10 Yummy Substitutes for Paella Rice You Can Find Easily

There’s nothing like the taste of paella rice. But what if you can’t find it in your local grocery store? Or maybe you’re on a diet and need to avoid white rice.

Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! In this article, we’ll list 10 substitutes for paella rice that will make your favorite dish just as delicious.

We’ll explain the differences and similarities between each substitution, and give you some examples of it.

So without further ado, let’s get started!

Substitutes for Paella Rice

  1. Basmati Rice
  2. Orzo Pasta
  3. Jasmine Rice
  4. Parboiled Rice
  5. Brown Rice
  6. Sticky Rice
  7. Calasparra Rice
  8. Calrose Rice
  9. Short Grain Rice
  10. Arborio Rice

Basmati Rice

Basmati rice is long-grain, aromatic rice. It is light and fluffy and has a nutty flavor.

Basmati rice is traditionally used in Indian and Pakistani cuisine, but it can be used as a substitute for paella rice in Spanish recipes.

Paella is a dish made with rice, seafood, and vegetables. It is traditionally made with short-grain rice, but basmati rice can be used as a substitute.

Basmati rice is a good choice for paella because it is light and fluffy, and soaks up flavors well.

When substituting basmati rice for paella rice, use the same amount of basmati rice as you would paella rice.

The cooking time for basmati rice may be slightly longer than for paella rice, so keep an eye on the dish while it is cooking.

Orzo Pasta

Many people choose to substitute Orzo pasta for paella rice. Orzo pasta is a type of Italian pasta that is shaped like a grain of rice. It is also very versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes.

When substituting Orzo pasta for Paella rice, it is important to cook the pasta for the same amount of time as the rice.

This will ensure that the pasta is cooked properly and has the same texture as the rice.

Additionally, it is important to add a bit more broth to the dish when using Orzo pasta, as it will absorb more liquid than Paella rice.

Jasmine Rice

Jasmine rice is a long-grain rice that is commonly used in Southeast Asian cuisine.

It has a slightly sticky texture and a delicate, floral flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients in paella.

While it may not create quite the same crunchy texture as Arroz bomba, it is still an excellent substitute that can help you to create a delicious and authentic-tasting paella.

Parboiled Rice

In many cases, parboiled rice is a suitable substitute for paella rice. Parboiled rice is more resistant to overcooking, so it is less likely to become mushy.

Additionally, the parboiling process helps to release some of the starch from the grains, making them slightly fluffier and less sticky.

As a result, parboiled rice can be a good choice for recipes that require separate grains, such as paella.

The main drawback of parboiled rice is that it is not as flavorful as traditional paella rice.

However, the rice will still absorb the flavors of the other ingredients in the dish.

For this reason, parboiled rice is best used in recipes that feature strong flavors, such as chorizo and seafood.

Brown Rice

In a pinch, brown rice can be used as a substitute for paella rice. While it lacks the nuanced flavor of true paella rice, brown rice is a hearty and healthy grain that will still make an excellent meal.

When using brown rice as a substitute, be sure to cook it longer than the recipe calls for Paella rice.

This will help to soften the rice and give it a closer texture to traditional paella.

Additionally, add extra seasonings to your dish to compensate for the lack of flavor in the rice.

Sticky Rice

Sticky rice, also known as glutinous rice, is a type of rice that is high in starch and has a slightly sticky texture.

It is often used in Asian cooking, and it can be found in most Asian markets.

There are several reasons why sticky rice makes a good substitute for paella rice.

First of all, it has a similar texture and will absorb the flavors of the dish just as well as short-grain rice.

Additionally, sticky rice is less likely to overcook and become mushy.

Finally, it is usually less expensive than short-grain paella rice.

Calasparra Rice

Calasparra rice is a type of short-grain rice that hails from the Calasparra region of Spain.

This starchy variety of rice is prized for its ability to absorb flavor, which makes it an excellent choice for use in paella.

While you can certainly use other types of rice in your paella recipe, Calasparra rice will give you the most authentic results.

Calrose Rice

While paella rice is the traditional choice for this dish, Calrose rice makes an excellent substitute.

Calrose rice is a short-grain rice that is commonly used in sushi. It has a slightly sticky texture that helps it to adhere to other ingredients.

Additionally, it has a mild flavor that will not overwhelm the other flavors in the dish.

When cooked properly, Calrose rice has a tender and moist texture that makes it perfect for paella.

Short Grain Rice

There are a few reasons you might want to use short grain rice as a substitute for paella rice.

Firstly, it is more widely available than paella rice, meaning you’re less likely to have to hunt around for it.

Secondly, it is less expensive than paella rice, so if you’re on a budget it can be a good option.

And finally, it works quite well in paella, producing a dish that is very similar to traditional paellas made with paella rice.

There are a few things to keep in mind when substituting short-grain rice for paella rice.

Firstly, the cooking time will be slightly shorter, so keep an eye on the rice and don’t let it overcook.

Secondly, the final dish will be slightly less creamy than a traditional paella made with paella rice, but this is not necessarily a bad thing. Indeed, some people prefer the cleaner taste of short-grain rice.

Arborio Rice

While there are many different types of paella, the most common variety is made with Bomba rice. However, this type of rice can be difficult to find outside of Spain. As a result, Arborio rice is often used as a substitute.

Arborio rice is a type of short-grain rice that is often used in risotto. It is also a suitable substitute for paella rice.

Paella is a dish that originates from Spain and typically features rice, seafood, and vegetables.

Arborio rice has a higher starch content than other types of rice, which gives it a creamy texture when cooked.

It also absorbs flavors well, making it ideal for use in paella.

FAQ

What is the best paella rice substitute?

There are a few different types of paella rice, each with its unique flavor.

The best paella rice substitute will depend on what type of paella you’re making and what flavors you want to bring out.

What is the difference between paella rice and regular rice?

Paella rice is short-grain rice that is slightly plump and has a higher starch content than regular rice.

This makes it perfect for absorbing the flavors of the dish and creating a creamy consistency.

What is the difference between paella rice and Arborio rice?

Arborio rice is a type of short-grain rice that is often used in risotto.

It has a higher starch content than paella rice, which gives it a creamier consistency. Paella rice is less starchy and has a more firm texture.

What is the difference between paella rice and Calrose rice?

Calrose rice is a type of short-grain rice that is often used in sushi. It has a lower starch content than paella rice, which gives it a firmer texture.

Paella rice is more starchy and has a more creamy consistency.

Conclusion

There are a few different types of paella rice, each with its unique flavor. However, there are a few common substitutes that can be used in most paella recipes.

So go ahead and experiment with different types of paella rice until you find the perfect one for your taste buds!