Jasmine rice is a fragrant long-grain variety of rice that has become increasingly popular in recent years. It’s often used in Thai and other Asian cuisines, but it can also be an excellent addition to any meal.
If you’re looking for the perfect side dish to serve with jasmine rice, look no further! Here are fifteen delicious options that will add flavor, texture, and nutrition to your next meal.
What To Serve With Jasmine Rice?
Jasmine rice has a delicate, floral fragrance and a slightly sticky texture when cooked. To complement its mild flavor and aroma, Jasmine rice is often served with flavorful dishes such as curries, stir-fries, stews, and grilled meats.
Some common accompaniments to Jasmine rice include vegetables such as bok choy, broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers, as well as proteins such as chicken, beef, pork, seafood, and tofu. Additionally, condiments such as soy sauce, chili sauce, and lime wedges can be served alongside Jasmine rice to add extra flavor and complexity to the dish.
1. Vegetable Stir-Fry
Vegetable stir-fry is a great accompaniment to jasmine rice. This is true not only due to their complementary flavors, but also the ease with which they can be prepared.
The key to making a delicious vegetable stir-fry is in cutting all your ingredients into uniform pieces so that all the flavors are evenly spread throughout the dish. Start by heating some oil in a wok and adding diced onions, carrots, and other vegetables of your choice.
Once they have softened, add some garlic and ginger with a pinch of salt, followed by soy sauce and hoisin sauce – if desired – for extra flavor.
Lastly, throw in any type of meat or tofu that you might like and stir everything together – cooking it until everything is tasty and ready to serve.
2. Chicken Curry
Chicken curry is a classic dish that is enhanced when served with jasmine rice. It’s perfect for both casual family meals or formal dinner parties, as it offers an explosively flavorful start to any meal.
From saag to tikka masala, there are many ways to cook up this universal favorite. Before serving your chicken curry with jasmine rice, make sure to prepare the rice in advance so that it is steaming hot when you plate your dishes.
Start by boiling the water and slowly add measured cups of jasmine rice into the pot, stirring in between. Be sure not to overcook the rice, as it’s best served al dente.
Once the water is absorbed into the cooking vessel, let rest for about 5 minutes before fluffing for a heavenly pairing with your homemade chicken curry dish.
3. Garlic Shrimp
Garlic shrimp is a classic Asian-inspired dish with garlicky and sweet flavors that pair perfectly with jasmine rice. Well-cooked garlic shrimp fried in butter or olive oil packs quite a flavorful punch, and the mild taste of jasmine rice complements its richness perfectly.
When making garlic shrimp, use plenty of minced garlic and freshly ground pepper to enhance the flavor.
Depending on preference, some people like to season their garlic shrimp with a few red pepper flakes for a slight kick and if adding other aromatics such as onion or bell pepper, this should also be done beforehand so that none of the flavors gets overpowered by the pungency of fresh garlic.
Once cooking begins, wait until the shrimp has turned pink before stirring and flipping them – this will ensure all sides are cooked evenly. For those who prefer it more tender and juicy, keep an eye on the color, so it doesn’t overcook.
4. Beef Stew
Beef stew is a delectable and time-tested meal that pairs wonderfully with jasmine rice. To really bring out the best flavors in both, the stew should be made with a host of vegetables for depths of flavor and texture.
Carrots, celery, onions, potatoes, peppers or whatever other vegetables are to your taste should be diced and simmered in a rich beef stock or broth until everything is tender.
The addition of herbs like bay leaves and thyme also adds great flavor to make it an absolutely mouthwatering treat.
Grains are always enjoyable as sides as well; served alongside a generous helping of cooked jasmine rice with its nutty aroma, this classic meal can be finished off to perfection.
5. Grilled or Roasted Fish or Shrimp
Grilled or roasted fish and shrimp are great when served with jasmine rice, due to the complementary flavors. The mild taste of the rice goes well with the mild, but distinct flavor of the seafood.
When preparing your fish or shrimp for grilling or roasting, season them lightly with salt and pepper, a bit of butter or oil and whatever other herbs you prefer. This can be done just before cooking or in advance to allow the flavors to settle.
Once the fish or shrimp is cooked, serve it alongside a generous helping of jasmine rice. Any leftover marinade or herb-infused butter can be used to dress up the jasmine rice for a truly delicious meal.
For a light summery meal, prepare a lemon butter sauce to drizzle over the jasmine rice for an added zest of flavor.
6. Steamed or Stir-Fried Dumplings
Steamed or stir-fried dumplings are a delicious and ample meal with jasmine rice. Made from ingredients such as pork, chicken, beef, shrimp, vegetables and spices, these dumplings go well with the subtle nuttiness of jasmine rice.
When making the dumplings, ensure that they are tightly sealed so that they do not break while cooking. To make them even more flavorful, add a few tablespoons of soy sauce or hoisin sauce to the filling.
The dumplings can be cooked by pan-frying, steaming or boiling. Serve them alongside a plate of cooked jasmine rice and some chili sauce or soy sauce for dipping.
7. Grilled or Roasted Chicken Skewers
Grilled or roasted chicken skewers make for a delicious and convenient meal that pairs perfectly with jasmine rice. The sweet flavor of the meat goes especially well with the nutty taste of jasmine rice.
The chicken should be marinated in a mixture of herbs, spices, and oils to enhance its flavor. Once it has been marinated, thread the cubes of chicken onto skewers ready for cooking over a hot grill or in a preheated oven.
Be sure to cook the chicken thoroughly, ensuring that it is cooked all the way through and not too dry. Serve the chicken skewers alongside a generous helping of jasmine rice for a truly delicious meal.
Both grilled and roasted chicken skewers go great with a light and tangy salad on the side, adding a refreshing contrast to the nutty flavor of jasmine rice.
8. Braised Bok Choy
Braised bok choy is a flavorful, easy-to-make side dish that pairs perfectly with jasmine rice to make an aromatic and delicious meal. When making braised bok choy, you can use either baby bok choy or full-size heads.
The vegetables should be washed and cut into sections before being cooked. To prepare this tasty dish, simply heat some oil in a skillet, add the chopped vegetables, seasonings such as garlic powder and ginger, and some liquid such as vegetable broth.
Cook the mixture until the vegetables are soft, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking. Lastly, combine the cooked bok choy with cooked jasmine rice for a complete meal.
This combination of flavors is sure to satisfy any palate, adding a rich and savory dimension to any dinner table.
9. Chicken Satay
Chicken Satay is a mouthwatering dish that’s popular across much of Southeast Asia. It makes an excellent accompaniment to jasmine rice due to its slightly sweet and savory flavors, and its great texture.
To create a delicious chicken satay experience, make sure to marinate the chicken for at least two hours before cooking to get well-seasoned meat that’s extra juicy when served.
For an authentic taste, look for ingredients such as lemongrass, Indian curry powder, garlic, coconut milk and chili pepper flakes. Once the marinating process is complete, skewer the pieces of chicken along with some colorful vegetables like bell peppers or cooked pineapple chunks.
Finally, cook the skewers over medium heat on the grill or in a hot pan until they’re nice and crispy.
10. Spicy Soba Noodles
Spicy soba noodles have chewy, nutty, and savory properties that perfectly complement the light, subtle sweetness of jasmine rice.
Approximately one cup-and-a-half to two cups of Soba noodles should be cooked in boiling water for 3 to 5 minutes, or however long is needed until they’ve reached the desired texture.
After cooking and draining, incorporate 2 tablespoons of soy sauce along with 2 teaspoons each of sesame oil and chili paste to create a flavorful dish that pairs perfectly with jasmine rice.
Adding fresh vegetables like carrots, onions, baby corn or mushrooms can also take this side dish to another level.
11. Thai Green Curry Chicken
Some of the best Thai dishes are made with green curry paste, and this is especially true when it comes to chicken. Green curry chicken tastes amazing when served with jasmine rice.
To make this dish, simply heat some oil in a pan and fry the green curry paste for about two minutes. Add in some diced chicken and fry until it’s cooked through.
Next, add coconut milk, seasonings such as fish sauce and sugar, and some vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, eggplant or bok choy. Simmer the mixture until it thickens, stirring occasionally.
Finally, serve the green curry chicken over a bed of jasmine rice and top with fresh cilantro leaves for a truly delicious meal.
12. Szechuan Beef Stir Fry
Szechuan beef stir fry is a spicy and flavorful dish that’s sure to please. The key to a good stir fry is making sure all the ingredients are cooked to perfection.
To make this dish, marinate strips of beef in a mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic and ginger. Heat some oil in a wok or large pan, add the beef and cook until it’s browned on both sides, about two minutes per side.
Next, add some classic stir-fry ingredients such as diced onions and bell peppers, plus a tablespoon of Szechuan sauce. Stir fry the mixture until all the vegetables are cooked through.
Finally, serve the stir fry over a bed of jasmine rice and top with some freshly chopped scallions.
13. Egg Foo Young
Egg Foo Young is a beloved Asian-style omelette dish that pairs perfectly with the delicate, fragrant aroma and taste of jasmine rice.
Egg Foo Young can be made to suit any preferences – it generally includes an egg omelette filled with ingredients like onions, bean sprouts, mushrooms, soy sauce, garlic and ginger. Additionally, many cooks opt to add shrimp and other proteins to their Egg Foo Young to make it heartier.
To properly serve this dish alongside jasmine rice, start by preparing the rice according to the instructions on the package or from a trusted recipe.
Once cooked through and seasoned appropriately either with salt and butter or additional herbs and spices of your choosing, you can spoon portions onto each plate in time for serving.
Each plate should then be topped with a generous serving of Egg Foo Young and served with condiments like soy sauce, chilli paste or Chinese mustard.
14. Cauliflower Manchurian
If you’re looking for something beyond the typical stir fry, this flavorful, colorful dish packs an interesting mix of textures, sizes and flavors that really bring out the complex qualities of Jasmine rice.
To start, you’ll want to marinate your cauliflower florets in soy sauce and chili paste before dredging them in a batter of cornstarch, egg whites and salt and pepper. This ensures that the Manchurian flavor penetrates every piece of the cauliflower without overwhelming the taste of your finished dish.
After frying your cauliflower until it’s golden brown, you can serve it on a bed of Jasmine rice for perfect texture contrast – creamy yet fragrant steamed Jasmine grains against wonderfully crisp Manchurian pieces.
Sprinkle some thinly sliced green onion over top to complete a delightful East-meets-West accompaniment.
15. Kung Pao Chicken
Kung Pao chicken is a classic Chinese dish that will make great use of your jasmine rice. This recipe combines the spiciness of chili peppers with the sweetness of peanuts and sugar to create a meal that will tantalize your taste buds.
To begin, marinate chicken strips in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic and ginger. Heat some oil in a wok or large pan, then add the chicken and stir fry until it’s lightly browned.
Next, add a mix of vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots and onions, plus some chili peppers if desired. Once everything is cooked through, add some peanuts and a tablespoon of sugar to the pan and stir fry for an additional minute.
Finally, serve the Kung Pao chicken over a bed of jasmine rice and garnish it with fresh cilantro.
Conclusion
Jasmine rice is an aromatic and flavorsome long-grain variety of rice that can be served with a variety of savory dishes. Its mild flavor and texture make it an excellent accompaniment to curries, stir-fries, stews, and grilled meats. It can also be enjoyed with vegetables, proteins, and condiments to add flavor and complexity to the meal. Whether you’re looking for a delicious side dish or a unique main course, Jasmine rice is a great option.
