15 Super, Satisfying Rice Side Dishes

Whether you go simple or bulk it up with vegetables and proteins, a rice side is just the thing to round out any meal. Our recipes, for white rice, brown rice, black rice, and wild rice, add more flavor to the plate and soak up any delicious juices left behind.

Sesame-Lime Rice

A little nutty and a touch citrusy, this rice side is the perfect accompaniment for an Asian-inspired main dish.

Chicken liver is traditionally what makes this Cajun classic "dirty." Our version gets extra heft from ground beef and an unexpected flavor boost from Worcestershire and soy sauce. Serve with thinly sliced jalapenos and Crystal hot sauce.

This whole grain side comes together in about 20 minutes thanks to instant-brown rice and frozen peas -- toasted fennel seed and chopped cilantro give the finished dish extra flavor.

Chewy, earthy grains of wild rice get the Italian treatment in this flavorful side that includes a medley of caramelized mushrooms, scallions, and a splash of balsamic vinegar.

Golden raisins, onions, and a pat of butter are all you need to gussy up white rice. Pair this savory-sweet side with grilled chicken or curry.

A roasted garlic vinaigrette is the piece de resistance in this crunchy, good-for-you rice salad.

Learn more about cooking black rice. 

Fresh dill and garlic brighten the red-wine vinaigrette for this light, refreshing salad.

Cooking rice in coconut water infuses it with a sweet, nutty flavor that makes it ideal for serving with jerk chicken.

Jalapenos, onions, and garlic season this rice-and-beans dish that pairs well with fish and chicken. It also makes a delectable vegetarian dinner when served with cilantro, red onion, tomato, avocado, sour cream, cheese, and hot sauce.

Homemade cranberry relish adds a lovely sweet-tart note to this otherwise savory rice salad.

Cumin and fresh jalapeno spice up these cakes that satisfy as a side but can also be an appetizer or vegetarian burger patty.

This rice salad gets a flavor and texture kick from asparagus, peas, red onion, radicchio, and fresh basil. A garlicky, briny sherry vinaigrette makes the recipe a keeper.

Fresh oregano and ground cumin, along with onion, green bell pepper, and garlic, are key to building flavor in this rice-and-beans side dish.

Packed with fresh cilantro and parsley and finished with a squeeze of lime, this brightly colored side pairs well with everything from simple grilled meats to tacos of all stripes.

Give plain rice an instant upgrade by cooking it with your favorite salsa. The result is a tangy, spicy side dish that pairs well with beans, roast chicken, and more.