Rice Lovers Unite: 29 Dinner Recipes to Serve with a Side of Rice
Rice is a versatile side dish that complements a wide range of flavors and cuisines. Whether you prefer fluffy white rice, fragrant jasmine, or nutty brown rice, it can serve as the perfect accompaniment to enhance your main dishes. From savory curries to flavorful stir-fries, here are 29 delicious dinner recipes that pair perfectly with a side of rice.
1. Chicken Tikka Masala
A classic Indian dish featuring tender chicken pieces cooked in a creamy tomato-based sauce spiced with garam masala, cumin, and coriander. Served with basmati rice, this dish is rich, flavorful, and utterly satisfying.
2. Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
A quick and easy stir-fry made with tender slices of beef, fresh broccoli florets, and a savory sauce made from soy sauce, ginger, and garlic. Serve over steamed white or brown rice for a balanced meal.
3. Shrimp Fried Rice
This one-pot dish combines shrimp, scrambled eggs, peas, carrots, and scallions in a flavorful stir-fry with rice, soy sauce, and sesame oil. It’s a comforting and delicious way to use leftover rice.
4. Thai Green Curry with Chicken
A fragrant and creamy Thai curry made with green curry paste, coconut milk, chicken, and a variety of vegetables like bell peppers and bamboo shoots. Serve over jasmine rice to soak up all the delicious sauce.
5. Teriyaki Chicken
Grilled or pan-seared chicken thighs coated in a sweet and savory teriyaki glaze made with soy sauce, sake, and honey. Serve alongside steamed rice and some sautéed vegetables for a wholesome meal.
6. Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani)
A rich and creamy Indian dish featuring chicken cooked in a buttery tomato sauce with a blend of spices like fenugreek, garam masala, and cumin. Basmati rice is the perfect accompaniment to this flavorful dish.
7. Mongolian Beef
Tender strips of beef stir-fried with ginger, garlic, and green onions in a sweet and savory brown sauce. Serve over hot white rice to capture all the sauce’s deliciousness.
8. Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry
A healthy and colorful stir-fry made with chicken breast, bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, and a soy-based sauce. Serve over rice for a light and nutritious dinner option.
9. Spanish Paella
A traditional Spanish rice dish made with saffron-infused rice, chicken, shrimp, mussels, and chorizo. While rice is the main component, serving it with extra plain rice enhances its flavors and balances the meal.
10. Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp
Sautéed shrimp in a lemon garlic butter sauce with parsley and red pepper flakes. Pair with white or jasmine rice to soak up the zesty, buttery sauce for a complete meal.
11. Beef Vindaloo
A spicy and tangy Indian curry made with tender beef, vinegar, garlic, and a blend of spices like turmeric, paprika, and chili powder. Serve with basmati rice to complement the bold flavors.
12. General Tso’s Chicken
Crispy battered chicken pieces tossed in a sweet and spicy sauce made from soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and dried chilies. Pair with steamed rice for a popular Chinese-American comfort meal.
13. Japanese Beef Gyudon
A quick and tasty Japanese rice bowl dish with thinly sliced beef and onions simmered in a savory sauce made from soy sauce, mirin, and sake. Serve over steamed rice for a comforting meal.
14. Butter Garlic Salmon
Pan-seared salmon fillets in a rich and savory butter garlic sauce. Pair with a side of steamed white rice and some sautéed greens for a wholesome, balanced dinner.
15. Kung Pao Chicken
A spicy and flavorful stir-fry made with chicken, peanuts, bell peppers, and dried chilies in a savory sauce. Served over rice, it’s a great way to balance the heat with a mild, fluffy side.
16. Chili Con Carne
A hearty and comforting dish made with ground beef, kidney beans, tomatoes, and chili spices. Serve over rice for a satisfying Tex-Mex-inspired dinner.
17. Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Kra Pao)
A quick stir-fry dish made with ground chicken, Thai basil, garlic, chilies, and a savory sauce. Served over jasmine rice with a fried egg on top for a classic Thai street food experience.
18. Pineapple Chicken Curry
A sweet and savory Thai-inspired curry made with chicken, pineapple, bell peppers, and coconut milk. Serve over rice to balance the flavors and add a comforting touch.
19. Braised Pork Belly
Slow-cooked pork belly in a rich soy-based sauce with ginger, garlic, and star anise. Pair with rice to absorb the deep flavors of the braised pork for a comforting meal.
20. Moroccan Chicken Tagine
A slow-cooked Moroccan dish made with chicken, olives, preserved lemons, and a blend of spices like cumin and cinnamon. Serve with couscous or rice to soak up the aromatic sauce.
21. Chicken Adobo
A classic Filipino dish made with chicken simmered in a sauce of vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and bay leaves. Pair with steamed white rice to balance the tangy and savory flavors.
22. Shrimp Etouffee
A classic Cajun dish featuring shrimp smothered in a rich, spicy sauce made from tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, and celery. Serve over white rice for an authentic Southern meal.
23. Lamb Rogan Josh
A fragrant Indian lamb curry made with yogurt, tomatoes, and a blend of spices like cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon. Serve with basmati rice for a warm and hearty dinner.
24. Korean Beef Bulgogi
Marinated and grilled beef slices in a sweet and savory soy sauce with garlic, sesame, and green onions. Serve with rice and kimchi for a complete Korean meal experience.
25. Gumbo
A Southern classic made with shrimp, sausage, okra, and a flavorful roux-based broth. Serve over white rice to complement the rich, savory flavors of this iconic Louisiana dish.
26. Chicken Masala
Tender chicken breasts cooked in a rich marsala wine sauce with mushrooms. Serve over rice to absorb the delicious sauce, creating a comforting Italian-inspired meal.
27. Eggplant Parmesan
Breaded and baked eggplant slices layered with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese. Serve alongside rice for a filling and satisfying vegetarian option.
28. Jamaican Jerk Chicken
Grilled chicken marinated in a spicy jerk seasoning with allspice, scotch bonnet peppers, and thyme. Pair with coconut rice or plain steamed rice for a balanced flavor profile.
29. Teriyaki Salmon
Pan-seared or baked salmon glazed in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce. Serve with a side of rice and steamed vegetables for a healthy and delicious dinner.
