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Toppings for Rice: 18 Options Not to Miss

Toppings for Rice: 18 Options Not to Miss

Rice is the perfect base for so many dishes, and it can be served with almost anything!

That’s why I love it so much.

But sometimes, you need a little more than just your standard white or brown rice (even though those are delicious on their own). 

You want something that’ll take your meal to the next level but still be easy to make. 

That’s where my list of toppings comes in.

They can take rice from being an ordinary side dish to something unique and delicious that everyone will love!

In this article, I’ll share some of my favorite rice toppings —tangy and sweet— and how they’ll make your next meal even more satisfying than ever!

Let’s get to cooking!

What to Put on Rice

What’s your favorite way to make rice?

Some people like it plain, but for most of us, rice is just a blank canvas for the toppings we can pile on.

So if you’re looking for ways to add some extra deliciousness (from rice sauces to protein to healthy styles), here are some of my favorite ideas:

1. Caribbean Pepper Sauce

 

Caribbean pepper sauce is multifaceted. It’s spicy, but not too spicy.

It’s a bit tangy and has just a hint of sweetness.

It goes with anything—and I mean ANYTHING.

Whether you’re making an omelet or dipping for some chips, a Caribbean pepper sauce will add the perfect kick to your dish.

Caribbean pepper sauce has been around for years, and there are many different recipes for making it.

This recipe is one of my favorites because it’s simple and very tasty!

These are the key ingredients you’ll need:

  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons oil
  • 3 garlic cloves
  • 4 peppers (scotch bonnet or habanero)
  • ¼ cup vinegar
  • ¼ cup onion (chopped)
  • ¼ teaspoon cumin
  • ½ cup mango or pineapple 
  • ½ teaspoon mustard
  • ¼ teaspoon cilantro (optional)
  • ¼  teaspoon thyme (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Add a tablespoon of your cooking oil to a medium saucepan and sauté the onions, peppers, and garlic for about two minutes.

Let it cool, then throw it in a blender with other ingredients and blend until smooth.

Once that’s done, transfer the smoothie to a saucepan and bring it to a boil; then simmer for 15 minutes or so.

Season to taste with salt and pepper, and serve!

Whether you’re eating chicken or meat on the side with the rice, this sauce will complement both.

2. Green Mole Sauce

 

I know the name doesn’t sound that delicious, but bear with me for a minute!

The green mole sauce is a traditional Mexican sauce that’s used to flavor dishes like enchiladas, tamales, and more. 

It’s made with multiple ingredients, including chiles, herbs, and spices.

The color that gives this sauce its name comes from the use of tomatillos, which are green in color.

While it may not be as well-known as a white or red mole, green mole is just as delicious!

Here’s what you’ll need to make this sauce:

  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (toasted) 
  • 1 large jalapeño
  • 9 medium tomatillos 
  • 2 cups chicken stock
  • 2 bay leaves 
  • 2 cups white onion  (cut into large pieces) 
  • 2 serrano peppers 
  • 1 cup fennel (fronds only)
  • 5 peeled garlic cloves
  • 2 cups cilantro (leaves only) 
  • ¼ oz epazote (leaves only)
  • ½  cup salted pumpkin seeds (roasted)

Now listen closely because the instructions may get a little tricky.

The first thing you’ve got to do is preheat the oven to 400ºF.

Then, roast the tomatillos, onions, and peppers on a tray in the oven for about 20 minutes until they begin to brown.

When the tomatillo mixture is roasted, remove it from the oven and set it on the side to cool for a few minutes. 

Mix it in a blender with the rest of the ingredients when it’s cooled off. Finally, pour the mixture into a medium-sized pot, and simmer for half an hour.

The end result should be a thick, creamy, and delicious sauce.

Serve it on a bed of rice with some crusty bread or garlic toast.

3. Roasted Zucchini and Eggplant

 

You have to love the way zucchini has a bit of a crunch to it, but it also has this fantastic, almost creamy texture to it.

Plus, there’s a little bit of sweetness in there, but then also this savory flavor that comes out when you roast it. 

And when you put that with eggplant and rice, it’s just perfect!

It all comes together in this dish to create something so delicious and nutritious while still being easy to make and affordable.

4. Tuna and Avocado Salad

Tuna and Avocado Salad recipe

A little bit of tuna, a little bit of avocado, and you’ve got yourself a super easy lunch or amazing side dish salad that’s full of flavor and nutrients. 

If you didn’t know, tuna is an excellent source of protein, while avocados are full of healthy fats.

It’s easy to make and will add a nice flavor to your rice.

You can also add it to other foods like bread or noodles if you’d like. 

Plus, you can even throw in some chives or cilantro for an extra kick!

And remember, It’s best if you use fresh ingredients for this recipe to get the best out of every ingredient!

5. Spiced Apple Pear Sauce

 

Now, if you’re looking for another healthy rice topping that’s less fishy, look no further than this sauce!

The spiced pear apple sauce is the perfect balance of sweet, sour, and healthy!

The pears give it a slight tartness, while the apples add a smooth sweetness.

Then you get that kick of spice from the cinnamon, ginger, and cloves.

It’s like a party in your mouth!

6. Sauteed Kale with Caramelized Onions

 

Kale is one of the most underrated vegetables out there.

I mean, it’s got a bad reputation for being too “earthy” and slightly “bitter.” Who wants to eat that?

But when you saute it in a pan with just a little bit of olive oil and some salt, it cooks up to a crispy and caramelized meal.

And if you throw in some onions that have been caramelized as well, you’ve got yourself a side dish worth talking about!

7. Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Creamy Mushroom Sauce recipe

Now, this creamy mushroom sauce is the stuff of dreams.

It’s warm and comforting, has a rich texture that coats your tongue like a blanket, and is so easy to make!

You can use it to make a delicious risotto or pasta or even pour it over some chicken breasts for a quick and easy meal.

All you need is a few ingredients:

  • 1 onion (chopped)
  • 1 tablespoon parsley (chopped)
  • 1 cup low-fat milk
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 8 oz mushrooms (sliced)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Start by melting the butter in a saucepan on medium heat, then add the onion and stir for about two minutes. 

After that, add the garlic and stir for less than a minute.

As soon as you smell the aroma of garlic and onion, add the flour and stir (again!) for two more minutes.

Then, it’s time to add the mushrooms and parsley and mix for a couple of minutes.

Pour the milk over the pan, cover it, and put it on high heat.

Season with salt and pepper when it boils, and stir until the sauce thickens.

Serve over rice, and enjoy! You can add some additional herbs on top, such as thyme if you like.

Plus, you can add some additional herbs on top, such as thyme, to give an extra kick to your rice bowl.

8. Parsley Pesto Sauce

Parsley pesto sauce tastes like the best of summer days.

It’s herbaceous and fresh and has just enough garlic to make you smile in delight.

If you haven’t tried it yet, get ready to feel your taste buds sing.

Making this sauce requires:

  • 2 teaspoons garlic (minced) 
  • ½  tsp black pepper
  • ½ cup basil leaves
  • ¼ cup lemon juice
  • ¼  cup parsley (chopped)
  • ¼  cup pine nuts (toasted)
  • ¼  cup olive oil

This sauce is so easy to make.

All you have to do is blend all the ingredients until everything is smooth. 

And just like that, you can pour the pesto sauce over the hot rice.

If you want to kick it up a notch, sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on top!

But watch out—you won’t have any leftovers after making this recipe!

If you want to kick it up a notch, sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on top!

9. Curry Sauce with Vegetables

Curry Sauce recipe

Curry sauce is the magician’s secret for making a meal appear laborious and time-consuming when really it took you only 20 minutes.

However, this is a hit-or-miss kind of sauce.

If you’re going to make some curry sauce, you need to do it right!

This means adding many ingredients, stirring them together for a long time, and then serving the sauce on rice. 

The crispness of bell pepper and zucchini is a nice contrast to the softness of rice grains that I’m sure you’ll love!

All you need is the following:

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon superfine sugar
  • 2 teaspoons curry powder
  • 4 garlic cloves (grated)
  • 1½ tablespoons tomato purée
  • 3½ fl oz double cream
  • ½ teaspoon chili flakes (dried) 
  • ½ cup water
  • ¾ oz fresh root ginger (peeled and grated)
  • ¼ teaspoon fine salt
  • ¼  teaspoon black pepper

Heat a little oil in a frying pan and sauté the garlic and ginger for about a minute, stirring constantly.

Don’t let them brown, though.

Add the curry powder, chili, and tomato purée to the pan and cook for 1 minute, stirring until the mixture looks shiny.

Add the sugar, salt, and pepper, then stir in water and the cream.

Heat the mixture over low heat, constantly stirring so it doesn’t burn, for about three minutes.

After that, pour the delicious curry sauce over the steaming hot rice. Bon appétit!

10. Kimchi 

 

Kimchi is one of those foods that you probably know about but haven’t actually tried. 

it’s a spicy, fermented cabbage dish that’s popular in Korea.

Plus, it goes really well with a bowl of rice!

The reason for this is simple: kimchi is spicy, but not in an overpowering way. 

It’s like the perfect balance between sweet and savory, and when paired with rice, it makes your taste buds dance with joy!

11. Sweet Potatoes Roasted with Garlic

 

They’re sweet, they’re tender, and they’re full of garlicky goodness that’ll have your mouth watering before you even put them in the oven!

These roasted potatoes are a great side dish for any occasion, particularly when served with rice. 

And best of all? They’re easy! 

You don’t need to be a master chef to make them—just follow the directions in the recipe, and you’ll have a delicious side dish ready in no time.

12. Furikake

Furikake recipe

Furikake is a Japanese spice blend that’s used to add flavor and texture to dishes. 

It’s usually sprinkled on rice but can be used in many different ways.

It’s most often made with toasted sesame seeds, nori, sugar, and salt.

It’s so simple—just add the furikake into your rice bowl, mix them together, and you’re ready to go!

13. Roasted Broccoli and Cauliflower

It’s no secret that some vegetables are better than others. Broccoli and cauliflower?

Not so much. They’re a little bland, and they’re kind of boring.

However, do you know what’s not boring? Cilantro and parsley! 

And when you mix those spices with your broccoli and cauliflower, you get something that you can’t help but love.

14. Spiced Pear Applesauce

Spiced Pear Apple Sauce recipe

Now, if you’re looking for some healthy rice toppings, look no further than this sauce!

The spiced pear applesauce is the perfect balance of sweet, sour, and healthy!

The pears give it a slight tartness, while the apples add a smooth sweetness.

Then you get that kick of spice from the cinnamon, ginger, and cloves.

It’s like a party in your mouth!

Here’s what I use to make it this simple applesauce recipe:

  • ½ teaspoon grated nutmeg
  • ¼  cup brown sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
  • ¼ cup water
  • ¼ teaspoon ginger
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 2 lb. apples (peeled, cored, and quartered)
  • 1 lb. pears (cored and quartered)

Put all the ingredients in a medium saucepan.

Bring to a boil over medium-high, lower the heat and let it simmer until the apples and pears are soft but still chunky.

Remove the sauce from the heat, stir a few times and leave it to rest until the chunks are well combined with the surrounding juices.

If you want a smoother sauce, remove the cinnamon sticks from it when you take the sauce off the heat, then whisk it until it’s smooth.

15. Lemony Tahini Sauce

Lemony Tahini Sauce recipe

Do you like nutty flavors? If so, you’ll love tahini sauce!

Tahini is a sesame seed paste that originated in the Middle East and has been used for centuries as a condiment.

It’s most commonly used to make hummus, but it’s also delicious on its own as a dip or spread.

You’ll need to gather these ingredients to make it:

  • 4 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 6 tablespoons water (you may need more later)
  • ½ cup tahini
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ cup lemon juice
  • ⅛ teaspoon cumin

In a bowl, pour the lemon juice, add the garlic cloves, and let it sit for about ten minutes to get the full garlic flavor.

Then, strain the mixture through a sieve into another bowl.

After that, stir in the tahini and cumin, followed by salt and black pepper.

Now, whisk like there’s no tomorrow until you have a smooth mixture.

Keep adding water, one tablespoon at a time, until you have a creamy tahini sauce!

The Best Toppings for Rice: 3 Easy Toppings You Can Find in Your Kitchen

Some of the previous toppings may take a little extra effort to prepare, and some ingredients might not be readily available to you.

So, I made a list with easy, cheap ingredients that’ll upgrade your rice bowl!

scrambled eggs on top of jasmine rice

Here are my favorites:

1. Scrambled Eggs with Veggies

If you’re looking for a quick and easy lunch, why not try making scrambled eggs with peppers and mushrooms over rice?

It’s a simple combination, but it’s also a culinary masterpiece.

The eggs are creamy, with just the right amount of salt to give them a little kick. 

The peppers add a crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the softness of the mushrooms. 

And the rice soaks up all that rich flavor so you can enjoy every bite.

And if you want to jazz it up even further? Add some hot sauce!

2. Avocados with a Dash of Seasoning

Avocados are a delicious, healthy food that you can easily add to your meal.

They’re rich and creamy, with just a hint of earthy bitterness. 

But they can be even better! When paired with the right seasonings (like salt and pepper), avocados can elevate your meal to a whole new level of deliciousness.

3. Soy Sauce

If you’re looking for a simple meal that you can’t go wrong with, try rice, soy sauce, and maybe a little bit of salt.

It’s easy to make. It’s fast to cook.

And it will leave your taste buds feeling satisfied but not overstuffed or bogged down by heavy sauces and spices.

You’ll have time to relax and enjoy your food instead of rushing through a meal so that you can get back to work on time!

And that’s a wrap! 

I hope you enjoyed learning about the different toppings for rice.

I’m sure you’ll be able to use these tips to make your next meal delicious.

Now get out there and create something tasty!

toppings for rice hdr

Toppings for Rice: 18 Options Not to Miss

Ideas and recipes to make toppings for rice

Ingredients

  • Caribbean Pepper Sauce
  • Green Mole
  • Roasted Zucchini and Eggplant
  • Tuna and Avocado Salad
  • Apple Pear Sauce
  • Sauteed Kale
  • Creamy Mushroom Sauce
  • Parsley Pesto
  • Curry with Vegetables
  • Kimchi
  • Sweet Potatoes & Garlic
  • Furikake
  • Broccoli and Cauliflower
  • Pear Applesauce
  • Lemony Tahini

Instructions

  • Choose your desired toppings for rice recipe.
  • Gather and organize needed ingredients.
  • Create a tasty toppings for rice recipe to complete your meal!

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