The 10 Best Types of Rice for Arancini

Did you know that arancini, the delicious Italian rice balls, are made with different types of rice? In fact, choosing the right rice is key to achieving that perfect, crispy exterior and creamy interior.

So, I’ve compiled a list of the 10 best types of rice for arancini. From Arborio to Basmati, each rice variety brings its own unique flavor and texture to this delectable dish.

Let’s dive in and discover the ultimate rice choices for arancini perfection.

Arborio Rice

If you’re making arancini, arborio rice is the best choice for its creamy texture and ability to absorb flavors. Arborio rice, with its short grains, is a popular choice for risotto due to its high starch content. When cooked, it becomes creamy and retains a slight bite, which is perfect for arancini.

The grains have a unique ability to absorb the flavors of the ingredients they are cooked with, making each bite burst with deliciousness. As a lover of arancini, I have experimented with different types of rice, but none come close to the creaminess and flavor absorption of arborio rice.

It creates the perfect base for the scrumptious fillings I enjoy, whether it be classic mozzarella or more adventurous combinations like mushroom and truffle. Arborio rice truly elevates the arancini experience to another level.

Carnaroli Rice

You’ll find that using Carnaroli rice gives your arancini a creamy and rich texture. This particular type of rice is often hailed as the king of Italian rice due to its exceptional quality and ability to absorb flavors.

When cooked, Carnaroli rice releases a creamy starch that creates a velvety texture, perfect for the filling of arancini. The grains are slightly longer and thicker compared to other types of rice, allowing them to hold their shape well during cooking. This is essential for arancini, as it ensures that the rice balls maintain their structure when fried.

The creamy and rich texture provided by Carnaroli rice elevates the overall taste and experience of biting into a perfectly crispy and flavorful arancini.

Vialone Nano Rice

When making risotto, Vialone Nano rice is the perfect choice for achieving a creamy and tender texture. It is a short-grain rice variety that hails from the Veneto region of Italy.

I love using Vialone Nano because it absorbs the flavors of the broth and other ingredients beautifully. Its high starch content gives the risotto that lovely creamy consistency that we all crave. The grains are slightly plump and retain their shape during cooking, resulting in a dish that is both visually appealing and satisfying to eat.

Vialone Nano rice also has a slightly nutty flavor which adds depth to the dish. Overall, it is a versatile and reliable rice variety that never disappoints when it comes to making delicious risotto.

Baldo Rice

Baldo rice, another popular choice for risotto, is known for its ability to absorb flavors while maintaining a firm yet creamy texture. It’s my personal favorite when it comes to making arancini.

The grains of Baldo rice are shorter and plumper compared to other types, which makes them perfect for forming those delicious rice balls. When cooked, Baldo rice releases just the right amount of starch, creating a creamy consistency that binds the arancini together. The texture is firm enough to hold its shape, but it also melts in your mouth, giving you a delightful eating experience.

Whether you fill your arancini with cheese, meat, or vegetables, Baldo rice will enhance the flavors and contribute to the overall creamy and delectable taste.

Calrose Rice

If you’re looking for a versatile rice variety, Calrose rice is a great option to consider. It’s my personal favorite because of its unique characteristics and delicious taste.

Calrose rice is a medium-grain rice that originated in California and is now widely popular worldwide. One of the reasons I love Calrose rice is its ability to absorb flavors while maintaining a slightly sticky texture.

It’s perfect for sushi, paella, stir-fries, and even desserts like rice pudding. The grains are plump and tender, making every bite a delight.

Calrose rice also cooks quickly, saving me time in the kitchen. Whether I’m making a savory dish or a sweet treat, Calrose rice always delivers excellent results and brings a wonderful taste to every meal.

Jasmine Rice

Now let’s talk about another fantastic rice option for making arancini: Jasmine rice. I absolutely love using Jasmine rice for these delicious Italian rice balls. Its fragrant aroma and delicate flavor add a unique twist to the dish.

Jasmine rice is a long-grain variety that originates from Thailand. It has a slightly sticky texture when cooked, which is perfect for shaping the arancini into those lovely round balls. The grains are slender and have a characteristic white color.

When combined with the other ingredients like cheese, herbs, and meat, Jasmine rice creates a harmonious blend of flavors. The grains hold their shape well, ensuring that each bite of the arancini is satisfyingly textured.

Basmati Rice

Basmati rice, originating from the Indian subcontinent, is known for its elongated grains and distinct aroma.

I absolutely love cooking with Basmati rice because it adds a wonderful flavor to any dish. The long grains cook up fluffy and separate, making it the perfect choice for pilaf or biryani.

The fragrance that wafts from the pot as it cooks is simply irresistible. Whether I’m making a simple rice and curry meal or a fancy rice pilaf for a special occasion, Basmati rice always delivers in terms of taste and texture.

Its unique flavor pairs well with a variety of spices and ingredients, making it a versatile staple in my kitchen.

Overall, Basmati rice is a must-have for any rice lover looking to elevate their cooking.

Sushi Rice

When making sushi at home, you should choose a short-grain rice that is sticky enough to hold the roll together. Sushi rice, also known as Japanese rice or sushi-meshi, is the perfect choice for this.

Its short grains have a higher starch content, which gives it that desirable stickiness. This stickiness is crucial for making sushi rolls, as it helps the rice hold its shape and prevents it from falling apart when sliced.

Sushi rice is also seasoned with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt, giving it a slightly tangy and sweet flavor that complements the other ingredients in sushi.

Bomba Rice

If you’re looking to make a flavorful and creamy paella, you should consider using bomba rice. I’ve tried various types of rice for paella, but bomba rice has always been my go-to choice.

It’s a short-grain rice that absorbs a lot of liquid without losing its texture. This means that it can soak up all the delicious flavors of the broth and spices, creating a rich and flavorful dish. Plus, bomba rice has a unique ability to stay firm and separate, giving your paella that perfect al dente bite.

It’s also known for its ability to create a creamy and velvety texture without becoming mushy. So, if you want to take your paella game to the next level, give bomba rice a try. You won’t be disappointed.

Black Rice

Black rice, also known as forbidden rice, is a nutritious and visually striking grain that adds an interesting element to any dish. I first discovered black rice when I was looking for a unique ingredient to elevate my cooking. Its deep, dark color and nutty flavor immediately caught my attention.

Not only does it make for a visually stunning presentation, but it also boasts numerous health benefits. Packed with antioxidants, fiber, and essential minerals, black rice is a great choice for those looking to add nutritional value to their meals.

Whether used in a vibrant stir-fry, a colorful salad, or even a sweet dessert, black rice adds depth and complexity to any dish, making it a must-have in my pantry.