The 10 Best Types of Rice for Rice Pudding

I’ve always believed that the key to the perfect rice pudding lies in choosing the right type of rice.

And after some extensive research and countless taste tests, I can confidently say that these 10 varieties of rice are the absolute best for creating a creamy and delicious rice pudding.

From the rich and starchy Arborio to the fragrant and fluffy Basmati, each rice brings its own unique texture and flavor to this beloved dessert.

So let’s dive in and discover the top contenders for the ultimate rice pudding experience.

Arborio Rice

If you’re looking for a rich and creamy rice pudding, arborio rice is the perfect choice. I love using arborio rice because it has a high starch content, which gives the pudding its smooth and velvety texture. When cooked, the grains become plump and tender, absorbing the flavors of the milk and other ingredients.

The creaminess of arborio rice adds a luxurious touch to the pudding, making it absolutely irresistible. I also appreciate that arborio rice releases its starch slowly, resulting in a thick and creamy consistency that holds up well.

Whether I’m making a classic vanilla rice pudding or experimenting with different flavors like cinnamon or cardamom, arborio rice always delivers a perfectly creamy and satisfying dessert.

Basmati Rice

Basmati rice is a popular choice for creamy desserts. Its long, slender grains and fragrant aroma make it a versatile ingredient in the kitchen. When cooked, Basmati rice becomes fluffy and tender, perfect for creating a creamy texture in desserts like rice pudding.

I love using Basmati rice in my pudding recipes because it adds a delicate flavor that complements the sweetness of the dish. The grains absorb the flavors of the milk and spices, creating a rich and comforting dessert.

Whether I’m making a traditional rice pudding or experimenting with different flavors like cardamom or saffron, Basmati rice always delivers a satisfying and indulgent dessert that is loved by everyone.

Jasmine Rice

Jasmine rice has a distinct floral aroma and sticky texture when cooked. I love using this type of rice for rice pudding because it adds a wonderful fragrance and a creamy consistency to the dessert.

The floral scent of jasmine rice enhances the overall flavor of the pudding, making it more aromatic and enticing. Its sticky texture helps to create a creamy and velvety pudding that is simply irresistible.

When cooked, the grains of jasmine rice release a subtle sweetness that complements the other ingredients in the pudding. Whether I’m making a traditional rice pudding or experimenting with different flavors, using jasmine rice always guarantees a delicious and satisfying dessert.

Carnaroli Rice

Carnaroli rice is known for its high starch content, which makes it perfect for creamy risottos. I love using Carnaroli rice when making risotto because it absorbs flavors so well and creates a rich, velvety texture.

The grains are short and plump, allowing them to release their starch slowly during cooking. This slow release of starch helps to create that signature creaminess that is so desirable in a good risotto. The high starch content also gives Carnaroli rice a great ability to hold its shape, so you don’t end up with a mushy dish.

It’s important to note that Carnaroli rice can be a bit more expensive than other types of rice, but the results are definitely worth it.

Sushi Rice

Sushi rice, also known as sticky rice, is a short-grain rice that is essential for making delicious sushi rolls. Its unique sticky texture is what gives sushi its signature shape and allows it to hold together.

As a sushi lover, I can attest to the importance of using the right type of rice for this popular Japanese dish. Sushi rice is different from other types of rice because it is starchier and stickier when cooked, which helps it adhere to the seaweed wrap and hold the filling in place.

This type of rice is also seasoned with vinegar, salt, and sugar to give it a slightly tangy and sweet flavor that complements the fresh ingredients. Without sushi rice, making sushi rolls just wouldn’t be the same.

Brown Rice

To make a healthier choice, you should consider using brown rice as an alternative to white rice in your sushi rolls.

Brown rice is a whole grain that retains its bran and germ layers, which are packed with essential nutrients and fiber. This gives brown rice a higher nutritional value compared to white rice.

Not only is brown rice rich in vitamins and minerals, but it also has a lower glycemic index, which means it helps regulate blood sugar levels and keeps you feeling fuller for longer.

The nutty flavor and slightly chewy texture of brown rice adds a delightful element to your sushi rolls, enhancing the overall taste and experience.

Black Rice

If you’re looking for a unique and nutritious alternative, have you considered trying black rice in your dishes?

Black rice, also known as forbidden rice, is a versatile grain that adds a pop of color and a rich, nutty flavor to any meal. I love using black rice in my recipes because it not only tastes delicious but is also packed with health benefits.

This ancient grain is a great source of antioxidants, fiber, and essential minerals like iron and magnesium. It’s also gluten-free, making it a perfect choice for those with dietary restrictions.

Whether you’re making a hearty stir-fry, a flavorful salad, or a creamy rice pudding, black rice is sure to elevate your dishes and impress your taste buds.

Give it a try and discover the wonders of this amazing grain!

Wild Rice

Now that I’ve discussed black rice, let’s move on to another delicious option for rice pudding: wild rice.

Unlike its name suggests, wild rice is actually not a type of rice, but a type of grass seed. It has a nutty flavor and a chewy texture that adds a unique element to rice pudding.

I enjoy using wild rice in my recipe because it brings a rich and earthy taste to the dish. It also adds a lovely contrast to the creamy pudding. The long grains of wild rice give the dessert a visually appealing look, making it stand out from the traditional rice pudding.

If you’re looking to experiment with flavors and textures, wild rice is definitely worth a try.

Red Rice

Red rice is a nutritious and flavorful option for adding variety to your meals. I love cooking with red rice because it not only tastes delicious, but it also provides many health benefits.

This type of rice gets its vibrant color from the antioxidant-rich bran layer that is left intact during processing. It is packed with essential nutrients like fiber, iron, and vitamin B6, which are all important for a balanced diet.

The nutty and slightly chewy texture of red rice adds a unique element to any dish. Whether I’m making a stir-fry, salad, or pilaf, red rice always brings a satisfying and hearty flavor. Plus, it pairs well with a variety of ingredients and spices, allowing me to get creative in the kitchen.

Sticky Rice

To make sticky rice, you’ll need to soak the rice overnight and then steam it until it becomes soft and sticky. It’s a simple process, but the results are amazing.

I love the texture of sticky rice, and it’s perfect for dishes like sushi or mango sticky rice dessert. The key is to use glutinous rice, also known as sweet rice.

The overnight soaking helps to hydrate the rice, making it plump and sticky when cooked. Steaming is the best method to achieve the desired texture. I usually use a bamboo steamer, but a regular steamer works just fine too.

Once the rice is cooked, it’s ready to be enjoyed in all its sticky goodness!