The “So Easy” Chili Crisp Rice I Could Eat Every Single Day (It’s THAT Good!)

For as much as I love to cook, sometimes I just need to be able to put together a meal quickly and without much effort. Usually, this means I’m turning to Trader Joe’s frozen aisle or relying on packs of rice that I can pop in the microwave. I’ll admit, though, that I have had a hard time finding ready-to-heat rice that I actually like to eat. My favorite one — or what used to be my favorite one — comes in frozen packs from Trader Joe’s, but given that my freezer space is super limited, I’ve been looking for an alternative that I can keep in my pantry. 

At long last I’ve finally found one that’s so flavorful, I could eat it every night of the week. Fly by Jing — a brand our team loves for its delicious chili crisp and instant noodles — has collaborated with rice brand Lundberg to create its new Chili Crisp Rice. It’s so easy to make, but it doesn’t taste like it — it beats every other microwaveable rice pack that I’ve ever tried by a mile.

Fly by Jing x Lundberg’s Chili Crisp Rice has become my weeknight hero when I need a tasty, fast, and easy side for dinner or a base for a bowl. My issue with other microwaveable rice pouches and cups is that I’ve found that they can end up tasting like plastic at worst, and too bland at best. I’m happy to report that that is absolutely not the case here. It’s packed with flavor, thanks to the inclusion of Fly by Jing’s beloved Sichuan Chili Crisp. The spicy and savory topping can be used on everything — including ice cream! — so it comes as no surprise that it takes rice to the next level.  

However, the rice is also excellent in its own right. The rice Lundberg uses is both Fair Trade Certified and Regenerative Organic Certified, so you can feel good about the fact that it’s not just delicious, but also that the brand looks out for the environment and its workers. And to top it all off, you can have the rice ready for your next meal in less than two minutes. The end result is gluten-free and packed with five grams of protein per serving.

When I tell you I would eat Fly by Jing x Lundberg’s Chili Crisp Rice straight out of the bag for dinner — no meat, veggies, or anything else added — I’m so serious. This is easily the most flavorful rice I’ve ever had, and I’m including rice that I’ve eaten at restaurants in that statement. Once cooked, the jasmine rice is nice and tender, and it has a little chew to it. And the Sichuan Chili Crisp adds some umami with notes of sesame, garlic, and, of course, chilies.

One thing I was curious about before trying this rice was how spicy it would be. I can handle a good amount of heat, but because I wanted to pair it with other foods, I didn’t want the rice’s spiciness to overshadow everything else. Thankfully it didn’t end up being a problem. The rice definitely has a kick to it, but I felt like it was a nice complement to my (not spiced) stir-fried shrimp and veggies.

Taking all of that into account, I can confidently confirm that Fly by Jing x Lundberg’s Chili Crisp Rice is easily the best rice pouch I’ve ever pulled out of my pantry. It checks all the boxes for me: It cooks up quickly, has great texture, and is packed with flavor. Plus, even though it’s already flavored for you, it’s really versatile with other foods. I love it as a base for different types of bowls and as a side for my stir-fries. I’m going to make a crispy rice salad with my next pack! 

Buy: Fly by Jing x Lundberg’s Chili Crisp Rice, $23.94