All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
You have a problem: You're sick of salads. And tired of take-out.
But now, you also have a solution: Sunday night rice.
Making a big batch of rice on Sunday puts you in a place to make five easy, filling lunches to take to work throughout the week. White rice is classic, but the recipes below also work with brown rice, wild rice, or black. (If you really want to get ambitious, make a few pots of rice throughout the week—after all, it's literally as simple as boiling water.)
Monday: Put It In A Bowl
Start the week off with the darling of the healthy eating set, the rice bowl. Just as with chopped salad, you can use whatever you've got: steamed greens, sautéed veggies, chopped herbs, avocado, fried eggs, and almost anything else you have in your fridge. For even more flavor, add a splash of hot sauce or Asian marinade. (Note: These bowls are usually made with brown rice, thanks to its healthy dose of high fiber, but black rice, wild rice, or even white rice can all work for this dish.)
Tuesday: Turn It Into Patties
Call 'em burgers, fritters, patties, or rice cakes—whatever you call them, it all comes together the same way. Turn your leftover rice (or any other grain, including quinoa, barley, and farro) into a patty by adding some shredded veggies, cheese, and egg, then pan-frying it like you would a burger or potato pancake. Throw the patties on some salad, stuff a few into a pita, or just eat them out of the palm of your hand.
Wednesday: Make It Into Salad
It's the middle of the week, and you're probably craving something light and fresh. Turn that pot of rice into a bright salad by adding a tangy vinaigrette and plenty of fresh herbs and raw vegetables. Using black rice adds nice texture and a good helping of antioxidants, protein, and dietary fiber.
Thursday: Turn It Into Sushi
You don't have to settle for take-out to have a sushi lunch. Making rolls at home is as simple as cooking a batch of rice and rolling it in some nori (seaweed sheets) with raw veggies. Cucumber, carrot, and avocado are classic, but bell pepper slices, scallions, and blanched asparagus are also delicious add-ins.
Friday: Fry It
The best thing to do with leftover rice? Turn it into fried rice, a dish that basically requires your rice be old. (Refrigerating rice overnight allows it to dry out so it will get crispy when fried.) This is also a great empty-out-your-fridge dish, letting you use up any and all stray vegetables and leftover meats, so you have a clean slate for weekend shopping.
