25 Rice Side Dishes For Satisfying Meals At Home

These rice side dishes are versatile, delicious, and easy to make, especially if you don’t have ideas for rice dishes. Get inspired with the following rice side dishes options. 

Quick Table: 25 Rice Side Dishes Recipes

Recipes	Calories Per Serving	Total Preparation Time
Forbidden Black Rice	266	5 Minutes
Greek Lemon Rice	145	25 Minutes
Garlic Parmesan Rice	388	5 Minutes
Mexican Rice	291	5 Minutes
Brown Rice Apple Salad	260	10 Minutes
Arancini	1472	15 Minutes
Rice Pilaf	244	10 Minutes
Salsa Rice	234	5 Minutes
Mushroom Risotto	381	10 Minutes
Cumin Rice	188.8	2 Minutes
Summer Squash Rice	289	15 Minutes
Coconut Rice	192	17 Minutes
Broccoli and cheese rice	372.23	10 Minutes
Cilantro Lime Rice	194	25 Minutes
Southwestern Rice	404	10 Minutes
Cranberry rice pilaf	322	25 Minutes
Curried Rice	365	10 Minutes
Turmeric Rice	241	5 Minutes
Broccoli Cheese Wild Rice Casserole	762	15 Minutes
Mushroom Rice	230	10 Minutes
Cauliflower fried rice	120	5 Minutes
Paradise  Fried Rice	391	20 Minutes

1. Forbidden Black Rice

This rice, also known as black rice, is native to Asia, and in the past, it was food for only the nobility hence the name forbidden rice or emperor’s rice. 

But now things have changed, and everyone can eat the forbidden black rice and enjoy its healthy goodness thanks to its flavor and important nutrients. 

It is also called black rice because of its intriguing color of dark purple. It is sweet, chewy, nutty, and packed with antioxidants.

To make this amazing dish, you will need butter, diced onion, slivered almonds, and chicken bouillon. 

It remains a super dish and an excellent side dish when cooked right. 

Calories Per Serving: 266

Preparation Time: 5 Minutes

2. Greek Lemon Rice

This is the beautiful Greek rice with the most mouth-watering aroma, enhanced by zesty lemon and other aromatic ingredients. 

This rice best captures all the bright and vibrant Mediterranean flavors because of ingredients such as fresh herbs, olive oil, onion, and lemon juice.  

When the rice cooks in the lemon juice, it absorbs all the tang and brightness, and when you add the lemon zest, the incredible taste is assured. 

It is the ideal dish for light lunches and if you happen to be hosting small dinners.

Calories Per Serving: 145

Preparation Time: 25 Minutes

3. Garlic Parmesan Rice 

This is a quick and easy dish to prepare, especially if you want to whip up a quick dinner on short notice. 

You will need jasmine rice which you will let simmer in the milk for 15 minutes until it turns fluffy. You will then stir it with added parmesan butter and more milk, resulting in this creamy, rich side. 

If you want it to turn amazingly delicious, you must toast the rice first. You can also brown it lightly with garlic salt and parsley to deepen the flavor. 

You will need butter, olive oil, jasmine rice(or rice of your choice), garlic salt, dried parsley, water, and Parmesan cheese to make this delicacy. 

Calories Per Serving: 388

Preparation Time: 5 Minutes

4. Mexican Rice

This wonderful Mexican rice is great for serving your family, especially if you feel like serving a Mexican delicacy. The Mexican rice flavor is rich in cumin and tomato sauce, making it so mouth-watering. 

It is versatile, and you can dress it up with fresh lime and cilantro and add that special kick with a bit of jalapeno. 

You can enjoy the Mexican rice as it is or add some protein like shrimp, chicken, or beef to make it more fulfilling. This is a rice side dish, and paring it up would be the most natural thing.  

Calories Per Serving: 291

Preparation Time: 5 Minutes

5. Brown Rice Apple Salad

Two words describe this rice, sweet and nutty. This rice and apple salad are delicious, and the tastes and textures are exceptional. 

To make the brown rice apple salad, you will need tart apples, fresh lemon juice, sweet bell peppers, and parsley.

You can serve this rice side dish with salmon or quiche if you are serving it in a vegetarian brunch. It is so delicious that it might be a repeat dish for you once you try it. 

Calories Per Serving: 260

Preparation Time: 10 Minutes

6. Arancini 

This dish is made of Italian rice balls stuffed with various fillings and fried until they become crispy. 

The recipe might seem a bit complicated, but it is easy and fun to make once you get it. 

You can decide to cook the rice from scratch or use any leftover cooked rice.  

You will need eggs, bread crumbs, cheese, and seasoning to make these fantastic rice balls.

After shaping them into balls, you then fry them until they turn golden brown, and when you open the crunchy shell, inside lies this soft cheesy center that is so yummy. 

Arancini is a perfect rice side dish that can be paired with various meals, but you can still enjoy them as an appetizer, especially with a creamy dip. 

Definitely a kids’ favorite and perfect for lunch or dinner. 

Calories Per Serving: 1472

Preparation Time: 15 Minutes

7. Rice Pilaf 

Pilaf rice is the perfect rice side dish if you would love fluffy, aromatic rice. 

Pilaf is simply a certain technique used for cooking long-grain rice. It involves cooking garlic and onion in oil before adding the rice. 

The rice is then stirred around the pan and, in the process, absorbs those fantastic flavors.  

The rice is then simmered in water or broth until it turns tender and fluffed with a fork before the serving is done. 

Calories Per Serving: 244

Preparation Time: 10 Minutes

8. Salsa Rice

This is easy salsa rice that takes only 20 minutes, but the delicious flavor lasts long after you have eaten. Therefore, it is advisable to savor the flavor while eating for as long as you can before swallowing.  

Making this dish comes with various smart shortcuts, which is why it is ideal for busy cooks. 

All you need to do is saute long-grain white rice and use taco seasonings, then allow it to simmer until it is tender, then use one of those store-bought chunky salsa and stir the rice in a jar. 

You will need shredded cheese, black beans, corn, olives, green onions, and cilantro to prepare this rice side dish and turn it into a wonderful side dish. 

Calories Per Serving: 234

Preparation Time: 5 Minutes

9. Mushroom Risotto 

Experienced cooks will love this rice side dish, but beginner cooks might feel intimidated because it might seem complicated, but it is not.

Anyone determined can make a delicious risotto. All you need to do is toast the rice in the pan before slowly adding broth and stirring to ensure even cooking. 

The constant stirring makes the rice silky, stick, and deliciously creamy. 

Add mushroom, parmesan cheese, and shallots to finish, and voila! Your risotto is ready. 

A very delicious rice side dish that will never disappoint. 

Calories Per Serving: 381

Preparation Time: 10 Minutes

RELATED: What Can I Use Instead Of A Potato Ricer?

10. Cumin Rice 

This is a simple dish and anything but a dull and dreary rice side dish. 

The cooking works best with cumin seeds and not ground cumin. 

To gain more flavor for the rice, you will need to toast the seeds first and allow the rice to soak up the flavor first and make it peppery, earthy, and slightly sweet. 

To make this rice, you will need butter, long-rain rice, cumin seeds, clove garlic salt, and water. 

It is the perfect rice if you want to serve something flavored to your family or yourself as a side for another mouth-watering dish. 

Calories Per Serving: 188.8

Preparation Time: 2 Minutes

11. Summer Squash Rice 

You only need a sizable amount of squash to make this rice. But, you will need to cook your rice until it is tender, then toss in garlic butter and summer squash. 

Add a sprinkle of parmesan cheese before you serve, and rest assured your guests or family will devour it in no time and have additions. 

You will need chicken broth, long-grain white rice, butter, Italian seasoning, summer squash, garlic clove, tomato, parmesan cheese, salt and pepper, and chopped parsley. 

It is perfect for hungry guests during one of those hot summer lunches or dinners as a side dish for another wholesome meal.

Calories Per Serving: 289

Preparation Time: 15 Minutes

12. Coconut Rice 

This sweet and fluffy rice side dish is made using coconut milk and lime leaves. It is the perfect addition for stir-fries, curries, and spicy soups.

With this rice, you never have to worry about your rice turning gluey, especially if you are following the recipe’s instructions. 

You can serve this rice alongside jerk chicken, beef rendang, vegetable curry, etc. 

Calories Per Serving: 192

Preparation Time: 17 Minutes

13. Broccoli And Cheese Rice 

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This is the ideal option if you are looking for cheesy and easy-to-prepare rice. 

It is a simplified version of classic broccoli and cheese casserole.

You will love the flavor, and you can always use the rice of your choice and cook it with the seasoning and vegetables of your choice. 

You will need long-grain rice, water, frozen broccoli florets, butter, salt, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, cracked pepper, grated parmesan cheese, and shredded sharp cheddar.

After your rice is done, stir in some cheese and serve it to your hungry  guests, who will love it,

Calories Per Serving: 372.23

Preparation Time: 10 Minutes

14. Cilantro Lime Rice 

Cilantro and lime are among the best flavor pairings that work wonderfully with long-grain rice. 

It is based on Chipotle’s legendary rice, and who said you could not have a taste of that restaurant-style right in your home? 

You will need long-grain rice, lime juice, water, salt, freshly chopped cilantro, and vegetable oil. 

After this rice is cooked and ready you can serve it with any Mexican meal that you love and if some of it remains, why not use it in your burrito bowl?

This rice side dish does not disappoint at all. 

Calories Per Serving: 194 

Preparation Time: 25 Minutes

15. Southwestern Rice 

If you want to turn routine rice into a special dish, this one-pot vegetarian side dish will do. 

The spices, veggies, and beans give it amazing flavors and turn this dish into a healthy and delicious part of the main meal. 

It is a perfect rice side dish for weekday dinners. But, of course, you can always make a big batch of rice on Sundays and freeze it for later enjoyment with other dishes. 

Calories Per Serving: 404

Preparation Time: 10 Minutes

RELATED: White Rice vs Fried Rice

16. Cranberry Rice Pilaf 

The Cranberry rice pilaf is a unique sweet and savory dish that will have you looking for second helpings.  

You will need tart cranberries and fresh orange zest to add to this rice to give it that tangy taste, making it the ideal pairing for various meals.  

It is a perfect dish for holiday meals such as thanksgiving dinners, Christmas dinners, or any other festive days since it pairs well with an array of meals.  

Calories Per Serving: 322

Preparation Time: 25 Minutes

17. Curried Rice 

If you want your rice rich in punchy flavor, then curried rice is the way to go. To make this amazing dish, you will need basmati rice, carrots, curry powder, peas, and cashews. 

If you are having a special occasion, consider topping this rice with some crispy fried eggs for not only extra protein but extra tastiness.

 It is a perfect dish for serving during lunch or dinner and can go with various meals.

Calories Per Serving: 365

Preparation Time: 10 Minutes

18. Turmeric Rice 

This turmeric rice can only be described as bright and beautiful. It tastes as good as it looks. You will need to simmer it in a turmeric-laced broth, garlic, and onion. 

You will need butter, olive oil, onion, garlic cloves, rice, chicken broth, bay leaf, salt, pepper, and turmeric. 

This rice can be served with curries and spiced meats of your choice, and it is deliciously defined.  

Calories Per Serving: 241

Preparation Time: 5 Minutes

 19. Broccoli Cheese Wild Rice Casserole 

This rice is full of fiber and antioxidants and is one of the grains that rank highly in healthy grains. 

 It is not only tasty with a distinctive nutty flavor, but it is also great for pairing with various meals. 

The wild rice is mixed with tender broccoli and melted cheese resulting in this amazing casserole.  

This rice is the perfect pairing for your next family dinner or Sunday roast. 

Calories Per Serving: 762

Preparation Time: 15 Minutes

20. Mushroom Rice

This is a side dish that never disappoints and becomes everyone’s favorite when you serve it. 

This hearty rice side dish is perfect for serving with dinner meals because it complements whatever dish it is paired with. 

Mushroom lovers love this rice, and most main meals blend perfectly. For example, you can pair it with roast chicken, Chinese BBQ Pork, steak dishes, and so on. 

You will need olive oil, butter, mushrooms, garlic cloves,  small onion, long-grain rice, vegetable stock/broth, green onions, and butter to stir through. 

Calories Per Serving: 230

Preparation Time: 10 Minutes

RELATED: What Can I Use Instead Of A Potato Ricer?

21. Cauliflower Fried Rice

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This is a very delicious rice side dish that heavily features the delightful cauliflower.  

To prepare this delicious rice, you will need sesame oil, white onion, carrot, garlic, soy sauce, frozen peas, kosher salt, ground black pepper, eggs, and scallion. 

You can serve this with meat or veggie stews, which is perfect for lunch or dinner. 

Calories Per Serving: 120

Preparation Time: 5 Minutes

22. Paradise Fried Rice

This is another excellent rice side dish that is so delectable, and as the name suggests, when you eat it, no doubt you will feel like you are in paradise.  

To prepare this rice side dish, you will need sesame oil, diced onion, minced garlic cloves, red bell pepper, zucchini, pineapple, Canadian bacon, large eggs, cooked rice, soy sauce, and scallions. 

You can serve this side with any type of meat meal, soup, and others because it pairs so well with most meals. 

Perfect for lunch, dinner, or anytime you would love to serve paradise fried rice as an accompaniment. 

Calories Per Serving: 391

Preparation Time: 20 Minutes

23. Spicy Thai Rice

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This is a great option if you love your rice side dish deliciously spicy. 

You will love the unique flavor of this rice and its spiciness, making it the ideal accompaniment for various main meals.

To make this amazing spicy Thai rice, you will need sunflower oil, diced onion, garlic cloves, kosher salt, garlic cloves, ground ginger, Thai chili, water, whole lemon, unsalted peanuts, basil leaves, and fresh cilantro.

You can serve it as an accompaniment for both dinner and lunch dishes. 

Calories Per Serving: 274

Preparation Time: 10 Minutes

24. Hot Dog Fried Rice

Hot dog fried rice is delicious; you guessed right, it has hot dogs among the ingredients. 

You will need cooked long-grain white rice, sliced hot dogs, onion, carrots, frozen peas, soy sauce, eggs, and olive oil. 

It is a satisfying dish that can pair perfectly with various dishes. Perfect for any season but best for dinner and lunch with the right accompaniment. 

Calories Per Serving: 293

Preparation Time: 30 Minutes

25. Spanish Rice 

This is a lovely side dish that will go with most Mexican dishes, but this should not limit you to only pairing it with Mexican foods. 

It pairs well with other foods as well. 

To prepare delicious Spanish rice, you will need olive oil, long-grain rice, yellow onion, salt, chicken broth, salsa, and lime. 

It is an amazing dish that, when done right, creates this amazing finger-licking delicacy. 

Calories Per Serving: 218

Preparation Time: 10 Minutes

Frequently Asked Questions

Do All Rice Side Dishes Have Rice?

The rice types might be different, but they all have rice as a key ingredient. Others have black rice, long-grain rice, Thai rice, and so on. 

What makes each rice side dish different are the other ingredients ranging from vegetables to hot dogs. 

What Is The Best Dish To Pair With A Rice Side Dish? 

This will depend on the kind of experience you want and the type of rice dish you have cooked. 

If you have cooked Spanish rice, for example, you would like to stick with pairing it with Mexican dishes unless you are sure that a certain English or American dish will work beautifully. 

Ultimately, you want your dinner or lunch to be satisfying and enjoyable, so choose accordingly. 

What Are The Main Methods Of Preparing Rice? 

You can steam, boil, pilaf, and risotto your rice. Every method has its result, and different types of rice will be used to achieve certain textures or flavors. 

Choose a cooking method with the outcome you expect in mind.