Salmon and rice make a great pair for a tasty and filling meal. These two foods go well together because of how they taste and the health benefits they offer.
Rice can be made in many ways to match different types of salmon dishes.
You can choose from over 14 rice side dishes to serve with salmon. Some rice sides are simple, while others have more flavors mixed in.
From plain white rice to spiced-up versions, there’s a rice dish for every salmon meal.
Let’s look at some tasty rice options to try with your next salmon dinner.
1. Cilantro Lime Rice
Cilantro lime rice is a tasty side dish that pairs well with salmon. It’s easy to make and adds fresh flavors to your meal.
To make it, cook white or brown rice as usual. When done, mix in chopped cilantro, lime juice, and zest.
The bright, zesty taste of the lime complements the rich salmon. The cilantro adds a nice herbal note.
This rice dish is versatile. You can adjust the amount of cilantro and lime to suit your taste. Try adding a pinch of salt or a pat of butter for extra flavor.
2. Ginger Turmeric Rice
Ginger turmeric rice adds a vibrant and flavorful twist to your salmon dish. The bright yellow color comes from turmeric, while ginger gives it a spicy kick.
To make this rice, start by sautéing minced ginger in oil. Add turmeric powder and rice, then cook with broth or water. The result is a fragrant and colorful side dish.
This rice complements salmon well. The warm spices enhance the fish’s rich flavor without overpowering it.
You can add peas or diced carrots for extra nutrition and color.
3. Lemon Herb Basmati
Lemon herb basmati rice is a perfect side dish for salmon. This fragrant rice adds a bright, fresh flavor to your meal.
To make it, cook basmati rice according to package instructions. While it’s cooking, zest and juice a lemon. Chop some fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or cilantro.
When the rice is done, fluff it with a fork. Mix in the lemon zest, juice, and herbs. Add a pat of butter and a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors.
The citrusy taste of the lemon cuts through the richness of the salmon. The herbs add a pop of color and freshness to your plate.
4. Garlic Butter Fried Rice
Garlic butter fried rice is a tasty side dish for salmon. You can make it easily at home.
Start by cooking rice and letting it cool.
In a pan, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add the cooled rice and stir-fry it with the garlic butter. Mix in some soy sauce for extra flavor.
You can add vegetables like peas or carrots for more color and nutrients. Sprinkle some chopped green onions on top before serving.
This rich and savory rice complements the salmon perfectly.
5. Coconut Jasmine Rice
Coconut jasmine rice is a tasty side dish that pairs well with salmon. To make it, rinse jasmine rice and cook it in a mix of coconut milk and water. Add a pinch of salt to bring out the flavors.
The coconut milk gives the rice a creamy texture and subtle sweetness. This complements the salmon’s rich taste and flaky texture.
You can add extra flavor by stirring in some lime zest or chopped cilantro after cooking. This rice dish brings a touch of tropical flair to your salmon meal.
6. Sesame Soy Wild Rice
Sesame soy wild rice adds an Asian-inspired twist to your salmon dish. Cook wild rice according to package instructions. Mix in soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, and rice vinegar for flavor.
Add chopped green onions and sesame seeds for extra crunch. This side dish brings a nutty taste that pairs well with salmon’s rich flavor.
You can customize it by adding other veggies like edamame or bell peppers. The combination of textures and tastes makes this rice dish a standout option for your salmon meal.
7. Tomato Basil Risotto
Tomato basil risotto is a tasty rice dish that goes well with salmon. You start by cooking shallots in olive oil until soft. Then add rice and cook until it turns clear.
Mix in tomato paste for flavor and color. Pour in some white wine and let it cook off. Slowly add warm broth, stirring often. This makes the rice creamy.
When the rice is almost done, add fresh basil leaves. The basil gives a nice aroma and taste.
You can top the risotto with pieces of smoked salmon for extra flavor.
8. Mushroom Parmesan Pilaf
Mushroom Parmesan Pilaf is a tasty rice dish that pairs well with salmon. It combines the earthy flavor of mushrooms with the savory taste of Parmesan cheese.
To make this pilaf, start by sautéing mushrooms in butter. Add rice and cook it in chicken or vegetable broth for extra flavor. Once the rice is tender, stir in grated Parmesan cheese.
This dish offers a nice contrast to salmon’s mild taste. The mushrooms add a hearty texture, while the Parmesan brings a sharp, salty element. It’s a filling side that complements your salmon perfectly.
9. Pineapple Cashew Rice
Pineapple cashew rice is a tasty side dish that goes well with salmon. You’ll love the mix of sweet and savory flavors in this rice.
To make it, cook white rice and add diced pineapple, chopped cashews, and green onions. Mix in some soy sauce and a dash of ginger for extra flavor.
The pineapple adds a tropical sweetness that complements the rich salmon. Cashews give a nice crunch and nutty taste. This rice dish is easy to make and will brighten up your salmon dinner.
10. Saffron Rice with Almonds
Saffron rice with almonds is a fancy side dish that goes great with salmon. You start by soaking saffron threads in warm water. This helps release their flavor and color.
Next, rinse basmati rice and cook it with the saffron water. The rice turns a pretty golden color. While it cooks, toast some sliced almonds in a pan until they’re light brown.
When the rice is done, fluff it with a fork and mix in the toasted almonds. The nutty crunch of the almonds pairs well with the soft, aromatic rice. This side dish adds a touch of elegance to your salmon meal.
11. Wasabi Pea Arborio
Wasabi Pea Arborio rice adds a spicy twist to your salmon dinner. This dish combines creamy arborio rice with crunchy wasabi peas for a unique texture and flavor.
To make it, cook arborio rice as you would for risotto. Stir in crushed wasabi peas near the end of cooking. The peas will give the rice a light green color and a kick of heat.
This side dish pairs well with grilled or baked salmon. The creamy rice balances the rich fish, while the wasabi adds excitement. You can adjust the amount of wasabi peas to control the spice level.
12. Spinach and Feta Brown Rice
Brown rice with spinach and feta makes a tasty side for salmon. Cook brown rice according to package directions.
While the rice cooks, sauté fresh spinach in olive oil until wilted. Crumble feta cheese.
Mix the cooked rice with the spinach and feta. Add a squeeze of lemon juice and some black pepper to taste.
This dish adds nutrients and Mediterranean flavors that complement salmon well. The brown rice provides fiber, while spinach and feta offer extra vitamins and protein.
13. Zesty Pesto Rice
Pesto rice makes a tasty side dish for salmon. To make it, cook rice as usual. Then mix in some prepared pesto sauce.
The basil and garlic flavors in pesto complement salmon nicely. Add pine nuts or walnuts for extra crunch. Grated Parmesan cheese gives it more richness.
You can use store-bought pesto or make your own. Homemade pesto lets you control the ingredients. Try sun-dried tomato pesto for a twist.
This zesty rice pairs well with both grilled and baked salmon. The bright, herby flavors balance the rich fish.
14. Sweet Chili Lime Rice
Sweet chili lime rice adds a zesty kick to your salmon dish. Start by cooking your favorite rice according to the package instructions.
Once cooked, mix in sweet chili sauce for a spicy-sweet flavor. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the rice to balance the sweetness with tangy citrus notes.
Add some finely chopped cilantro for a fresh herb taste.
The combination of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors complements salmon perfectly.
This rice dish brings exciting Asian-inspired flavors to your plate. It’s easy to make and pairs wonderfully with both grilled and baked salmon.
Nutritional Benefits of Rice Side Dishes
Rice side dishes offer key nutrients that pair well with salmon. They provide energy and important vitamins and minerals to round out your meal.
Carbohydrates and Energy
Rice is packed with carbs that give you energy. A half-cup serving of cooked white rice has about 15 grams of carbs. Brown rice has a bit more at 17 grams per half-cup.
These carbs fuel your body and brain.
Rice also has some fiber, especially brown rice. Fiber helps you feel full and aids digestion. A half-cup of brown rice provides 2 grams of fiber.
The carbs in rice release energy slowly. This helps keep your blood sugar stable after eating.
Essential Vitamins and Minerals
Rice contains several important vitamins and minerals. Brown rice is especially nutritious.
A half-cup serving of brown rice provides:
- 10% of your daily vitamin B6
- 6% of your daily niacin
- Small amounts of thiamin, riboflavin, and folate
Brown rice also gives you minerals like:
- Magnesium – for heart and bone health
- Manganese – for metabolism and bone formation
- Selenium – an antioxidant that supports immune function
White rice is often enriched with B vitamins and iron. This replaces nutrients lost in processing.
Pairing Rice with Salmon
Rice and salmon make a great team on your plate. The right pairing brings out the best in both foods. Let’s look at how to match flavors and textures for a perfect meal.
Balancing Flavors
Choose rice that enhances salmon’s taste. Plain white rice lets the fish shine. For bolder flavors, try these options:
- Lemon rice: Brightens up the salmon
- Garlic herb rice: Adds savory notes
- Coconut rice: Brings a tropical twist
Match the seasoning to your salmon. If you have a teriyaki glaze, pair it with ginger-infused rice. For herb-crusted salmon, go with a parsley or dill rice pilaf.
Remember to adjust salt levels. Salmon often has enough salt, so keep your rice lighter on seasoning.
Texture Considerations
Rice texture can make or break your salmon dish.
Fluffy long-grain rice works well with most salmon. It soaks up sauces without getting mushy.
For a contrast, try these:
- Wild rice: Adds a chewy bite
- Brown rice: Gives a nutty crunch
- Risotto: Creates a creamy base
Consider how you cook your salmon.
Grilled fish pairs nicely with firmer rice. Poached salmon goes well with softer, creamier rice dishes.
Mix in veggies for extra texture.
Peas, corn, or diced carrots in your rice add color and crunch to your meal.