Whether you avoid gluten by choice or out of necessity, rice is the naturally gluten-free ingredient you’ll want to keep at arm’s length at all times! A boon to diners, gluten-free rice recipes mean you can indulge in appetizers and main dishes, light lunches, hearty dinners and beguiling, satisfying desserts without a spec of gluten ever having to get involved.

A type of protein found in certain grains (including wheat, barley and rye), gluten can cause health issues and allergic reactions in some people, including those with celiac disease or wheat allergies. In many cases, minimizing or entirely eliminating gluten is the only way to prevent undesirable side effects.

With plenty of variety on offer, premium RiceSelect® Rice products allow diners to pick and choose the best match for their moods and cravings. No matter what you’re cooking, you can make it gluten-free with RiceSelect® Rice in your kitchen.

So get ready for gluten-free cooking that’s varied, flavorful and utterly satisfying. Open a jar of inspiration with RiceSelect® Rice today!

Is All Rice Gluten-Free? 

Foods that are gluten-free fit into one of two categories: they naturally don’t contain gluten or are made without wheat, barley, rye or other grains that contain gluten. The seed of a certain type of plant, all kinds of plain rice (i.e., not seasoned or flavored) are naturally gluten-free.

Though rice does not contain gluten, dishes made with rice can contain gluten if other gluten-containing ingredients (e.g. wheat-based pasta, sauces, deli meats, etc.) are added. To avoid gluten in every dish when cooking, begin with RiceSelect® Rice and then ensure that every ingredient you add to your dish is also gluten-free.

9 Gluten-Free Rice Recipes to Try Now

Looking for gluten-free rice dishes that wow? Start with nine of our favorites!

Gluten-Free Stuffed Pumpkin Rice Pilaf

Gluten-free but flavor-filled, this gorgeous autumnal rice recipe is brimming with fall’s bounty. With an elegant base of RiceSelect® Royal Blend Rice, savory, herb-flecked sautéed vegetables and tender roasted pumpkin, this vegetarian dish is a sophisticated option for company or a cozy Friday night at home.

Wine-Poached Halibut

A culinary project for the confident cook, the various components of this recipe come together to make a restaurant-quality dish. Read through the recipe and gather everything you need before you start cooking; between poaching fish, making a silky purée and sautéing bacon and greens to cook along with RiceSelect® Texmati Rice, you’ll be busy for about an hour once you get going!

Beet Goat Cheese Risotto Recipe

Take your tastebuds to Italy with this vivid risotto recipe. Creamy and rich, flavored with roasted beets, herb-scented broth, white wine and Parmesan cheese, RiceSelect® Arborio Rice is a gluten-free go-to for this sophisticated crowd pleaser.

Korean Bibimbap Bowl

Easy to customize, this Korean-inspired dish is a welcome change from your average rice bowl. Sautéed zucchini, carrots, spinach and mushrooms make a colorful, vegetarian topping for this jasmine rice-based bowl but feel free to add your protein of choice. Be sure to check the labels on your sauces — tamari, sesame oil and rice vinegar — to ensure an entirely gluten-free meal.

Vietnamese Jasmati Rice Porridge with Chicken (Chao Ga)

Break out the Instant Pot for this warming comfort-food fave! Rich and creamy, with tender morsels of chicken, seasoned RiceSelect® Jasmati Rice, and a savory garnish of crisp shallots, green onions and cilantro, this recipe is a shoo-in for top 10 most requested in your kitchen. Stock the cupboard with gluten-free sauces and broth before making this popular dish.

Gluten-Free Banana Rice Waffles

Made with RiceSelect® Jasmati Rice — in place of flour — these tender, golden waffles are naturally gluten-free. For breakfast, dessert or a midday pick-me-up, these waffles are warm and satisfying, and easy to customize with your favorite toppings. If you’re not looking to avoid dairy, feel free to replace the almond milk with regular milk.

Sticky Rice with Caramelized Bananas

Sticky and sweet, this tropical dessert is a tempting jumble of caramelized bananas, toasty pecans and cinnamon-scented RiceSelect® Sushi Rice. Made as is, this dish is gluten-free and irresistibly delicious! For something different, try this with ripe mangoes in place of bananas.

Chai Spice Apple Rice Pudding 

Apples, raisins, sugar and spice are a comforting combo in this Indian riff on traditional rice pudding. Perfect as a last course at a harvest-themed dinner, this dish would also make a welcome breakfast or afternoon snack.

Coconut Lime Rice Pudding

Ready in just 30 minutes, this two-step dessert feels like a warm island breeze. Flavored with coconut milk, lime zest and toasted coconut, the balm of every velvety mouthful is a tropical escape few can resist.

Tips for Cooking Gluten-Free with Confidence 

Diners who avoid gluten know that you can never be too careful, whether dining at home or at a restaurant. Follow these tips to avoid accidental ingestion:

  • In cases where celiac disease or wheat allergy is a concern, it’s imperative to avoid cross-contamination during cooking. Stock a separate set of utensils for use when preparing gluten-free meals. Also, store gluten-free foods away from gluten-containing items. Label tools and foods clearly to avoid confusion. Wash hands, utensils and counters thoroughly after each use. If possible, stock two sets of small appliances, such as toasters, waffle irons and air fryers.
  • When shopping, always check labels to ensure that products are gluten-free. Ideally, opt for certified gluten-free products. Check for obvious ingredients, such as wheat, rye and barley, as well as less obvious ones, such as oats (which sometimes contain gluten), thickeners and starches. Look for “contains” or “may contain” statements and avoid any labels that contain gluten-containing ingredients.