Out of Arborio rice, one case
Arborio rice substitute - for risotto & creamy dishes
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Carnaroli rice
Same amount as the arborio rice
The best arborio rice substitutes are carnaroli rice, vialone nano rice, or short-grain white rice. For risotto, use carnaroli rice. For paella, use bomba rice or short-grain white rice.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- risotto
One casethe full rice card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of arborio rice | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carnaroli ricerisotto | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 2 | Vialone nano ricerisotto | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 3 | Short-grain white ricerisotto | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 4 | Bomba ricepaella | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 5 | Sushi ricecreamy rice dishes | Same amountWorks | Works |
Carnaroli rice
similar taste and texture
Italian short-grain rice with higher starch content than arborio
- Best for
- risotto, creamy rice dishes, Italian cooking
Best substitute for risotto, higher starch content than arborio.
Vialone nano rice
similar taste and texture
Small-grain Italian rice that cooks faster than arborio
- Best for
- risotto, creamy rice dishes, when you want faster cooking
Smaller grains, cooks faster than arborio, good for risotto.
Short-grain white rice
similar taste and texture
Short-grain white rice with similar starch content to arborio
- Best for
- risotto, paella, creamy rice dishes, budget option
More accessible, similar starch content, good for most dishes.
Bomba rice
similar taste and texture
Spanish short-grain rice with similar starch content to arborio
- Best for
- paella, Spanish rice dishes, when you want authentic paella
Spanish rice, best for paella, similar starch content.
Sushi rice
similar taste and texture
Short-grain rice with similar starch content to arborio
- Best for
- creamy rice dishes, when other options unavailable
Short-grain rice, similar starch content, good for creamy dishes.
How it behaves in this recipe
Arborio rice is essential for risotto and creamy rice dishes because of its high starch content that creates the characteristic creamy texture. The best substitutes maintain this starch content and short-grain structure that's necessary for proper risotto preparation.
Tips for substituting arborio rice
5 tips- For risotto, carnaroli rice is the best substitute for arborio
- Arborio rice needs constant stirring to release starch and create creaminess
- For paella, bomba rice is the most authentic choice
- Short-grain white rice works well but may need more stirring
- Don't rinse arborio rice or its substitutes - you need the starch for creaminess
Notes on arborio rice
- Pearl barley for a different texture in creamy dishes
- Quinoa for a protein-rich alternative
- Farro for a nutty, chewy alternative
- Brown rice for a healthier option (though less creamy)
Questions
5 questionsWhat's the difference between arborio rice and regular rice?
Arborio rice is a short-grain rice with high starch content that creates the creamy texture in risotto. Regular long-grain rice has less starch and won't create the same creaminess.
Can I use regular rice for risotto?
You can use short-grain white rice for risotto, but it won't be as creamy as arborio rice. Long-grain rice won't work well for risotto.
What's the best substitute for arborio rice in risotto?
Carnaroli rice is the best substitute for arborio rice in risotto. It has even higher starch content and creates a creamier texture.
Can I use arborio rice for paella?
Yes, arborio rice can be used for paella, but bomba rice is more authentic. Arborio rice will work but may be slightly different in texture.
Why is arborio rice so expensive?
Arborio rice is a premium Italian rice with specific growing conditions. It's more expensive than regular rice but essential for authentic risotto.