Rice is one of the most versatile, affordable, and universally loved ingredients in the world. It absorbs flavor beautifully and works with just about anything — from vegetables to seafood, dairy to legumes, eggs to meat.
However, where rice really gets to shine is when it’s paired with other everyday staples. It has the power to transform humble pantry ingredients into vibrant meals.
Let’s give you some ideas!
There’s a good reason why nearly every culture with access to rice and beans has combined them in some fashion. Mixing rice with beans is not just about convenience; it’s also about balance!
Did you know that mixing rice with beans (particularly mung beans) results in a complete protein?
That means that dishes that include these two ingredients include all nine essential amino acids. To top it off, both are affordable and have an incredible range of textures and flavor profiles.
What more do you need?
Actually, you might benefit from some ideas. Many people are familiar with Caribbean rice and peas or Latin American arroz con frijoles, but there are many lesser-known variations worth exploring out there. Our top picks include:
Eggs and rice might be one of the most underrated culinary combinations out there. These two ingredients balance each other perfectly, and both cook quickly to boot. You can scramble, fry, poach, or soft-boil the eggs, and the rice can be fresh or day-old. The pairing belongs to the category of comfort food recipes, since they’re easy and quick to make.
Consider these combinations:
While it might not be the most obvious pairing, rice and dairy — or its plant-based counterpart, especially coconut milk — is a match made in heaven. This combo often shows up in sweeter dishes, but it also has its role in savory dishes.
Here are a few examples:
If you’ve ever had a rice bowl loaded with roasted vegetables, you already know that soft, chewy rice combined with crispy, caramelized veggies is simply unbeatable.
The trick is in texture and seasoning. Vegetables roasted with olive oil, garlic, and herbs complement rice without needing meat or complex sauces.
Here are some creative ideas, if you happen to be tired of the usual pairings:
Canned fish (tuna, sardines, mackerel, or salmon) typically has a bad reputation. However, when paired with rice and seasoned properly, it becomes a budget-friendly ingredient that’s high in protein and full of omega-3 fatty acids.
Believe it or not, even some of the oldest cultures have found a way to incorporate canned food into their fast dishes. Here are some ideas:
Ground meat is the perfect combination with rice when you need something hearty and fast. It browns quickly, takes on spices well, and pairs with just about any vegetable or sauce.
Keep in mind that this combo is all about seasoning. You can shift the entire direction of the dish with one spice blend — taco seasoning, za’atar, curry powder, or even just garlic and chili flakes.
E.g., Southern U.S.’ dirty rice is made with ground beef or pork, bell peppers, onions, and Cajun spices. It’s called “dirty” because the meat colors the rice.
India’s Keema Rice is made with ground lamb or beef cooked with garam masala, ginger, peas, and tomatoes. It’s served over basmati rice.
Finally, nothing beats a Korean kitchen if you like a myriad of side dishes. Korean ground beef rice bowl is a quick stir-fry of ground beef with soy sauce, garlic, brown sugar, and sesame oil. It is served over hot rice with scallions and paired with at least three side dishes.
As you can see, rice can be paired with everyday staples with ease. Even less confident cooks can hardly go wrong with rice, as it takes on the flavors of anything it’s been paired with. Just consider Japanese tuna mayo onigiri — that, from a culture that pays attention to every detail of every single ingredient.
So, the next time you look at that bag of rice in your pantry, don’t get stuck with “the usual.” Rethink your meal with just two ingredients you have on hand!