10 Flavorful Rice Dishes That Complement Any Meal
Rice is a staple ingredient in many cuisines. Its low-profile flavor allows it to absorb the seasonings you add. While plain, buttered rice is always a delicious side dish, sometimes you crave something more for a truly satisfying meal. No matter the dish, rice can be packed with flavor and paired with any protein of your choice.
To elevate this versatile grain, knowing a few recipes to infuse it with flavor will make all the difference. Below, we share our most flavorful rice recipes for lunch prep or dinner year-round.
Ginger Rice
Earl Carter
Our ginger rice is a simple, flavorful dish that pairs well with a variety of seared or roasted vegetables, tofu, poultry, meat, or fish. Its subtle flavor complements Asian fusion mains rich in soy and sesame seasonings.
Japanese Fried Rice
This Japanese fried rice recipe is life-changing. You’ll soon crave it every week. It’s an easy dish to meal prep for a quick lunch or dinner, packed with chicken, vegetables, eggs, and soy sauce for added flavor. The recipe comes together in just 35 minutes, and we recommend using day-old rice for the best results.
Easy Arborio Rice
Arborio rice is a simple yet flavorful side dish that comes together in just 35 minutes using only four key ingredients. The chicken broth, garlic, and onion lend savory flavors to the rice. We like pairing it with roasted poultry, pork chops, or braised fish.
Coconut Rice
A can of coconut milk adds rich flavor to this simple rice side dish and fills your kitchen with a delicious aroma. We garnish it with thinly sliced scallions for an extra boost of savory flavor.
Saffron Rice
Rachel Marek
Saffron rice will elevate your meal, adding sweet, floral, and pungent aromatics along with a beautiful golden hue. This spice is traditionally used in many countries around the world, including Spain, Iran, Afghanistan, Morocco, and more.
Pork Fried Rice
If you need a quick 15-minute meal to add to your repertoire, this recipe is for you. Our pork fried rice is the perfect weeknight dish that comes together quickly and is packed with flavor. It’s a great way to use up leftover ingredients and clear out the fridge.
Cilantro-Lime Rice
Accompany your favorite Mexican main dishes with this cilantro-lime rice. Blend garlic, cilantro, and lime juice to create a pungent paste, then mix it into the cooked rice. It’s a simple recipe that makes an impressive side dish.
Spanish Rice
Onion, garlic, carrot, tomato paste, and chicken stock add flavor to this orange pilaf-style Spanish rice. It’s a staple side dish in our kitchen for easy, comforting weeknight meals, paired with roasted chicken or shrimp, or as a side for cheesy quesadillas or tacos.
Vegetable and Black-Bean Fried Rice
A vegetarian take on the beloved chicken fried rice, this dish is loaded with flavors from avocado, mushrooms, eggs, black beans, tortilla chips, and more. It’s packed with enough protein and nutrition to stand on its own as a meal.
Herb and Scallion Rice
Achieve this vibrant green rice by blending fresh cilantro, mint, scallions, and garlic, then mixing it with the rice to cook. The result is a delicious, deeply aromatic side dish that elevates any protein.
