What Can I Use Instead of Rice? Delicious Substitutes for Every Diet

Why Look for Rice Alternatives in the First Place?

Whether you're cutting carbs, trying to eat more fiber, or just plain bored of eating rice every day (hey, it happens), you're probably wondering: what can I use instead of rice? And no, we're not just talking about cauliflower rice—although that’s a solid option.

Maybe you’re doing keto. Maybe your doctor gave you the look after your last blood test. Or maybe you're just craving something new. Whatever the reason, there’s a whole world of rice substitutes out there, and honestly… some taste even better.

Low-Carb Rice Alternatives

Cauliflower Rice: The Classic Keto Favorite

Alright, let’s start with the obvious one. Cauliflower rice is a staple in low-carb kitchens. Just grate a head of cauliflower (or grab a frozen bag, no shame), sauté it lightly, and boom—fluffy, white, kind-of-ricey goodness.

• Super low in carbs

• Cooks in like 5 minutes

• Absorbs flavors like a sponge

Does it taste exactly like rice? No. But close enough when it’s drowning in curry or stir-fry sauce.

Shirataki Rice (a.k.a. Miracle Rice)

This one’s made from konjac root. Weird name, weird texture... but insanely low in calories and carbs. It’s basically fiber jelly pretending to be rice.

• Zero net carbs

• Almost no taste (which is kinda good?)

• Needs a good rinse and dry-fry before eating (otherwise, yeah, it smells funky)

It’s not for everyone, but if you’re doing strict keto or fasting—worth trying at least once.

Whole Grains That Work Like Rice

Quinoa: Not Just for Vegans Anymore

Ah, quinoa. Pronounced “keen-wah” (you probably knew that), it’s actually a seed, not a grain—but it cooks and feels like rice, kinda.

• Complete protein

• Rich in fiber and minerals

• Slightly nutty flavor, goes great in salads or warm bowls

If you're trying to be healthy but still crave something hearty, quinoa’s your bestie.

Bulgur or Farro: Chewy, Satisfying, and Super Nutritious

Bulgur is pre-cooked cracked wheat (used in tabbouleh), while farro is an ancient grain that’s making a modern comeback.

• Bulgur cooks fast (like under 15 mins)

• Farro takes longer but gives that chewy, risotto-like vibe

• Not gluten-free, though—just a heads up

Honestly, I threw farro into a mushroom risotto once and didn’t miss the arborio rice at all.

Gluten-Free & Fiber-Rich Options

Lentils: The Underrated Hero

Bet you didn’t expect to see lentils here. But they work beautifully in rice-based dishes—think lentil stir-fry or burrito bowls.

• High in protein and fiber

• Earthy flavor, great for savory meals

• Cook fast and fill you up like crazy

I once swapped rice for green lentils in a curry... and honestly, never went back.

Chopped Cabbage or Broccoli Rice

Yeah, it sounds weird. But finely chopped broccoli or cabbage sautéed in olive oil? Surprisingly delicious.

• Adds crunch and texture

• Super low in calories

• Packs way more vitamins than plain rice

Give it a shot in fried “rice” recipes. Trust me, you won’t miss the real thing as much as you’d think.

Sweet Rice Alternatives (Yes, That’s a Thing)

Mashed Banana or Sweet Potato (For Dessert-Style Dishes)

Okay, hear me out. If you're replacing rice in a dessert—like a rice pudding—mashed banana or baked sweet potato mash can give that soft, sweet texture.

• Naturally sweet

• Full of nutrients

• Works great with coconut milk and cinnamon

Weirdly enough, I tried a “banana rice pudding” once in Bali (with no rice), and it was glorious.

Final Thoughts: Ditching Rice Doesn’t Mean Ditching Flavor

Rice is comforting. Familiar. But switching it out opens the door to so many new flavors and textures. From nutty grains like farro to veggie-based swaps like cauliflower or broccoli rice, there’s no shortage of tasty and healthy alternatives.

You might not fall in love with the first one you try (shirataki can be... divisive), but stick with it. Your plate—and maybe your gut—will thank you.

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.