Rice is a versatile side dish that can be paired with almost anything. Whether you want a quick weeknight meal or a more elegant dinner party menu, rice works well with meats, vegetables, beans, and more. The key is choosing foods that complement the mild flavor and texture of rice. Here are some of the best options for what to eat with rice.
Meat Entrees
Meat entrees go very well with rice on the side. The rice soaks up any juices or sauces from the meat, allowing you to enjoy every last bit of flavor. Here are some classic meat dishes that pair perfectly with white or brown rice.
Steak
A juicy steak is a great match for a side of rice. The hearty flavors of beef complement the mellow rice nicely. Try serving rice with favorites like:
– Ribeye
– Sirloin
– Filet mignon
– Skirt steak
– Flank steak
The rice will soak up the meat juices and steak sauce for added flavor. Rice also balances out the richness of fattier cuts of steak.
Chicken
Chicken and rice is a combination seen in many cultures around the world. Chicken offers a milder flavor that works well with rice. Some chicken and rice pairings include:
– Baked chicken with lemon and herbs
– Chicken parmesan
– Chicken marsala
– Chicken fajitas
– Chicken tikka masala
– Chicken cacciatore
The rice soaks up the flavors of the chicken and sauce in these one-pan meals.
Pork
Like chicken, pork usually has a mild enough flavor to pair nicely with rice. Some of the best pork entrees to enjoy with rice include:
– Pork chops
– Pork loin
– Pork carnitas
– Pork medallions
– Pork tenderloin
– Sausage and peppers
The rice balances out the fattiness of pork beautifully. You can also try rice with rib recipes or pulled pork for a heartier meal.
Lamb
Lamb has a distinct, savory flavor that works well with a side of rice. The rice balances out the rich taste. Try pairing rice with:
– Lamb kofta
– Lamb chops
– Lamb shank
– Lamb stew
– Lamb rogan josh
– Shepherd’s pie
Rice can temper some of the gaminess of lamb while soaking up delicious cooking juices.
Seafood
Rice goes nicely with mild flavored fish and seafood too. The rice can soak up butter or sauce for extra dimension. Some seafood rice pairings include:
– Baked salmon
– Grilled mahi mahi
– Shrimp scampi
– Crab cakes
– Fish tacos
– Lobster tails
The rice rounds out the meal for a satisfying combo.
Vegetable Entrees
In addition to meats, rice also pairs nicely with veggie-focused entrees. The rice offers a contrast in texture while soaking up sauce. Try serving rice with:
Stir fries
A bed of rice is perfect for serving under flavorful veggie stir fries. The rice soaks up the sauce for added flavor. Some stir fry ideas include:
– Vegetable medley stir fry
– Broccoli and carrot stir fry
– Zucchini and bell pepper stir fry
– Bok choy and mushroom stir fry
– Eggplant stir fry
Serve these over a bed of either white or brown rice.
Vegetable curries
Indian-inspired vegetable curries also taste wonderful with a side of rice. The rice balances out the spicy curry flavors. Some examples include:
– Chickpea curry
– Lentil curry
– Potato curry
– Cauliflower curry
– Sweet potato curry
– Spinach curry
Serve these saucy curries over basmati rice for a delicious meal.
Vegetable frittatas
For breakfast or dinner, a vegetable frittata tastes great with rice on the side. The rice offers contrast in texture. Some frittata ideas include:
– Broccoli and cheddar
– Spinach and goat cheese
– Vegetable medley
– Zucchini and bell pepper
– Mushroom and swiss chard
– Roasted veggie
The rice rounds out a frittata perfectly as a side dish.
Vegetable bakes
For heartier meals, try baking veggies in the oven and serving them over rice. The rice soaks up extra sauce and flavors. Some ideas include:
– Eggplant Parmesan
– Butternut squash bake
– Zucchini casserole
– Roasted cauliflower
– Vegetable moussaka
– Ratatouille
The rice balances out these flavorful bakes for a tasty combo.
Beans and Rice
Beans and rice are a staple pairing in many cuisines. The rice offers the perfect complement in texture to the heartiness of beans. Some bean and rice pairings include:
Red beans and rice
This New Orleans classic includes kidney beans slow cooked with vegetables and ham over white rice. The beans and rice offer protein and comfort.
Hoppin’ John
A southern tradition, this dish contains black-eyed peas, rice, and smoked pork. The creamy beans and rice make a satisfying meal.
Jambalaya
Jambalaya is a one-pot Cajun dish containing rice, sausage, shrimp, chicken, and Creole seasoning. The rice soaks up flavor from the tomatoes, stock, and protein.
Mujaddara
This Middle Eastern dish includes lentils, caramelized onions, and rice. The earthy flavors and textures pair perfectly.
Rice and bean bowls
Build tasty rice bowls with beans, salsa, avocado, cheese, and more mix-ins. Black beans, pinto beans, and chickpeas all work nicely over rice.
Burrito bowls
For an easy meal, create burrito bowls with rice, beans, meat, cheese, lettuce, and other favorite toppings. The rice and beans offer a hearty base.
One Pot Meals
Many classic one pot meals contain rice cooked right in the dish to soak up flavors. These meals make it easy to enjoy rice on the side without dirtying extra pots. Try cooking up:
Risotto
Creamy risotto contains rice slowly simmered in broth, wine, cheese, and mix-ins. Make mushroom risotto, seafood risotto, or simply vegetable risotto.
Jambalaya
As mentioned above, jambalaya allows you to cook spicy rice together in one pot with shrimp, chicken, sausage, and vegetables.
Paella
This Spanish rice dish includes saffron-infused rice with chicken, chorizo, shrimp, mussels, and peppers, all in one pan. The rice soaks up wonderful flavors.
Dirty rice
Dirty rice contains ground meat like sausage or ground beef cooked right into flavorful spiced rice. Traditional Cajun dirty rice uses chicken livers.
Biryani
Biryani includes layers of rice, protein, and aromatic spices cooked together. Try versions like chicken biryani or lamb biryani.
Fried rice
Make quick fried rice with leftover cooked rice, eggs, meat or vegetables. Add soy sauce and serve an easy meal in minutes.
Soups
Many cultures also enjoy rice as part of comforting soups and stews. The rice rounds out the meal and absorbs broth flavors. Try these soup ideas:
Chicken noodle soup
Chicken noodle soup with rice is heartwarming comfort food. Add cooked rice or brown rice to soak up the savory broth.
Beef stew
For a hearty beef stew, add some rice to the mix during the last 20 minutes of cooking to soak up juices and thicken the broth.
Minestrone
This Italian vegetable soup pairs nicely with a scoop of rice added at the end to soak up broth and add heartiness.
Congee
Congee is a Chinese rice porridge made by slowly cooking rice in a savory broth with chicken, ginger, and other ingredients.
Tom yum soup
This Thai soup generally contains rice noodles, but you can also add cooked rice to this tangy, spicy broth.
Ramen
For a simple shortcut, add some cooked rice to instant ramen noodles for a heartier soup that’s perfect with an egg.
Sides
In addition to entrees, rice also makes a great side dish paired with veggies and proteins. Mix and match these side pairings:
| Protein | Vegetables |
|---|---|
| Chicken breast | Roast vegetables |
| Steak | Sauteed spinach |
| Pork chops | Steamed broccoli |
| Salmon fillet | Green salad |
| Meatballs | Roasted cauliflower |
| Tofu | Stir fry veggies |
Breakfast
Rice also makes a filling and healthy breakfast paired with proteins, veggies, and eggs. Some ideas include:
Breakfast burrito bowls
Build a burrito bowl for breakfast with rice, black beans, salsa, cheese, and eggs or meat.
Veggie fried rice
Make quick fried rice with leftover rice, peas, carrots, eggs, and soy sauce for a filling morning meal.
Breakfast rice pudding
Whip up apple cinnamon rice pudding sweetened with milk, syrup, raisins, and cinnamon.
Yogurt rice bowl
Top rice with Greek yogurt, fruit, nuts, chia seeds, and honey for a balanced breakfast.
Conclusion
As you can see, rice pairs well with almost any type of cuisine. It works with hearty meats, lighter vegetables, spicy dishes, breakfast foods, and more. Pick your favorite flavor combinations and add a side of rice to soak up juices and round out the meal. Some key takeaways for what to eat with rice include:
– Complement mild rice with boldly flavored proteins like steak or lamb
– Allow rice to absorb flavors from saucy dishes like curries or stir fries
– Combine rice and beans for complete protein in bowls or stews
– Add rice to one pot meals like risotto or jambalaya
– Use rice to thicken and soak up broths in soups or stews
– Pair rice with veggies and proteins as a simple side dish
– Get creative with rice at breakfast in bowls and puddings
With so many possibilities, you’ll never get bored eating rice on the side. It’s an endlessly flexible ingredient that works with almost any flavor profile.