Rice is seriously underrated as a side dish, and I’m not just talking about plain white rice here. And I’m sure not talking about Minute Rice!
There’s this whole world of amazing rice dishes that can totally transform your dinner game.
Whether you’re serving up a weeknight chicken dish or trying to impress your mother-in-law at Sunday dinner, the right rice side can make all the difference.
I’ve spent years experimenting with different rice recipes (some total disasters, not gonna lie), and these are the ones that have become staples in our house.
From super simple to slightly fancy, these rice sides will have everyone reaching for seconds.
1. Coconut Lime Jasmine Rice
This isn’t your basic coconut rice. The secret is using coconut milk instead of water and adding a splash of lime juice right at the end. The result is this incredible creamy rice that’s got just the right amount of tropical flavor without being overwhelming.
Start with jasmine rice (seriously, don’t substitute regular white rice here) and cook it in coconut milk with a tiny pinch of salt. When it’s done, fluff it up and squeeze in fresh lime juice. Top it with some cilantro if you’re feeling fancy.
The best part? It works with pretty much any protein you throw at it. Last week I served it with grilled chicken and my middle schooler actually asked for leftovers in her lunch the next day.
2. Garlic Butter Parmesan Rice
Think of this as the mac and cheese of rice dishes. It’s total comfort food that even the pickiest eaters will devour. The key is toasting the garlic in butter before adding your rice and broth.
Use arborio rice if you can find it at your regular grocery store. If not, regular long-grain works fine too. Cook it in chicken broth instead of water, then stir in a ridiculous amount of parmesan at the end. And don’t skimp on the butter…this isn’t health food.
A sprinkle of fresh parsley makes it look fancy, but honestly? It’s perfect straight out of the pot.
3. Mediterranean Lemon Rice
This one’s got a gorgeous yellow color that comes from a pinch of turmeric and loads of fresh lemon juice. It’s basically sunshine in a bowl, and it makes any dinner feel a little more special.
Start by sautéing some onions until they’re super soft, then add your rice and let it toast for a minute. Cook it in chicken broth with turmeric, then finish with lemon juice and zest. Mix in some halved cherry tomatoes, chopped parsley, and pitted kalamata olives.
This is the kind of side dish that works just as well with fish as it does with grilled chicken or lamb.
4. Wild Rice Pilaf with Mushrooms
Wild rice takes forever to cook but trust me, it’s worth the wait. The nutty flavor and chewy texture make this so much more interesting than regular rice pilaf.
Grab a mix of mushrooms (whatever looks good at the store) and sauté them with some herbs and garlic. Cook your wild rice separately then combine everything. A splash of white wine while cooking the mushrooms makes everything taste super fancy.
This one’s perfect for fall dinners, and it reheats like a dream. Plus it feels kind of fancy without being complicated.
5. Sweet and Spicy Pineapple Rice
You know those days when you want something different but don’t have time for complicated? This is your answer. It’s got this perfect balance of sweet and heat that goes with practically anything.
Mix cooked jasmine rice with crushed pineapple, a dash of sriracha, and some green onions. The trick is draining the pineapple really well so your rice doesn’t get mushy. Add a few red pepper flakes if you want more heat.
It’s basically like vacation in a bowl, and it makes boring grilled chicken feel special.
6. Spinach and Herb Rice
Looking for a way to sneak more greens into dinner? This is it. It’s packed with spinach and herbs, but somehow even veggie-haters end up loving it.
Start with regular white rice but cook it in vegetable broth. When it’s almost done, stir in a ton of chopped spinach and let it wilt. Add whatever fresh herbs you’ve got hanging out in the fridge (parsley, dill, and basil work great) and a squeeze of lemon.
The best part is how the spinach gets all silky and basically disappears into the rice. Nobody even realizes they’re eating vegetables.
7. Saffron Rice with Golden Raisins
This is my go-to when I need to impress someone. Yeah, saffron’s expensive, but you only need a tiny pinch and it makes regular rice taste like a million bucks.
Toast some pine nuts (watch them like a hawk cause they burn in seconds), then cook basmati rice with saffron and a cinnamon stick. When it’s done, fold in the pine nuts and some golden raisins.
The raisins get all plump and juicy from the warm rice, and the whole thing tastes super sophisticated. It’s perfect for dinner parties or when you’re just feeling extra.
8. Curried Coconut Basmati Rice
Let’s talk about how to transform plain rice into something that’ll make your whole kitchen smell amazing. The secret is toasting those curry spices before you add the rice.
Heat some oil, add mustard seeds and curry leaves (you can find them at Asian markets or just skip them if you can’t), then stir in curry powder and turmeric. Add your basmati rice and coconut milk, then let it do its thing. When it’s done, sprinkle with some toasted coconut flakes.
This one’s become a total staple at our house… especially with grilled shrimp or any kind of curry.
9. Black Rice with Roasted Butternut Squash
Black rice might look a little goth, but it’s got this amazing nutty flavor that’s totally different from regular rice. Plus it’s loaded with antioxidants, which makes me feel better about the cookie dough I ate while cooking dinner.
Roast cubes of butternut squash with olive oil and sage until they’re all caramelized and gorgeous. Cook the black rice (it takes about 45 minutes), then combine everything and add a drizzle of brown butter.
The combo of the deep purple rice and orange squash looks super fancy on the plate. It’s perfect for fall dinners or when you want to switch things up.
10. Lemon Dill Rice Pilaf
Sometimes simple is best, and this rice proves it. It’s got this fresh, bright flavor that works with literally everything from grilled salmon to roasted chicken.
Start by sautéing some shallots in butter until they’re soft and sweet. Add your rice (long-grain works great here) and cook it in chicken broth. When it’s done, stir in plenty of fresh dill and lemon zest.
What makes it special is how the shallots basically melt into the rice, giving it this subtle sweetness that balances out the tangy lemon and herby dill.
11. Brown Rice with Caramelized Onions
If you think brown rice is boring, this version’s gonna change your mind. It’s all about those onions that cook down until they’re basically candy.
Take your time with the onions… like, a good 30-40 minutes until they’re super dark and sweet. Meanwhile, cook your brown rice (I use the boiling method cause it’s basically foolproof). When everything’s done, mix it all together with some fresh thyme and a tiny splash of balsamic vinegar.
This one’s ridiculously good with roasted vegetables or grilled steak. Plus it feels kinda fancy even though it’s super simple.
12. Tex-Mex Green Chile Rice
Living in the South means we’re pretty serious about our Tex-Mex, and this rice is no joke. It’s got just enough kick to be interesting without setting your mouth on fire.
Cook your rice in chicken broth, then stir in diced green chiles, corn, and a handful of chopped cilantro. Add a squeeze of lime juice and some butter at the end. If you’re feeling spicy, throw in a diced jalapeño.
Sometimes I’ll add black beans and serve it as a main dish, but it’s perfect alongside any Mexican-inspired meal.
13. Five-Spice Rice with Crispy Shallots
The real star here is those crispy shallots on top. They’re like those crunchy onions that come in a can, except way better because you made them yourself.
Cook jasmine rice with a tiny bit of Chinese five-spice powder (seriously, a little goes a long way). While that’s happening, fry thinly sliced shallots until they’re golden brown and crispy. Sprinkle them over the rice with some chopped green onions.
This one’s super versatile but works especially well with Asian-inspired dishes. Plus those crispy shallots are totally addictive… you might want to make extra.
14. Roasted Garlic and Herb Rice
Roasting garlic takes this from basic to “can I get that recipe?” territory. The garlic gets all soft and sweet and basically melts into the rice.
Roast a whole head of garlic first (wrap it in foil with some olive oil and pop it in the oven for like 45 minutes). Cook your rice in chicken broth, then squeeze in all that roasted garlic goodness and add whatever fresh herbs you’ve got. Thyme, rosemary, and parsley work great together.
This one’s become my go-to for Sunday dinners. It’s fancy enough for company but easy enough for weeknights.
15. Ginger Scallion Rice
This is basically the rice version of that amazing sauce you get at Chinese restaurants. It’s super simple but packs a serious flavor punch.
Cook jasmine rice the regular way, but while it’s doing its thing, heat up some oil and fry ginger and scallions until they’re fragrant. Pour this hot oil mixture over your rice right before serving. The heat from the oil makes everything smell incredible.
Not gonna lie, sometimes I make this just to have with a fried egg on top for lunch.
16. Mediterranean Rice with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Think of this as summer in a bowl, even when tomatoes aren’t in season. The sun-dried tomatoes add this intense flavor that makes everything taste fancy.
Start by toasting pine nuts (keep an eye on them cause they go from perfect to burnt in seconds). Cook your rice in chicken broth, then stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes, the toasted pine nuts, and plenty of fresh basil. A little drizzle of good olive oil at the end makes it extra special.
This is totally gorgeous next to grilled chicken or fish, and the leftovers are amazing cold for lunch the next day.
17. Miso Butter Rice
Miso butter is literally one of those where-have-you-been-all-my-life discoveries. It’s like regular butter but with this deep, savory kick that makes everything taste better.
Mix softened butter with white miso paste (find it in the refrigerated section near the tofu), then melt this into hot jasmine rice. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Super simple but totally mind-blowing.
The best part is you can make extra miso butter and keep it in the fridge for basically everything… toast, vegetables, whatever.
18. Tomato Basil Rice Pilaf
When you want something that tastes like summer but also feels cozy, this is it. It’s like if rice and marinara sauce had a really fancy baby.
Cook your rice in a mix of chicken broth and tomato sauce. When it’s done, fold in halved cherry tomatoes, tons of fresh basil, and a handful of grated parmesan. The tomatoes get slightly warm and release their juices into the rice.
Even my kids, who normally pick around tomatoes, actually eat this one. It’s perfect with anything Italian or just on its own.
19. Cardamom Rose Rice
This is totally my special occasion rice. It sounds super fancy but it’s actually pretty simple. The cardamom and rose give it this amazing subtle fragrance that makes everything feel special.
Cook basmati rice with a few cardamom pods and the tiniest pinch of rose water (seriously, less is more here). When it’s done, top with crushed pistachios and if you’re feeling extra, some dried rose petals.
It’s gorgeous for dinner parties or when you want to make a regular Tuesday feel fancy. Just don’t tell anyone how easy it actually is.
20. Smoky Spanish Rice
This isn’t your regular Mexican restaurant rice. It’s got this deep, smoky flavor from Spanish paprika that makes it totally different.
Start by sautéing onions and garlic, then add rice and toast it with smoked paprika. Cook it in chicken broth with a pinch of saffron if you’re feeling fancy (but it’s totally fine without it). Stir in some frozen peas at the end… they add color and get cooked perfectly from the heat of the rice.
It’s amazing with pretty much any protein, but especially good with roasted chicken or seafood.
21. Kimchi Fried Rice
This is totally what happens when you’ve got leftover rice and kimchi in the fridge. It’s like the universe wants you to make this dish.
Use day-old rice (fresh rice gets mushy) and chopped kimchi that’s nice and fermented. Fry the rice in butter until it’s crispy, then mix in the kimchi and a splash of sesame oil. You want some of the rice to get all crispy and some to stay soft.
I mean, it’s technically a full meal, but it works as a side dish too. Just skip the egg on top if you’re serving it as a side.
22. Broccoli Cheddar Rice Casserole
Sometimes you need something that feels like a warm hug, and this is totally it. It’s comfort food that somehow sneaks in vegetables.
Cook your rice first, then mix it with steamed broccoli, sharp cheddar, and a quick homemade cheese sauce. Top with more cheese (because why not?) and bake until it’s all bubbly and golden.
This started as a way to get my youngest to eat broccoli, but now it’s honestly what everyone requests when they’re having a rough day.
23. Orange Cranberry Wild Rice
Looking for something different for holiday dinners? This is it. The orange and cranberries make it feel totally festive without being over the top.
Cook wild rice according to the package (it takes forever but it’s worth it). When it’s done, stir in dried cranberries, orange zest, and toasted pecans. The cranberries get all plump from the warm rice.
The combo of nutty wild rice and sweet-tart cranberries is seriously amazing. Plus it looks super pretty on the table.
24. Roasted Red Pepper Rice
This one’s got this gorgeous orange-red color that makes it look way fancier than it actually is. Plus it’s a great way to use up that jar of roasted red peppers hiding in your pantry.
Blend roasted red peppers with a little cream and broth, then cook your rice in this mixture instead of plain water. Add some garlic and Italian seasonings while it cooks. Finish with a handful of fresh herbs.
It’s got this subtle sweetness from the peppers that goes with pretty much everything. And that color? Total showstopper.
This rice side dish collection has totally transformed my dinner game over the years.
Whether you’re looking for something super simple for a weeknight or a showstopper for your next dinner party, there’s a rice dish here that’ll fit the bill.
Try one tonight and watch your family fight over the leftovers (if there are any).
