requires minimal effort. With Arborio Rice, you can easily create delicious meals for the whole family.
Carnaroli Rice
Carnaroli is another excellent choice for making risotto because it absorbs liquid better than other types of short-grain rice while still maintaining its shape after cooking.
This makes it ideal for making creamy yet firm risottos with lots of flavors! And is perfect for dishes that require a longer cooking time.
This type of rice has a higher starch content than its counterparts, making for a creamy texture and full flavor.
It holds its shape better than Calrose rice when cooked and does not become overly mushy or sticky.
It also makes an excellent filling for stuffed peppers and is often used in soups, salads, and side dishes. With its creamy texture and nutty flavor, Carnaroli Rice adds a delightful touch to any meal.
When shopping for Carnaroli Rice, look for grains that are uniform in size and color. Check the packaging to make sure it has not been damaged or contaminated.
For best results, store Carnaroli Rice in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. It is essential to rinse the rice before cooking as this will remove any impurities and reduce stickiness.
When cooked properly, Carnaroli Rice should retain its shape and have a creamy texture that is slightly firm to the bite. So why not give this delicious Italian rice a try? You won’t regret it!
Bomba/Calasparra/Valenciana/Vialone Nano/Romairea
These types of short-grain rice are all similar in terms of texture and taste but vary widely in price depending on where they’re sourced from (e.g., Spain vs. Italy).
They work great for making paella or any other dish that requires tender yet slightly chewy grains like risotto or arancini balls!
Calasparra rice comes from the Murcia region in Spain and is a short-grain variety. It’s known for its unique texture, which is slightly sticky and tender when cooked.
Valenciana rice, from the Valencia region of Spain, is a medium-grain variety with a soft texture and subtle flavor.
Vialone Nano is an Italian long-grain rice that has a firmer texture than other long-grain varieties.
Lastly, the Romairea rice is an Italian medium-grain variety with a creamy texture and nutty flavor.
Each of these rice can be used to make delicious dishes that are sure to please any palate.
When substituting for Calrose Rice, consider using half as much liquid (water or broth) as is called for in a recipe, as these rices tend to absorb more liquid than Calrose Rice.
Also, be aware that these rices cook faster than Calrose Rice, and they may require less cooking time.
With a bit of experimentation, you can find the perfect substitute for Calrose Rice that will bring exciting new flavors to your favorite dishes!
Conclusion on Calrose rice substitute
When substituting calrose with another type of medium-grain or long-grain white rice, there are several options available depending on your needs.
Likewise, long-grain white has a firmer texture but lacks flavor; basmati has an aromatic flavor profile but can become mushy if overcooked.
Aand jasmine has similar flavors to basmati but tends to be more wide open and less expensive than basmati while still having an aromatic flavor profile similar to basmati.
Ultimately, choosing which type of substitution works best will depend on your particular recipe and tastes!
No matter which variety you choose, just make sure you keep an eye on cook times so that your dish turns out perfectly every time!
FAQs on Calrose rice substitute
Q1. What is similar to Calrose rice?
Two grains that are similar to Calrose rice are jasmine and basmati. Both of these types of rice, like Calrose, have a delicate flavor and soft, sticky texture when cooked.
This makes them ideal for use when creating varieties of Asian dishes such as fried rice, steamed buns, and savory porridge. Additionally, since jasmine and basmati have a rich aroma, they can add an additional delightful dimension to the overall taste experience.
Choosing between the two depends on personal taste preferences, but no matter the choice someone makes, these alternatives provide equally delicious options for substituting for Calrose rice.
Q2. Is Calrose rice the same as sticky rice?
Is Calrose rice the same as sticky rice? This question has come up more and more as more people look for ways to add variety to their meals. Sticky rice, also called sweet rice or glutinous rice, is a special kind of grain found primarily in Asia.
It has a distinctive texture due to its high level of starch and gluten, allowing it to stick together when cooked. On the other hand, Calrose rice comes from California and is one of the most popular kinds of short-grain japonica rice available in the United States.
It is drier and stickier than any other long-grain variety, but its texture still cannot be compared with that of sticky rice. In conclusion, while they are both delicious additions to your pantry, Calrose Rice and Sticky Rice are two very different types of grains!