Rice is a versatile and nutritious staple food that is consumed by billions of people around the world. Whether white, brown, long grain, or short grain, rice can be paired with an endless variety of ingredients to make delicious and satisfying meals. In this article, we will explore what foods and flavors best complement rice’s mild taste and fluffy texture.
Proteins
Rice is often paired with protein sources to make a complete meal. Here are some of the most common proteins that pair excellently with rice:
- Chicken – A rice bowl with juicy, boneless chicken thighs or seared chicken breast slices is a quick and easy dinner. Chicken adobo, chicken tikka masala, or teriyaki chicken also pair nicely over a bed of rice.
- Beef -Slices of beef sirloin or ribeye with a flavorful sauce or stir-fry beef with peppers and onions taste great with rice. Ground beef or meatballs can also be served over rice.
- Pork – From pork chops to ribs to pulled pork, rice helps soak up the savory juices and sauces. Fried rice with bits of ham or bacon is also a classic combo.
- Seafood – Rice complements delicately flavored fish like cod or halibut. It also balances stronger flavored seafood like salmon, tuna, shrimp, lobster, crab, and mussels nicely.
- Tofu – Tofu takes on the flavors of stir fry sauces and spices wonderfully when served over rice. Curried tofu with rice is an especially tasty vegetarian dish.
- Eggs – Scrambled, fried, or boiled eggs make rice a hearty meal. Adding bits of omelet to fried rice gives it great texture.
- Beans or lentils – The fiber in beans and lentils complements the carbohydrates in rice. Enjoy beans and rice side by side or mix together.
- Nuts or seeds – Sprinkling toasted nuts or seeds like almonds, cashews, or pumpkin seeds over rice bowls adds extra protein and healthy fats.
Vegetables
Incorporating vegetables into rice dishes boosts nutrients and provides color and texture contrasts. Some veggie options include:
- Stir fried veggies – Onions, carrots, broccoli, peppers, snap peas, mushrooms and more can be stir fried and served over rice.
- Roasted vegetables – Roasting cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, squash, potatoes, or any favorite veggies then serving them with rice brings out delicious flavors.
- Leafy greens – Spinach, kale, swiss chard, cabbage, bok choy, etc. add freshness when paired with rice. They wilt nicely when cooked into the rice or wrapped in rice paper rolls.
- Fresh raw vegetables – Dipping crunchy veggie sticks like carrots, cucumber, jicama, bell peppers, and celery into hummus, nut butters, guacamole, or other dips along with rice makes a nice meal.
- Pickled veggies – A few pickled ginger slices, kimchi, sauerkraut, or other pickled vegetable garnishes give rice a tangy crunch.
Flavorings and Sauces
Rice can be infused with lots of different seasonings, herbs, and sauces for a flavor boost. Consider:
- Soy sauce – The salty umami flavor of soy sauce perfectly complements rice. Use in fried rice or stir fries.
- Teriyaki – The sweet soy glaze in teriyaki chicken, beef, or tofu teriyaki over rice is a winner.
- Curry – Japanese curry, Thai red or green curry, Indian curries, etc. all pair fantastically with rice.
- Chili sauce – Sriracha, sambal oelek, or other chili sauces add a spicy kick to plain rice.
- Pesto – Stir basil, cilantro, or other pestos into rice for herby flavor.
- Citrus – A squirt of lime, lemon, or orange juice brightens up rice’s flavor.
- Vinegars – Rice vinegar, balsamic vinegar, etc. lend a tangy note to rice.
- Garlic – Sauteeing minced garlic in oil then tossing the rice in imparts an aromatic garlicky essence.
- Ginger – Likewise, finely minced or grated fresh ginger adds a sharp, gingery bite to rice.
- Coconut milk – The rich creaminess of coconut milk complements the soft texture of rice wonderfully.
- Stock – Chicken, beef, or vegetable stock adds savory flavor when cooked into the rice.
Toppings and Mix-Ins
Sprinkling toppings over a bowl of rice or mixing small bites into rice boosts flavor, texture, and nutrition. Some toppings to try include:
- Nuts and seeds – Slivered almonds, roasted peanuts, sesame seeds, etc.
- Dried fruit – Raisins, cranberries, apricots, mango, etc.
- Fresh herbs – Chopped cilantro, mint, basil, parsley, etc.
- Shredded veggies – Shredded lettuce, grated carrot, sliced scallions, etc.
- Cheese – Grated parmesan, crumbled feta, shredded cheddar, etc.
- Crispy fried shallots or onions
- Crushed up rice crackers or chips
- Hot sauce or sriracha drizzle
- Butter or olive oil
- Sesame seeds
As for mix-ins, ingredients like diced veggies, shredded meat or poultry, and rice noodles or glass noodles add more complex textures and flavors when incorporated right into the rice.
Simple Rice Bowl Formula
One easy formula for building a tasty rice bowl meal is to include 4 components:
- Grain – The rice itself, white, brown, long grain, short grain, etc.
- Protein – Chicken, beef, seafood, tofu, eggs, etc.
- Vegetables – Fresh, roasted, or pickled.
- Sauce/Flavoring – Soy sauce, sesame oil, curry sauce, etc.
Some examples:
- Jasmine rice + grilled shrimp + stir fried bok choy + Thai red curry sauce
- Brown rice + shredded pork carnitas + pico de gallo + avocado
- White rice + Korean bulgogi beef + kimchi + sesame oil
- Brown rice + smoked salmon + roasted asparagus + dill yogurt sauce
The variations are endless!
International Rice Dishes
Rice is used in cuisines around the world. Here are some classic international rice dishes that are tasty on their own or could be served over a bed of rice:
- Italian – Risotto, minestrone soup, arancini rice balls
- Indian – Biryani, pulao, tandoori chicken
- Thai – Pad thai, green curry, tom yum soup
- Chinese – Claypot chicken rice, egg fried rice, congee
- Japanese – Onigiri rice balls, temaki sushi cones
- Mexican – Arroz con pollo, horchata drink
- Spanish – Paella
- Greek – Spanakorizo spinach rice
- Brazilian – Feijoada stew with rice
The cultural diversity of rice dishes represents the worldwide popularity and versatility of rice as an ingredient.
Make-Ahead Rice Dishes
Cook once, eat twice! Make extra rice one night and repurpose leftovers into another meal later in the week. Some ideas for give rice a delicious second life include:
- Fried rice – Toss cold rice with eggs, veggies, and soy sauce.
- Rice pudding – Simmer rice with milk, sugar, and cinnamon.
- Rice salad – Combine rice with vegetables, nuts, and a vinaigrette.
- Rice soup – Add rice to vegetable, chicken, or beef broth.
- Stuffed veggies – Stuff rice and herbs into tomatoes, peppers, or zucchini boats.
- Rice croquettes – Form rice and binders into patties and breadcrumb coat then bake or fry.
- Rice casserole – Make cheesy baked rice, jambalaya, or taco rice bake.
Rice for Breakfast
Rice isn’t just for lunch and dinner! It also makes a hearty and comforting breakfast.
- Breakfast rice bowl – Top rice with a fried egg, soy sauce, and veggies.
- Congee – Asian rice porridge with ginger, green onions, and other mix-ins.
- Rice pudding – Creamy cinnamon rice pudding makes a sweet start to the day.
- Rice cereal – For a high protein breakfast, blend oats and rice together.
Rice Side Dishes
Beyond main dishes, rice can play a supporting role as a side dish to rounding out a meal. Some examples of rice side dishes include:
- Plain steamed rice
- Coconut rice – Simmer in coconut milk instead of water
- Cilantro lime rice – Fresh and zesty
- Rice pilaf – Sauteed rice with veggies and seasonings
- Baked brie risotto – Creamy, cheesy rice
- Hoppin’ John – Rice and beans
- Rice salad – Chilled rice with veggies and dressing
Desserts with Rice
Believe it or not, rice can even be used to make sweet treats! For example:
- Rice pudding – Classic creamy dessert
- Mochi – Chewy Japanese rice cakes
- Rice crispy treats – Puffed rice set in marshmallow
- Sushi cake – Sushi roll slices layered into a “cake”
- Mango sticky rice – Mangos atop sweet coconut rice
- Arroz con leche – Latin American rice pudding
- Kheer – Indian rice pudding with nuts and raisins
Conclusion
Rice is an extremely versatile base grain that can be combined with proteins, vegetables, sauces, and other mix-ins for easy, delicious meals. Its mild flavor and fluffy texture pairs well with a multitude of ingredients from various cuisines around the world. Use your imagination to make rice bowls, fried rice, rice casseroles, risottos, and more for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even dessert!