Fried rice is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed on its own or with a variety of toppings. But sometimes, you might want to spice up your fried rice with some extra flavor and texture.
I have compiled a list of side dishes for fried rice that will make your meal more satisfying and exciting. So you don't have to wonder what to serve with fried rice. Here are some of the side dishes you can try with your fried rice:
Protein Mains to Serve with Fried Rice
Fried rice is hearty enough to anchor a full meal, and the right protein alongside it turns a simple bowl into something worth sitting down for. Black pepper chicken has been our go-to recipe recently. Dumplings pair well with a lot of the same sides, so take a look at my guide to what to eat with dumplings for more ideas.
Chicken Teriyaki
This teriyaki chicken promises a fusion of delectable and sweet flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. The succulent chicken, marinated and glazed in a rich teriyaki sauce, ensures a delightful and satisfying meal. This recipe allows you to customize it with your favorite vegetables or side dishes.
Orange Chicken
This twist on the classic orange chicken recipe doesn't compromise on flavor, thanks to the sticky, sweet, and tangy orange glaze that perfectly coats the tender chicken. Enjoying this scrumptious dish with steamed jasmine rice or fried rice is a brilliant idea as it creates a harmonious combination of tastes and textures. The rice soaks up the delicious sauce, elevating the overall dining pleasure.
Lemon Chicken
The zesty and tangy notes of the lemon chicken beautifully complement the fried rice. The tender, juicy chicken in the dish is enhanced by the fluffy grains of rice. Moreover, the dish adds a touch of versatility to the meal and makes it suitable for both a casual family dinner and a special gathering with friends.
Sesame Chicken
This simple chicken dish combines tender chicken pieces with a sweet and tangy sauce, sprinkled with sesame seeds and green onions. It is perfect with fried rice because the rice absorbs the flavorful sauce and complements the crunchiness of the chicken.
Steamed Chicken with Black Bean Sauce
This traditional Asian dish is a simple dish cooked with a steamer. It has a rich and filling sauce that will give you a feeling of eating at your favorite Chinese restaurant. The tender and juicy chicken is heaven in every bite.
Pork Tenderloin Roast
The tenderloin is seasoned and roasted to perfection. So you get to enjoy a juicy and flavorful dish that will impress your guests or satisfy your family's taste buds. The natural flavors of the pork will make any meal stand out.
Braised Pork in Sweet Soy Sauce
The tender and succulent pork in this recipe complements the savory and slightly nutty flavor of the fried rice, resulting in a harmonious blend of tastes and textures. The sweet soy sauce adds a luscious and aromatic touch to the dish, enhancing its overall flavor profile. Together, these two dishes create a fulfilling and satisfying meal that will leave you craving more.
Bulgogi Beef
In this popular dish from Korea, thinly sliced tender beef is marinated in a flavorful blend of soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic, infusing the meat with rich umami goodness. The meat is then stir-fried until perfectly caramelized and served over a bed of steaming white rice. To complete the meal, you can pair this mouthwatering bulgogi with a side of fried or leftover rice for a wholesome Asian-inspired feast for your taste buds.
Kung Pao Chicken
Kung Pao chicken is a classic Chinese dish that's delightful and full-flavored. The tender chicken is stir-fried with a medley of vegetables and roasted peanuts. The signature Kung Pao sauce, with its delightful blend of sweet, spicy, and tangy notes, coats the chicken and vegetables, making every bite a burst of flavor.
Black Pepper Beef
The Angus steak is generously seasoned with black pepper, enhancing its rich flavor and creating a tantalizing aroma. Whether grilled, pan-seared, or cooked to your preference, this steak recipe guarantees a tender and juicy result that will impress your taste buds. This black pepper Angus steak is an excellent choice to serve fried rice for any occasion.
Pineapple Glazed Pork Chops
Any kind of cooked rice tastes great with this versatile main dish. The succulent pork chops, glazed with a sweet and tangy pineapple sauce make the dish mouthwatering. The juicy bursts of pineapple in the dish add a refreshing touch that balances the richness of the rice and creates a delectable and satisfying meal experience.
Seafood to Serve with Fried Rice
Seafood and fried rice are a natural pairing; the clean, briny flavor of fish or shrimp cuts right through the richness of the rice.
Sweet and Sour Fish
Sweet and sour fish is perfect with fried rice because the tangy and zesty flavors of the sauce complement the fried rice. The crispy fish adds a delightful contrast to the soft and fluffy rice and gives a satisfying mouthfeel. These two dishes create a harmonious balance of flavors and textures, making each bite a delightful experience for the whole family.
Spicy Garlic Shrimp
This succulent and spicy shrimp recipe brings forth bold flavors that perfectly complement flavorsome fried rice or fragrant jasmine rice. The blend of heat and sweetness highlights the tender texture of the shrimp against the fluffy grains of rice. With its irresistible appeal, this pairing is sure to leave everyone craving for more.
Deep Fried Calamari
The recipe offers a perfect balance of crisp and tender calamari. The light and flavorful coating, combined with a hint of lemon, enhances the taste of the fried rice. This dish is indeed a treat for seafood lovers.
Pan Fried Fish
If you're not a fan of Chinese cuisine, I bet you'll be after trying this dish. The perfectly pan-fried fish has a golden and crunchy crust. This recipe highlights the flavors of the fish while enhancing them with a touch of garlic, ginger, and soy sauce.
Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon
This recipe will be your next favorite fried rice side. It's a honey garlic glazed salmon that is baked in the oven until flaky and tender. It has a sweet and sticky sauce that is made with honey, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and lemon juice. It is a simple and meal that you can make in a jiffy.
Stir-Fried Asparagus and Shrimp
This dish is a delicious and easy way to enjoy shrimp and asparagus. You can whip it up in less than 30 minutes with just a few ingredients. You will love the flavorful sauce that coats the tender shrimp and crisp asparagus. It's perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. Serve it with fried rice or your favorite Chinese food.
Thai Curry Shrimp
This Thai curry shrimp is a creamy and spicy dish that uses coconut milk, red curry paste, fish sauce, lime juice, and fresh herbs to create a rich sauce for the shrimp and vegetables. What makes it worth making is you can adjust the spiciness and thickness of the sauce according to your preference.
Salt and Pepper Squid
Salt and pepper squid is one of the popular Chinese dishes to have with fried rice. The squid is coated with a mixture of flour, cornmeal, salt, and pepper, then deep-fried until golden and crunchy. It's best served hot with some lime wedges for extra tanginess.
Vegetable Sides to Serve with Fried Rice
A crisp, well-seasoned vegetable side gives your plate color and balance; these are the ones that actually hold their own next to bold, savory rice.
Tofu and Broccoli Stir Fry
The tofu provides a hearty and protein-rich element, while the tender broccoli adds a fresh and vibrant touch. The fragrant garlic sauce ties everything together, creating a mouthwatering dish that pairs perfectly with fried rice. The contrasting textures and complementary flavors make fried rice more mouthwatering.
Chinese Broccoli with Oyster Sauce
The recipe is also easy and quick, making it a convenient choice for busy days when you want a flavorful addition to your meal without much effort. You won't crave Chinese takeout once you try this recipe.
Glazed Brussels Sprouts
The recipe takes Brussels sprouts to a whole new level by roasting them to perfection, creating a delightful crunch and caramelization. The glaze, a combination of sweet maple, savory soy, and spicy sriracha, adds an incredible depth of flavor that will tantalize your taste buds. This delicious side dish is a great way to get your veggies in, making it a standout addition to your fried rice meal.
Sauteed Bell peppers
This colorful and easy recipe complements a wide range of main courses. The peppers are cooked to perfection, maintaining their crispness and vibrant colors while developing a delicious caramelized flavor.
Garlic Ginger Snow Peas
It's the simplest side dish and a very flavorful way to add some greens to your meal. The garlic and ginger add a spicy and aromatic touch that complements the rice well. The snow peas are crisp and tender, and they cook quickly in a hot wok. You can enjoy this dish as a side or toss it with fried rice for a one-pot meal.
Grilled Vegetables
These grilled fresh veggies delightful choice to accompany fried rice due to their freshness and robust flavors. The assortment of grilled vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms, adds a wonderful variety of textures and tastes to the meal. It's a fantastic choice for a flavorful and balanced meal that you can easily make at home.
Japanese Zucchini
The dish features thinly sliced zucchini sautéed in a flavorful soy-based sauce. The addition of garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes gives it a subtle kick, elevating the taste profile. This recipe is a quick and easy side dish that goes well with a variety of main courses, adding a touch of Asian-inspired flair to your meal.
Roasted Carrots
This refreshing twist on a classic side dish only takes minutes to make. The carrots are roasted to perfection, bringing out their natural sweetness, while the combination of lemon and Dijon mustard adds a tangy and zesty kick. This dish is visually appealing with its vibrant colors and is a nutritious addition to any meal.
Green Beans and Mushroom Stir Fry
This delectable vegetarian dish has the earthy flavors of mushrooms with the fresh crunch of green beans. So it's a satisfying option for any meal. The dish is easy to prepare, making it a perfect go-to recipe for busy weeknights or as a side dish for special occasions. With its colorful presentation and flavorful seasoning, veggie enthusiasts and non-vegetarians will enjoy it.
Seasonal Favorite
This is my award-winning Crisco pie crust recipe; flaky, tender, and made with simple ingredients you already have.
Plant-Based Proteins to Serve with Fried Rice
You do not need meat on the plate for fried rice to feel like a complete meal; these plant-based options bring enough protein and big flavor to do the job.
Teriyaki Mushrooms
The tender and umami-rich teriyaki mushrooms perfectly complement fried or white rice. The earthy flavors of the mushrooms elevate the overall dish, adding depth and complexity to the rice's simplicity. This hearty and fulfilling vegetarian option will impress both mushroom lovers and those seeking a tasty meatless alternative.
Fried Tofu
This delicious dish is perfect for vegans and anyone looking to add more plant-based protein to their diet. With its simple ingredients and small pieces, this recipe is an excellent addition to salads, stir-fries, or simply enjoyed as a delicious and satisfying snack.
Spicy Korean Tofu
Do you want a delicious and fiery take on tofu? The dish is pan-fried to achieve a crispy exterior, while the spicy Korean sauce adds a burst of flavor with its combination of gochujang, soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil. The heat and umami make this delicious with fried or brown rice.
Appetizers and Small Bites to Serve with Fried Rice
Fried rice with a crispy bite on the side is the kind of spread that makes people think you ordered from a restaurant; these small plates earn their place at the table.
Spicy Vegan Chinese Dumplings
The spicy and piquant profile of the dumplings pairs perfectly with the subtle and comforting flavors of fried rice. Additionally, the softness of the dumplings contrasts nicely with the crisp texture of the rice. The mix of tastes and textures on your plate gives a Chinese restaurant experience.
Crispy Fried Egg with Herbs
Try cooking this skillet eggs with herbs recipe because it offers a unique and delicious twist on a classic breakfast dish. The edges and soft, perfectly cooked eggs create a delightful textural experience. The addition of fresh herbs elevates the flavors, adding a burst of freshness to each bite. This recipe is quick and easy to make in just one skillet.
Air Fryer Chicken Wings
The air fryer technique ensures that the wings turn out perfectly crispy on the outside while remaining tender and juicy on the inside. With a variety of flavor options available, you can customize the wings to suit your preferences - from classic buffalo sauce to tangy barbecue or even sweet and spicy glazes.
Egg Drop Soup
Pairing this warm delicious side with Chinese fried rice is a fantastic idea for a few reasons. Firstly, the light and savory nature of the egg drop soup perfectly complements the heartiness of the fried rice, creating a well-balanced and satisfying meal. Secondly, the simplicity of the soup's flavors allows the complexity of the fried rice to shine through.
Hot and Sour Soup
This soup is an ideal choice for those who enjoy a tantalizing blend of spiciness and tanginess. The dumplings add a comforting and satisfying element to the soup. The heat from the spices combined with the sour notes creates a delightful flavor explosion that will warm your soul. So this soup is a perfect accompaniment to any meal, especially on a chilly weeknight dinner.
Spring Rolls
The flavor from this spring roll recipe complements the heartiness of any fried rice recipe. The mix of fresh vegetables and aroma pairs exceptionally well with the comforting fried rice, which creates a truly delightful feast.
I am Sarah Mock. Welcome!
Sarah Mock is a classically trained Chef and a graduate of Johnson & Wales University. A culinary blogger for 17 years, Sarah helps the home cook prepare her recipes with professional results.
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