Fried rice is a staple in many of our kitchens. It’s quick, it’s easy, and oh boy, is it versatile.
We’ve all been there. You look into the fridge, see a container of yesterday’s rice, and think, “Yep, fried rice for dinner.” Yet, the main dish dilemma is settled. What next? Sides can make or break a meal.
Now, we’re not about to leave you hanging with a plate of lonely fried rice. We’ve got the scoop on the best companions for your rice masterpiece. No fancy chef talk here, just good old side dish wisdom.
Ever tried pairing it with some crispy tofu? Or what about tangy pickled vegetables? They’re not just sides; they’re meal transformers. Trust, the right side dishes will lift your fried rice from good to unforgettable.
We’ve been down this road. Tested some hits and misses. Ready for the grand reveal?
Why Consider Serving Side Dishes with Fried Rice?
Fried rice is a popular main dish worldwide, and it’s also a great accompaniment to many other dishes.
However, if you’re serving fried rice as the main course, it can be nice to have a side dish or two available for your guests.
Although fried rice tastes great on its own, having side dishes will make the whole meal taste better and remain unforgettable.
Be it vegetables, meats, eggs or soups, side dishes can make the fried rice more filling and healthier for you because they enhance the flavor of the main meal.
What to Serve with Fried Rice? 7 BEST Side Dishes
Side dishes are an essential part of a meal as the main dish itself.
A good side dish can elevate the taste of the whole meal, while a bad one can ruin it.
Fried rice is no exception. These dishes go well with almost any meat, but they also work with many vegetable-based side dishes.
Here are seven of the best side dishes for fried rice:
1 – Chicken Teriyaki
Chicken teriyaki is a Japanese dish marinated in a sweet soy sauce-based sauce.
It is often served with fried rice or vegetables, such as carrots and cabbage.
If you’re looking for a quick, easy weeknight meal, chicken teriyaki is a great choice.
It is often served with savory side dishes like fried rice or egg noodles.
The savory nature of the sides offsets the sweetness of the chicken teriyaki, creating a balanced meal.
If you’re entertaining guests with fried rice, chicken teriyaki is an excellent choice as a side dish, and it’s sure to please everyone, from kids to adults.
2 – Dumplings
Dumplings are one of the most common choices for serving fried rice.
These little bites are perfect for adding a little bit of kick to your meal – but remember not to fill them with something too heavy, or they may weigh your dish down instead of helping it out.
Taste and texture are important considerations.
Fried rice is made with sauteed meats, vegetables and sauces, and it’s got a rich flavor that can overwhelm lighter side dishes.
And because fried rice is usually served hot, it needs a cold or room temperature side dish to balance out the meal.
In such cases, dumplings act as the perfect side dish.
3 – Egg Rolls
Egg rolls are a type of Chinese dumpling that is deep-fried and served in crunchy wrappers.
They are often served as an appetizer or snack with a sweet and sour sauce, but they can be used as the main dish for lunch or dinner.
Egg rolls are also famous in America, and many restaurants offer them as an alternative to French fries.
The combination of fried rice and egg rolls is a classic Chinese takeout meal.
It is a good side dish because egg rolls are slightly crispy on the outside while being soft and chewy on the inside.
It complements well with fried rice because it provides a break from the heaviness of the chicken, beef or pork ingredients.
4 – Broccoli
Broccoli is one of the healthiest vegetables you can eat.
It is a popular vegetable loaded with essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
It belongs to the cruciferous family, including cauliflower, cabbage and Bok choy.
You can eat broccoli raw or cooked, and it’s an excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin K and folic acid.
Vegetables are a significant part of the diet, and they are low in calories but high in nutrients and vitamins.
You can serve boiled, baked or fried broccoli with fried rice to increase its nutritional value and make it more delicious.
5 – Roasted Asparagus
Asparagus is a vegetable that, when cooked, has a crunchy texture and a taste that is similar to that of green beans.
It belongs to the lily family and is also called sparrow grass.
You can find fresh asparagus in the spring, but it can also be found canned or frozen year-round.
Roasted asparagus is one of the healthiest side dishes, and it’s low in calories and contains almost no fat.
Roasting asparagus delivers the natural sweetness of this vegetable.
When served with fried rice, it provides a nice contrast to the salty or spicy flavor of the rice.
6 – Grilled Pork Ribs
There are several reasons why people like grilled pork ribs as a side dish for fried rice.
First, they bring an additional layer of texture and flavor to the rice.
Second, the meat is soft and tender, making it easier to chew and swallow than meat found in other dishes.
Finally, the dish’s taste brings out sweet notes that help complement the savoriness of the rice.
If you love eating non-veg and want to include it in a fried rice meal, having grilled pork ribs is a delightful addition that will enhance the taste.
7 – Omelet
An omelet is a simple dish made of beaten eggs cooked with some filling ingredients.
It is one of the easiest dishes to prepare as it can be served in several ways.
You can either use vegetables, cheese or meat as the filling.
The simplest omelets are usually just eggs mixed with salt, pepper and sometimes chopped herbs.
Many people have used various omelet recipes because of how tasty it is and how easy it is to prepare.
Eggs are one of the best protein sources for us, so if you want a healthy dish next to a delicious bowl of fried rice, omelets are an excellent choice to consider.
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