What To Serve With Brown Rice? 16 BEST Side Dishes

Brown rice - it's versatile, it's healthy, and it's delicious. The perfect canvas for a multitude of flavors, brown rice can easily be dressed up or down, making it a fantastic component of many meals.

But what do you serve with it to make the most of its earthy, nutty flavor? Let's dive into a list of 16 amazing dishes that pair wonderfully with brown rice.

Looking for a quick answer?

The best side dishes to serve with brown rice are beef and broccoli, orange chicken, tilapia, Japanese curry, carne asada, sheet pan sausage and veggies, corned beef hash, chicken Marsala, sweet and sour chicken, vegetable stir fry, shrimp scampi, teriyaki salmon, grilled tofu, honey mustard glazed chicken, and eggplant Parmesan.

Now, let's get cooking!

1. Beef and Broccoli

Tender slices of beef and crisp broccoli florets come together in a savory sauce to create this Chinese food classic. Beef and broccoli is a hearty, flavorful dish that pairs perfectly with the nuttiness of brown rice. The rich sauce is soaked up by the rice, making each bite a flavor-packed experience.

2. Orange Chicken

Sweet, tangy, and bursting with flavor, orange chicken is a fantastic match for brown rice. The rice's subtle, earthy flavor lets the orange chicken's vibrant flavors shine. Plus, the chicken's tangy sauce gives the rice an extra flavor boost.

3. Tilapia

Tilapia, with its mild flavor and delicate texture, makes a light and tasty side dish for brown rice. Whether it's grilled, baked, or pan-seared, tilapia can be flavored with a variety of herbs and spices, and its subtle taste complements the brown rice's nutty flavor.

4. Japanese Curry

Full of hearty vegetables and tender meat, Japanese curry is a comforting dish that goes wonderfully with brown rice. The curry's complex flavors, a blend of sweet and savory, are balanced by the rice's mild taste. Plus, the rice soaks up the curry's rich sauce, making for a satisfying meal.

5. Carne Asada

Marinated, grilled beef, or carne asada, offers robust, savory flavors that stand up well to brown rice. The beef's hearty flavors and the smoky notes from the grill work well with the brown rice's subtle, nutty taste. Add some grilled peppers and onions for a full, balanced meal.

6. Sheet Pan Sausage and Veggies

This one-pan wonder, full of colorful veggies and savory sausage, is a perfect match for brown rice. The sausage adds a burst of flavor and protein, while the veggies contribute freshness and a variety of textures. Roasting the sausage and veggies brings out their flavors, which pair well with the earthy brown rice.

7. Corned Beef Hash

For a unique and hearty side, try corned beef hash. This savory dish, with its mix of tender corned beef, crispy potatoes, and onions, offers a mix of flavors and textures that complement brown rice. The rice adds a pleasant chew and nutty taste that balance the savory hash.

8. Chicken Marsala

Chicken Marsala, with its tender chicken cutlets and rich, mushroom-studded wine sauce, is a wonderful dish to serve with brown rice. The nuttiness of the rice balances the savory, slightly sweet sauce, and the rice provides a perfect base to absorb the flavorful Marsala sauce.

9. Sweet and Sour Chicken

Tangy, sweet, and bright, sweet and sour chicken is a delightful pairing for brown rice. The vibrant flavors of the chicken pop against the subtle, nutty taste of the rice. Plus, the glossy, flavorful sauce drapes the rice beautifully, creating a perfect harmony of taste and texture.

10. Vegetable Stir Fry

A colorful, nutritious vegetable stir fry is a fantastic partner for brown rice. The mix of crisp-tender vegetables offers a range of flavors and textures that keep every bite interesting. Plus, the soy-based sauce that often accompanies stir fries is a delicious complement to the nutty taste of the rice.

11. Shrimp Scampi

Garlicky, buttery shrimp scampi brings a taste of the sea to your brown rice dish. The delicate shrimp are a nice contrast to the hearty rice, and the rich, garlicky sauce brings all the flavors together in a delicious way. A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top adds a burst of freshness.

12. Teriyaki Salmon

Sweet, savory teriyaki salmon is a delectable side dish for brown rice. The salmon's rich, fatty texture is balanced by the tangy, sweet teriyaki glaze. The brown rice provides a substantial, earthy base that lets the flavors of the salmon shine.

13. Grilled Tofu

For a plant-based option, try grilled tofu. Marinated and grilled until it has a crispy exterior, tofu is a delicious, protein-packed side that pairs well with brown rice. The tofu can be marinated in a variety of sauces, allowing you to tailor its flavors to your liking.

14. Black Bean and Corn Salsa

This vibrant salsa, full of black beans, corn, tomatoes, and a spicy kick from jalapenos, is a flavorful and healthy side for brown rice. The salsa's diverse textures and bright flavors offer a refreshing contrast to the rice's subtle, nutty taste.

15. Eggplant Parmesan

Hearty, cheesy eggplant Parmesan makes a deliciously indulgent side for brown rice. The soft, savory eggplant and the rich tomato sauce and cheese offer a pleasing contrast to the rice's earthiness. The rice helps balance the richness of the eggplant Parmesan, creating a well-rounded meal.

16. Glazed Chicken

Sweet and tangy honey mustard glazed chicken is a crowd-pleaser that pairs well with brown rice. The chicken's succulent texture and the glaze's dynamic flavors provide a tasty contrast to the brown rice. Plus, the glaze gives the rice a delightful flavor boost.

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