What does riced mean?
Riced means that food has been pressed or mashed until it separates into very small pieces resembling grains of rice. As a verb, it describes the action of using a kitchen tool called a ricer, or sometimes another utensil, to break down cooked vegetables such as potatoes, cauliflower, carrots, or turnips. As an adjective, “riced” identifies the prepared food itself: riced potatoes, for example, consist of light, separate strands rather than chunks or a smooth purée. The term is especially useful in recipes because it conveys a particular texture more precisely than “mashed” or “chopped.” Its association with rice also suggests a light, granular appearance, although the preparation does not usually involve adding rice. The word is predominantly culinary and is well established in both British and American English.
To press or mash food into small, rice-like pieces, typically using a ricer or similar utensil.
"He riced the potatoes while the sauce was simmering."
Chiefly used for cooked vegetables and other soft foods.
Pressed or mashed into small, rice-like pieces.
"Serve the riced carrots with a little olive oil and lemon."
Common in culinary and recipe contexts in British and American English.
Not everything described as “riced” is grain: potatoes, cauliflower, and carrots can all be transformed into rice-like pieces.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does riced come from?
The base word “rice” is inherited through Old French from Latin oryza, which in turn came from Greek oryza; the ultimate origin of the Greek term is uncertain. The English forms “riced,” “ricing,” and “ricer” were developed from this older word for the grain. The culinary sense developed through the use of a “ricer,” a perforated utensil that presses cooked food into small strands or pieces.
Related word forms
How riced is actually used
Chiefly culinary. In British and American English, “rice” as a verb is commonly used with potatoes, cauliflower, and similar vegetables; in North America, “riced” is also frequently used as a modifier.
Easily confused with riced
“Riced” means pressed or mashed into small pieces, whereas “raced” means moved or competed in a race.