What to Serve with Fried Rice — Welcome to the ultimate guide to complementing one of the most versatile and beloved dishes in the culinary world – fried rice. Whether it’s a family dinner, a casual get-together, or a festive occasion, fried rice is a crowd-pleaser.
But the side dishes you pair it with elevate this dish to a complete meal.
Today, we’ll explore over 35 incredible side dishes that can transform your fried rice experience from good to unforgettable. From classic pairings to innovative accompaniments, these side dish ideas cater to all tastes and occasions, ensuring your fried rice is never lonely on the dinner table!
What to Serve with Fried Rice
Each dish offers unique flavors and textures that can complement and contrast with fried rice, making your meal more diverse and exciting.
Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken: This dish combines crispy chicken with a vibrant sweet and sour sauce featuring bell peppers and pineapple.
Air Fryer General Tso’s Tofu: A vegetarian twist on the classic, with tofu cubes coated in a spicy and sweet sauce.
Air Fryer Kung Pao Shrimp: Spicy, tangy, and sweet, mixes shrimp with peanuts, chilies, and a bold sauce.
Air Fryer Stir-Fried Vegetables: A healthy and colorful addition featuring broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers seasoned with soy sauce and garlic.
Air Fryer Mongolian Beef: Tender strips of beef sautéed in a rich, savory sauce with hints of ginger and garlic.
Air Fryer Orange Chicken: Crispy chicken pieces coated in a sweet, citrusy orange sauce.
Air Fryer Beef and Broccoli: A classic combination of tender beef and broccoli in soy sauce and oyster sauce-based gravy.
Instant Pot Egg Drop Soup: A light, savory soup with a silky texture, perfect as a starter.
Instant Pot Hot and Sour Soup: Spicy and tangy, this soup is filled with mushrooms, tofu, and bamboo shoots.
Air Fryer Sesame Chicken: Crispy chicken is coated in a sweet and savory sauce with sesame seeds.
Air Fryer Dim Sum: Various small dishes like dumplings, buns, and rolls, perfect for sharing.
Air Fryer Spring Rolls: Crispy and filled with vegetables or meat, served with dipping sauce.
Air Fryer Honey Walnut Shrimp: Crispy shrimp in a creamy, sweet sauce, topped with candied walnuts.
Air Fryer Szechuan Eggplant: Tender eggplant in a spicy, garlicky sauce.
Air Fryer Chicken Lettuce Wraps: Minced chicken cooked with hoisin sauce, served in lettuce leaves.
Air Fryer Peking Duck: A famous Chinese dish of crispy, aromatic duck served with pancakes and hoisin sauce.
Air Fryer Thai Basil Chicken: A spicy, fragrant dish with ground chicken, basil, and chilies.
Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon: Glazed with a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, perfect for a lighter pairing.
Instant Pot Japanese Curry: A rich, slightly sweet curry with a heartier meal.
Air Fryer Gyoza (Japanese Dumplings): Pan-fried to crispy perfection, filled with pork or vegetables.
Air Fryer Mapo Tofu: A spicy Sichuan tofu dish with ground pork and a piquant sauce.
Air Fryer Lemon Chicken: Fried chicken in a tangy, lemony sauce.
Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Squid: Crispy squid seasoned with salt and pepper and often with chili and garlic.
Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers are filled with meat, vegetables, and spices.
Air Fryer Bok Choy in Garlic Sauce: A simple, flavorful dish of sautéed bok choy with garlic.
Air Fryer Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce: Grilled chicken skewers served with a creamy peanut sauce.
Asian Cucumber Salad: A refreshing salad with a vinegar-based dressing.
Air Fryer Green Beans in Black Bean Sauce: Stir-fried green beans with a savory black bean sauce.
Air Fryer Spicy Tofu Stir-Fry: Tofu cooked with vegetables in a spicy sauce.
Air Fryer Korean BBQ Ribs: Grilled ribs in a sweet and spicy Korean BBQ sauce.
Air Fryer Sushi Rolls: A variety of sushi rolls can complement the flavors of fried rice.
Air Fryer Roasted Duck: A rich, flavorful dish that pairs well with the simplicity of fried rice.
Instant Pot Tom Yum Soup: A hot and sour Thai soup with shrimp and aromatic herbs.
Air Fryer Crab Rangoon: Fried wontons filled with crab and cream cheese.
Instant Pot Thai Green Curry: A creamy, spicy curry with vegetables or meat, adding a Thai twist to your meal.
Faq’s
What Protein Pairs Well with Fried Rice?
Almost any protein works well with fried rice. Popular choices include chicken, beef, shrimp, tofu, and pork. Grilled, sautéed, or stir-fried options are all great.
Are There Vegetarian Options to Serve with Fried Rice?
Absolutely! Stir-fried vegetables, tofu dishes, and spring rolls are excellent vegetarian accompaniments. You can also consider vegetarian soups like hot and sour or egg drops.
What Kind of Soup Goes Well with Fried Rice?
Light, brothy soups complement fried rice well. Options like miso soup, wonton soup, or a simple vegetable broth are great.
Can I Serve Fried Rice with Other Carbs?
While fried rice is a carb-heavy dish, it can be served with dim sum, spring rolls, or dumplings containing carbs but offering different flavors and textures.
What Are Good Side Dishes for a Fried Rice Meal?
Side dishes like steamed bok choy, Chinese cucumber salad, egg rolls, or a simple green salad can balance the meal.
Is Fried Rice a Main Dish or a Side Dish?
Fried rice can be both. It’s often substantial enough to be a main dish, mainly if it includes protein and vegetables, but it can also be a side to other main dishes like stir-fries or grilled meats.
What Seafood Works Well with Fried Rice?
Shrimp, scallops, and crab are excellent seafood options to pair with fried rice. They can be stir-fried or served in a sauce.
Can I Pair Fried Rice with Spicy Food?
Yes, the mild flavor of fried rice pairs well with spicy foods. Dishes like Szechuan beef or spicy tofu can complement it nicely.
How Can I Make a Lighter Meal with Fried Rice?
To keep the meal lighter, pair fried rice with fresh, crisp vegetable dishes or include a tangy Asian-style salad.
Are There Any Unique Pairings for Fried Rice?
Experiment with fusion dishes like Korean BBQ, Thai curries, or even Indian tikka masala for unique pairings.
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