16 Best Substitutes for Arborio Rice

If you’re looking for an alternative to Arborio rice, you’re in luck!

There are many delicious substitutes out there that can provide the same texture, flavor, and versatility as Arborio rice, but without the added carbs.

In this blog post, I’ll be sharing 16 perfect substitutes for Arborio rice that you can use in all your favorite dishes.

From couscous to quinoa, these alternatives will bring your recipes to the next level!

Carnaroli Rice

Carnaroli rice is a great alternative to Arborio rice and is often used in Italian dishes like risotto.

It has a slightly firmer texture than Arborio rice, allowing it to absorb more liquid while holding its shape during cooking.

Carnaroli rice has a mild flavor and a slightly nutty aroma.

It is also highly versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes such as soups, salads, and even desserts.

Carnaroli rice is also a healthier option than Arborio rice, as it has more fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

Carnaroli rice typically takes about 25 minutes to cook and should be cooked slowly over low to medium heat, stirring regularly.

This will ensure that the rice has a creamy texture and is cooked evenly.

Sushi Rice

Sushi rice is a great substitute for Arborio rice when preparing risotto.

It has a similar texture to Arborio rice, making it perfect for dishes that require a creamy consistency.

It also has a slightly sweet flavor that enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

Compared to Arborio rice, sushi rice has a shorter cooking time, usually only taking about 15-20 minutes.

It also has a higher liquid ratio, so it will absorb more liquid than Arborio rice.

Additionally, sushi rice is rich in nutrients such as fiber and vitamin B, making it a healthier option than Arborio rice.

The price of sushi rice is slightly lower than Arborio rice and it is widely available in most supermarkets.

Couscous

Couscous is a great substitute for arborio rice when it comes to dishes such as risotto.

It cooks up in a fraction of the time that arborio rice does, so it’s a great choice if you’re short on time.

The flavor profile of couscous is similar to arborio rice, but it has a slightly nuttier taste.

The liquid ratio is slightly different; it takes about 1.5 cups of liquid for every 1 cup of couscous, whereas arborio rice only takes 1.25 cups of liquid.

The texture of couscous is much less creamy than that of arborio rice, but it is still fluffy and light.

Nutritionally, couscous is a great option because it is low in fat, high in fiber, and contains a good amount of protein and iron.

Price-wise, couscous is generally more affordable than arborio rice, and it is widely available in most grocery stores.

Israeli Couscous

Israeli couscous isn’t exactly the same as regular couscous, but it is a great substitute for arborio rice.

Israeli couscous is larger than regular couscous and has a chewy-yet-al dente texture that is similar to that of arborio rice.

The flavor profile is milder than arborio rice but still versatile enough to pair with a variety of dishes.

The liquid ratio is typically 2:1, so it requires more liquid than arborio rice, though not as much as regular couscous.

Nutritionally, it is similar to arborio rice, with a good balance of complex carbohydrates, proteins, and minerals.

The price is usually similar to arborio rice, and it’s widely available in most grocery stores.

Orzo Pasta

Orzo pasta is a great substitute for arborio rice.

It has a similar texture and a short cooking time, making it a convenient substitution.

The flavor profile of orzo is mild and slightly nutty, making it a great addition to any dish.

The liquid ratio of orzo is higher than arborio rice, so you may need to adjust the amount of liquid used in the recipe.

Orzo is a good source of carbohydrates, protein, and fiber, with a lower price tag than arborio rice.

It can be found in the pasta aisle of most grocery stores.

Pearled Barley

Pearled barley is a great substitute for arborio rice when making risotto (and other recipes).

It has a nutty flavor and chewy texture that will give your risotto a unique taste and texture.

The cooking time is slightly longer than arborio rice, but the results are worth it.

The liquid ratio is similar to what is required for arborio rice, so you won’t need to adjust your recipe.

Nutritionally, barley is a good source of dietary fiber and protein, so it is a nutritious choice for your meal.

It is also usually more affordable than arborio rice and is easy to find in most grocery stores.

Vialone Nano Rice

Vialone nano rice makes risotto that is silky and smooth without becoming mushy.

It has a slightly nutty flavor and a short cooking time of about 15 minutes.

The grain is plump and absorbs liquid well, so you may need to use a bit more liquid than you would with Arborio rice.

Nutrition-wise, Vialone nano rice is high in carbohydrates, but it is lower in fat and sodium than Arborio rice.

The price may be a bit higher than Arborio rice, but it is still widely available in most grocery stores.

Baldo Rice

Baldo rice comes in long, medium, and short-grain varieties and can be used as a substitute for arborio rice.

It has a creamy texture similar to arborio, making it a great choice for dishes like risotto, arancini, and rice pudding.

Baldo rice is known for its nutty flavor, which can add depth to dishes. It is also a good source of fiber and other nutrients.

Baldo rice is usually more expensive than arborio, but it can generally be found in most grocery stores.

Basmati Rice

Basmati rice is intensely spicy, nutty, and floral in flavor, and its long grains give it a fluffy texture when cooked.

It has a lower glycemic index than arborio rice, making it a healthier option for those watching their blood sugar levels.

The liquid ratio for basmati rice is generally 1:2, meaning one part rice to two parts liquid.

It cooks much faster than arborio rice, usually only taking about 15 minutes. Basmati rice is also more widely available than arborio rice and is usually much more affordable.

Brown Rice

Brown rice has a slightly earthy, nutty flavor and is a great substitute for Arborio rice.

It has a lower glycemic index and is higher in fiber than Arborio rice.

Brown rice also takes longer to cook than Arborio rice; it needs to be boiled for about 40-45 minutes before it is ready.

The texture of brown rice is slightly chewier and has a slightly nuttier flavor than Arborio rice.

Brown rice is usually more affordable than Arborio rice and is widely available in grocery stores.

Glutinous Rice

Glutinous rice is a great substitute for arborio rice in cooking.

It has a chewy texture and a mild flavor that works well with a range of dishes.

Compared to arborio rice, it has a slightly lower liquid ratio, meaning you may need to add a little extra liquid to the dish to achieve the desired consistency.

It also takes a little longer to cook than arborio rice, so you may need to adjust your cooking time.

The price of glutinous rice is generally lower than arborio rice, and it is widely available in most Asian grocery stores or health food stores.

Jasmine Rice

Jasmine rice has a sweet and nutty flavor that can be used in many dishes as a substitute for Arborio rice.

It has a slightly lower starch content than Arborio rice, which can lead to a lighter, fluffier texture.

Unlike Arborio rice, Jasmine rice does not need to be stirred constantly to prevent sticking.

It also cooks more quickly than Arborio rice, usually in 10-15 minutes, making it a great alternative for those short on time.

It is also typically more affordable than Arborio rice, making it a good choice for budget-conscious cooks.

Jasmine rice is widely available in most grocery stores and online, so it should be easy to find.

Red Cargo Rice

Red Cargo Rice is a great substitute for Arborio Rice and can be used to make dishes such as risotto.

It has a nutty flavor and a slightly chewy texture, which many find preferable to the creamy texture of Arborio rice.

It also has a shorter cooking time, which makes it perfect for busy cooks.

Additionally, Red Cargo Rice is often more affordable than Arborio Rice, making it a great option for budget-conscious cooks. It is widely available in most grocery stores, making it easy to find.

Bulgur Wheat

Bulgur wheat is an excellent substitute for arborio rice.

It cooks much faster than arborio rice and has a nuttier flavor profile.

The liquid ratio required for bulgur wheat is slightly lower, so it can absorb the liquid more quickly.

The texture of bulgur wheat is coarser and chewier than that of arborio rice, which can add an interesting texture to dishes.

It is also more economical than arborio rice and is widely available in most grocery stores.

Farro Wheat

Farro Wheat is a great substitute for Arborio Rice, as it is a hearty, nutty-tasting grain with a chewy texture.

It is an excellent choice for risotto as it has a shorter cooking time than Arborio Rice (around 25 minutes) and absorbs the liquid flavors better, resulting in a more flavorful dish.

The liquid-to-grain ratio is also slightly different from Arborio Rice, with 1.5 cups of liquid to 1 cup of Farro Wheat.

In terms of price, Farro Wheat is generally more expensive than Arborio Rice, but it is widely available in most health food stores and online.

Quinoa

Quinoa is an excellent substitute for arborio rice in cooking.

It has a slightly nutty flavor that works well with many dishes. It cooks in around 15-20 minutes, which is much faster than arborio rice, and it has a slightly crunchier texture.

The liquid ratio for quinoa is 2:1, so it’s important to use the right amount of liquid when cooking it.

Quinoa is typically more expensive than arborio rice, but it is widely available in most grocery stores.

Quinoa is a great option for those looking for a quicker cooking time and a different flavor profile than arborio rice.

FAQ

Can you use regular rice instead of arborio rice?

Yes, you can use regular rice instead of arborio rice for most dishes.

Arborio rice is a type of short-grain rice that is commonly used for dishes like risotto because of its high starch content, which gives the dish a creamy texture.

Regular long-grain rice, such as jasmine or basmati rice, can be used as a substitute for arborio rice in many recipes, although the texture of the finished dish may be slightly different.

It’s best to follow the instructions for the specific recipe you’re using to determine the best type of rice to use.

What rice can I use instead of arborio for risotto?

If you don’t have arborio rice on hand, you can use another type of short-grain rice, such as carnaroli or vialone nano, in your risotto.

These types of rice have a high starch content, which gives risotto its creamy texture.

You could also use sushi rice, which is another type of short-grain rice, although the texture may not be quite as creamy as it would be with arborio, carnaroli, or vialone nano.

Is Basmati rice similar to arborio rice?

Basmati rice and arborio rice are two different types of rice that are not closely related. Basmati rice is a long-grain rice that is commonly used in Indian and Pakistani cuisine.

It has a delicate, fragrant flavor and a fluffy, dry texture when cooked.

Arborio rice, on the other hand, is a short-grain rice that is commonly used in Italian cuisine.

It has a starchy, creamy texture and is used to make dishes like risotto. While they may both be used in similar dishes, they have different flavors and textures, so they are not considered to be similar.