What to Serve with Brown Rice? 7 BEST Side Dishes

Brown rice is like that reliable friend who shows up every time you need a solid side. It’s versatile, nutritious, and can vibe with just about any dish we whip up.

Figuring out what to serve with it is a must. We’ve had our fair share of brown rice dinners that felt a bit like… blah.

We get it—sometimes brown rice on its own just doesn’t cut it. Luckily, there are plenty of delicious side dishes that can take it from “meh” to “wow!”

So, here are our top picks that’ll make brown rice the star of the plate instead of just the supporting cast. Get ready to upgrade your meals with these tasty combos!

Why Consider Serving Side Dishes with Brown Rice?

Whether you serve rice alone or with other side dishes, you will never be disappointed with how deliciously it gets cooked.

You will not be left unsatisfied with a bowl of brown rice with something to go with it.

On top of that, they are very adaptable and easy to make.

It would be best to try out some simple recipes to make brown rice so that they are both easily made and healthy.

Brown rice is chewy and bland, which can go well with any dishes you serve.

It can be cooked and baked with other ingredients; it can also be added to rolls, soups, or even in puddings.

What to Serve with Brown Rice? 7 BEST Side Dishes

Brown rice is very healthy, but you can make it more nutritious by adding some side dishes that will enhance the taste and nutritional value.

Here are some dishes to serve with brown rice.

1. Miso Honey Salmon

The miso-honey salmon is a divine dish to serve at a dinner party, mainly if you are serving brown rice.

It is made by marinating the salmon with sake, soy sauce, and miso and then cooking.

The miso is a flavorful fermented paste that brings a salty, savory taste to the salmon.

They are nutrient-rich and quite delicious.

The miso-honey salmon and brown rice make a perfect pair.

Since brown rice tastes plain, the sweet-salty ingredients of the salmon will provide flavor to the brown rice.

They are also filling, so you do not have to think about adding another side dish.

2. Apricot Pork Medallions

Looking for something fancy to serve with brown rice? Why not try the apricot pork medallions? They are a perfect meal to go with brown rice.

The pork is roasted in the oven until it is soft, and it is then mixed with apricot jam or sauce to give it a sweet hint.

The sweet flavor of the apricot and the savory roasted pork make it a delicious dish.

Serve this with your brown rice, and it will be a dinner to remember.

The dish might look fancy, but it only takes about 30 minutes to prepare, so you will have an exquisite dish on your table in no time.

3. Garlic Butter baked Chicken

Chicken seems to be one of the most common comfort food these days.

They are affordable, healthy, quickly found, and delicious.

Chicken can also pair well with any recipe and dish.

If you want to serve a savory chicken dish with brown rice, try making the garlic butter-baked Chicken.

You have to bake or roast the Chicken and mix it with garlic butter sauce.

The sauce gives the Chicken a buttery and extra punch of savor.

It will be a great food to eat with your brown rice, and you will not want to stop eating.

It might become one of your favorite chicken dinners.

4. Cauliflower and Broccoli Casserole

Are your guests vegetarian, and do you want to serve them something healthy? You should try to serve them the broccoli-cauliflower casserole.

It is a simple yet delicious food that is great as a side dish.

This veggie-loaded tasty casserole will make you fall in love with vegetables.

They are perfect for your vegetarian guests and those who do not like vegetables.

It brings a creamy, cheesy flavor to the rich.

It is a lovely side dish for your dinner party or gathering.

It uses very simple ingredients and is easy to prepare, and they are also very healthy with brown rice.

5. Sausage Meatballs and Chickpea

Sausage meatballs are a gluten-free dish served with chickpea to make it healthy.

These meatballs are delicious and will be loved by your guests.

They are moist and savory, a favorite of many meat lovers.

The chickpea in the dish makes the dish nutritious while tasty at the same time.

It is a great and simple recipe to serve as a side dish.

They go well with brown rice as the rice has a very bland taste.

The sausage and chickpea will bring a delicious savory taste to it.

The sausage meatballs can also be made in an easy way at home.

6. Roasted Potatoes and Carrots

Another healthy side dish to serve with brown rice would be roasted carrots and potatoes.

Roasted potatoes are a favorite of many and roasting carrot gives it a different flavor which tastes better than eating it raw.

They are one of the easiest recipes and can be paired with any dish.

They are roasted in garlic butter, or you can even go for a simpler recipe with just basic ingredients.

However way you roast them, they are going to turn out pretty well.

They are perfect veggie sides to go with brown rice, just plain and simple but also delicious and healthy.

7. Lemon Garlic Shrimps

A good pair of seafood also works with brown rice.

Try serving your guests some lemon garlic shrimp for a seafood adventure.

It is one of the simplest dishes to make and is loaded with flavors.

The buttery, savory taste of the shrimp blend well with brown rice, and they can be made in about 15-20 minutes.

The garlic and the lemon are the main ingredients bringing life the flavor of the shrimp so remember to use them when they are fresh as possible.

It is an easy recipe and acts as a great appetizer and a side for many meals.