5 Monday night meal ideas using leftover cooked rice

A rich source of carbohydrates and an all-around versatile ingredient, rice is one of those staples we hope will stay around for a long long time.

Not only is it quick and easy to prepare, but toss a couple of ingredients with it and you have a wholesome, filling meal in minutes. Here are a few ways you could make use of that leftover, fluffy cooked carb for a delicious dinner option.

Thai-fried rice with prawns

Easier to make if you have a wok and takes 35 mins to make. The prawns are optional.

Rice and chickpea salad

This salad is made with another easy-to-find staple ingredient; chickpeas. Packed with protein, this legume is as versatile as the beloved carb grain in this recipe. It also takes just 35 mins to prepare.

Rice and bean bowl

All you need is a can of black beans and some cooked rice. You can inject rich colours to this dish by adding some salsa, avo and even some fresh broccoli.

Bacon and egg fried rice

Cereal is a good go-to for a quick dinner replacement on those lazy nights, but this breakfast-for-dinner idea is even better! This is an easy three-ingredient recipe that takes only 25 mins to make.

Brown rice salad 

Like most salads, this one is super quick to make and requires only a few ingredients – some of which might already be stocked in the pantry or cupboard, whilst additional ingredients like pine nuts, cashews, halloumi cheese and sultanas would probably require a trip to the store.

ALSO READ: 8 things you are probably doing wrong when cooking rice