Perfect Pairings: 8 BEST Side Dishes for Jasmine Rice

Jasmine rice is fragrant long-grain rice, originally from Thailand.

It has a nutty flavor, and it is often used in savory dishes.

It’s relatively easy to find, but if you can’t find it, basmati rice works as well, though it won’t have nearly the same “sweetness” as jasmine rice.

As for flavor, jasmine rice is light and fluffy.

It’s perfect for classic side dishes such as vegetable curries or stir-fry.

It also makes for a great texture when served with meat and sauce.

Compared to brown rice, jasmine rice is much more enjoyable.

Not only does it taste better, but it’s really simple to cook—basically like cooking long-grain white rice.

Many classic dishes go well with jasmine rice.

For Indian cuisine, serve it alongside a chicken tikka masala or a veggie curry.

Stir-fry goes great with jasmine rice as well, but so does pork fried rice.

In this article, we will list 7 of the BEST side dishes to eat with rice. Feel free to try them all at home.

Why Consider Serving Side Dishes for Jasmine Rice?

Jasmine rice is a popular choice for many people due to its ability to absorb water and maintain its form.

It has a subtle, lightly sweet flavor that works well as a base for many delicious dishes.

However, with this mild flavor and soft texture, it can sometimes be hard to stand out with jasmine rice alone on the plate.

That’s why many people turn to side dishes when cooking.

Side dishes are a great way to bring in bold flavors that complement jasmine rice.

There are plenty of options for side dishes, but stir-fry is one of the most popular choices.

Not only does stir-fry taste delicious on its own, but with jasmine rice, the flavors seem to blend perfectly.

Another main reason people choose side dishes for jasmine rice is that they are often really easy to make, which makes them a great choice if you’re cooking for the whole family.

Side dishes also give you more ways to experiment with flavors and textures on your plate, so it’s always worth considering when you want to add variety.

Jasmine rice can be paired with almost any side dish, but stir-fry is the most common for a reason – it complements jasmine rice’s subtle flavor and soft texture.

Stir-fried vegetables are also versatile enough to fit with many different cuisines, so they make a great choice for people who like trying new dishes.

What to Serve with Jasmine Rice? 8 BEST Side Dishes

Here are some of the most popular side dish options for jasmine rice:

1 – Vegetable Jalfrezi

This is a quick stir-fry side dish that pairs well with rice-based meals like Biryani.

Jalfrezis are known for their distinct chunky texture and bold flavors, which is exactly what you need to stand out against your jasmine rice.

By adding vegetables like potatoes, okra, eggplant, or even paneer cheese, you can create a whole variety of dishes that will leave you coming back for more.

Vegetable Jalfrezis is quick, easy, and delicious – everything you need in a side dish.

Once you’ve added your vegetables, they can be served in a variety of ways.

You could serve them on the side with plain rice or add some yogurt when serving to give it that creamy finish.

2 – Grilled Vegetables

Grilled vegetables are a delicious way to bring out the flavors of jasmine rice.

They are especially good for serving with fish, which is another common pairing with jasmine rice.

The smoky flavor works well to enhance the subtle taste of jasmine rice while still being versatile enough to stand alone as a tasty side dish.

Grilled vegetables can be served in various ways, so you don’t have to worry about getting bored anytime soon.

You could serve them on the side with plain rice if you’re not in the mood for anything too heavy, but they also work well as a flavorful topping for bread and soups.

Grilled vegetables are versatile, delicious, and pretty much guaranteed to impress your diners.

3 – Potato Halwa

Potato Halwa is a delicious Indian pudding that is traditionally cooked in ghee and whole milk.

However, you can get the same great taste without dairy using vegetable oil and soy milk instead.

After cooking for 20-30 minutes, you should be left with sweet potato cubes in a thick sauce.

You can eat them on their own, but they taste even better with some jasmine rice and raisins.

Potato Halwa has a sweet and creamy flavor that is pretty much guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

If you’re looking for something simple that will impress your guests, Potato Halwa might be the perfect dish.

4 – Eggplant Parmesan

Eggplant Parmesan is a quick-to-prepare dish made with eggs, cheese, and tomato sauce, then topped with breadcrumbs.

It’s best to bake Eggplant Parmesan until the cheese has melted and started turning golden brown, but you can also serve it straight from the frying pan if you’re not in the mood for baking.

There are lots of variations on Eggplant Parmesan, so feel free to make them your own.

If you’re looking for something more filling, then it’s worth considering adding some meat to the dish.

This is a great way to cut costs if you’re cooking dinner for a large group of people.

Eggplant Parmesan is easy to make and is deliciously served with simple side dishes like rice or steamed vegetables.

It works well as both an appetizer or served on its own as a main dish.

5 – Mushroom Masala

Mushroom Masala is a quick and easy dish that works great on its own, on rice, or even as part of an omelet.

You can make it vegetarian by simply leaving out the meat, but if you feel like beefing things up, then it’s worth adding some minced beef to the mix.

The best part of Mushroom Masala is that you can adjust the spiciness to suit your preference.

If you’re cooking this for a group, then it’s always worth suggesting different heat levels so that everyone can enjoy their meal.

Mushroom Masala is quick and easy to make, but the bold flavors combine well with classic Indian dishes like rice or roti.

It would go great with a variety of other simple dishes from around the world, so there’s no reason not to give this one a try.

6 – Sweet and Sour Vegetables

Sweet and sour vegetables are a quick and easy dish that can easily be made in less than 30 minutes.

The vegetables can be changed to suit your tastes, making this a great way to experiment with different flavors.

Sweet and sour vegetables are tasty served with steamed rice noodles or on their own as part of an appetizer.

You can also add some meat to the dish if you’re feeling hungry, making this a great option for people looking to bulk out their meal while still enjoying delicious flavors.

Serve sweet and sour vegetables with rice noodles or steamed greens for a healthier meal that still packs plenty of flavors.

Don’t be afraid to add some protein if you’re looking for something more filling.

7 – Chili Con Carne

Chili con carne is a spicy dish that has its origins in Texas.

It typically consists of beef, beans, and chili peppers that are slow-cooked to perfection.

You can enjoy this tasty meal on its own or use it as the base for other Mexican dishes like burritos.

There are lots of variations on chili con carne, so feel free to experiment with different flavors.

This is also a great meal for people looking to make the most out of their leftovers; chili con carne freezes very well and can be used in all sorts of meals.

Chili Con Carne has a bold flavor that goes well with rice.

It’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed on its own or used as part of another meal.

Conclusion

Jasmine rice is an essential side dish that goes great with plenty of classic entrees.

It’s quick and easy to make, but it can also be used as part of other simple meals.

If you’re planning a dinner party or a meal for a large group of people, then it’s always worth suggesting different flavors and heat levels so that everyone can enjoy their meal.

These dishes range in spiciness and could be served with a variety of different side dishes.

They’re well worth considering when you’re looking for something to serve alongside rice.

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