Make rice pilaf with this easy recipe. It’s a great side dish instead of plain white rice. Its mild chicken and garlic flavors make it a versatile and easy side for any supper.
You can make it a one-pot meal by adding meat or vegetables. It’s quick, easy, and full of flavor. It goes with everything from roast chicken to curry!
I love this shrimp scampi rice pilaf because it’s mild but gives the dish depth without being too strong.
Fish is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of side dishes. However, rice is one of the most popular and satisfying choices to serve alongside fish The fluffy texture and mild flavor of rice complements fish beautifully without overpowering it.
In this article, we’ll explore 25 delicious rice side dishes that can take your fish dinner to the next level. From quick and easy sides to exotic flavors, keep reading for rice recipe inspiration!
Quick and Easy Rice Sides
When time is limited, these fast rice sides come together in a snap:
Lemon Herb Rice
Bursting with bright fresh flavors from parsley dill, and tangy lemon, this zesty rice is fantastic with grilled or baked fish. The citrus brightness balances the fish perfectly.
Garlic Butter Rice
Buttery rice infused with garlic and parsley is a quick yet insanely delicious pairing, especially with rich fish like salmon. Sprinkle with parmesan for extra flavor.
Cilantro Lime Rice
Vibrant in both color and taste, this rice gets a makeover with lime juice and cilantro. It’s ideal with fried fish or tuna.
Turmeric Rice
For a punch of earthy flavor and beautiful golden hue, turmeric rice is a fast fix that complements many fish varieties.
Poblano Rice
With just a few pantry staples like poblano peppers, this rice delivers a kick of flavor in under 15 minutes.
Rice Sides with Few Ingredients
You likely have these simple sides in your pantry already:
Classic White Rice
Good ol’ steamed white rice lets the mild flavor of fish shine. Liven it up with a squeeze of lemon or herbs.
Sticky Rice with Mango
Sweet mango and chewy glutinous rice makes an impressive side that’s easier than it looks.
Rice and Lentil Pilaf
This one-pot wonder combines rice and lentils for a hearty, protein-packed pilaf using pantry staples.
Classic Rice and Fish Pairings
Some rice and fish combos are matched in heaven, like:
Mushroom Risotto
Creamy, earthy mushroom risotto elevates fish to restaurant-worthy. It’s ideal with mild white fish.
Rice Pilaf with Almonds and Raisins
Nutty rice punctuated with plump raisins adds exotic flair. Best with mildly spiced fish.
Spanish Rice
Packed with flavor from tomatoes, garlic, and spices, Spanish rice stands up to boldly seasoned fish.
Fried Rice
Craving something hearty? These fried rice sides hit the spot:
Thai Pineapple Fried Rice
Sweet pineapple and curry powder provide tropical flair alongside shrimp and cashews.
Kimchi Fried Rice
The Korean fermented cabbage adds tangy spice that complements simple grilled fish wonderfully.
Basil Fried Rice
Aromatic holy basil and oyster sauce give this Thai fried rice an irresistible aroma and flavor.
Curry Fried Rice
Mild curry spices simmered with vegetables add warmth without overpowering fish.
Shrimp Fried Rice
Another protein like shrimp makes fried rice hearty and adds natural seafood sweetness.
Boldly Flavored Rice
Feeling adventurous? Try these exciting flavors:
Black Rice Salad
The exotic nutty taste and dramatic dark color of black rice is sure to intrigue.
Coconut Pineapple Rice
Tropical coconut milk and pineapple makes this sweet rice a crowd pleaser.
Paella-Style Rice
Saffron gives this veggie (or seafood!) studded rice dish its signature vibrant taste and hue.
Saffron Rice with Mint
Saffron meets fresh mint for a rice with contrasting aromas, plus pine nuts and currants.
Coconut Rice
Creamy coconut milk infuses this rice with subtle coconut sweetness. Perfect with Caribbean spices.
Sushi Rice
If serving raw fish, sushi rice seasoned with vinegar and sugar offers that signature sticky texture.
Healthy Rice Dishes
For nutritious sides, go for:
Wild Rice with Cranberries
Nutty wild rice with tart dried cranberries makes a festive fall or winter side.
Mexican Red Rice
Packed with veggies like onion, garlic, and jalapeno, this Mexican rice is delicious and good for you.
Rice with Pine Nuts and Spinach
Pine nuts and spinach add nutrition and texture to rice for a satisfying healthy side.
In Summary
Rice is hands-down one of the most versatile, crowd-pleasing sides to serve with fish. From fast weeknight lemon herb rice to coconut rice with tropical flair, this list offers 25 delicious recipes to inspire your next fish dinner. Just remember, the fluffier the rice, the better it pairs with fish. Now you’re ready to take your fish game to the next level!
Frequently Asked Questions about Rice and Fish
What type of rice goes best with fish?
Long grain rices like basmati and jasmine work well with fish, thanks to their fluffy, non-sticky texture.
Can I use flavored broth to cook the rice?
Yes, chicken, vegetable, fish or other flavored broth adds tons of extra flavor to rice sides.
How can I make rice healthier to serve with fish?
Opt for brown rice or a brown and quinoa blend instead of white rice to increase fiber and nutrients.
What rice complements baked fish best?
Buttery lemon herb rice or garlic rice both pair wonderfully with baked fish without overshadowing it.
How to Make Easy Rice Pilaf
Rice pilaf makes a quick, flavorful alternative to plain rice. This simple recipe has mild garlic and chicken flavors, making it incredibly versatile. Try it with anything from roast chicken to shrimp scampi!
Why This Rice Pilaf Recipe Works
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The light rice flavor allows it to pair with nearly any main dish.
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Common pantry staples like onion, garlic, and chicken broth make this so easy.
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It takes just 20 minutes start to finish!
Easy Rice Pilaf Ingredients
- Butter
- Onion
- Garlic
- Long grain white rice
- Chicken or vegetable broth
- Bay leaf
- Fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper
Step-by-Step Rice Pilaf Instructions
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In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Cook onion until soft.
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Add garlic and rice, stirring to coat in butter.
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Pour in broth. Add bay leaf and parsley. Season with salt and pepper.
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Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.
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Remove from heat and let sit 5 minutes. Fluff rice with a fork and serve!
Rice pilaf is the ultimate quick and easy side to elevate any meal. With simple ingredients you likely have on hand, dinner just got a whole lot easier.
So next time you reach for boxed rice, try this homemade rice pilaf instead. Your tastebuds will thank you!
What rice side will you try with your next fish dinner? Let us know! And for more easy recipe inspiration, sign up for our email newsletter below.
Here’s How to make it:
Melt the butter in a medium saucepan.
Add the onions and cook until soft (about 5 minutes).
Add a garlic clove and the rice and stir until coated with the butter.
Add the stock (chicken or vegetable stock work best).
Add the parsley and a bay leaf.
Season with salt and pepper, raise the heat and bring to a boil.
As soon as it starts to boil, turn down the heat, cover, and cook until the rice is soft and all the stock is absorbed.
So next time you go to put the boxed stuff in your grocery cart, think twice. You can make this at home with all your own ingredients.
Why this recipe works:
- The mild taste of the rice makes this a great side dish for almost any main dish.
- The things you need for this recipe are probably already in most people’s kitchens.
It’s very simple to make and goes well with many things. On busy days, I buy cooked chicken for dinner and then quickly make this with steamed broccoli. It’s so simple and so much better than getting a full take out.
This is also a great dish for children. I used to give it to my son with some steamed broccoli when he moved onto solid foods. He loved it (and still does).