25 Delicious Rice Side Dishes For Fish

Fish is an incredibly versatile main course that pairs well with an array of side dishes.

Among the various sides that pair perfectly with fish, rice is undeniably one of the most comforting and satisfying choices.

Rice Side Dishes

Here, we’ll explore an assortment of rice dishes that will complement and elevate your next fish dinner.

Let’s dig in.

Quick To Make

When it comes to a mid-week meal, there’s not always a lot of time to prepare something fancy – this is where quick rice sides come in:

1. Lemon Herb Rice

This bright and zesty rice dish bursts with the flavors of fresh herbs like parsley as well as a tangy lemon kick – we also like to add dill into the mix.

Lemon herb rice pairs exceptionally well with grilled or baked fish, offering a burst of citrusy freshness that elevates the whole meal.

2. Garlic Butter Rice

Imagine combining the flavors of butter, garlic, and a hint of parsley in a pot of well-cooked rice.

This side, which is oh-so-simple but ridiculously delicious – is especially popular with rich, oily fish like salmon or mackerel, as the garlic cuts through the oiliness, offering a balanced mouthful.

Top tip – finish with grated parmesan.

3. Cilantro Lime Rice

Drawing inspiration from Mexican cuisine, cilantro lime rice is both aromatic and colorful.

The rice gets a makeover with lime juice and fresh cilantro, making it an exciting side dish that pairs especially well with fried or grilled fish varieties like mahi-mahi or tuna.

4. Turmeric Rice

For a bit of a kick, try this bright yellow rice. It is a quick fix with minimal cooking time.

The earthy flavor of turmeric pairs well with a variety of fish.

5. Poblano Rice

Using a handful of ingredients, Poblano Rice brings together sweetness and heat, offering a zesty but quick side dish option for your fish meal.

You’ll need butter, onion powder, garlic powder, chicken broth, jasmine rice, and, of course, poblano peppers to create this dish. And it’ll be ready in under 15 minutes.

Fewest Ingredients

We adore these sides for their simplicity – and you don’t need a full pantry to create them.

6. Classic White Rice

Nothing speaks volumes like a serving of fluffy, steamed white rice to accompany your fish.

White rice offers a delicate texture that doesn’t overshadow the fish’s flavor.

A squeeze of lemon or a sprinkle of herbs on the rice can complement the fish’s own seasoning.

7. Sticky Rice With Mango

Sticky Rice with Mango relies on the natural sweetness of ripe mango and the stickiness of glutinous rice, making it a simple yet delicious side dish.

The great thing about this side is it looks a lot more complicated than it is – perfect for wowing your guests.

8. Rice And Lentil Pilaf

This is a simple dish made from pantry staples.

The lentils and rice cook together, making it a one-pot wonder with minimal ingredients.

This particular recipe calls for onions, carrots, celery, garlic, broth, tomatoes, and parsley, but you can add or remove ingredients depending on what you have available and, of course, to suit your taste.

Classic Combinations

When it comes to fish and rice, certain combinations are a match in heaven – try the below to see what we mean:

9. Mushroom Risotto

This Italian classic pairs wonderfully with fish, especially when you want to elevate the entire meal.

Made with Arborio rice, mushroom risotto is a rich, creamy dish that offers the earthiness of mushrooms combined with a velvety texture.

10. Rice Pilaf With Almonds And Raisins

This Indian-inspired rice pilaf can add an exotic touch to your dinner table.

This version features slivered almonds and raisins, offering a unique combination of sweetness and crunch.

It is best served with mildly spiced fish to let the pilaf’s flavors shine.

11. Spanish Rice

Flavored with Picante sauce and chicken broth, Spanish rice offers a robust flavor profile.

Its hearty nature pairs well with strongly seasoned fish like blackened or Cajun-seasoned varieties.

Fried Rice

If nothing on the list has taken your fancy, how about a fried rice side?

12. Thai Pineapple Fried Rice

This dish combines the divine flavors of sweet pineapple, shrimp, raisins, roasted cashews, onions and tomato, and curry powder.

The tropical sweetness of pineapple contrasts well with the flavors of grilled or fried fish, offering a delightful culinary journey.

13. Kimchi Fried Rice

With its spicy, tangy notes, kimchi fried rice pairs excellently with simple, grilled fish dishes.

The fermentation of the kimchi also adds a layer of umami that complements the fish beautifully.

14. Basil Fried Rice

Inspired by Thai cuisine, this rice dish is seasoned with holy basil, soy sauce, and a touch of oyster sauce.

You can add any vegetables you like to this dish, which works particularly well with grilled or fried fish, adding an aromatic note to your meal.

15. Curry Fried Rice

Infused with mild curry spices and made with celery, carrot, and onion, this rice dish pairs wonderfully with baked or grilled fish.

The curry spices add warmth without overpowering the fish.

16. Shrimp Fried Rice

Including another protein like shrimp into the fried rice makes the meal more substantial.

The seafood flavors of the shrimp naturally harmonize with that of the fish, creating a delightful sea-to-table experience.

Bold Flavors For the Adventurous Palate

If you’re looking for bold flavors to accompany your fish, try one of the below recipes:

17. Black Rice Salad

Black rice offers an exotic, nutty flavor and a dark color that will intrigue your guests.

Add some veggies for color and crunch, and finish with a lemon vinaigrette, and you have a side dish that stands out.

18. Sweet Coconut And Pineapple Rice

Sweet and tropical, this rice dish uses coconut milk and fresh pineapple to deliver an unexpected but delicious flavor.

19. Paella-Style Rice

Incorporate saffron, various vegetables, and perhaps even seafood to make this rice dish that’s vibrant in both taste and appearance.

20. Saffron Rice With Mint

The richness of saffron meets the freshness of mint in this dish, creating a palate of contrasting yet harmonious flavors.

We love the addition of pine nuts and currants to elevate this dish.
Exotic Flavors

To bring a taste of the exotic to your plate to accompany your fish, give one of these a try:

21. Coconut Rice

For those who enjoy a tropical flair, coconut rice is an irresistible side.

Creamy coconut milk is cooked with rice, infusing it with a subtly sweet, nutty flavor.

This side is ideal with fish seasoned with Caribbean or Asian spices.

22. Sushi Rice

If you’re serving raw or lightly seared fish, consider sushi rice as your side.

Seasoned with rice vinegar and a touch of sugar, it offers a unique stickiness and slight tang that complements raw fish exceptionally well.

Health-Conscious Choices

For super healthy rice sides to accompany your fish, try the below:

23. Wild Rice With Cranberries

The nutty, chewy texture of wild rice is punctuated by the tartness of dried cranberries in this dish.

It’s an excellent choice for fall or winter meals, adding a festive note when served alongside fish.

24. Arroz Rojo (Mexican Red Rice)

This Mexican rice dish, packed with garlic, onion, tomatoes, jalapenos, and cilantro, is both delicious and healthy.

25. Rice With Pine Nuts And Spinach

Incorporating pine nuts and spinach, along with a dash of red pepper flakes, adds not just flavor but also nutritional value to this rice dish, making it a win-win choice.

In Summary

Whether you’re planning a casual weeknight dinner or an elaborate weekend feast, these tasty rice side dishes offer a gamut of flavors and textures to enhance your fish main course.

From the simple elegance of white rice or cilantro lime rice to a hearty helping of shrimp fried rice or a healthy dish of wild rice with cranberries, the options are endless.

And, with 25 dishes to dig into, there are plenty of recipes to keep you going and keep your menu fresh.

So, the next time you serve fish, remember this guide to ensure your side dish is as impressive as the main event.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of rice pairs best with fish?

Long-grain rice like Basmati or Jasmine tends to pair well with fish due to its fluffiness and less sticky texture.

Can I use flavored broth to cook the rice?

Absolutely, using flavored broth like chicken, vegetable, or even fish stock can add an extra layer of flavor to your rice.

How can I make my rice side dish healthier?

Switching to brown rice or a brown rice and quinoa blend provides more fiber and nutrients compared to white rice.

What kind of rice goes with Baked fish

A variety of rice dishes can complement baked fish, but if you’re looking for a classic choice, lemon herb rice or garlic butter rice would be a great fit. These sides offer flavors that are not too overpowering, allowing the natural taste of the baked fish to shine through.

25 Delicious Rice Side Dishes For Fish

Recipe by Barbara HuntCourse: Other Recipes
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

30

minutes
Cooking time

40

minutes
Calories

300

kcal

Directions

  • Choose a recipe from above
  • Gather your ingredients
  • Prepare your rice side dish
  • Enjoy with your fish.
Barbara Hunt

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