17 Creative Ways to Use Up That Last Cup of Cooked Rice

Leftover rice can still bring plenty of flavor and fun. These 17 creative ways to use up that last cup turn something simple into something surprising. Easy ideas that keep things fresh, tasty, and never boring!

Pineapple Rice

A small serving can be made brighter by turning it into Pineapple Rice. The mix of flavors makes plain rice feel more upbeat and fresh. It’s an easy way to clear the fridge without it feeling like leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Rice

Shrimp Fried Rice

Leftover rice feels more like a meal when turned into Shrimp Fried Rice. Adding shrimp gives it a boost that makes the dish stand on its own. A single cup easily becomes dinner without any trouble.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Fried Rice

Garlic Fried Rice

Leftover rice turns into something bold when turned into Garlic Fried Rice. The flavor makes that last cup feel more purposeful instead of going to waste. It’s a quick way to stretch rice into a side that works anytime.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Fried Rice

Coconut Riced Cauliflower

A touch of coconut flavor changes plain rice into Coconut Riced Cauliflower. It keeps the dish light while still making use of every last spoonful. That forgotten cup finds a quick new purpose here.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Riced Cauliflower

Crab Fried Rice

A bowl of fried rice with vegetables and crab meat. — Crab Fried Rice. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Seafood flavor takes center stage when grains are turned into Crab Fried Rice. The dish makes leftovers feel a little more special. Rice that once looked like scraps now feels worth keeping.
Get the Recipe: Crab Fried Rice

Leftover Turkey Fried Rice

Holiday extras pair perfectly when transformed into Leftover Turkey Fried Rice. Rice gets a second life while the turkey no longer feels forgotten. It’s a simple way to finish both without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Turkey Fried Rice

One Pot Cajun Rice Casserole

Pan of cajun rice and sausage with a wooden spoon and a bowl. — One Pot Cajun Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Bold seasoning helps stretch small portions into One Pot Cajun Rice Casserole. A single cup works well as the base of a hearty family dish. Leftovers get used in a way that feels practical and filling.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Cajun Rice Casserole

Velveeta Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

A serving of cheesy baked casserole with chicken and vegetables on a white plate. A fork is placed beside the dish. — Velveeta Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Mama's on a Budget .

Comfort food comes easy with Velveeta Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole. A small serving of rice is enough to turn into something that feels bigger. It’s a simple fix when trying to make the most of what’s left.
Get the Recipe: Velveeta Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

Hibachi Fried Rice

Turning a cup into Hibachi Fried Rice makes it feel like a quick trip to a grill house. The flavors bring out a fun restaurant-style taste without leaving the kitchen. Rice that could have been wasted suddenly feels fresh again.
Get the Recipe: Hibachi Fried Rice

Basil Fried Rice: Delicious Thai-Inspired Recipe

Basil fried rice with toamto and fresh basil on the top. — Basil Fried Rice: Delicious Thai-Inspired Recipe. Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

Leftover rice gets new life when made into Basil Fried Rice: Delicious Thai-Inspired Recipe. The basil changes the flavor in a way that feels fresh and different. Even one small cup can feel brand new again.
Get the Recipe: Basil Fried Rice: Delicious Thai-Inspired Recipe

Authentic Rice and Lentils

A white dish filled with cooked lentils and rice, topped with chopped cilantro and caramelized onions. A wooden spoon rests on a patterned napkin next to the dish. — Authentic Rice and Lentils. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Simple balance comes together when the last cup is used for Authentic Rice and Lentils. The mix makes rice feel complete without needing anything extra. Nothing about it feels like leftovers anymore.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Rice and Lentils

PF Chang's Fried Rice

Anyone craving takeout vibes can use the last cup for PF Chang’s Fried Rice. The flavor hits in a way that feels like something ordered out. It’s proof that even leftovers can feel like restaurant food.
Get the Recipe: PF Chang's Fried Rice

Vegetarian Biryani Rice

A close-up of a bowl filled with white rice, topped with caramelized onions, fried potato slices, toasted cashews, mushrooms, and fresh cilantro leaves. — Vegetarian Biryani Rice. Photo credit: At The Immigrants Table.

Big flavor comes through when the last cup is turned into Vegetarian Biryani Rice. The seasoning makes it feel like more than just leftovers. Even a small portion can stand alone as a full plate.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Biryani Rice

Nigerian Fried Rice

Leftover grains feel brand new when made into Nigerian Fried Rice. The style makes rice taste lively and shareable. A single cup stretches further than expected with this dish.
Get the Recipe: Nigerian Fried Rice

Curry Cauliflower Rice

A bit of spice changes plain grains into Curry Cauliflower Rice. The dish keeps things light while still making use of every bit left in the pot. One cup never feels small when used this way.
Get the Recipe: Curry Cauliflower Rice

Orange Rice

Bowl of rice with chopped celery and orange slices on a wooden table. — Orange Rice. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Extra grains get a bright lift when made into Orange Rice. The light flavor makes rice taste clean and refreshing. That last cup feels less like waste and more like a quick side worth finishing.
Get the Recipe: Orange Rice

Sticky Rice with Mango

A plate of mango sticky rice with cubed mango, sweet coconut sauce, and sesame seeds, served on a green leaf. — Sticky Rice with Mango. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Sweet balance comes through when plain grains are made into Sticky Rice with Mango. The texture of rice pairs naturally with fruit for something simple. Even the smallest portion ends up feeling complete.
Get the Recipe: Sticky Rice with Mango