15 Super, Satisfying Rice Side Dishes

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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.

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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.

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Photography: Martyna Szczesna

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Cajun Dirty Rice

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.

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Photography: Andrew Purcell

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Brown Rice with Peas and Cilantro

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.

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Photography: William Brinson

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Wild Rice with Balsamic Mushrooms

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.

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Jeweled Rice

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.

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Photography: John von Pamer

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Black Rice with Broccoli and Almonds

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

Learn more about cooking black rice.

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Brown-Rice Salad with Spinach and Tomatoes

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

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Photography: Jen Causey

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Coconut-Water Rice

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

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Brown Rice and Black Beans

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.

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Photography: Martyn Thompson

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Wild-Rice and Lima-Bean Salad with Cranberry Relish

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

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Black-Bean and Brown-Rice Cakes

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

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Photography: Marcus Nilsson

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Rice Salad with Asparagus and Peas

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.

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Cuban Red Beans and Rice

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.

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Green Rice

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.

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Photography: Bryan Gardner

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Zesty Spanish Rice

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.

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