fbpx

What to Serve With Brown Rice: 15 Best Side Dishes

Brown rice pairs wonderfully with a variety of flavorful side dishes, making your meals both balanced and delicious. Try grilled chicken marinated with herbs and lemon zest, or colorful sautéed vegetables seasoned with garlic and soy sauce for a nutritious addition. Baked salmon with a lemon dill glaze brings richness, while stir-fried tofu offers a protein-packed, versatile option. Black beans, a staple in many cuisines, add a hearty and robust taste. For more delightful combinations and easy-to-make options that complement brown rice, explore further and enrich your culinary experiences.

Grilled Chicken

healthy summer barbecue option

Grilled chicken serves as an excellent complement to brown rice, offering a balance of protein and flavor.

Marinating the chicken in a herb marinade, with a touch of lemon zest, enhances its taste and aroma.

The grilled chicken, with its savory and slightly tangy profile, pairs wonderfully with the nutty texture of brown rice, creating a wholesome and satisfying meal.

Sautéed Vegetables

cooked mixed vegetables quickly

To complement the grilled chicken and brown rice, sautéed vegetables provide a colorful and nutritious addition to the meal.

With a variety of vibrant veggies like bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli, you can create a visually appealing dish.

Seasoning options, such as garlic, herbs, and a splash of soy sauce, enhance the flavors, making the vegetables both tasty and satisfying.

Baked Salmon

healthy dinner choice option

Baked salmon serves as a rich and flavorful accompaniment to brown rice, offering a perfect balance of protein and healthy fats.

The lemon glaze adds a zesty brightness, while the dill seasoning infuses a fresh, herbal note.

This combination elevates the dish, making it both nutritious and delicious.

Pairing these elements together creates a satisfying meal that is both hearty and wholesome.

Stir-Fried Tofu

tasty vegan stir fry option

Stir-fried tofu offers a versatile and protein-packed side dish that pairs exceptionally well with the nutty flavor of brown rice.

A well-prepared tofu marinade enhances the dish, adding depth and richness.

Different tofu textures, whether soft, firm, or extra-firm, provide unique eating experiences, making this side dish adaptable to various tastes and preferences.

It's a delightful and nutritious addition to any meal.

Black Beans

nutritious and versatile legume

Black beans provide a hearty and nutritious complement to the wholesome taste of brown rice. Rich in vegetarian protein, these beans are a staple in Cuban cuisine, offering a flavorful and satisfying pairing.

The combination creates a balanced dish that is both filling and delicious. Whether simmered with spices or served plain, black beans elevate the meal with their robust taste.

Roasted Broccoli

crispy and flavorful vegetable

Roasted broccoli adds a delightful crunch and a slightly charred flavor that complements the nutty profile of brown rice.

With versatile seasoning options like garlic, lemon zest, or red pepper flakes, this side dish can be easily tailored to your taste.

Beyond its flavor, broccoli offers numerous health benefits, including high levels of vitamins C and K, making it both delicious and nutritious.

Garlic Shrimp

delicious seafood dish option

Garlic shrimp pairs exquisitely with brown rice, offering a burst of savory flavor enhanced by the aromatic intensity of freshly minced garlic.

The addition of lemon zest brings an invigorating brightness, while a rich butter sauce envelops the shrimp, creating a delightful contrast to the nutty undertones of brown rice.

This combination promises a satisfying and balanced meal, perfect for any occasion.

Avocado Salad

healthy summer lunch option

Incorporating avocado salad as a side dish for brown rice introduces a creamy texture and a revitalizing, nutrient-dense complement to the meal. The nutritional benefits of avocados include healthy fats and essential vitamins.

Various dressing options, such as a zesty lime vinaigrette or a light olive oil and lemon mix, can enhance the salad's flavor, making it both delicious and healthful.

Curry Lentils

spicy lentils with curry

Pairing brown rice with curry lentils introduces a hearty, protein-rich option that complements the grain's nutty flavor. This combination offers exceptional nutritional benefits, including fiber and essential vitamins.

Cooking methods for curry lentils are straightforward: simmer lentils with aromatic spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander. This flavorful side dish not only enhances the meal but also supports a balanced diet.

Steamed Asparagus

steamed asparagus is delicious

Steamed asparagus serves as a crisp and nutritious side dish that pairs well with the earthy flavors of brown rice. Rich in vitamins and antioxidants, asparagus offers numerous health benefits.

For perfect results, steam the asparagus until tender yet firm. A quick tip: add a pinch of salt during steaming to enhance its natural flavors, making your meal both delicious and wholesome.

Spicy Chickpeas

tangy aromatic chickpea dish

Elevating the flavor profile of brown rice, spicy chickpeas bring a delightful heat and robust texture to the meal.

A spicy chickpea salad can provide an invigorating contrast, adding vibrant colors and flavors.

Alternatively, a hearty chickpea curry offers a rich, savory option, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of spice.

Both dishes complement brown rice beautifully, enhancing its natural goodness.

Teriyaki Beef

savory japanese beef dish

Building on the diverse flavors that complement brown rice, teriyaki beef introduces a savory and slightly sweet component to the meal. For the perfect marinade, combine soy sauce, mirin, and honey, then let the beef soak for at least an hour.

Serving suggestions include slicing the beef thinly and placing it atop your brown rice, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions for added flavor.

Mushroom Medley

mouth watering mushroom recipe

A variety of mushrooms, such as shiitake, cremini, and oyster, can create a flavorful and earthy medley that pairs perfectly with brown rice. The rich flavor combination enhances the nutty taste of the rice.

Simple cooking techniques, like sautéing with garlic and soy sauce, bring out the mushrooms' umami essence, making this dish both satisfying and easy to prepare.

Fresh Pico De Gallo

delicious homemade salsa recipe

Fresh Pico De Gallo offers a vibrant and invigorating contrast to the hearty flavor of brown rice.

Made from fresh ingredients like tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice, this salsa variation adds a burst of freshness and zest.

It's a simple yet delightful addition that enhances the overall meal, providing a lively and colorful complement to the earthy tones of brown rice.

Can These Side Dishes Also Pair Well With Brown Rice?

Looking for the best side dishes for jeweled rice? Look no further! Brown rice pairs perfectly with roasted vegetables, steamed greens, or a fresh cucumber salad. These dishes will complement the flavors and textures of the jeweled rice, creating a well-balanced and satisfying meal.

Roasted Sweet Potatoes

healthy side dish option

Why not elevate your brown rice dish with the rich, caramelized flavors of roasted sweet potatoes?

These sweet potato fries, drizzled with a hint of maple glaze, offer a delightful balance of sweetness and crispiness.

The maple glaze enhances the natural flavors, making each bite a perfect complement to the earthy tones of brown rice.

It's a simple yet satisfying combination.