Arborio rice is the actual making of risotto, but what do you do when you’re out of Arborio rice?
Or, you can’t find arborio or don’t have time to go to the store, what can you use instead of Arborio Rice that won’t ruin the delicate taste of risotto!
Don’t worry, One perfect substitute will do the trick and won’t destroy the taste of risotto.
This post will provide a few different substitutes for Arborio rice that you can apply in your next recipe.
What is arborio rice?
Arborio rice is a type of Italian white rice. It is short grain and has a high starch content, making it perfect for dishes like risotto.
Arborio rice absorbs flavors well and has a creamy texture when cooked.
Risotto is a traditional Italian dish made with Arborio rice. It is a creamy rice dish usually cooked in broth or stock.
Risotto can be made with many different flavors but is typically eaten as a main course.
Best Cooking Substitutes For Arborio Rice
A significant problem with arborio is that it takes forever to cook! However, there are many options for substitutes.
First, my fellow foodies over at My Recipes have compiled an excellent list of substitutes for Arborio Rice. They suggest using:
– converted rice
– brown rice
– wild rice
– short-grain brown rice
– Israeli Couscous
– orzo pasta
A combination of different types of grains is also a fabulous choice. This will give your dish more texture and flavour.
One example is this recipe for Risotto with Delicata Squash and Caramelized Onions.
1. CONVERTED RICE-Similar Taste as Arborio
Converted ( parboiled) rice is white rice that has gone through a steaming process under pressure which causes changes in the starch structure of the grain.- that reduces cooking time and creates firmer grains.
Converted rice is a great option for people who are short on time and want to make a healthy meal. It’s also a good choice for people trying to lose weight because it has fewer calories than regular white rice.
Parboiled Rice short-grain white rice has a high starch content rice also has a slightly nutty flavour. -This makes it ideal for dishes that require a creamy or risotto-style texture.
Once your Converted rice is cooked, you can add it to risotto.
2. Use BROWN RICE as an Easy Alternative to Arborio Rice
Brown rice is a whole grain with a chewy texture and nutty flavour. It is a reliable source of fiber, magnesium, and selenium. In most recipes, brown rice can be substituted for white rice.
There are some different ways to make brown rice replacement of Arbonio in risotto.
The Best way is to cook the rice in a pan with some oil or butter until it’s nice and crispy, then add it to the risotto. This will add a nice nutty flavor and texture to the risotto.
3. A Delicious Choice for Arborio Rice- WILD RICE
There are many different ways to make wild rice in risotto. Some people like to add butter, while others prefer to use chicken broth. Other ingredients, like mushrooms, onions, or herbs, can be added.
One of the best things about making wild rice in risotto is to customize it to your own tastes.
You can season it, including salt and pepper, to make it more savory. You can season it, including herbs or spices, to make it more flavorful.
Whatever method you use to make your wild rice risotto, it’s sure to be delicious. So why not give it a try?
4. SHORT GRAIN BROWN RICE- It looks like Arborio Rice
Short grain brown rice is a healthy and delicious alternative to Arborio rice in risotto or any other dishes like sushi rice, paella, etc.
And with this recipe, I would like to show you how easy it is to prepare a delicious risotto that at the same time has only half of the carbs per one serving as classic white rice-based risotto. And it tastes even better!
Ingredients for 2 servings:
· 1 cup short-grain brown rice
· 2 cups of water for cooking
· 1 tablespoon of butter or margarine
· 20-30g grated Parmesan cheese, low fat
Process
· Wash rice under the running cold water. Drain all the excess liquid and add to a pan together with a cup of boiling water.
· Cook for 40 minutes on low flame or according to package directions.
· Drain excess liquid and add grated Parmesan cheese.
Preparing this healthy risotto takes only 10 minutes; after that, you just need to sit and wait for 40 minutes until the rice is done cooking.
This simple recipe has a unique rich taste of Parmesan cheese and an enjoyable nutty aftertaste!
5. ISRAELI COUSCOUS
Israeli Couscous is the new chickpea. It’s the most recent in a long line of foods that have been hailed, by health-conscious people everywhere, as the “new superfood.”
If you want to bring some new kick in risotto, try Israeli Couscous as a substitute for Arborio Rice.
6. ORZO PASTA
Orzo pasta is an excellent choice for a quick and easy weeknight meal. It cooks in just 10 minutes, and you can use it for different dishes like
Orzo Pasta Risotto, and tomatoes. It’s ideal for a light lunch or supper.
Orzo tastes like a cross between rice and pasta. They are small, round, and slightly curved. Orzo can be found in most grocery stores and is an excellent choice for a quick and easy side dish.
You can boil it, fry it, or bake it. Orzo can also be used in soups and salads.
7. LONG GRAIN RICE
While some recommended long grain Basmati rice as a substitute for Arborio rice, I wouldn’t say I like its texture. If you want, have a try and comment on me.
Depends on your definition of risotto. If you’re looking for the creamy rice dish, then no; if you want to make a savory pilaf-style dish with flavorful broth and lots of rice, then yes!
The key to this dish is to use a lot of liquid (I use 4 cups) and frequently stir so that the rice on the lowest part doesn’t burn.
8. Use CARNAROLI RICE as a Substitution for Arborio Rice
Carnaroli Rice is a type of Italian rice that is a great substitute for Arborio Rice, becoming increasingly popular in the United States.
Carnaroli Rice is medium-grain rice that is slightly stickier than other types of rice, making it perfect for dishes like risotto.
Carnaroli Rice has a nutty flavor and a chewy texture, making it an excellent choice for dishes that need a bit of substance.
Carnaroli Rice is also gluten-free, making it a good choice for gluten-sensitive people.
9. Japanese SUSHI RICE is a Replacement of Arborio Rice
Only a few Japanese dishes have made their way west, which has given Japanese cuisine somewhat of an exotic reputation.
Sushi rice is a short grain brown rice that has been partially boiled and then rinsed in cold water.
Using Vitamix(blender), you can change sushi rice into risotto; I like it very much!
I am using brown sushi rice, water, and salt. I cook the rice for about 20 minutes on medium heat.
I let it cool a bit and then put it in the Vitamix when it is done. I add about 2 cups of water and blend it on high for about 30 seconds. That’s it! You can season your risotto with soy sauce or salt.
Read More- 6 Ginger Garlic Paste Substitutes should Present In every Kitchen
10. Go Sticky with GLUTINOUS RICE
Glutinous rice is a type of rice that is incredibly sticky. This makes it perfect for dishes like sushi and mochi.
Glutinous rice is available in white and brown varieties and can be found at most grocery stores.
It would be great if you used a lot of water when cooking glutinous rice. The rice will require approximately twice as much water as rice to properly cook. You will want to ensure that the excess water is thoroughly boiled off.
The best way to ensure that your rice is cooked evenly is by using a rice cooker. Glutinous rice does not need soaking before cooking.
Read More– 7 Sweet Yet Glutinous Rice Alternatives
11. RED CARGO RICE
Red Cargo rice is a type of rice that is grown in the Andes region of South America. The rice is a deep red color and has a nutty flavor.
Red Cargo rice is a healthy choice for a nutritious meal.
Red Cargo is red, has a nutty flavor like Arborio Rice, so it is an excellent choice for risotto.
12. FARRO WHEAT
You might be surprised by the taste of farro wheat when you cook it. This mix is made up of three types, and it originated in Italy!
There’s no need to soak or boil any part, as they all work best with quicker cooking times than other rice does- so your final dish will still come out great even if cooked at very different speeds.
The best thing? What’s the best part? You don’t have to stress about gaining too much weight because this type only takes 20 minutes from rinse to finish (not including draining). It has such a unique flavor that it really stands apart.
13. BULGUR WHEAT
Bulgur wheat is the perfect replacement for rice in any recipe. It cooks faster and has a nutty taste that will remind you of your favorite breakfast cereal, but without all those pesky sugar highs!
Bulgurs’ health benefits don’t stop there-it’s also high in protein and minerals, so it can be considered healthier than most grains on the market today.
14. PEARLED BARLEY
Pearled Barley is a staple in many a Keto pantry. It is easy to cook, inexpensive, and is rich in fibers; it adds bulk to your meals while keeping the net carbs low.
Pearled Barley is a favorable choice for barley instead of Arborio rice.
Barley contains enough starch and will help reduce the cooking time of any dish that calls for a similar consistency or flavor profile as Arborio-style rice like Risotto, Carnaroli.
A word on soaking: Not necessary! This doesn’t take long at all – just be sure not to overdo it.
Because then there’s no chance at converting its starches into usable energy in our bodies when eating this delicious foodstuff (and who wants an indigestion attack?).
If eaten freshly cooked, though? Simply Magic!!!!
15. STICKY RICE
The sticky rice was named “khao neow” in the Thai language; Khao means a type of food while neow means sticky.
Sticky rice is a suitable method of food preservation. It is also a common ingredient in some Thai desserts and cakes made with mung beans or black beans.
Wrap Up On Alternatives to Arborio Rice
As we all try and avoid the high gluten content of rice as much as possible because it direct to weight gain and worsens digestive issues such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome
You can also use Brown Rice which doesn’t have quite the same flavor profile but offers more nutrients per serving at only 50 calories per cup cooked.
I hope you enjoy the reading and you’ve found some substitutes for Arborio Rice. If not, let me know in the comments below what your next go-to rice will be!
FAQs Relates to Arborio Rice Substitutes
Q1. Do I have to use wine in risotto?
No, you don’t have to use wine in risotto. In fact, you can use any broth or stock you like.
If you’re looking for a non-alcoholic option, vegetable broth is a great choice. You could also explore different types of stocks or broths to change the flavor of your risotto.
Q2. Is short-grain rice the same as arborio?
No, short-grain rice is much smaller and cooks much faster. Arborio rice is usually used for cooking risotto because it absorbs liquid quickly to help create a creamy texture.
The kind of long-grain rice typically used for pilaf or plain old steamed white rice won’t work in risotto recipes.
Q3. What is the difference between Arborio rice?
Arborio rice is short-grained, starchy white rice that becomes creamy when cooked.
It’s traditionally used in risotto because of its ability to absorb flavors and slowly release starch, making the risotto creamy.
Other types of rice like long-grain or basmati are not as suitable for making risotto because they tend to stay firm.
Q4. Is Arborio rice better than white rice?
Arborio rice is a type of Italian white rice. It’s a short-grain rice that is specifically used for making risotto.
Arborio rice has a more extensive starch content than other types of white rice, which makes it the perfect choice for this dish. If you can’t find Arborio rice, you can use another type of short-grain white rice.
Q5.How do you make Arborio rice like regular rice?
Arborio rice (typically used for risotto) is unlike regular white rice. Arborio has a high starch content which helps to make the dish creamy and tender.
This makes it perfect for risotto, but don’t fret if you only have plain white rice! You can use that in this recipe too!
Just be sure to use a bit less water, depending on how much rice you are using.