The Best Sauces for Rice: A Complete Guide!

ByViolet Parker

Rice is a staple in many cuisines around the world, and it’s the perfect canvas for an array of tasty sauces. 

From classic favourites like curry sauce and sweet sour, through to Asian inspired choices like hoisin and gochujang, there really is something for everyone!

In this guide, we’re going to walk you right through the best sauces for rice, and share some of the easiest, most delicious sauce recipes to try at home. 

Let’s get going… 

Classic Sauces for Rice

Curry Sauce

A classic choice for rice dishes, curry sauce can elevate a simple plate of rice into a flavourful and satisfying meal.

To make it, you’ll need spices such as cumin, coriander, and turmeric.

Start by toasting your spices in a pan, then add onions and garlic. Once they are softened, add tomatoes and cook until they become a thick, aromatic sauce.

Experiment with different curry powders, or create your own blend for a customised flavour profile.

Teriyaki Sauce

Teriyaki sauce is perfect for enhancing the taste of your rice dishes.

Made from soy sauce, sugar, and mirin, this Japanese sauce is both sweet and savoury.

Heat the ingredients gently, allowing the sugar to dissolve and the sauce to thicken. Drizzle it on cooked rice or use it as a marinade for meats and vegetables.

Adjust the sweetness or saltiness according to your taste.

Need to use a ready made version? Take a look at how to improve store bought teriyaki sauce! 

Sweet and Sour Sauce

Sweet and sour sauce has a tangy, fruity flavour which complements rice dishes beautifully.

This sweet and sour recipe is easy to follow and always creates delicious results. 

This sauce pairs well with meats such as chicken or pork, as well as vegetables like bell peppers. 

To get ahead with your meal prep, be sure to also check out what to do with leftover sweet and sour sauce. 

Pesto Sauce

Pesto sauce is a versatile and fresh option to pair with rice.

Made from basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil, this bright, herby sauce brings a burst of flavour.

Simply blend all the ingredients until smooth, then mix with warm, cooked rice for a refreshing and delicious meal.

Try using different herbs, nuts, or cheeses to personalise your pesto.

In a hurry and need to use a jar? No worries, but be sure to take a look at how to improve grocery store pesto! 

Peanut Sauce

Peanut sauce delivers a rich, nutty flavour and creamy texture that enhances rice dishes.

To make it, blend peanut butter with soy sauce, lime juice, and a touch of brown sugar. You can also add chilli sauce or ginger for extra heat.

This sauce is excellent with grilled meats or vegetables, as well as tofu.

If you have a favourite nut butter, try substituting it for the peanut butter in this delicious sauce.

Asian-Inspired Rice Sauces

Soy Sauce-Based Sauces

Soy sauce is a staple of Asian cuisine and a versatile ingredient in rice sauces.

A straightforward sauce can be made by combining soy sauce with garlic, ginger, and a touch of sugar.

You can also create variations by adding ingredients like sesame oil, rice vinegar, or oyster sauce.

For extra flare, try including some finely chopped spring onions, giving your rice a fresh and flavourful twist.

Chili Sauce

Another way to spice up your rice is with a fiery chili sauce.

In many Asian-inspired recipes, chili sauce is combined with garlic, lime juice, and fish sauce or soy sauce to create a dynamic and balanced flavour.

Adjust the heat by varying the amount of chili and other ingredients to suit your taste buds. It’s an excellent sauce for those who love a bit of a kick in their meals.

Hoisin Sauce

Hoisin sauce offers a delicious, sweet-savoury flavour that pairs well with rice.

Made from soybeans, sugar, and spices, this thick and glossy sauce can be used as a dipping sauce for your rice dishes or as a key ingredient in rice-based stir-fries.

Blend hoisin sauce with soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, and crushed garlic for a well-rounded option to drizzle on your rice.

Gochujang Sauce

Korean cuisine features gochujang sauce, a savoury and sweet-spicy concoction made from fermented soybeans, glutinous rice, red chili powder, and salt.

To create a delightful gochujang-based rice sauce, mix it with soy sauce, a touch of honey or sugar, and minced garlic.

This distinctive and robust flavour will bring an authentic Korean twist to your rice dishes.

Gyoza Sauce

Consider using gyoza sauce as a dipping sauce for your rice-filled dumplings or as a flavourful addition to a rice bowl.

Made from a combination of soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and chili oil, gyoza sauce adds depth and complexity to your recipes.

To make your own, blend these ingredients in a bowl and toss in some chopped spring onions to top off your rice dishes with a delicate oniony finish.

Spicy and Tangy Sauces

Sriracha-Based Sauces

Sriracha is a popular spicy sauce, originating from Thailand, with a zingy taste and a hint of garlic.

To make a great Sriracha-based sauce for your rice dishes, simply combine:

  • 2 tbsp Sriracha
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 tsp honey

Give it a good mix and drizzle it over your rice dish to add some heat and tang.

Hot Sauce-Based Sauces

Hot sauces such as Tabasco or Frank’s RedHot can also make fantastic spicy and tangy sauces for rice.

Try this simple recipe:

  • 2 tbsp hot sauce of your choice
  • 1 tbsp white vinegar
  • 1/2 tsp sugar
  • A pinch of salt

Mix these ingredients thoroughly and pour it over your rice to give it an extra kick.

BBQ Sauce

BBQ sauce is a tasty combination of sweet, smoky, and tangy flavours.

To spice up your rice dish with some BBQ sauce, follow this quick recipe:

  • 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to your preferred spice level)

Just stir all the ingredients together and use it as a glaze for your rice dish, or mix it in well for thoroughly coated grains.

Chipotle Crema

Chipotle crema is a creamy sauce made with chipotle peppers, commonly used in Mexican cuisine. It adds a spicy, smokey, and slightly tangy kick to your rice.

Here’s the recipe:

  • 1/2 cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)
  • 2 tbsp chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • Salt, to taste

Blend these ingredients until smooth, and drizzle over your rice dish for a creamy and smoky kick.

Creamy and Versatile Sauces

Tahini Sauce

A Middle Eastern staple, tahini sauce is a creamy, nutty blend of sesame paste, lemon juice, and garlic.

To make this sauce, simply combine:

  • 3 tablespoons tahini
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 minced garlic clove
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2-4 tablespoons water

Experiment with the water to adjust the thickness.

This versatile sauce pairs well with not only rice but also veggies, sandwiches, and salads.

Coconut Milk Sauces

Coconut milk-based sauces offer a great variety of flavours, from savoury to sweet.

To create a simple, savoury coconut sauce, mix:

  • 400 ml coconut milk
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha

For a sweeter version, try using:

  • 400 ml coconut milk
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1 tablespoon grated ginger

These coconut milk sauces will add a rich, velvety touch to your rice, while also complementing a wide range of dishes like curries and stir-fries.

Mole Sauce

Mole sauce, a traditional Mexican delicacy, is known for its complex, deep flavours.

To make mole sauce, gently simmer the following ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 diced onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup chopped unsweetened chocolate
  • 1/4 cup chilli powder
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1/4 cup chopped almonds
  • 1/4 cup raisins

Stir well until smooth and thickened.

Mole sauce is perfect for transforming a simple rice dish into a soulful experience.

Szechuan Sauce

This spicy, aromatic Chinese sauce combines sweetness and heat to elevate your rice dish to new flavour heights.

To make Szechuan sauce, whisk together:

  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon chilli paste (adjust for heat)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 2 minced garlic cloves
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger

Pour over your cooked rice for a delightful kick that teams well with stir-fries and grilled dishes.

Peruvian Green Sauce

Peruvian green sauce, also known as “aji verde”, is a creamy, zesty blend of herbs, chillies, and cheese.

Combine these ingredients in a blender:

  • 1 packed cup fresh cilantro leaves
  • 2 jalapeños, seeds removed
  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Blend until smooth, and pour over your rice for a unique, tangy addition that also complements meats and vegetables.

By incorporating these creamy and versatile sauces into your cooking, you can elevate your rice dishes and impress your friends and family with your culinary skills.

Global Flavours and Cuisines

Tzatziki Sauce

Tzatziki sauce originates from Greece and is a lovely, cool complement to your rice dishes.

It’s a yoghurt-based sauce with cucumber, garlic, and fresh herbs such as dill or mint.

To make tzatziki sauce, you’ll need:

  • 250g Greek yoghurt
  • 1 medium cucumber, grated and drained
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh dill or mint, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Combine all the ingredients in a bowl, and chill for a couple of hours to let the flavours meld. 

For idea’s for tomorrow’s meals, check out what to do with leftover tzatziki. 

Nuoc Cham

This Vietnamese dipping sauce brings a burst of flavour to rice dishes. It’s a well-balanced mix of salty, sweet, and tangy taste, and slightly spicy with a hint of garlic.

To make Nuoc Cham, gather:

  • 3 tbsp fish sauce
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 2 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 red chilli, finely chopped
  • 60ml water

Whisk together all the ingredients in a bowl, and adjust the taste according to your preference.

Drizzle some Nuoc Cham on Vietnamese-style rice dishes to enhance their taste.

Lemon Sauce

A simple, yet delightful sauce, lemon sauce pairs well with various rice dishes, particularly those with seafood or chicken.

To make this zesty sauce, you’ll need:

  • 60ml fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 60ml chicken stock
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

In a saucepan, whisk together all the ingredients over medium heat until the sauce thickens slightly.

Adjust the seasoning if needed, and pour it over your rice dishes to add a tangy twist.

Raita

Raita is an Indian yoghurt-based sauce that goes well with rice dishes, especially biryanis and pulaos. It has a cooling effect, which is perfect for offsetting spicy dishes.

For a simple raita, mix together:

  • 250g plain yoghurt
  • 1 small cucumber, grated and drained
  • 1 medium tomato, chopped
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • Fresh coriander leaves, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Stir all the ingredients in a bowl, and serve alongside your favourite Indian rice dishes. It’s an easy and delightful side to prepare.

Mojo Sauce

Mojo sauce is a flavour-packed addition to your rice dishes hailing from the Canary Islands. It can be red or green, depending on the type of pepper used.

For a spicy red mojo sauce, gather:

  • 4 red peppers, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ tsp cumin seeds
  • ½ cup olive oil
  • 3 tbsp white wine vinegar
  • Salt to taste

Blend all the ingredients in a food processor until smooth.

Keep your mojo sauce in a sealed container and refrigerate for a couple of hours before using it to enhance the flavours of your rice dishes, such as paella or arroz con pollo.

Pairing Tips and Suggestions

Pairing with Veggies

When it comes to rice dishes, veggies are always a great addition.

For a burst of colour and flavour, try mixing in carrots and peppers.

Both of these vegetables add a lovely crunch and pair well with various sauces. Consider steaming or stir-frying them to maintain their texture.

You could also experiment with peas, courgettes, and aubergines for some more variety.

Pairing with Protein

If you fancy adding protein to your rice dish, tofu is an excellent choice.

This versatile ingredient easily adapts to the flavours around it, making it perfect for a variety of sauces.

Lightly pan-fry your tofu to give it a golden, slightly crispy exterior and a tender inside.

For fish lovers, salmon is another brilliant option. Its rich flavour and meaty texture are great for accompanying rice and sauce. Whether you prefer it grilled, baked, or poached, it’ll surely be a tasty addition.

You can also get some ideas for sauces to serve with chicken and rice. 

Meal Planning Tips

Careful planning plays an essential role in creating delicious meals.

As a meal planner, make sure to balance your rice dishes with a mix of veggies, protein, and sauce. Serve the dish with a side salad or steamed vegetables for added nutrition.

To make things easier, create a weekly meal plan and shop accordingly. Don’t hesitate to switch up your sauce or protein choices for creative twists on classic rice accompaniments.

Remember, the key is to have fun while exploring new flavours and ingredients!