Are you looking for the ultimate accompaniment for your salmon dish?
This article presents the twelve most delicious rice side dishes you can make with salmon for any meal.
Whether it's a unique twist to an old favorite or a whole new recipe, this guide has it all.
Together, the combination of salmon and rice create the perfect balance of flavor and texture that will delight your palate.
Be sure to check out this article if you want to learn more about the best rice side dishes for salmon - guaranteed to put an interesting spin on dinner time tonight.
Why Salmon and Rice Go So Well Together?
Rice and salmon are a classic combination, enjoyed around the world.
There are plenty of different recipes that make various use of both ingredients.
The two combine to create an experience with complementary textures, flavors, and nutrients.
Salmon is a mild-flavored and lightly-textured fish which pairs exceptionally well with different types of rice.
Rice is a staple food offering plenty of nutrition, added texture and flavor when cooked into dishes such as risotto and sushi rice.
The neutral backdrop of rice allows the flavors in salmon to stand out while also lending itself uniquely to accompaniment from other flavorful elements like fresh herbs, lemon juice, garlic or salmon salad dressing ideas.
The neutral backdrop also goes incredibly well with cooked vegetables like peas or asparagus-which can be quickly prepared alongside salmon making a meal that can be on the table in under 30 minutes.
By combining components like vegetables, herbs, spices and sauce into or alongside the dish-the flavor for any salmon and rice dish can be perfected quickly and easily.
With just a few simple ingredients it is possible to create delicious side dishes that remain light but packed full of healthy nutrients essential for maintaining good heart health.
With each complementing ingredient - each chosen for its particular properties - creating sensational combinations capable of pleasing even the pickiest palate.
12 Rice Side Dishes That Pair with Salmon
Rice is one of the most versatile staples that you can keep in your kitchen.
From simple white rice to exotic varieties like jasmine and basmati, there's a rice side dish to match every type of fish, and salmon is no exception.
Salmon is a delicious source of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, protein, vitamins and minerals.
Choose the right rice side dish for your meal and you'll have a complete, nutritious dish on your table.
Here are 12 satisfyingly delicious side dishes for salmon:
For protein pairing ideas that complement rice-forward plates, see meats for red beans and rice list to adapt similar combos to salmon meals.
1 - Better Than Take-Out Fried Rice
Fried rice is a Chinese-American staple and it's one of the most popular ways to serve salmon.
The secret to this recipe is in the addition of sesame oil and soy sauce, which adds a deep, nutty flavor.
The takeaway here is simple: you can put together a restaurant quality fried rice dish right in your own kitchen that goes well with salmon.
To make the perfect take-out style fried rice you will need cooked white or brown jasmine or basmati rice, egg whites, scallions, garlic and ginger paste, frozen peas and carrots (or fresh veggies if you prefer), soy sauce, sesame oil and cooked fish (like salmon).
Start by heating some olive oil in a large frying pan or wok on medium-high heat.
If using frozen vegetables, add them to the pan first and fry until lightly browning before adding the remaining ingredients.
Next stir in the cooked rice and fry for about three minutes before adding the rest of your ingredients - eggs, scallions, ginger garlic paste - followed by the soy sauce, fish (if using) and sesame oil.
Keep stirring until everything is well blended then dish out into individual plates with your perfectly cooked piece of salmon on top.
Serve hot with extra sesame seeds as garnish.
If making fried rice ahead, remember safe storage guidelines - see how long cooked rice lasts to keep leftovers safe.
2 - Herb Lemon Rice
Herb Lemon Rice is a great way to add flavor and texture to your meal.
All you need is white rice (basmati, or any long grain variety works well), lemon, herbs, butter and salt.
This rice side dish is simple yet full of flavor - the contrasting flavors of zesty lemon and fragrant herbs really stand out when served with salmon, and for other lemon-forward pairings try sauces for lemon ricotta ravioli.
Start by cooking the rice in a large saucepan according to package instructions.
While the rice is cooking, melt butter in a separate pan over low heat and add fresh thyme, oregano, garlic powder, salt and lemon zest to it.
Once everything is combined well, squeeze the juice from half a lemon into the mixture.
Stir until all ingredients are incorporated evenly and set aside.
Once the rice has finished cooking, stir it into the herb-lemon butter mixture.
Fluff with a fork before serving alongside salmon fillets or steaks for an easy yet delicious meal that's sure to impress.
3 - Garlic Butter Rice
Garlic butter rice is a quick and delicious side dish that pairs particularly well with salmon - and for other garlic-forward accompaniments, see garlic bread pairings guide.
To make garlic butter rice, you'll need one cup of long grain white or basmati rice, two tablespoons of unsalted butter, three cloves of minced garlic, and two cups of chicken broth or water.
Begin the recipe by melting butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
Once the butter is melted and foaming, add garlic and cook for one minute until fragrant.
Stir in the rice until combined, then slowly add the broth (or water) stirring constantly until all liquid is absorbed (about 10 minutes).
Reduce heat to low, cover saucepan with a tight lid and simmer for 15-20 minutes until all liquid is evaporated and grains are tender.
Once done cooking stir in extra salt & pepper to taste.
Serve warm with your favorite dairy free protein such as salmon.
4 - Spanish Rice and Beans
For a side dish that packs a flavor punch, try Spanish Rice and Beans.
Start with uncooked white or brown rice; sauté onions, garlic, and bell pepper in olive oil until they are tender.
Add tomatoes and broth, then bring to a boil.
Then stir in the uncooked rice, reduce heat to low, cover the pot and simmer until the rice is tender and all liquid has been absorbed.
Finally add black beans (or another type of bean of your choice) to the pot and cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the beans are heated through.
This can easily be served as both a side dish or main course - depending on accompaniments chosen, but either way it's sure to add flavorfuly punch to any salmon meal.
When using brown rice in this dish, consider storage and shelf-life differences - learn more at how long brown rice lasts.
5 - Cheesy Broccoli Rice
Cheesy Broccoli Rice is a great side dish that compliments salmon nicely.
Start by cooking two cups of white rice according to package instructions.
Once the rice is cooked, mix in a cup of diced broccoli florets and one cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
In a separate bowl, whisk together one granulated garlic clove, ¼ teaspoon Paprika, ½ teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, salt and black pepper to taste.
Pour the seasoning mixture over the rice and stir until combined.
Transfer to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish and bake at 350°F for 25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve alongside your favorite salmon dish for an easy and delicious meal everyone will love.
For a full one-pot meal that pairs well with cheesy rice, try a simple slow cooker chicken and rice recipe alongside salmon when feeding a crowd.
6 - EASY and Flavorful Ranch Rice
This easy, flavorful ranch rice side dish is an ideal pairing for salmon.
It can be enjoyed as part of a complete meal, or you can serve a large spoonful along with your salmon filet.
It features basmati rice and fresh herbs such as cilantro and parsley, along with the richness of butter, cream and ranch powder.
The end result is a delicious complement to your favorite salmon recipes.
To make this dish, begin by cooking the basmati rice according to package directions.
In a separate pan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and add 1 chopped onion; cook until softened.
Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook until fragrant (1-2 minutes).
Reduce the heat to low and add ½ cup of heavy cream; simmer until thickened (3-4 minutes).
Remove from heat and add 2 tablespoons of ranch dressing mix; stir until fully combined.
Add the cooked rice to the onion/cream mixture along with ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley and ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro; season generously with salt & pepper.
Serve warm alongside your favorite salmon dish for a truly delicious meal.
7 - Creamy Garlic Butter Parmesan Rice
This creamy garlic butter Parmesan rice is a simple side dish that goes well with seafood.
With only a few ingredients, it's the perfect way to add flavor to your meal.
To start, bring four cups of water to a boil in a medium-sized pot.
Add one cup of white long grain rice and give it a stir.
Reduce the heat and simmer covered for 15 minutes or until most of the liquid is absorbed.
Then remove from the heat and fluff with a fork before adding two tablespoons of butter, one teaspoon of garlic salt, and two tablespoons finely grated Parmesan cheese.
Serve topped with chopped fresh parsley for an added touch of flavor.
For ideas on vegetables that complement rich, buttery sauces similar to this rice, check butter chicken vegetables to consider.
8 - Dirty Rice
Dirty rice is a classic side dish consisting of white rice that has been cooked with seasonings, garlic, onion and some sort of ground meat.
Depending on your preference, you can use either ground chicken, turkey or pork for the dish.
The combination of the rice with the ground meat gives the dish its "dirty" color.
A great way to serve this side is to mix it in a warm skillet with freshly cooked salmon.
The fish will absorb some of the flavor as it cooks, and then when you top it off with your favorite condiments, you will have an irresistible side dish.
Simply prepare your dirty rice according to instructions using 1 ½ cups of cooked white rice per one cup of liquids (broth or water) and cook until the liquid has been absorbed.
Then add freshly cooked salmon fillets into the pan after about 10 minutes of cooking for a juicy and flavorful dish.
9 - Black Beans and Cilantro-Lime Rice
This Mexican-inspired side dish is a great way to turn your salmon dinner into an international feast.
It combines black beans, cilantro and lime for a delicious burst of flavor, offset by spicy jalapeños if you're feeling adventurous.
To make this side dish, start by cooking one cup of long-grain white rice according to the directions on the package.
Once the rice is cooked and fluffed, stir in one can of rinsed black beans, ¼ cup of fresh chopped cilantro, juice from one lime and salt to taste.
For an extra kick of heat, you can add chopped jalapeño peppers before serving.
Enjoy it with grilled salmon for an easy and delicious dinner.
10 - Portuguese Tomato Rice (Arroz de Tomate)
Portuguese Tomato Rice (Arroz de Tomate) is a traditional Portuguese dish often served as a side to baked and grilled salmon.
It is made with tomato, garlic, onion and parsley, cooked in olive oil until the aromas are released.
White rice is added to the mixture, which is then simmered in boiling water for about 20 minutes until all the liquid has been absorbed.
The result is a fragrant and delicious accompaniment to salmon that also stands on its own as a light and tasty meal.
Enjoy this traditional dish with your salad-stuffed baked salmon or try it as part of an elegant salmon dinner party dish.
Serve this classic Portuguese concoction alongside your favorite grilled or poached salmon creation for added decadence.
11 - Hawaiian Pineapple Rice
Hawaiian pineapple rice is the perfect combination of sweet and savory.
This delicious side dish is made by cooking basmati rice in coconut milk, then adding chunks of fresh pineapple, bell pepper, carrots and red onion.
Serve it with a grilled piece of salmon and you've got a delicious meal that will bring your palate to the islands.
For an even sweeter finish, top with a drizzle of honey.
12 - Turmeric Rice
Turmeric rice is a flavorful, golden-colored accompaniment to salmon and many other dishes.
Its bright yellow hue is created by adding turmeric to normal white or brown rice.
The turmeric adds both flavor and color, creating a dish that looks as great as it tastes.
To prepare turmeric rice, start by bringing 1 ½ cups of water to a boil in a saucepan.
Next, stir in 1 cup of long grain jasmine or basmati rice and ½ teaspoon salt and then reduce the heat to low.
Simmer the rice for 15 minutes until all the water has been absorbed by the grains.
After that, stir in ¼ teaspoon turmeric and give it another few minutes on low heat for the flavors to combine.
Then fluff with a fork before piling onto your plate with a piece of salmon.
The 10 BEST Salads to Serve with Lasagna pairs nicely with hearty sides. salads to serve with lasagna list complements rich mains. The 10 Salads that Go with Corned Beef and Cabbage also fit sturdier menus; see corned beef and cabbage salad ideas for suitable salad matches.
Frequently Asked Questions
A rice side dishe that balances the richness or freshness of Salmon works best. Consider the texture and flavor of the main dish when making your choice.
Avoid options that are too sharp, heavy, or overpowering for Salmon. Strong flavors can clash with the main dish rather than complement it.
Aim for a contrast - if the main dish is soft and saucy, a crispy or firm side adds welcome variety. If it is already textured, a smooth or creamy option rounds things out.
Most grain and roasted vegetable sides can be prepped a day ahead. Store separately and reheat before serving.
Fresh salads and anything with a sauce are better made same-day.
