Rice is a versatile grain that can be paired with many different proteins. When it comes to salmon, rice can make an excellent accompaniment. The answer to “does rice go with salmon?” depends on the preparation of both the rice and the salmon, as well as your personal taste preferences. With the right combination of flavors, textures, and cooking methods, rice and salmon can be a delicious match.
Quick Answer
The quick answer is yes, rice does go well with salmon if paired and seasoned correctly. Salmon has a rich, fatty texture that can be balanced out by fluffy rice. The rice also provides an excellent canvas for absorbing any sauces or extra flavor from the salmon dish. Some of the most popular rice choices to serve with salmon include white rice, brown rice, wild rice, and rice pilaf.
What Factors Impact Compatibility
There are a few key factors that impact how well rice pairs with salmon:
- Preparation method of the salmon – Grilled, baked, and broiled salmon tend to pair better with rice than poached or fried.
- Texture of the rice – Sticky short grain rice matches better with fattier salmon compared to fluffier basmati or jasmine rice.
- Seasonings and flavors – Rice works well with any seasoning on the salmon, and can soak up the extra flavor.
- Side dishes and sauces – Steamed veggies, soy sauce, teriyaki, etc can tie rice and salmon together.
By keeping these factors in mind, you can create a rice and salmon dish with complementary textures and flavors.
Popular Rice Choices for Salmon
While you have flexibility, some varieties of rice pair particularly well with salmon. Here are some top rice options:
White Rice
White rice, whether long grain or short, provides a mild flavor profile and fluffy texture that complements salmon without overpowering it. Long grain white rice is a classic pairing choice.
Brown Rice
The chewier texture and faintly nutty flavor of brown rice stands up well to fattier salmon. It also makes a more nutrient-dense alternative to white rice.
Wild Rice
Wild rice has a pleasant crunch and woodsy taste that pairs nicely with salmon, especially Cajun seasoned or blackened salmon. The contrast of textures is appealing.
Rice Pilaf
Any rice pilaf seasoned with lemon, herbs, brown butter or other enhancers goes great with salmon. The flavors marry together into a fulfilling meal.
How to Cook Rice for Salmon
No matter which rice variety you choose, proper cooking is key for the best texture to pair with salmon:
- Use a 1:2 rice to liquid ratio for most rice types.
- Undercook the rice slightly so it still has some firmness.
- For sticky rice varieties, rinse and soak the rice beforehand.
- Let the rice steam off heat for 10-15 minutes after cooking.
- Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.
You can also cook the rice in stock, coconut milk or other flavorful liquids to enhance the flavor instead of just water.
Salmon Preparation Methods
The best salmon preparations to pair with rice include:
- Grilled – Gets a nice charred exterior and tender, juicy interior.
- Baked – Gentle heat gently cooks the salmon to buttery perfection.
- Broiled – Quick cooking under direct high heat gives great color and texture.
- Blackened – Smoky and spicy rub adds awesome kicked-up flavor.
Avoid poaching or deep frying the salmon, as the texture won’t match as well with the rice. Pan searing also works, but be careful not to overcook the salmon and dry it out.
Seasonings, Sauces and Sides
Don’t overlook the importance of additional flavor components and sides! Here are some tasty options:
- Lemon – A squeeze of lemon brightens up both the salmon and rice.
- Soy Sauce – Brush on salmon or serve on the side for dipping.
- Teriyaki – Sweet glaze adds lots of flavor to salmon before cooking.
- Herbs – Chopped parsley, dill, basil, etc give fresh flavor.
- Butter – A pat on the salmon and rice goes a long way.
- Asparagus – Classic veggie pairing with salmon and rice.
- Miso Soup – Japanese style broth matches well.
Feel free to get creative with cultural spices, sauces and ingredient combinations that sound good to you!
Full Meal Recipe Ideas
If you’re looking for some full meal recipe ideas with rice and salmon, here are a few tasty options:
Baked Lemon Pepper Salmon over Garlic Rice
Ingredients:
- Salmon filets
- Olive oil
- Lemon pepper seasoning
- White rice
- Chicken broth
- Garlic, minced
- Butter
- Chopped parsley
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Pat salmon dry and brush with olive oil. Sprinkle with lemon pepper.
- Bake salmon 12-15 minutes until just opaque in center.
- Make garlic rice by sautéing minced garlic in butter briefly. Add rice and chicken broth. Cook until liquid absorbs.
- Serve salmon over garlic rice. Garnish with parsley.
Teriyaki Glazed Salmon with Pineapple Fried Rice
Ingredients:
- Salmon filets
- Soy sauce
- Honey or brown sugar
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Rice
- Pineapple tidbits
- Carrots
- Peas
- Green onions
- Eggs
- Oil
- Soy sauce
Instructions:
- Whisk together soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger. Marinate salmon for 30 minutes-1 hour.
- Heat a pan with oil over high heat. Cook salmon skin side down first. Brush with marinade. Flip and glaze other side.
- Make pineapple fried rice by scrambling eggs in pan first. Then add rice, pineapple, carrots, peas and green onion. Toss together.
- Serve teriyaki salmon over fried rice.
Cajun Salmon with Dirty Rice
Ingredients:
- Salmon filets
- Cajun seasoning
- Rice
- Chicken livers, chopped
- Onion
- Bell pepper
- Garlic
- Chicken broth
- Hot sauce
Instructions:
- Coat salmon with Cajun seasoning. Bake at 400°F for 12-15 minutes.
- Sauté chicken livers, onion, pepper, garlic until done. Add rice and stir well.
- Add chicken broth and hot sauce. Simmer until rice absorbs liquid.
- Serve Cajun salmon over the dirty rice.
Tips for Perfectly Paired Rice and Salmon
Use these handy tips for rice and salmon success every time:
- Opt for medium or short grain rice for more stickiness to counter the salmon’s fattiness.
- Cook rice with chicken or veggie stock instead of water for extra flavor.
- Aim for rice that’s slightly underdone with a little firmness left.
- Grill, bake or broil salmon so it gets caramelized and crispy edges.
- Finish the salmon with fresh herbs, lemon or compound butter.
- Consider fried rice for an excellent remix of flavors and textures.
- Don’t forget classic sauce pairings like soy, teriyaki or tzatziki.
Common Questions
What are the best rice varieties to serve with salmon?
The best rice varieties for salmon include short or medium grain white rice, brown rice, wild rice, and rice pilafs. Avoid long grain rice as it won’t pair as well texture-wise.
Should I use brown or white rice with salmon?
Both brown and white rice can pair well with salmon. White rice offers a milder flavor and fluffier texture. Brown rice has more nutrients and a chewier, nuttier texture that stands up to the salmon.
What is a good seasoning for salmon and rice?
Great seasonings for salmon and rice include lemon, herbs like dill or parsley, garlic, teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, miso, curry powder or Cajun seasoning. Don’t be afraid to get creative!
What are good side dishes for salmon and rice?
Some tasty side dishes to serve with salmon and rice include steamed asparagus or broccoli, miso soup, sautéed greens, roasted potatoes or a fresh green salad.
Conclusion
Rice makes an excellent pairing for salmon when properly cooked and flavored. Choosing the right rice variety, texture and cooking method complements the salmon’s richness. Seasonings like lemon, herbs, soy and teriyaki tie the dish together beautifully. Experiment with global flavors and side dishes to round out your meal. With the proper balance of textures and flavors, rice and salmon come together in delicious harmony on the plate.