Burritos are one of the most cherished comfort foods around. These convenient wrapped meals bursting with juicy meats, beans, veggies, and tons of flavor provide the perfect on-the-go meal or satisfying dinner. While the fillings and fixings can vary tremendously between different burrito styles, one ingredient that often appears is rice. Rice serves as a handy, neutral base in burritos, soaking up delicious juices and flavors and adding tasty carbohydrates to balance the protein. But not all rice varieties pair equally well with burritos. The texture and flavor differences between types of rice can greatly impact your burrito eating experience.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll uncover the best options for rice in burritos along with cooking tips and pairing suggestions. Let’s explore what makes rice such a staple in burritos, the many suitable rice varieties, and how to select, cook, and enjoy the perfect rice to complement your burrito fillings. Read on for pro advice to help you make the most flavorful burritos ever!

What Role Does Rice Play in Burritos?

Rice serves multiple important roles when included in a burrito:

• Provides a neutral, mild flavor base that allows other ingredients to shine
• Absorbs excess moisture from juicy meats, salsa, beans, etc. to prevent a soggy tortilla
• Adds bulk and carbohydrates to create a hearty, filling meal
• Binds and brings together ingredients with its starchiness
• Contributes enjoyable texture contrast to the other fillings
• Stretches and extends pricier ingredients like meat as an economical option
• Offers versatility to adapt to different cultural influences and tastes

While traditional Mexican burritos tend to skip the rice, Americanized versions and other global variations have embraced it as a tasty, multifunctional ingredient. The choice comes down to personal preference and the flavor profile you desire.

10 Best Rice Options for Burritos

Many types of rice pair deliciously with burritos. Here are top choices:

1. Long-Grain White Rice

The starchy, fluffy nature of long-grain white rice makes it the most popular option for burritos. It readily soaks up surrounding flavors and liquids. The grains remain separate when cooked, lending a pleasing texture. This versatility allows it to complement both mild and spicy fillings.

2. Mexican or Spanish Rice

No rice screams burrito companion quite like Mexican rice! Tomato sauce, garlic, and bold Southwestern seasoning permeate this rice with incredible flavor. The medium-grain texture nicely absorbs spices and melds ingredients together. Mexican rice adds a festive flair.

3. Jasmine Rice

The delicate floral aroma and slightly sticky texture of jasmine rice make it a nice choice for burritos when you want a more gourmet flair. It clings together pleasantly and takes on the essences of accompanying ingredients. A touch of jasmine rice’s sweetness balances heartier fillings.

4. Cilantro Lime Rice

For a fresh, tangy rice bursting with herbal flavor, cilantro lime rice can’t be beat. The bright taste adds a cooling contrast to spicy burrito contents. It also provides texture to hold melty cheese or prevent soggy vegetables. Zippy and zesty!

5. Brown Rice

Seeking more nutrition from your burrito rice? Nutty, chewy brown rice packs a fiber and nutrient punch. Its earthy flavor stands up well to bold seasonings. The firm grains provide a pleasing contrast if you want less stickiness.

6. Wild Rice

Wild rice’s pleasantly chewy texture and robust, nutty taste bring an interesting dimension to burritos. This whole grain provides a satisfying mouthfeel and pairs nicely with heartier ingredients like steak or chicken. Its strong flavor holds its own.

7. Basmati Rice

Basmati’s aromatic nuttiness and fluffy, separate grains make it ideal for filling burritos while keeping carb counts in check. This variety from India and Pakistan has a lower glycemic index. Its texture prevents mushiness.

8. Sticky or Glutinous Rice

In some Asian-inspired burritos, sticky rice can provide the right bite. The soft, gummy grains cling together to capture sauces and marinades. Fillings like teriyaki chicken or Korean barbecue shine when paired with sticky rice.

9. Jasmati Rice

A cross between jasmine and basmati rice, jasmati offers the best of both worlds – pleasant aroma, light fluffiness, and medium starchiness. This versatile hybrid rice adapts well to many burrito fillings. Try it in your next fusion-style wrap.

10. Calrose Rice

This medium-grain variety is grown specifically in California. It has a smooth, tender texture and just the right amount of stickiness to hold burrito ingredients together. Calrose rice works well in Mexican recipes.

Key Factors in Selecting Burrito Rice

Keep these considerations in mind when deciding on which rice to use:

• Desired Texture – Long-grain less sticky; short-grain more gummy when cooked
• Aroma – Basmati and jasmine have alluring fragrance
• Flavor – Bolder taste from brown and wild rice
• Cooking Time – White rices faster; brown rice takes longer
• Cultural Tastes – Mexican for Southwestern; jasmine for Asian flair
• Nutrition Profile – Brown rice higher in fiber and nutrients
• Glycemic Index – Basmati safer for diabetes; white has higher spike
• Budget – More exotic rices generally pricier

Think about which textures and flavors will complement your burrito’s other components. This will ensure rice harmony!

How Different Rice Types Impact Burrito Taste and Texture

The variety of rice you select can significantly influence both the flavor experience and mouthfeel of your burritos:

• Long-grain rice – Light, fluffy, and grainy texture. Neutral in flavor.
• Short or medium-grain – Stickier and more gummy when cooked. Clings to ingredients.
• Aromatic rices – Infuse subtle fragrant flavors. Enhance overall taste.
• Brown and wild rice – Chewier, bolder, earthier taste dimension. Firmer texture.
• Rices like Arborio – Creamier, thicker consistency from higher starch.
• Lower starch types – Fluffier, lighter texture. Less impact on moisture.

Here are some examples of how rice textures pair with common burrito fillings:

• Hearty meats – Long-grain rice’s fluffiness soaks up meat juices
• Refried or black beans – Sticky Mexican rice clings to beans pleasantly
• Guacamole and sour cream – Cilantro lime rice prevents mushiness
• Queso and melted cheese – Short-grain rice captures gooey cheese
• Rice also balances the density of veggie burritos nicely

Ultimately you can experiment with different varieties to see what you enjoy most texturally and taste-wise.

Long-Grain vs. Short-Grain Rice for Burritos

Long-Grain Rice	Short-Grain Rice
Fluffier, grainier texture	Starchier, stickier texture
Grains remain separate	Rice clumps together more
Mild flavor	Stronger rice flavor
Mixes well without getting mushy	Holds shapes when stirred
Good for simple flavor profiles	Nice match for complex seasonings

Cooking Rice Perfectly for Burritos

To enjoy rice in burritos at its finest, proper cooking is key. Here are some top tips:

• For fluffy, separate grains, use a rice cooker or prepare on the stovetop.
• Use a ratio of 2 parts liquid to 1 part rice. Common liquids include water, broth, and tomato juice.
• Allow at least 15-20 minutes for rice to cook fully until tender.
• Add desired seasonings – cilantro, lime juice, taco seasoning – to the cooking liquid for infused flavor.
• For firmer “al dente” grains, use slightly less water and reduce cook time.
• Saute aromatics like garlic and onion before adding rice and liquid.
• For convenience, prepare rice in advance and refrigerate until burrito assembly.
• Microwaving rice works in a pinch but alters texture. Add water to prevent dryness.
• Undercooked rice can be crunchy and unpleasant. Taste as you go and ensure doneness.

Storing Leftover Rice for Future Burritos

Leftover cooked rice comes in handy when whipping up easy burritos later in the week. Here are some storage pointers:

• Let rice cool completely before storing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Transfer to an airtight container and remove excess air to prevent drying.
• Refrigerate cooked rice up to 5 days.
• Freeze rice for 3-6 months for maximum freshness.
• When reheating, add a splash of water to restore moisture and prevent dry, hardened rice.

With a bit of planning, you can always have tasty rice ready for spontaneous burrito cravings!

Pairing Rice with Burrito Fillings

Rice brings out the best in burrito fillings. Here are some recommended pairings:

Meat

• Beef – Hearty Mexican rice
• Chicken – Mild long-grain white rice
• Carnitas – Lime-infused cilantro rice
• Chorizo – Spanish-style rice with tomato

Beans

• Pinto or black beans – Earthy brown rice
• Refried beans – Rich Mexican rice
• Lentils – Nutty wild or brown rice

Veggies

• Grilled or sauteed – Jasmine rice
• Lettuce, peppers, tomato – Long-grain white rice
• Guacamole – Cilantro lime rice

Cheeses

• Ooey melted cheese – Sticky short-grain rice
• Queso dip – Cooling cilantro lime rice
• Cotija – Nutty wild or brown rice

Sauces/Condiments

• Salsa – Mexican rice captures flavor
• Cheese sauce – Starchier rice cuts greasiness
• Sour cream – Lime rice lends contrast
• Avocado sauce – Jasmine rice’s nuttiness

Feel free to devise your own mouthwatering rice and filling combinations!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most traditional rice for burritos?

Authentic burritos from Mexico do not actually contain rice traditionally. Modern recipes may incorporate Mexican spiced rice.

Does rice really belong in burritos?

This depends on personal preference. Many enjoy the texture and flavor rice contributes. But burritos can certainly be tasty without rice as well.

Is eating rice in burritos healthy?

It can be, if you choose options like brown rice. But portion size matters since rice increases calories. Limit rice to a reasonable side dish amount within your burrito.

Can I make burritos without any rice?

Absolutely! Focus on flavorful meats, beans, veggies, cheeses, salsas and other staples you enjoy. Rice is 100% optional if you prefer to skip it.

What’s the best rice substitute if I’m gluten-free or vegan?

Try cilantro lime cauliflower rice or quinoa for gluten-free burritos. For vegan meals, cilantro lime brown rice or wild rice offer nutritious options.

When it comes to burritos, don’t be afraid to experiment with different rice varieties, cooking techniques, and ingredient pairings. The right rice can take your burritos to new heights of texture and flavor. Whether you prefer fluffy long-grain rice or sticky Mexican rice, following these tips will ensure your rice hits the mark every time. A perfect rice complete a perfect burrito!