Fried rice is a popular dish that can be served as either an entrée, main dish, or a side dish. It’s also perfect for when you want to get creative with leftovers in the fridge, and it’s easy to make too!
What can you serve with fried rice? Here is the list:
Omelet
Pickled Vegetables
Beef Teriyaki
Malay Chicken Satay
And many more.
This article will provide some great side dishes perfect for serving fried rice.
Fried rice is a dish consisting of cooked rice that has been stir-fried in oil or another fat.
The main ingredients are usually any type of meat, eggs, and vegetables which can include peas, onions, carrots, corn kernels, beansprouts, etc.
Where does Fried Rice Originate?
Fried rice is a dish that was originally created in China. However, this Chinese food has become popular all over the world. You can find it at most Chinese Restaurants anywhere in the world.
This savory rice can be made with many different ingredients, and there are endless variations of this dish.
Why is Fried Rice so Popular?
Fried rice is so popular throughout the world that it’s no surprise that it’s one of the world’s most well-known rice dishes. The flexibility of fried rice as a home cook is what lends it its appeal.
It’s also a wonderful way to use up leftover meat and veggies, as it’s equally delicious as chow mein. It’s ideal for those nights when you’re cleaning out the refrigerator and want to get rid of any leftovers.
What Can You Serve with Fried Rice?
Fried Rice Add-ins
Vegetables: Carrots, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Green Beans, Peas, Corn, Zucchini, Spinach, Asparagus, Eggplant, Mushrooms, Tomatoes, etc.
Nuts: Almonds, Cashews, Hazelnuts, Macadamia nuts, Pistachios, Walnuts, Pecans, Pine Nuts, Sunflower Seeds, Pumpkin seeds, etc.
There are tons of fried rice side dishes to choose from with tons of flavor, and they all sound delicious.
Here are some of the favorite dishes that go well with most types of fried rice.
Sunny Side-up Fried Egg
Adding a fried egg to your fried rice gives you a nice dose of protein and makes it more filling. The runny yolk also provides a delicious richness and creaminess that pairs well with the savory flavors in the dish.
Sesame Broccoli
This dish pairs well with fried rice because of the complementary flavors and textures. The broccoli is crispy, while the sesame sauce provides a delicious nutty flavor.
Mandarin Orange Salad
The sweetness of the mandarin oranges in this salad is an excellent contrast to the salty and savory flavors found in fried rice. Plus, it’s a refreshing dish perfect for any time of the year and goes well with most main dishes.
Sautéed Mushrooms
The earthy flavor of mushrooms pairs well with the flavors found in fried rice. Plus, they are a healthy and low-carb side dish perfect for those looking to add some extra vegetables to their meal.
Creamy Coleslaw
This classic side dish goes great with any fried rice. In addition to being delicious, it’s easy to make and pairs well with both Chinese-style fried rice and other varieties like Mexican or Italian fried rice.
Omelet
An omelet is a classic dish filled with many ingredients, making it the perfect side for fried rice. It’s also a great way to use up leftovers in the fridge, and it’s easy to customize to your liking.
Ginger Beef
This dish is an excellent option for those looking for something a little more upscale to serve with their fried rice. The ginger beef is tender and juicy, while the garlic provides a delicious flavor profile that pairs well with most types of fried rice.
Chicken Black Pepper
This dish is an excellent choice for those who love spicy food. The chicken is cooked with black pepper, giving it a delicious and flavorful kick. Plus, it’s easy to make and goes well with most types of fried rice.
Lamb Chop
If you’re looking for a luxurious side dish to serve with your fried rice, then look no further than lamb chops. They are tender and juicy, and they pair perfectly with the flavors found in most types of fried rice.
Pickled Veggies
Pickled veggies are a great way to add extra flavor and crunch to your fried rice. Plus, they are easy to make and can be stored in the fridge for later use.
Sautéed Garlic Broccoli
This dish is perfect for those who love garlic. The broccoli is cooked with garlic cloves, which give it a delicious and fragrant flavor. It’s also a healthy side dish that is perfect for those looking to add some extra vegetables to their meal.
Fried Chicken Nuggets
This is a great side dish for kids. The fried chicken nuggets are crispy on the outside and juicy inside, making them delicious when dipped in ketchup or other dipping sauces. Plus, they go well with most types of fried rice because of their mild flavor profile.
Mongolian Beef
The Mongolian beef recipe is an excellent choice for those who want something a little more exotic to serve with their fried rice. The beef is cooked in a delicious Mongolian sauce, making it irresistible.
Baby Bok Choy Stir Fry
This is a great side dish for those who love vegetables. Baby bok choy is delicious and has the perfect amount of crunch to pair well with most types of fried rice. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be made gluten-free if needed.
Sesame Tofu
Tofu goes great with many dishes, and it’s incredibly delicious when paired with fried rice. The sesame sauce provides a delicious nutty flavor that pairs well with the flavors found in most types of fried rice.
Chinese Egg Drop Soup
This soup is the perfect way to end a meal. It’s light and refreshing while also being flavorful and satisfying. Plus, it goes well with most types of fried rice, making it the perfect choice for those who want something extra on their plate.
If you’re looking for a healthy side dish to serve with your fried rice, then look no further than steamed vegetables. They are packed with nutrients and flavor, and they pair well with most types of fried rice.
Teriyaki Chicken
This is a great dish to serve with fried rice. The chicken teriyaki is cooked with a delicious teriyaki sauce, making it tender and juicy. Plus, it’s easy to make and goes well with most types of fried rice.
Chinese Dumplings
These dumplings are a great choice for those who love noodles. They go well with fried rice and have a delicious savory flavor profile that pairs particularly well with beef or chicken-flavored fried rice.
Beef Steak Strips
This dish is perfect for steak lovers, as beef strips provide a hearty meal for those looking for something filling. The beef is cooked with a delicious black pepper sauce, making it flavorful and irresistible. Plus, it goes well with most types of fried rice.
Pork Ribs Grilled with BBQ Sauce
This is an excellent dish for those who love barbecue. The ribs are cooked in a fantastic BBQ sauce, making them tender and juicy. They go well with most types of fried rice because they have just the right amount of savory flavor that doesn’t overpower other dishes.
Peanut Shrimp Skewers
The peanut shrimp skewers are an excellent choice for those who want something slightly different. The shrimp are cooked with a delicious peanut sauce, making them flavorful and addicting. Plus, they are easy to make and go well with most types of fried rice.
Crab Rangoon
This dish is perfect for those who love seafood. The crab rangoon is filled with a delicious crab filling, making it an irresistible appetizer. Plus, it goes well with most types of fried rice and can easily be made ahead of time.
Sweet and Sour Chicken
This is a great dish to serve with fried rice. The chicken is cooked in a delicious sweet and sour sauce, making it tender and juicy. Plus, it’s easy to make and goes well with most types of fried rice.
Szechuan Beef
This dish is perfect for those who want something spicy. The beef is cooked in a delicious Szechuan sauce, making it flavorful and addicting. Plus, it’s easy to make and goes well with most types of fried rice.
Spicy Shrimp
These spicy shrimp are the perfect choice for those who want something a little bit different. The shrimp are cooked in a delicious sauce that provides the right amount of heat and flavor, making it irresistible and unforgettable. Plus, they go well with most types of fried rice.
Egg Rolls
The egg rolls are an excellent choice for those who want something different. They have just the right amount of crunch, making them addicting and satisfying. Plus, they go well with most types of fried rice because they don’t overpower other flavors in dishes.
Sweet and Sour Pork
This is an excellent choice for those who love sweet and sour flavors. The pork is cooked in a delicious sauce that provides just the right amount of tangy flavor, making it tender and juicy. Plus, they’re easy to make and go well with most types of fried rice.
Chinese Corn Soup
The Chinese corn soup goes well with most types of fried rice, as it provides a delicious savory flavor that complements other dishes. In addition, the soup is easy to make and can be stored in the fridge for later uses.
Malay Chicken Satay
This dish is perfect for those who want something different. The chicken is cooked with a delicious Malaysian peanut sauce, making it flavorful and irresistible. Plus, the skewers are easy to make and go well with most types of fried rice.
How to Cook Fried Rice?
Fried Rice Variations
The sky’s the limit when it comes to homemade fried rice variations, so feel free to get creative and use up other leftover ingredients you may happen to have on hand.
Easy Fried Rice Recipe
This favorite recipe is a basic fried rice recipe. However, you can use white rice or brown rice as healthier options.
It is better to use leftover rice or cold rice for making fried rice. Using fresh rice for making fried rice tends to get mushy or soggy.
The great thing about this recipe is that you can add whatever you want!
You can add chicken, beef, bacon, shrimp, chicken, eggs, sausages, or fish.
It is the perfect fried rice base, and they say the secret ingredient to get the authentic Chinese taste is sesame oil. Whatever it may be, it is fantastic.
Ingredients
White long grain rice or Jasmine rice (Day old and cold rice help to keep it from being mushy)
Small white onion
Cloves garlic (for tastier result)
Vegetables- Peas and Carrots. You can also add in other veggies such as bell pepper, broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus, snow peas, and cabbage.
Eggs
Sesame Oil (Or the standard cooking oil, if you don’t have sesame oil)
Soy Sauce
Oyster Sauce (optional
Green Onions (for garnish)
Methods
Preheat the skillet. Pour sesame oil into the skillet’s bottom and bring to medium-high heat.
Add the onion, peas, and carrots. Stir fry until tender.
If you want to make chicken fried rice, add the diced chicken and stir fry until golden brown.
Slide the veggies over to one side. Pour the beaten eggs on top of the other side. Scramble the eggs with a spatula. Mix them all together with the veggies.
Add the rice in the skillet. Combine it with the vegetable and egg mixture.
Pour the soy sauce and oyster sauce (optional) on top and stir for an additional minute, until it is completely heated.
Garnish with green onions.
Where did dirty rice originate?
It’s hard to say for certain where dirty rice originated, but it is thought to have originated in Louisiana.
Dirty rice is a Cajun dish made with white rice, chicken livers, and green bell peppers. It gets its name from the fact that it’s a “dirty” dish – i.e., it’s not a white rice dish like most other Cajun dishes.
FAQs
What goes well with egg-fried rice?
Typically, egg-fried rice is served with chicken, beef, shrimp, or pork. You can also add in eggs, sausages, and fish.
Is fried rice a main dish?
In Asia, fried rice is considered the main dish. Usually, the dish is accompanied by several side dishes such as chicken, beef, shrimp, or pork.
What foods pair well with rice?
Many foods pair well with rice, such as beef, pork, chicken, or vegetables.
What do you serve with stir fry?
Typically, stir fry is served with steamed rice or noodles. However, you can also serve it with a side dish such as egg rolls, sweet and sour pork, or Chinese corn soup.
