Fried rice can be prepared in minutes and enjoyed with whatever ingredients you like, making it one of the most versatile dishes out there.
Sometimes, you want something to add more flavor or texture to your meal, so you need to know what to serve with Fried Rice!
If you’re looking for something to serve with fried rice, consider one of these side dishes the next time you want to elevate the meal.
1. Egg Drop Soup
This is what to serve with Fried Rice. The soup is the perfect accompaniment to fried rice. It’s light and refreshing but still has a bit of heartiness from the eggs.
Plus, it’s easy to make! Combine water and salt in a large pot. Bring to a boil over high heat. Add cornstarch in 3 batches while whisking constantly.
Reduce heat to medium-low and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes more (you can also simmer for 10 minutes).
Next, remove from heat and stir in vegetable oil along with green onions, chopped; garlic cloves minced; dried ginger; sesame oil; canned diced tomatoes; canned sliced water chestnuts; soy sauce or tamari sauce (or Braggs); and frozen peas (thawed) or green beans, cut into bite-sized pieces).
2. Fried Egg
The fried egg is an excellent option if you are looking for what to serve with fried rice. It’s protein-rich, flavorful, and provides a nice contrast in texture.
Plus, it’s quick and easy to cook. Crack an egg into a hot pan and fry until the whites are set and the yolk is cooked to your liking. Then, top your fried rice with the egg and enjoy!
3. Hot & Sour Soup
Hot and sour soup is the perfect partner for fried rice. The soup is full of flavors, including vinegar, soy sauce, and chili pepper, that perfectly complement the rice. Also, the soup is hearty and filling, making it a great meal.
4. Chinese Broccoli Stir Fry With Garlic Sauce
This Chinese broccoli stir fry is the perfect side dish for what to serve with fried rice! The broccoli is cooked until crisp-tender and then tossed in a savory garlic sauce.
Serve this stir fry alongside your favorite rice dish for a complete meal. You can also use any leftover stir fry as a filling for bao, wontons, or potstickers. Get the recipe here.
5. Asian Turkey Meatballs
Asian turkey meatballs are a great option if you are looking for what to serve with fried rice—Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, bread crumbs, egg, green onions, garlic, salt, pepper, and ginger. Mix well and shape into 1-inch balls.
Furthermore, In a large skillet over medium heat, cook meatballs in oil until browned on all sides.
Remove meatballs from the skillet and drain on paper towels. Pour off all but the fat from the skillet. Add garlic and green onion to the skillet and cook until fragrant.
6. Chinese Dumplings
These Chinese dumplings are the perfect addition to your fried rice dish. They are steamed and filled with various meat, vegetables, and spices.
To make them, boil water and cook the dumplings for a few minutes. Serve them with soy sauce, vinegar, or chili oil for an extra zing.
7. Gyoza
Serve this with fried rice. Gyoza is a Japanese dumpling typically filled with pork and vegetables.
They can be boiled, steamed, or fried, making them a versatile side dish option.
When serving gyoza with fried rice, pan-fry them until crispy outside.
This provides a nice contrast in texture to the soft rice. Plus, the dipping sauce adds an extra layer of flavor.
8. Sesame Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are a perfect side dish to fried rice because they are flavorful and have a nice crispy texture.
These sesame-roasted Brussels sprouts are flavored with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
Again, they are roasted in the oven until crispy. You can also add a little bit of spice by adding some red pepper flakes.
9. Egg Rolls
There’s nothing quite like a delicious egg for what to serve with fried rice. Egg rolls are crispy on the outside and filled with various savory ingredients on the inside.
Plus, they’re easy to make ahead of time and can be served at room temperature. Here are eight recipes for side dishes that will pair perfectly with your next batch of fried rice.
10. Garlic Teriyaki Chicken Thighs
This garlic teriyaki chicken is the perfect dish to serve alongside fried rice. The chicken is marinated in soy sauce, honey, and garlic, then grilled or baked until slightly charred.
The result is a delicious, juicy chicken thigh packed with flavor. Serve with steamed rice and vegetables for a complete meal.
11. Thai Coconut Soup
This Thai Coconut Soup is the perfect dish to serve with fried rice. It’s light and fragrant, with just a hint of spice.
In addition, it’s super easy to make! Simmer chicken broth with garlic, ginger, and red curry paste, then add coconut milk and fish sauce. Finally, throw in some shredded chicken and cilantro leaves, and you’re done!
12. Mango
Mangoes are a great source of vitamins A and C and fiber. This is what to serve with fried rice.
They add sweetness and depth of flavor to any dish, making them the perfect addition to fried rice. Plus, their vibrant color will brighten up your plate.
Here are a few ideas for incorporating mangoes into your next fried rice dish: Slice two ripe mangos and sprinkle them over your fried rice before serving; cook fresh mangos with ginger, lime juice, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and chile flakes until they soften; toss thinly sliced or diced mangos in a bit of vegetable oil in a skillet until they caramelize on the edges but remain slightly firm inside.
13. Pineapple Avocado Salsa
This pineapple avocado salsa is the perfect side dish for fried rice! The sweetness of the pineapple pairs perfectly with the savory rice, and the avocado adds a creamy element that takes the dish to the next level.
As a result, Pineapple avocado salsa is a great option if you are looking for what to serve with fried rice.
This salsa is super easy to make and only requires a few ingredients. Combine chopped pineapple, diced avocado, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, and salt in a bowl, and you’re done!
14. Asian Slaw
This Asian slaw is the perfect side dish for fried rice. It’s crunchy, tangy, and slightly sweet and comes together in just a few minutes.
To make the slaw, combine shredded cabbage, carrots, green onions, cilantro, and a simple dressing made of rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and honey.
This slaw is best served immediately, but it will keep in the fridge for a day or two.
15. Shrimp Ebi Tempura
These crispy shrimp are the perfect accompaniment to fried rice. The tempura batter is light and airy, and the shrimp are perfectly cooked. Serve with a dipping sauce of your choice.
Sweet Chili or Sriracha sauce would be excellent choices. If you want to keep things gluten-free, use panko breadcrumbs instead of traditional flour.
16. Hoisin Roasted Asparagus
Asparagus is a great vegetable to roast. Toss it in olive oil and hoisin sauce, then roast in a preheated oven at 400 degrees for about 15 minutes.
The asparagus will come out tender and slightly sweet from the hoisin sauce. Serve it alongside your fried rice for a complete meal.
17. Grilled Pineapple Rings
Grilled pineapple rings are a great option if you are looking for something to serve with fried rice.
However, there are a few things you need to keep in mind when it comes to grilled pineapple rings.
First, make sure the pineapple is ripe but not too mature. Second, cut the pineapple into thick slices to prevent it from falling through the grill grates.
Third, brush the pineapple slices with a little bit of oil to help prevent sticking. Fourth, preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
Fifth, place the pineapple slices on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side. Sixth, remove from the grill and enjoy! Seventh, brush on a bit of honey or brown sugar before grilling if you want a little extra flavor.
18. Chickpea & Potato Curry
This vegan chickpea and potato curry is the perfect side dish for fried rice. It’s flavorful and has a little heat from the ginger and chili pepper.
Plus, it’s super easy to make—sauté the onions, add spices, and simmer until the potatoes are cooked. Delicious!
Conclusion
Knowing what to serve with fried rice, there are a few general rules, no matter what ingredients you put in your fried rice.
First, ensure that the rice is cooked and not too sticky. Second, add some protein for extra flavor and nutrition.
Finally, mix in plenty of vegetables for color, texture, and nutrients. With these guidelines in mind, you will have a perfect combination of fried rice with other side dishes.
