What Pairs Well With Rice?

Picture of a Rice

Category: Grain

Rice is a staple food that is a type of grain commonly consumed by people all over the world. It is a versatile ingredient that can be cooked in various ways, such as boiling, steaming, or frying. Rice comes in different varieties, including white rice, brown rice, jasmine rice, basmati rice, and wild rice. It is a good source of carbohydrates and provides energy to the body. Rice can be served as a side dish, used in soups, salads, stir-fries, and as a main course in dishes like risotto, sushi, and biryani.

Flavor Profiles:

  • Sweet
  • Savoury

What goes with Rice:

  • Sugar – Sugar’s sweetness complements rice’s neutral flavor, adding a delightful contrast that enhances the overall taste experience.
  • Cheese – Cheese pairs well with rice because the creaminess and richness of cheese complements the neutral, starchy flavor of rice, creating a harmonious and satisfying combination.
  • Fish – Fish and rice complement each other well because fish provides lean protein and essential omega-3 fatty acids, while rice offers carbohydrates for energy, creating a balanced and nutritious meal.
  • Chicken –
  • Garlic – Garlic’s strong, pungent flavor complements rice’s subtle taste, adding depth and aroma to dishes like stir-fries, pilafs, and paella.
  • Butter –
  • Cinnamon – Cinnamon’s warm, sweet flavor complements the neutral taste of rice, adding a subtle depth and aroma to dishes like rice pudding or savory rice recipes with a hint of sweetness.
  • Sour Cream – Sour cream’s tangy and cooling sensation complements the neutral, plain flavor of rice, creating a delightful contrast that enhances the overall taste experience.
  • Sauteed Mushrooms – Sauteed mushrooms have an earthy and savory flavor that complements the neutral taste of rice, creating a satisfying and hearty dish.
  • Black Beans – Black beans and rice complement each other well in terms of nutrition, as the grains in rice provide energy-rich carbohydrates, while black beans offer protein, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals. This combination creates a balanced and satisfying meal.
  • Coconut Milk – Coconut milk’s creamy texture and mildly sweet, nutty flavor complements the neutral taste and delicate texture of rice, creating a rich and aromatic dish.
  • Corn – Corn and rice complement each other in texture and taste, with corn providing a sweet, crunchy contrast to rice’s neutral, starchy base. This combination is popular in many cuisines, such as Mexican and Southern US, where the dishes often feature a balance of flavors and ingredients.
  • Onions – Onions’ sweetness balances rice’s blandness, while their juices contribute flavor and moisture to the dish. This creates a harmonious and tasty combination that is widely enjoyed in various cuisines.
  • Tomatoes – Tomatoes’ bright, acidic flavor balances rice’s neutral taste, while their juices create a flavorful, saucy base for dishes like risotto and Spanish rice.
  • Cumin – Cumin’s earthy and warm flavor profile complements rice’s neutral taste, enhancing the overall savory experience.
  • Cilantro – Cilantro’s bright, citrusy flavor complements the neutral taste of rice, adding a refreshing and aromatic touch to many rice dishes.
  • Sausage – Sausage pairs well with rice because its savory flavors and often crispy texture complement the neutral taste and chewy texture of rice, making for a satisfying and versatile meal.
  • Tomato Sauce – Tomato sauce pairs well with rice because its tangy and slightly sweet flavor complements the neutral taste of rice, while its thick and saucy texture clings to each grain, creating a harmonious and flavorful dish.
  • Grilled Chicken – The lean protein in grilled chicken balances the carbohydrates in rice, and its mild flavor complements various rice dishes.
  • Onion – Onions’ sweetness balances rice’s neutral taste, while their juices contribute to the cohesion of flavors in a dish.
  • Eggs – “Eggs and rice complement each other well because eggs provide protein and flavor, while rice adds carbohydrates and texture, creating a balanced and satisfying dish.” I hope that helps!
  • Vanilla Extract – Vanilla extract’s creamy, aromatic sweetness complements rice’s subtle flavor, enhancing dishes like rice pudding or savory pilafs.
  • Vegetables – Vegetables pair well with rice because their various textures, flavors, and nutrients complement each other, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.
  • Broccoli –
  • Ginger – Ginger’s sharp, slightly spicy flavor complements the mild, starchy taste of rice, creating a balanced and flavorful combination in various dishes.
  • Soy Sauce – Soy sauce’s salty and savory flavor profile complements the mild and subtle taste of rice, enhancing its overall taste and eating experience.
  • Green Onions – Green onions, with their mild onion flavor and refreshing taste, complement the neutrality of rice by adding a subtle burst of color, texture, and mild onion flavor, making each bite more flavorful and visually appealing.
  • Beans – Beans and rice complement each other nutritionally, as beans provide complete protein and rice provides necessary carbohydrates, creating a balanced and harmonious dish when combined.
  • Salt – “Salt enhances the flavor of rice by providing a savory contrast to its mild, starchy taste, making for a classic and versatile pairing in many cuisines.”
  • Avocado – Avocado pairs well with rice because its creamy texture and mild flavor complement the fluffy texture and neutral taste of rice, creating a satisfying and versatile base for many dishes.
  • Tomato – Tomato’s tangy and sweet flavors complement rice’s neutral taste, while its juiciness provides moisture, enhancing the overall dining experience.
  • Pickled Ginger –
  • Nori Seaweed – Nori seaweed, with its umami-rich flavor and delicate texture, enhances the neutral taste of rice, creating a harmonious and satisfying combination often enjoyed in sushi and other Asian dishes.
  • Ham – Ham pairs well with rice because the savory flavor of ham complements the subtle taste of rice, while the rice helps to balance the saltiness of the ham.
  • Vanilla –
  • Naan Bread – Naan bread pairs well with rice due to its ability to soak up flavorful sauces and dishes, providing a contrast in texture and an effective tool to enjoy every last bite.
  • Curry Powder – Curry Powder pairs well with Rice due to its complex blend of spices that complement the neutral taste of rice, adding depth of flavor and a touch of heat to each bite.
  • Curry Paste –
  • Spices – Spices, when used to flavor rice dishes, can enhance their aroma, taste, and complexity, making for a flavorful and culturally diverse culinary experience.
  • Bell Pepper – Bell peppers and rice complement each other well in dishes due to their contrasting flavors and textures, with the bell peppers providing mild sweetness and crunch to the often bland and soft rice.
  • Lime – Lime’s tangy and bright flavor complements rice’s mild and neutral taste, creating a refreshing and flavorful combination.
  • Chili Powder –
  • Carrots – Carrots provide a sweet and crunchy contrast to rice’s neutral taste and texture, making them a classic and harmonious pairing in various cuisines.
  • Sesame Oil – Sesame oil’s nutty and aromatic flavor complements the neutral taste of rice, enhancing the overall dining experience.
  • Pineapple –
  • Stir-Fried Vegetables – Stir-fried vegetables add color, texture, and nutrients to rice dishes, providing a contrast to the softness of the rice.
  • Beans And Lentils – Beans and lentils contribute plant-based protein, fiber, and additional flavors that enrich and enhance the rice-based meal.
  • Curries – Curries, with their rich and flavorful sauces, pair well with rice, as the rice helps to tone down the spiciness and absorb the sauce.
  • Fried Rice Toppings (E.G., Eggs, Scallions, Ham, Shrimp) – These toppings add variety in texture and taste, elevating the basic fried rice into a more interesting and satisfying meal.
  • Spicy Tuna Rolls – The combination of vinegared rice and spicy tuna creates a harmony of flavors and textures, making for a delicious and popular pairing.
  • Braised Short Ribs – Tender, slow-cooked short ribs have a rich and beefy flavor that goes well with plain rice, providing a comforting and hearty meal.
  • Teriyaki Tofu – Teriyaki tofu provides a sweet and savory flavor, as well as a contrasting texture, which complements the simplicity of rice.
  • Shrimp And Avocado Salsa – The bright and tangy flavors of shrimp and avocado salsa, along with the cooling effect of the avocado, create a refreshing contrast to the mild taste of rice.
  • Salsa – Salsa’s bold, zesty flavors complement rice’s mild, neutral taste, creating a harmonious and satisfying combination in many popular dishes.
  • Guacamole – Guacamole’s creamy texture and mild flavor complement rice’s neutral taste, making it a delicious and satisfying combination.
  • Paprika – Paprika’s smoky, sweet, and slightly spicy flavor profile complements the neutral taste of rice, creating a harmonious and satisfying dish.
  • Peas – Peas provide a sweet and slightly creamy contrast to rice’s neutral taste and starchy texture, making for a harmonious and satisfying pairing in various dishes.
  • Naan –
  • Seasonings –
  • Broth –
  • Water – Water is absorbed by rice during cooking, providing moisture for the grains to become tender and fluffy, while also helping to distribute the flavors of seasonings throughout the dish.
  • Seaweed Salad –
  • Wasabi –
  • Gochujang – Gochujang’s spicy-sweet flavor and thick, pasty texture complement the neutral taste and delicate texture of rice, creating a balanced and satisfying dish.
  • Nori Sheets – Nori sheets, rich in umami flavor, enhance the taste and texture of rice, creating a harmonious and satisfying combination commonly found in sushi rolls.
  • Curry Spices – Curry spices and rice pair well together because the aromatic, flavorful spices in curry are balanced by the neutral, starchy quality of rice, creating a harmonious and satisfying meal.
  • Fish (Such As Tuna Or Salmon) –