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Grilled fish fillet on a bed of colorful herb-infused rice, garnished with lemon and dill.

Delicious Rice Recipes for Fish: Perfect Pairings for Seafood Lovers

Georgina Smith
These versatile rice recipes are perfect side dishes to elevate your seafood meals, designed to complement the delicate flavors of fish. Quick and easy to prepare, they provide the perfect balance of texture and flavor.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine American, Mediterranean, Spanish
Servings 4 people
Calories 200 kcal

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan
  • Wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Knife and chopping board
  • Strainer (for rinsing rice)
  • Fork (for fluffing rice)

Ingredients

  • 1 cup long-grain rice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/4 cup onion finely chopped
  • 2 cups vegetable or fish stock
  • 2 tablespoons fresh herbs parsley, dill, or a mix
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: lemon juice saffron threads, coconut milk, diced bell peppers, garlic

Instructions
 

  • Rinse the Rice
    Uncooked long-grain rice being rinsed in a fine-mesh strainer under running water, removing excess starch for perfect cooking.
  • Cook the Onions
    Finely chopped onions sautéing in olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat, turning soft and translucent as they cook.
  • Add Rice and Stock
    Rinsed rice and vegetable stock being added to sautéed onions in a saucepan, ready for simmering.
  • Simmer the Rice
    A covered saucepan simmering on low heat as the rice cooks and absorbs the vegetable stock, with steam escaping from the lid.
  • Fluff the Rice and Add Herbs
    Cooked rice being fluffed with a fork in a saucepan, topped with fresh parsley and dill for added flavor and a pop of color.

Notes

  • Adjust Herbs: Customize the herbs based on the type of fish. Dill pairs well with salmon, while parsley works beautifully with white fish.
  • Saffron Option: Add saffron threads to the stock for a Spanish-inspired saffron rice variation.
  • Lemon Zest: Add a hint of lemon zest or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a bright, tangy flavor that pairs well with many fish dishes.
  • Coconut Variation: Replace part of the stock with coconut milk and add cilantro for a tropical twist, perfect for pairing with grilled fish.
  • Storage Tip: Store leftover rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of water to restore moisture.
Keyword easy rice recipes, fish and rice pairings, Mediterranean rice for fish, rice recipes for fish, seafood side dishes
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