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Home » Rice

What To Serve With Fried Rice: 35 Delicious Ideas

Published: Jul 13, 2023 · Modified: Sep 9, 2024 by Yuan

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Do you know what to serve with fried rice? Fried rice is a versatile and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with other complementary dishes. Deciding what to serve alongside it can be difficult; it doesn’t have to be complicated. Plenty of tasty dishes pair well with fried rice and can make the meal even more delightful. In this post, we will take a look at 35 delicious side dishes that pair perfectly with fried rice for an excellent meal. 

what to serve with fried rice
Jump To
  • Egg Rolls, dumplings, and crab rangoon
  • Chicken dishes
  • Beef dishes
  • Tofu dishes
  • Pork dishes
  • Stir-fried fresh vegetables
  • Egg 
  • Seafood dishes
  • Soup
  • Fresh fruit and Chinese tea
  • Conclusion
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Egg Rolls, dumplings, and crab rangoon

In many Asian cuisines, such as Chinese and Vietnamese, egg rolls and fried rice are commonly served as part of a meal. This traditional pairing has become popular and familiar to many people, further reinforcing the notion that they complement each other.

Egg rolls (or spring rolls) are often considered a good pairing with fried rice for several reasons: These deep-fried rolls typically consist of a crispy outer shell filled with a savory mixture of vegetables and meat. The combination of textures and flavors in the egg rolls, such as the crunchy exterior and the delicious filling, complements fried rice's softer and seasoned nature.

Chinese Egg Rolls
Chinese Egg rolls are a traditional Chinese dish, they are one of the most popular snacks in Chinese cuisine.
Check out this recipe
rolls

Combining egg rolls and fried rice can create a balanced meal with protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables. Fried rice often includes a mix of vegetables, meat, and eggs, while egg rolls typically contain a combination of vegetables and meat. Together, they provide a well-rounded meal with various flavors and nutrients.

Pan-Fried Dumplings
Pan-fried dumplings are a type of Chinese dumpling that is pan-fried with the bottoms of the wrapper remaining intact.
Check out this recipe
pan-fried dumplings

Pan-fried dumplings and crab rangoon are another great choice to pair with fried rice. These golden brown goodies are crispy and, with savory filling, make a fantastic accompaniment to fried rice. Their contrasting textures and flavors add a delightful element to the meal. Additionally, their dipping sauce can add extra flavor to the meal.

Crab Rangoon
The crab rangoon is a Chinese appetizer made of crispy wonton wrappers filled with cream cheese, crab meat, and other seasonings.
Check out this recipe
Crab Rangoon

Chicken dishes

The versatility, protein balance, texture and flavor contrast, complementary ingredients, and cultural tradition make chicken a popular and enjoyable accompaniment to fried rice. In Asian cuisines, such as Chinese and Thai, chicken is a common protein used in various dishes, including those served with fried rice. This tradition has influenced the perception of chicken as a suitable pairing for fried rice in many culinary contexts.

Chinese Salt And Pepper Chicken Recipe
Chinese salt and pepper chicken recipe typically consists of deep-fried chicken pieces seasoned with spices, then stir fry with mixed peppers.
Check out this recipe
Chinese salt and pepper chicken recipe

Chicken dishes are often a popular choice to pair with fried rice. Because chicken is a versatile protein that can be prepared in numerous ways, such as grilled, roasted, stir-fried, air fryer, and fried, its mild flavor and tender texture make it a great companion to fried rice, which can be customized with various ingredients and seasonings. Fried rice is a carb-rich dish typically containing rice, vegetables, and sometimes eggs. Pairing it with a protein source like chicken helps balance the meal by adding a significant amount of protein. 

Sweet and Sour Chicken
Sweet and Sour Chicken is made with crispy fried chicken covered in a pineapple sweet and sour sauce. The ultimate Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe is way better than take-out.  
Check out this recipe
sweet and sour chicken
Air Fryer Drumsticks
Chicken drumsticks that have been cooked in the air fryer and use hot air to cook instead of oil.
Check out this recipe
Air fryer drumsticks
Chinese Chicken On A Stick Recipe
Also called Chinese chicken skewers, it is a flavorful, mouth-watering Chinese dish.
Check out this recipe
chicken on a stick

Sweet and sour chicken and sesame chicken: These are popular Chinese-American dishes with slightly sweet, sour sauce and bold flavors that pair well with fried rice. The tender chicken coated in a flavorful sauce complements the rice and adds a satisfying protein element. 

Sesame Chicken
A popular Chinese dish consisting of deep-fried chicken pieces coated with a sweet and sour sauce.
Check out this recipe
sesame chichen

Many chicken dishes incorporate ingredients that pair well with fried rice. For example, dishes like teriyaki chicken (with teriyaki sauce) and lemon chicken often feature sauces or glazes that complement the flavors of fried rice. The combination of these complementary ingredients enhances the overall dining experience.

Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
Tender chicken, sweet and savory sauce, and fragrant aromatics create an easy teriyaki chicken recipe — ready in 25 minutes!
Check out this recipe
teriyaki chicken
Chinese Crispy Lemon Chicken
Ridiculously zingy, refreshingly citrusy and with a crunchy coating, this Chinese Crispy Lemon Chicken is a flavour bomb that will not disappoint!
Check out this recipe
lemon chicken
Chicken Yakitori
Yakitori is a Japanese grilled chicken recipe served on skewers and glazed in a delicious sweet and savory homemade Yakitori sauce.
Check out this recipe
Easy Healthy Cashew Chicken Recipe
Taking less than 30 minutes to make, this easy adaptation to a healthy cashew chicken recipe is exactly what your weeknight rotation needs.
Check out this recipe
cashew chicken

Beef dishes

Stir-fried beef or beef stew often brings a  savory element to the meal. The tender and flavorful beef complement the fried rice beautifully. Some popular dishes include Mongolian beef, beef broccoli..etc.

Chinese Braised Beef Stew With Daikon Recipe
A classic comfort dish that combines tender beef chunks and large daikon pieces cooked in a savory broth infused with aromatic spices.
Check out this recipe
Chinese Braised Beef Stew With Daikon Recipe
Chinese Tomato Beef Egg Recipe
Chinese tomato beef egg recipe combines tender strips of beef, fresh tomatoes, and scrambled eggs in a flavorful sauce. 
Check out this recipe
Chinese tomato beef egg recipe
Asian Tri-Tip Steak Marinade
Sweet and salty, garlicky and umami, this Asian Tri-Tip Steak Recipe is a balanced and flavorful marinade that's simple to make and delicious!
Check out this recipe
tri tip marinade
Beef Stir Fry with Snow Peas
Satisfy those beef stir fry cravings with this simple hoisin beef, snow pea, and shiitake mushroom stir fry. This 'feel good' weeknight dinner recipe delivers on flavour in record time.
Check out this recipe
Mongolian Beef
Mongolian Beef is made with tender slices of beef, fresh ginger, garlic, dried red pepper, and green onions, and stir-fried in a savory sauce.
Check out this recipe
Mongolian Beef
Beef and Broccoli Recipe
Beef and Broccoli stir fry dish.
Check out this recipe
beef broccoli

Tofu dishes

General Tsos tofu feature crispy tofu coated in a savory sauce and sprinkled with sesame seeds. The rich umami flavors and nutty undertones of sesame are a great match for fried rice. Mapo tofu and sweet, sour tofu are well-known popular dishes that pair well with fried rice.

General Tso’s Tofu
General Tso's Tofu is a popular Chinese dish that consists of deep-fried cubes of tofu in a sweet and spicy sauce.
Check out this recipe
General Tso's tofu
Mapo Tofu
Mapo tofu is a simple dish: spicy ground beef and tofu in a thick, savory sauce.
Check out this recipe
mapo
Sweet and Sour Tofu with Vegetables
Sweet and Sour takeout flavors without the excess fat and other ingredients. You won’t miss the price of takeout once you make this healthy tofu version at home.
Check out this recipe
sweet sour tofu

Pork dishes

Air fryer char siu (Chinese BBQ pork) is a perfect dish to serve alongside fried or white rice. These protein-rich options add depth of flavor and provide a satisfying contrast in texture. Juicy and flavourful pork belly slices are another popular Asian dish perfect with fried rice.

Air Fryer Char Siu
Char siu is a sweet and savory Chinese roasted pork often glazed with sauces. An air fryer is one of the best ways to make your char siu.
Check out this recipe
air fry char siu
Pork Belly Slices
Succulent and flavourful pork belly slices. Simple ingredients and faster cooking. You can prepare and enjoy this dish on a weekday.
Check out this recipe

Stir-fried fresh vegetables

 A side of stir fry vegetables with garlic cloves(or garlic powder), such as Chinese broccoli, Taiwanese spinach, bok choy, water chestnuts, and snow peas, provides a vibrant and nutritious addition to the main course. The colorful vegetables complement the fried rice and add freshness and crunch. The fresh vegetables are a perfect side dish to pair with fried rice. If you haven't tried it, try this simplest side dish next time; I promise you will love it!

Chinese Broccoli with Oyster Sauce
A simple and delicious Chinese vegetable dish.
Check out this recipe
Chinese Broccoli
Stir Fry Taiwanese Spinach with Garlic
Simple, easy Taiwanese Spinach stir fry is a classic Chinese vegetable dish.
Check out this recipe
Taiwanese spinach
Chinese Snow Pea Shoots with Garlic
Some of the most delicious Chinese dishes are the easiest to make. Ready in minutes!
Check out this recipe
Chinese snow pea
Stir Fry Bok Choy
It is a classic dish in Chinese cuisine which is a light and nutritious side dish.
Check out this recipe
fry bai cai

 A vibrant and colorful plate of stir-fried fresh veggies is an excellent accompaniment to fried rice. You can mix vegetables such as broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, mushrooms, and baby corn. The stir-frying process retains the vegetables' crunchiness and brings out their natural flavors, providing a refreshing and nutritious contrast to the fried rice. Do not forget to add a little bit of oyster sauce for extra flavor to this delicious side dish.

Sticky Shiitake Mushrooms
Get stuck on these sticky shiitake mushrooms, the fungi you can't resist! Rich in Unami flavor and slathered over a bed of warm sushi rice, these sticky mushrooms are sweet, savory and spicy and ready to devour in less than 30 minutes. Meatless, dairy-free, gluten-free, plant-based.
Check out this recipe
sticky mushroom
Chinese Cucumber Salad
Chinese cucumber salad is a delicious, refreshing salad that's great as a side or an appetizer. This recipe is easy to make at home.
Check out this recipe
cucumber salad

Cucumber salad is the perfect easy recipe for summer meals, along with fried rice! The cool and refreshing nature of the cucumber salad can complement the flavors of the savory and often spicy fried rice. The crisp texture of the cucumber can provide a nice contrast to the soft and warm rice. 

Egg 

Believe it or not, a pan-fried egg goes well with fried rice. You can simply fry the whole egg in the pan at high heat, add a pinch of sesame oil and sweet soy sauce.

Seafood dishes

Coconut shrimp is a delicious dish if you enjoy seafood. The creamy glaze on the shrimp pairs well with the flavors of fried rice. It provides a contrasting taste and adds a touch of elegance to the meal. Blackened cod and salmon stir fry offers a delightful flavor combination alongside fried rice. The savory notes of the cod and salmon enhance the overall meal experience. Lastly, pan-fried belt fish is an authentic Chinese dish if you want to try it! 

Blackened Cod
Easy blackened cod recipe using homemade or store-bought Cajun seasoning. This delicious and easy recipe is ready in 15 minutes making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Check out this recipe
blackened cod
Creamy Coconut Shrimp Buffet Style- Quick and Easy
Creamy coconut Shrimp buffet style is a popular Chinese appetizer that has been adapted to American tastes.
Check out this recipe
Creamy coconut shrimp buffet style
Pan Fried Belt Fish
A simple and delicious Chinese pan-fried belt fish recipe.
Check out this recipe
belt fish
30 Minute Salmon Stir Fry with Gluten-Free Teriyaki Sauce
This salmon stir fry is an easy, healthy weeknight meal that is prepped and ready in under 30 minutes. Tender veggies, flaky salmon, and a flavorful homemade gluten-free teriyaki sauce come together to make the ultimate stir fry dinner. Serve over white rice, cauliflower rice, or your favorite Asian-inspired noodles.
Check out this recipe

Soup

A warm bowl of hot and sour soup or egg drop soup can be a fantastic starter or side dish to enjoy with fried rice. Its spicy and tangy flavors provide a contrasting taste and add depth to the meal.

Soup can be a good pairing with fried rice because soup can provide a flavorful and aromatic component to the meal. The broth, herbs, black pepper, and ingredients in the soup can enhance the overall taste profile of the fried rice, adding depth and complexity to the dish. Fried rice typically has a soft and somewhat sticky texture, while soup offers a liquid base with various ingredients such as vegetables, meats, or noodles. The contrast in textures can provide a more interesting and satisfying dining experience.

Hot and Sour Soup
Hot and sour soup is a spicy, tangy soup made of fresh vegetables, bamboo shoots, tofu, egg, dried mushrooms, and chicken flavor stock, spiked with soy sauce, Zhejiang vinegar, and sesame oil. 
Check out this recipe
hot sour soup

Soups are also generally hydrating due to their liquid content. Pairing fried rice with soup can help balance the meal by providing additional moisture and preventing the meal from feeling too dry. This can be especially beneficial if the fried rice is on the drier side or if you prefer a more moist and comforting dining experience.

Egg Drop Soup
Egg Drop soup, also known as egg flower soup, is a simple Chinese classic soup made with very simple ingredients.
Check out this recipe
egg drop soup

Long to short, soup can contribute to the overall nutritional balance of the meal by adding vegetables, proteins, and other nutrient-rich ingredients. Ultimately, pairing soup with fried rice can enhance the overall dining experience by adding flavor, texture, hydration, nutritional balance, and cultural authenticity.

Fresh fruit and Chinese tea

Have you ever tried serving a platter of sliced fresh fruits like pineapple, watermelon, oranges? The refreshing and juicy fruits provide a light and refreshing contrast to the meal.

To complete the dining experience, consider serving Chinese tea, such as green tea, oolong tea, or jasmine tea. These types of tea contain compounds that are believed to aid digestion. It is thought that drinking tea with meals can help to break down fatty or oily foods and facilitate the digestive process.  The tea enhances the overall enjoyment of the meal. Most importantly: Drinking tea is deeply rooted in Chinese culture and is associated with hospitality, friendship, and family gatherings. Sharing a pot of tea during meals is a way to foster social connections and strengthen relationships!:)

Conclusion

Fried rice can be a great meal when you know what to pair it with! Finding the best side dishes can make fried rice more enjoyable and bring your whole experience to the next level. I hope you enjoyed this post. Feel free to explore different combinations to find your favorite pairing. These are just a few ideas for what to serve with fried rice. Try to mix and match based on your preferences to create a well-rounded and satisfying meal.

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Hey there! Welcome to SassyChopsticks.com!

I'm Yuan, a writer, world traveler, web developer, and photographer based in the U.S. My journey has taken me across multiple countries, from Malaysia to England, before I settled in Tennessee, where I've called home for nearly two decades.

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