Coming Up Short? Try These Short-Grain Rice Substitutes

So, short-grain rice isn’t as widely available as its long-grain counterpart. 

It’s not entirely difficult to come by, but it will require more research and effort. 

You’ll have to look for Asian grocery stores. You may even have to visit places with significant Asian populations. 

But what if both of those aren’t anywhere near you? 

This is where short-grain rice substitutes come in. 

Short-Grain Rice Substitutes: A Long Shot?

Using these alternatives isn’t a long shot. It’s a culinary adventure with the most likely chance of success and potentially high rewards!

Don’t worry if you’re short on short-grain rice. These substitutes (and I) have your back. 

And we’re making a dish for each alternative, too!

Glutinous Rice Sushi

If you’re looking for a sticky plate situation, this first short-grain rice substitute is your best bet.  

No worries, glutinous rice is gluten-free. 

Glutinous rice also matches the stickiness of short-grain rice. This is what makes it an excellent alternative. 

While the texture will differ, glutinous rice sushi can still wow anyone. 

Now, who’s up for some?

Ingredients

• 1 cup of cooked glutinous rice
• 1 ¼ cups of water
• 2 tbsp of rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp of sugar
• ½ tsp of salt
• Filling of your choice (cucumber, avocado, salmon, etc.)
• Nori seaweed sheets

Instructions

1. Combine the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a simmer until all the sugar dissolves. 
2. Put the cooked rice in a large bowl. Add sushi vinegar, and using a paddle, mix everything. 
3. Lay a nori sheet with the shiny side facing down on a rolling mat or a flat surface.
4. Spread a thin layer of rice on the nori. Leave an inch at the top for sealing. 
5. Place your fillings along the bottom third of the rice. 
6. Gently roll the sushi into a tight and compact log. 
7. Dip a knife in water and cut the roll into smaller sizes before serving.

Quinoa 

It’s quick, it’s easy, and most of all, it’s nutritious. What more could you ask for? 

Quinoa is the short-grain rice substitute that fits all those categories. 

Both quinoa and short-grain rice have a slightly sticky texture. This makes them good alternatives for each other. 

Quinoa is also packed with protein and fiber, making it a good base for filling dishes. 

Ingredients

• 1 cup of cooked quinoa
• 1 ½ cups of vegetable broth
• ½ cup of cooked edamame
• ½ cucumber already diced
• ¼ cup of shredded carrots
• ¼ cup of sliced green onions
• 4 oz. of cooked chicken or tofu already cubed
• Teriyaki sauce

Instructions

1. Combine the edamame, cucumber, carrots, bell pepper, green onions, and quinoa in a bowl. 
2. Mix everything gently and thoroughly. 
3. Top with cooked chicken or tofu.
4. Drizzle with teriyaki sauce to taste. 

Pro Tip: For extra flavor and texture, add avocado slices, fried eggs, and sesame seeds. 

Shrimp Stir-Fry with Riced Broccoli

Our last short-grain rice substitute is one fantastic low-carb alternative packed with vitamins and fiber. 

It’s a versatile substitute that makes for a mouth-watering stir-fry.

It also offers that light and fluffy texture that I’m sure you’ll love for this stir-fry recipe.

Ingredients

• 1 head of broccoli already cut into florets
• 1 pound of shrimp already peeled
• 1 tbsp of olive oil
• 2 cloves of minced garlic
• ½ cup of chopped red onion
• ½ cup of low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tbsp of honey
• 1 tsp of cornstarch
• ¼ cup of chopped cilantro

Instructions

1. Pulse the florets using a food processor until they resemble rice grains. 
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high fire. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side. 
3. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside. Add the garlic and onion to the same pan and cook for a minute. 
4. Whisk together the soy sauce, honey, and cornstarch in a bowl. Pour the resulting mixture into the pan and simmer. 
5. Add the riced broccoli to the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes.
6. Stir in the shrimp and heat for another minute.
7. Garnish with cilantro and serve over the riced broccoli. 

Cutting it Short

As much as I would love for us to enjoy more short-grain rice substitutes and recipes, I’m afraid this article ends here. 

But I think these three are more than enough (for now) to explore exciting culinary possibilities. 

Glutinous rice has its stickiness to offer. Quinoa has that quick and effortless appeal. And riced broccoli undoubtedly shines as the low-carb wonder. 

So, I guess a short-grain rice shortage isn’t truly a nightmare. 

It’s more of the, um…surprising discovery we all would be coming back to from time to time. 

Keep the cook yummy!

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