10 Best Types of Rice For Tikka Masala

With so many different kinds of rice on the market, it can be hard to know which one to choose for your next meal.

But never fear, I’m here to help you make the perfect choice for your next dish.

I’ve gathered 10 of my favorite types of rice, all of which would go perfectly with chicken tikka masala.

From basmati and jasmine to brown and wild rice, there’s something here for everyone.

So whether you’re looking for a traditional option or something a little more adventurous, I’ve got you covered.

What Rice Goes With Chicken Tikka Masala? 10 Best Types of Rice

The type of rice you choose can make or break your chicken tikka masala.

It’s like the difference between watching a movie in 2D and 3D.

The right rice will enhance the flavor of the chicken tikka masala and make the experience that much better.

Here are 10 of the best types of rice to eat with chicken tikka masala:

Arborio Rice

Arborio rice has a starchy taste and absorbs flavors very well.

This makes it the perfect type of rice to use in tikka masala, as it will soak up all the delicious spices and flavors of the dish.

Arborio rice is also a short grain rice, which means that it is more sticky than other types of rice.

This stickiness helps to bind the ingredients together, making for a more cohesive and flavorful dish.

Basmati Rice

Basmati rice is intensely spicy, nutty, and floral (when you compare it to other types of rice).

When used in tikka masala, it provides a great contrast to the rich and creamy sauce.

The rice soaks up all of the flavors in the dish and becomes infused with them, making each bite even more flavorful.

Basmati rice is also a long grain rice, which means that it is less likely to become mushy when cooked.

This is important because you want each grain of rice to retain its shape and texture.

Black Rice

Black rice has a mild, nutty taste similar to brown rice, but with a slightly sweeter flavor.

The rice is also a good source of fiber and iron.

When making tikka masala, black rice is a great type of rice to use because it absorbs the flavors of the dish well.

The rice also has a nice firm texture that holds up well against the other ingredients in the dish.

Bomba Rice

Bomba rice is tender and smooth (think sushi rice), making it the perfect type of rice to use in tikka masala.

The rice soaks up all of the flavors of the dish and provides a nice contrast to the spiciness of the sauce.

Bomba rice is also a very versatile type of rice. It can be used in a variety of dishes, both sweet and savory.

For sweet dishes, bomba rice is often used in desserts like arroz con leche (rice pudding) or arroz con dulce (sweetened rice).

It can also be used in savory dishes like paella or risotto.

Brown Rice

Brown rice is known for being a healthier type of rice because it still has the bran and germ intact.

This means that brown rice is higher in fiber, vitamins, and minerals than white rice.

Brown rice also has a nuttier flavor and a chewier texture, which I think makes it perfect for tikka masala.

I like to use brown rice instead of white rice when I make tikka masala because I think the nutty flavor of the brown rice pairs well with the spiced tomato cream sauce.

Plus, the extra fiber from the brown rice helps to bulk up the dish and make it more filling.

Jasmine Rice

Jasmine rice has a sweet and nutty taste that pairs perfectly with the rich and creamy tikka masala sauce.

This type of rice is also light and fluffy, which helps to offset the heaviness of the sauce.

To add even more flavor to your dish, try cooking the rice in chicken or beef broth instead of water.

You can also add a few cloves of garlic to the pot when cooking the rice for an extra boost of flavor.

Long Grain White Rice

Many people love using long grain white rice in tikka masala because it has a light and fluffy texture that pairs well with the creamy sauce.

It’s also a neutral canvas that allows the other flavors in the dish to shine.

If you want to add even more flavor to your long grain white rice, try cooking it in chicken or beef broth instead of water.

This will give the rice a subtle flavor that will complement the other ingredients in your tikka masala.

Parboiled Rice

Parboiled rice has a subtle nutty flavor that pairs well with the creamy tikka masala sauce.

This rice is also less likely to stick together, making it easier to eat with a spoon.

Some other great ingredients to pair with parboiled rice in tikka masala are:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Canned diced tomatoes
• Onion
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Ground cumin
• Ground coriander
• Chili powder
• Garam masala

Red Cargo Rice

Red cargo rice is usually more sweet and nutty in flavor than other types of rice.

It’s also stickier, which helps it to better absorb the flavors of the dish.

The rice is also a beautiful deep red color, which makes it visually appealing.

When making tikka masala, you want to use a rice that will complement the flavors of the dish.

Red cargo rice does just that.

The sweetness of the rice helps to offset the spiciness of the dish, and the sticky texture ensures that each bite is packed with flavor.

Ingredients that go well with red cargo rice include: chicken, lamb, tomatoes, onions, garlic, ginger, cumin, garam masala, turmeric, chili powder, and coriander.

Wild Rice

Lastly, if you want to go a little bit healthier with your tikka masala, you can use wild rice instead of basmati.

Wild rice has more protein and fiber than basmati, and a nuttier flavor that goes well with the spices in tikka masala.

Just cook the wild rice according to package instructions, then add it to the pan when you add the cooked chicken back in.

Here are some other ingredients that go well with wild rice in tikka masala:

• peas
• carrots
• potatoes
• onions
• garlic