Rice is a versatile and popular side dish that can complement many main courses. It’s easy to prepare and can be flavored in countless ways to suit different tastes and cuisines.

From simple steamed rice to more complex pilafs and risottos, there’s a rice dish for every meal and occasion.

You’ll find 21 delicious rice side dishes that will add variety to your meals and impress your family and friends. These recipes range from classic favorites to unique creations, using different types of rice and a wide array of ingredients.

Whether you’re looking for something quick and easy or a more elaborate dish for special occasions, you’re sure to find new ideas to try in your kitchen.

1. Garlic Butter Rice

Garlic butter rice is a tasty side dish that’s quick and easy to make. You can prepare it in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

To make it, sauté minced garlic in butter until golden and fragrant. Then add rice and coat it in the garlic butter before adding stock and cooking.

The result is fluffy rice infused with rich garlic and butter flavors. It pairs well with many main dishes, from chicken to fish to vegetarian options.

You can make extra and store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just reheat when you’re ready to serve again.

For added flavor, try sprinkling some chopped parsley on top before serving. This simple touch adds color and freshness to the dish.

2. Cilantro Lime Rice

Cilantro lime rice adds a fresh twist to your meals. This zesty side dish pairs well with many cuisines, especially Mexican and Tex-Mex.

To make it, cook white rice as usual. Then mix in chopped cilantro, lime juice, and zest. The lime gives a tangy kick while cilantro adds herbal notes.

This rice goes great with fajitas, tacos, or grilled meats. You can also use it as a base for burrito bowls.

For extra flavor, try sautéing garlic before adding the rice.

Cilantro lime rice is easy to customize. Add a pat of butter for richness or diced jalapeños for heat. You can even swap in brown rice for more fiber.

3. Lemon Herb Rice

Lemon herb rice is a tasty and refreshing side dish that goes well with many meals. To make it, you’ll cook rice with chicken broth, butter, and minced garlic.

After the rice is cooked, you’ll add lemon juice, lemon zest, and fresh herbs like parsley.

The result is a bright, flavorful rice that’s perfect for summer dishes.

You can customize this rice by using different herbs. Try adding dill, basil, or oregano for variety. This dish pairs nicely with grilled chicken, fish, or vegetables.

Lemon herb rice is easy to make and adds a pop of flavor to your plate. It’s a great way to jazz up plain rice and impress your dinner guests.

4. Mushroom Risotto

Mushroom risotto is a creamy, flavorful rice dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner. You’ll love how the earthy mushrooms blend with the rich, velvety rice.

To make it, start by sautéing mushrooms in butter. Then add Arborio rice and slowly stir in warm broth. The key is to add the liquid gradually, stirring often.

As you cook, the rice releases starch, creating that signature creamy texture. Finish with Parmesan cheese and a touch of butter for extra richness.

Serve your mushroom risotto with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. It’s a versatile dish that pairs well with many proteins too.

5. Spanish Rice

Spanish rice is a tasty and versatile side dish that’s made with white rice, tomatoes, and spices. You can easily cook it in one pot on your stovetop.

To make Spanish rice, start by sautéing onions and garlic in butter. Add the rice and toast it briefly. Then mix in tomato sauce, broth, and seasonings like cumin and chili powder.

Let the rice simmer until it’s tender and fluffy.

You can customize your Spanish rice by adding vegetables or beans. It pairs well with many Mexican and Tex-Mex dishes.

Try serving Spanish rice alongside tacos, burritos, or grilled meats. It’s a filling and flavorful addition to any meal.

6. Thai Coconut Rice

Thai coconut rice is a tasty twist on plain white rice. It’s easy to make and adds rich flavor to your meal.

You cook jasmine rice in coconut milk instead of water. This gives it a subtle sweetness and creamy texture.

The rice soaks up the coconut flavor as it cooks. It comes out fragrant and slightly sticky.

This side dish goes well with many Thai and Asian main courses. It pairs nicely with curries, stir-fries, and grilled meats.

You can sprinkle some toasted coconut on top for extra crunch. A squeeze of lime juice adds a fresh touch.

7. Saffron Rice

Saffron rice adds a touch of elegance to your meal. This aromatic dish gets its golden color and unique flavor from saffron threads.

To make it, you’ll need basmati rice, saffron, and a few simple ingredients. Soak the saffron in warm water before adding it to the rice.

You can cook saffron rice on the stovetop or in a rice cooker. It pairs well with many dishes, including grilled meats and vegetables.

Try serving saffron rice with butter chicken or vegetarian curry for a delicious combination. Its subtle taste complements both bold and mild flavors.

8. Pilaf with Orzo

Pilaf with orzo adds a tasty twist to your rice side dish. This blend combines rice and orzo pasta for a delightful texture and flavor.

To make it, start by browning the orzo in butter until golden. Add rice and cook everything in chicken broth for extra taste.

You can customize your pilaf with herbs like parsley or spices such as garlic. It pairs well with many main courses, from grilled chicken to roasted vegetables.

This versatile dish cooks up in about 30 minutes. It’s an easy way to elevate your meal and impress your guests with minimal effort.

9. Turmeric Rice

Turmeric rice adds a vibrant yellow color and earthy flavor to your plate. This simple side dish is easy to make and pairs well with many main courses.

To prepare turmeric rice, start by sautéing onions and garlic in a pan. Add rice, turmeric powder, and other spices like cumin or coriander.

Pour in broth or water and let the rice simmer until cooked.

For extra nutrition, toss in some peas or other vegetables. You can also add a pat of butter or a squeeze of lemon juice at the end for more flavor.

Turmeric rice is not only tasty but also offers potential health benefits due to turmeric’s anti-inflammatory properties.

10. Spinach and Feta Rice

Spinach and feta rice is a tasty side dish that combines healthy greens with creamy cheese. To make it, start by sautéing garlic in olive oil or butter.

Add fresh spinach and cook until wilted. Then mix in rice, water, and seasonings like salt and lemon juice.

Bring to a boil, then simmer until the rice is cooked through.

For extra flavor, stir in crumbled feta cheese at the end. The feta adds a tangy, salty taste that pairs well with the earthy spinach.

This Greek-inspired dish is both nutritious and delicious.

You can serve spinach and feta rice alongside grilled meats or fish for a complete meal. It’s also great on its own as a light vegetarian lunch option.

11. Jambalaya Rice

Jambalaya rice is a flavorful one-pot dish from Louisiana that combines rice with meat, seafood, and vegetables. This hearty meal often includes chicken, sausage, and shrimp.

Spices like paprika, cayenne, and thyme give jambalaya its signature taste. Bell peppers, onions, and celery form the veggie base. Tomatoes add a tangy note to the dish.

You can make jambalaya with white or brown rice. The rice soaks up all the flavors as it cooks. Serve it hot for a filling and tasty meal.

12. Wild Rice Blend

Wild rice blend offers a tasty mix of textures and flavors. You’ll find it combines wild rice with other varieties like brown or white rice.

This blend provides more nutrients than white rice alone. It’s rich in fiber, protein, and minerals.

You can cook wild rice blend in broth for extra flavor. Add vegetables like carrots or Brussels sprouts to make it more colorful and nutritious.

Try mixing in dried cranberries and pecans for a festive twist. This works great as a side dish for chicken, steak, or other main courses.

Wild rice blend is versatile and easy to prepare. You can make it ahead of time and reheat it when needed.

13. Curried Rice with Peas

Curried rice with peas is a tasty and colorful side dish that you can make quickly and easily in one pot. Start by sautéing onions, garlic, and ginger in oil or butter.

Add curry powder, turmeric, and other spices to the pan. Stir in rice and cook it briefly to coat the grains with the spices.

Pour in water or broth and let the rice simmer until almost done.

Toss in frozen peas during the last few minutes of cooking. The peas will add a pop of green color and sweet flavor.

This dish pairs well with many main courses, from grilled meats to vegetarian curries.

14. Sesame Ginger Rice

Sesame ginger rice adds a flavorful twist to your meal. You can easily make this tasty side dish at home.

Start by sautéing ginger and scallions in sesame oil. Add rice to the pan and stir to coat it with the oil.

Then add water and salt, bring to a boil, and simmer until the rice is tender.

Let the rice rest for a few minutes after cooking. Garnish with scallion greens and sesame seeds for extra flavor and crunch.

This aromatic rice pairs well with many Asian-inspired main dishes. You can also add vegetables or protein to make it a complete meal.

15. Brown Rice Salad

Brown rice salad is a tasty and healthy side dish that you can make with cooked brown rice, crisp veggies, and a tangy dressing.

Try adding cucumber, bell peppers, and red onion for crunch. Sun-dried tomatoes give a burst of flavor. Toss in some fresh herbs like parsley for extra zest.

For protein, you can include chickpeas or crumbled feta cheese. A simple dressing of olive oil, lemon juice, and seasonings ties it all together.

This versatile salad works well with many main dishes. You can serve it cold or at room temperature. It’s perfect for picnics or meal prep too.

16. Parmesan Rice

Parmesan rice is a tasty and simple side dish that pairs well with many meals. You can make it in one pot or skillet for easy cleanup.

The main ingredients are rice, garlic, butter, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Some recipes also add a splash of lemon juice for extra flavor.

To make it, cook the rice as usual. Then stir in butter, minced garlic, and grated Parmesan. The cheese melts into the hot rice, creating a creamy texture.

This side dish goes great with chicken, steak, or seafood. You can have it ready in about 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

17. Nasi Goreng

Nasi goreng is a tasty Indonesian fried rice dish that you can make with leftover rice, vegetables, and your choice of protein.

To prepare nasi goreng, start by frying garlic, chili, and onions in oil. Add cooked rice and mix well.

Stir in kecap manis (sweet soy sauce) for flavor and color.

You can add chicken, shrimp, or tofu for protein. Scramble an egg into the rice for extra richness.

Top your nasi goreng with crispy shallots and a fried egg for a classic finish.

This versatile dish works well as a side or main course. It’s quick to make and packs a lot of flavor in every bite.

18. Jeera Rice

Jeera rice is a flavorful Indian side dish featuring fragrant cumin seeds. To make it, you’ll fry cumin seeds in ghee or butter until they’re golden and aromatic.

Next, add basmati rice and stir to coat the grains. Pour in water and salt, then cook until the rice is tender and fluffy.

Some variations include adding whole spices like cinnamon sticks, cloves, or cardamom pods for extra flavor. You can also garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Jeera rice pairs well with many Indian main dishes. It’s a simple yet delicious way to elevate plain rice into something special.

19. Tomato Rice

Tomato rice is a tasty and colorful side dish that combines fluffy rice with savory tomato flavors.

To make it, start by sautéing onions and garlic in oil. Then add rice, tomato paste, and diced tomatoes.

Season with spices like cumin or cinnamon for extra flavor. Cook everything together until the rice is tender.

You can use canned tomatoes or fresh ones, depending on what’s available. For a cheesy version, try baking the rice with some grated cheese on top.

Tomato rice pairs well with many main dishes. It’s especially good with grilled meats or vegetables.

20. Biryani

Biryani is a flavorful rice dish that’s popular in South Asian cuisine. You’ll find it packed with aromatic spices, tender meat, and fragrant basmati rice.

This dish often serves as a main course, but you can also enjoy it as a hearty side. Biryani comes in many varieties, including chicken, lamb, and vegetable options.

To complement biryani, try serving it with cooling sides like raita or mint chutney. These help balance the spicy flavors.

For added texture, pair it with crispy papadums or onion bhajis.

Biryani is perfect for special occasions or when you want to impress guests with a delicious and filling rice dish.

21. Korean Kimchi Fried Rice

Korean kimchi fried rice is a tasty and quick dish that combines leftover rice with tangy kimchi.

It’s a great way to use up ingredients you have on hand.

To make it, stir-fry kimchi with onions and garlic until soft. Add cooked rice and mix well.

For extra flavor, include soy sauce and gochujang (Korean red chili paste).

You can top your kimchi fried rice with a fried egg or add protein like chicken, pork, or tofu.

Sprinkle some sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top before serving.

This dish is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. It’s filling, flavorful, and easy to customize based on your preferences.

Nutritional Benefits of Rice

Rice offers several important nutrients that support health and wellness. It provides energy, vitamins, minerals, and fiber when included as part of a balanced diet.

Vitamins and Minerals

Rice contains essential vitamins and minerals your body needs. Brown rice is especially nutritious. It gives you B vitamins like thiamin, niacin, and B6.

These help your body turn food into energy.

Brown rice also provides minerals:

• Magnesium for bone health
• Phosphorus for strong teeth
• Selenium to support your immune system

White rice is often enriched with extra vitamins and minerals. This makes up for some nutrients lost during processing.

Enriched white rice typically contains:

• Iron for healthy blood
• Folate to make new cells
• Zinc to help wounds heal

Carbohydrate Content

Rice is mainly carbohydrates, which give you energy. One cup of cooked white rice has about 45 grams of carbs. Brown rice has a bit less at 41 grams per cup.

The carbs in rice are mostly starch. Your body breaks this down into glucose for fuel.

Rice also has some fiber, especially brown rice. Fiber helps you feel full and aids digestion.

Rice has a medium to high glycemic index. This means it can raise blood sugar quickly.

Mixing rice with proteins or fats can slow this effect. Brown rice has more fiber, so it affects blood sugar less than white rice.

Cooking Techniques for Rice Side Dishes

Rice side dishes can be prepared using different methods. Each technique brings out unique flavors and textures in the rice. Let’s explore some common cooking approaches you can use at home.

Boiling and Steaming

Boiling and steaming are simple ways to cook rice.

For boiling, use a 2:1 ratio of water to rice. Bring the water to a boil, add rice, then reduce heat and simmer covered for about 18 minutes. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes before fluffing.

Steaming produces fluffy, separate grains. Rinse rice until water runs clear. Put rice in a steamer basket over boiling water.

Cover and cook for 20-25 minutes. Check doneness by tasting a few grains.

Both methods work well for plain rice or when adding herbs and spices. They’re ideal for making pilafs or serving rice as a base for sauces and stir-fries.

Frying and Sautéing

Frying and sautéing add extra flavor to rice dishes.

To make fried rice, start with cold, cooked rice. Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add rice and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes.

For risotto, sauté rice in butter or oil before adding liquid. This coats each grain and helps create a creamy texture. Stir often while slowly adding warm broth.

Sautéing rice before boiling can enhance its nutty flavor. Toast rice in a dry pan for 2-3 minutes, then add liquid and cook as usual.

These methods are great for dishes like Spanish rice, jambalaya, or rice pilaf. They allow you to incorporate vegetables, meats, and seasonings directly into the rice.

Pairing Rice Side Dishes with Main Courses

The right rice side dish can enhance your meal’s flavor and texture. Choosing a complementary rice dish depends on your main course and personal taste preferences.

Complementary Flavors

Choose rice dishes that match or contrast with your main course flavors.

For spicy meals, try cooling coconut rice. Pair herb-crusted chicken with lemon rice for a fresh taste. Serve ginger rice with Asian-inspired dishes for extra zest.

With seafood, go for light and citrusy rice sides. Cilantro lime rice works well with fish tacos. For grilled meats, try a savory mushroom rice pilaf.

Curry dishes pair nicely with plain basmati rice to soak up the sauce. For barbecue, try a tangy rice salad with vinaigrette dressing.

Balancing Textures

Mix up textures to keep your meal interesting. Pair crispy fried chicken with creamy risotto.

Serve tender pot roast with crunchy wild rice pilaf. For soft fish dishes, add nutty brown rice for contrast.

Crisp stir-fries go well with sticky white rice. Juicy steaks pair nicely with fluffy, light rice pilafs.

Try rice dishes with added ingredients for more texture. Nuts, dried fruits, or vegetables can make plain rice more exciting.

Fried rice offers a mix of soft and crispy textures in one dish. For saucy meals, choose firmer rice varieties that won’t get mushy.

Long-grain rice holds its shape well with gravies and stews.