What To Serve With Rice Pilaf (37 BEST Ideas!)

Pilaf is a super versatile, one-pot rice dish that’s perfect for a fuss-free midweek meal. 

The term ‘pilaf’ is actually a cooking method that involves firstly cooking the rice in aromatics like garlic and onion, before finishing in a liquid like water or stock for maximum flavour. 

It’s so much more than your regular rice dish, and this cooking method is also responsible for it’s wonderfully fluffy and light texture – no need to worry about it sticking together! 

A pilaf is typically considered to be Persian in origin as that’s where it’s first mentioned in recorded history, though variations can be found right around the world.

You might also see it referenced as pilau (from the Indian subcontinent), palaw (in Afghan cuisine), pulao (Persian) or plav (Central Asia), and pilav (Turkish). 

Almost every corner of the globe has its own version of rice cooked in a similar way, sometimes with meat, sometimes without, and sometimes using bulgur, lentils, orzo, or vermicelli in place of rice. 

If you’re making this dish at home, you might be planning the sides and accompaniments that you want to make. 

Just need the quick answer? 

The best choices for what to serve with rice pilaf include grilled chicken, pan seared salmon, garlic prawns, chickpea curry, roasted vegetables, tomato and cucumber salad, and slow cooked lamb shanks. 

Let’s look at some more ideas and preparation tips… 

Protein Pairings

Rice pilaf is a versatile dish that you can match with a variety of proteins.

Whether you prefer meat, seafood, or a vegetarian option, there’s a pairing that will complete your meal.

Chicken Dishes

• Grilled Chicken: A classic companion to rice pilaf, grilled chicken breast, seasoned with herbs like rosemary and thyme, provides a lean and flavourful protein.
• Lemon Garlic Chicken: The zesty and pungent flavours of a lemon and garlic marinade complement the subtle spices of your pilaf.

Seafood Options

• Pan-Seared Salmon: A fillet with crispy skin adds richness and goes splendidly with the lighter notes of rice.
• Garlic Prawns: Succulent prawns sautéed in garlic butter enhance the pilaf with their sea-salted taste.

If you enjoy rice dishes, you’ll also like what to serve with rice and peas. 

Vegetarian Proteins

• Chickpea Curry: A hearty curry with chickpeas offers a protein boost as well as a combination of exotic spices.
• Grilled Tofu: Tofu slices, marinated and grilled, offer a substantial texture and an umami flavour that pairs well with the neutral base of the pilaf.

Vegetable Sides

Complementing your rice pilaf with vegetable sides not only adds colour to your plate but also brings a variety of nutrients and flavours.

Steamed Vegetables

Steaming is a gentle way to cook vegetables, preserving their natural taste and nutritional value.

Consider these options:

• Broccoli: Steam for about 4-5 minutes until bright green and tender.
• Carrots: Slice thinly and steam for around 6-7 minutes until they’re just soft.

Roasted Vegetables

Roasting vegetables can intensify their flavours with a caramelised exterior.

• Bell peppers: Cut into strips, drizzle with olive oil, and roast at 200°C for 20 minutes.
• Courgettes: Slice and roast with a sprinkle of herbs for about 15 minutes at 200°C.

Salads

A fresh salad with a tangy dressing can balance the richness of rice pilaf.

• Tomato and cucumber salad: Use fresh basil leaves and a balsamic vinaigrette.
• Mixed greens: Toss with a light lemon dressing for a crisp accompaniment.

Sauces and Toppings

Sauces and toppings are great choices for what to serve with rice pilaf… 

Yoghurt-Based Sauces

A cool, creamy yoghurt sauce makes a refreshing contrast with the warm, spiced grains of pilaf.

Tzatziki, a Greek yoghurt sauce with cucumber and mint, works wonderfully.

Alternately, try a Mint-Coriander Yoghurt that melds fresh herbs with a tangy yoghurt base.

• Tzatziki
  • Greek yoghurt: tangy and thick
  • Cucumber: grated and drained
  • Mint: finely chopped
• Mint-Coriander Yoghurt
  • Plain yoghurt: smooth and cooling
  • Mint & coriander: fresh and finely chopped

Nuts and Dried Fruits

Adding nuts and dried fruits can give your pilaf a delightful crunch and a burst of sweetness, pairing perfectly with its fluffy texture.

• Nuts
  • Almonds: sliced or slivered for a buttery crunch
  • Pine nuts: lightly toasted for an earthy flavour
• Dried Fruits
  • Raisins: dark or golden for a touch of sweetness
  • Apricots: chopped for a fruity tang

Herb Infusions

Infused oils or melted butter with herbs can drizzle over your pilaf for an aromatic and flavourful finish.

Try Rosemary Infused Oil or Sage Butter for a fragrant touch.

• Rosemary Infused Oil
  • Olive oil: as a base
  • Rosemary: freshly chopped
• Sage Butter
  • Butter: melted until golden
  • Sage: crisp and fragrant

Global Inspirations

Exploring different cuisines can transform your rice pilaf into a global dish.

Each region offers unique flavours and ingredients that can work wonderfully for what to serve with rice pilaf. 

Middle Eastern Flavours

In the Middle East, lamb is a popular choice to accompany rice pilaf.

For a true taste of the region, consider pairing your pilaf with slow-cooked lamb shanks spiced with cumin, paprika, and cinnamon.

Serve alongside a refreshing yoghurt and cucumber dip for a balanced meal.

Asian Influences

Asia presents a vast array of options to serve with rice pilaf.

Try topping your pilaf with teriyaki-glazed salmon for a Japanese twist, or stir-fry some vegetables with soy sauce and garlic for a simple but flavourful Chinese-inspired dish.

Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions to enhance the presentation.

Mediterranean Touches

The Mediterranean palette brings a light and fresh approach.

Pair your rice pilaf with grilled chicken breast marinated in lemon, olive oil, and oregano.

Add a side of roasted bell peppers and a tomato salad sprinkled with feta cheese and fresh basil.

This combination is not only delicious but also visually appealing.

Complementary Starches

When exploring what to serve with rice pilaf, adding a variety of starches can introduce delightful textures and flavours to your meal.

Bread Selections

You might want to consider bread as an option for what to serve with rice pilaf.

Naan, a soft, fluffy flatbread, is a staple in many culinary traditions and pairs wonderfully with pilaf for scooping or dipping.

Alternatively, pita bread, with its pocket-like structure, is ideal for filled bites or as a vehicle for other accompaniments.

Wine and Beverage Pairings

When pairing wine with rice pilaf, consider the flavours within the dish.

Your pilaf may feature herbs, vegetables, or a meat-based element.

Choose a wine that complements these ingredients.

White Wines:

• Sauvignon Blanc: This wine pairs well with herb-driven pilafs. Its crisp acidity will cut through the richness.
• Chardonnay: For buttery pilafs, a lightly oaked Chardonnay can be an excellent match.

Red Wines:

• Pinot Noir: Opt for Pinot Noir if your pilaf includes earthy mushrooms or is slightly heartier.
• Merlot: A soft Merlot suits pilafs with red meats or more robust flavours.

Rosé Wines:

• A dry Rosé is versatile enough to accompany a range of pilaf variations. It’s especially good with pilafs that have a fruitier element or a Mediterranean twist.

Table: Suggested Non-Alcoholic Beverages

Beverage Type	Description	Pairing Suggestion
Sparkling Water	A bubbly alternative that refreshes the palate.	Add a slice of lemon or lime for a zesty twist.
Lemonade	Sweet and tangy, homemade is best.	Complement the pilaf without overpowering flavours.
Iced Tea	Opt for unsweetened or lightly sweetened.	Mint or peach iced tea for a refreshing complement.

 

Lastly, ensure your beverage choice aligns with the season and your personal preference.

Lighter drinks may be more suitable in warmer months, whilst a full-bodied wine can be comforting in cooler weather. 

Dessert Ideas

After enjoying your rice pilaf, you might fancy a sweet treat to conclude your meal.

Opt for desserts that are not overly rich, so they complement the aromatic and savoury flavours of the pilaf.

Fruit Salad: A refreshing choice is a light and zesty fruit salad. Toss together slices of oranges, apples, and grapes, and perhaps add a hint of mint for an extra burst of freshness.

Panna Cotta: For a creamy finish, consider a panna cotta. Its silky texture and subtle sweetness can be enhanced with a drizzle of raspberry coulis or a handful of fresh berries.

Baklava: If you’re yearning for something traditional, baklava is a delightful option. This sweet pastry, layered with nuts and honey, offers a satisfying crunch and rich flavour.

Ice Cream: Lastly, a scoop of vanilla or pistachio ice cream could be just the thing. It’s simple, it’s classic, and it pairs wonderfully with warm or cold desserts alike.

These ideas are intended to provide a light and enjoyable end to your meal, balancing the heartiness of the pilaf with sweet and refreshing flavours.

What’s your favourite pairing for rice pilaf? 

Share your thoughts in the comments below! 

If you love rice dishes, you might also want to read what to serve with fried rice.