Yesterday, we discovered that the humble grain of rice can be transformed into an array of delectable and diverse dishes.
Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet or savory, these tasty and versatile rice side dishes are the perfect way to utilize your pantry staples. From coconut-infused delights to bold southwestern flavors, our 27 mouthwatering recipes will take you on a culinary journey that’s both exciting and easy to follow.
Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner or a quick light lunch, there’s a rice dish that’ll elevate your meal
Black Rice
Yearning for a taste of the exotic, black rice is a culinary delight from Asia, where it was once reserved only for nobility due to its high value. Often referred to as emperor’s rice or forbidden rice, this superfood grain is now widely available, allowing everyone to indulge in its numerous health benefits. Noting its deep purple hue and delectable flavor profile, which combines sweet, nutty, and chewy notes with a wealth of antioxidants, black rice has become increasingly popular.
This recipe allows the natural flavors of the rice to shine through, simply dressed with butter, sautéed onion, and crunchy slivered almonds. The result is a truly unique dish that not only tantalizes the taste buds but also serves as a conversation starter due to its distinctive appearance.
Greek Lemon Rice
Elevating your mealtime experience, Greek rice dishes are renowned for their vibrant flavors and aromas. Embracing the essence of the Mediterranean, they typically combine fresh herbs, garlic, onion, olive oil, and lemon juice to create a dish that’s both light and satisfying. Excellent as a side or main course, this particular recipe is ideal for casual gatherings or quick weeknight meals.
Garlic Parmesan Rice
Zestfully prepared, this garlic rice recipe is a lifesaver on busy days when family expectations are at an all-time high. Instead of relying on complicated techniques or exotic ingredients, this dish relies on the simplicity of jasmine rice cooked with milk for 15 minutes until it’s fluffy and tender.
To create a rich and creamy texture, the cooked rice is then stirred together with grated parmesan cheese, melted butter, and a touch more milk, elevating it to a new level of flavor and sophistication. A crucial step in this recipe is to toast the rice first, which not only adds depth to the dish but also brings out its natural nutty flavors.
The addition of garlic salt and parsley during the toasting process gives this side dish an aromatic quality that’s sure to become a favorite among family members.
Mexican Rice
Zeroing in on the perfect side dish for your Mexican-inspired meals is easier than ever with this amazing Mexican rice recipe. Flavored with cumin and rich tomato sauce, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s both filling and full of flavor. This versatile recipe can be elevated with a squeeze of fresh lime juice and some chopped cilantro or given an extra kick with the addition of jalapenos.
Whether you enjoy it on its own as a side dish or turn it into a more substantial meal by adding protein like chicken, shrimp, or beef, this Mexican rice is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Brown Rice Apple Salad
Bursting with the sweetness of apples and the nuttiness of rice, this salad is a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds. Made with crisp tart apples, crunchy sweet bell peppers, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, and a sprinkle of parsley, this zesty side dish can effortlessly complement any main course.
Whether you’re looking for a healthy dinner option by pairing it with grilled salmon or a satisfying vegetarian brunch alongside a quiche, you’ll find yourself making this recipe again and again due to its simplicity and deliciousness.
Arancini
Blending traditional Italian flavors with modern convenience, arancini are an ideal snack for any occasion. By utilizing quick-cooking rice, this recipe simplifies the process of making these crispy rice balls, reducing the effort required to achieve perfect results. If you don’t have any instant rice on hand, leftover cooked rice can be used as a substitute, making it easier to whip up a batch at a moment’s notice.
Once you’ve gathered your ingredients, combine the rice with egg, breadcrumbs, cheese, and seasonings to create a uniform mixture. Next, shape the mixture into bite-sized balls and fry them until they’re golden brown. When you break open one of these crispy shells, you’ll be greeted by a soft, cheesy center that’s sure to delight both kids and adults alike. Whether served as a side dish or enjoyed as an appetizer with a creamy dip, arancini are sure to be a hit at any gathering or event.
Rice Pilaf
Benefiting from its simplicity, this pilaf recipe has become a staple side dish for many home cooks. The beauty of pilaf lies in the fact that it is a specific technique for cooking long-grain rice, which involves more than just boiling water. To prepare a traditional pilaf, you start by sautéing garlic and onion in oil, allowing them to soften and infuse the pan with their distinct aromas.
Once the aromatic mixture is cooked to your liking, the rice is added and stirred gently around the pan, giving it a chance to toast lightly as it absorbs all those wonderful flavors. Finally, the rice is simmered in either broth or water until tender, after which it’s fluffed with a fork just before serving, resulting in a perfectly cooked side dish.
Salsa Rice
Savor the delightful flavors of this quick and easy salsa rice, which is ready in just 20 minutes. What makes it so perfect for busy cooks is the incorporation of smart shortcuts, allowing you to save time without sacrificing any taste. Simply sauté long-grain white rice with taco seasonings, then simmer until tender before stirring in a jar of store-bought chunky salsa. This effortless recipe demonstrates that an abundance of flavor doesn’t necessarily mean a lot of effort.
Mushroom Risotto
While many people may view risotto as a daunting dish for beginner cooks, the truth is that it’s relatively simple once you know the basics. With this easy recipe, anyone can create a delicious and creamy risotto. In fact, all you really need to master is the ability to stir, which allows you to effortlessly make risotto. To start, toast the rice in a pan over medium heat before gradually adding broth, stirring constantly to ensure even cooking and prevent lumps from forming.
By cooking your grains in this way, they will develop a beautifully silky texture that’s sure to impress. Finish off your dish by sautéing some mushrooms, shallots, and parmesan cheese, then pour yourself a celebratory glass of wine – after all, you’ve just successfully made risotto!
Cumin Rice
Hailing from traditional cuisines of various cultures, this simple yet vibrant dish offers a refreshing alternative to mundane rice sides. To achieve its distinctive flavor profile, you’ll need cumin seeds rather than ground cumin. The key to unlocking the full potential of these tiny seeds lies in their toasting, which releases an array of aromatic compounds that are then beautifully absorbed by the rice.
This harmonious balance creates a truly unique taste experience, with notes of earthy undertones, peppery warmth, and subtle sweetness.
Summer Squash Rice
Having enjoyed a bountiful harvest or snagged some fresh produce at the farmer’s market, you’ll likely find yourself needing to prepare this recipe for a delicious side dish. This seasonal rice is cooked to perfection with a hint of flavor, then tossed with sautéed garlic butter and tender summer squash. A sprinkle of parmesan cheese adds an extra layer of richness before serving, making it a hit among your family and friends who are sure to devour it in no time.
Coconut Rice
Taking inspiration from popular restaurant versions, this sweet and fluffy coconut rice is a game-changer in the world of Indian cuisine. Made with coconut milk and infused with the subtle flavor of lime leaves, it’s a versatile addition to curries, stir-fries, or spicy soups – adding a creamy and aromatic depth that elevates any dish.
Unlike traditional coconut rice recipes, this one eliminates the risk of gluey rice, thanks to a simple step-by-step guide that takes you through every preparation and cooking process, ensuring tender and sticky rice with each attempt.
Broccoli and Cheese Rice
Savoring the comforting flavors of a classic broccoli and cheese casserole has never been easier than with this simplified recipe. By streamlining the traditional preparation process, you can focus on creating a delicious dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. This versatile recipe allows you to use any type of rice you prefer, cooking it alongside your favorite vegetables and seasonings for added depth of flavor.
Once cooked, simply stir in some melted cheese and serve – the perfect solution for a quick yet satisfying meal that’s sure to impress even the pickiest eaters.
Cilantro Lime Rice
Zest up your meals with my take on Chipotle’s famous long-grain rice, expertly paired with the zing of cilantro and lime. This recipe is a game-changer for anyone who craves restaurant-style Mexican flavors from the comfort of their own home. Whether you’re serving it alongside your favorite tacos or using it as the base for a mouth-watering burrito bowl, this dish is sure to impress.
Southwestern Rice
Bringing together the simplicity of one-pot cooking with the excitement of international flavors, this vegetarian side dish elevates routine rice to new heights. Flavored with a rich blend of spices and bulked out with an assortment of colorful vegetables and beans, this hearty and healthy option is perfect for rounding out dinner. Whether you’re a fan of meal prepping or just looking for a convenient solution for weekday dinners, this recipe has got you covered.
With the ability to make a big batch on Sundays and keep or freeze it for later, you can enjoy the flavors of this dish whenever you want.
Cranberry Rice Pilaf
Keeping things interesting at the holiday table can be challenging, but this cranberry pilaf offers a sweet and savory twist that’s sure to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. The tartness of the cranberries is perfectly balanced by the freshness of orange zest, resulting in a flavor profile that’s both tangy and tantalizing, making it an ideal accompaniment to any chilly winter meal.
As a bonus, this recipe is also a keeper for special occasions like Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, adding a delightful touch to your festive fare.
Curried Rice
Reimagining the classic combination of spices and ingredients, this easy-to-make curry rice recipe is sure to elevate any meal. Rich in flavor and texture, the dish combines basmati rice with a blend of aromatic curry powder, crunchy carrots, sweet peas, and toasted cashews for a truly satisfying experience. For an added touch of luxury, consider topping it with crispy fried eggs, adding not only extra protein but also an irresistible burst of flavor.
Turmeric Rice
Radiating warmth and vibrant colors, this turmeric-infused rice dish is truly a feast for the senses. The aromatic spices used to simmer the rice create a rich and velvety texture that pairs perfectly with an array of curries and spiced meats. Whether served as a side or the centerpiece of your meal, it’s like capturing a ray of sunshine in a bowl!
Broccoli Cheese Wild Rice Casserole
Harnessing the goodness of its high fiber and antioxidant content, wild rice stands out as one of the healthiest grains available. Its unique nutty flavor is also a major draw, making it a great addition to a wide range of dishes. In this particular recipe, wild rice is expertly combined with tender broccoli and melted cheese to create a hearty casserole that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Whether you’re planning a special occasion or just need a comforting meal for the week ahead, this wild rice casserole is the perfect choice.
Mushroom Rice
People who have tried cooking mushroom rice know that it’s often served as a side dish, but the fact is, it’s more than capable of being a filling main course. The sweetness of caramelized mushrooms perfectly complements the savory taste of cooked rice and scallions, resulting in a rich, earthy flavor profile that will leave you craving for seconds.
Laura Hauser is a food writer and editor passionate about authentic, approachable home cooking.
