Welcome rice lovers! Are you tired of plain, boring rice? Say no more. We have the perfect solution to elevate your rice game and add some flavor to your meals – delicious sauces! From tangy teriyaki to spicy curry, these 10 sauces will take your rice from ordinary to extraordinary. Whether you’re looking for a new side dish or a way to jazz up your main course, these sauces are sure to impress. Keep reading to discover the top 10 sauces to put on rice!
Sauces to Put on Rice: Jazz Up Your Favorite Dish
Rice is a staple food in many cultures and cuisines. It’s versatile, easy to cook, and pairs well with a variety of dishes. But sometimes, plain rice can get a bit boring. If you’re looking to add some flavor and excitement to your rice, why not try incorporating delicious sauces? From tangy teriyaki to spicy curry, these 10 sauces will take your rice to the next level and make it the star of any meal.
1. Teriyaki Sauce
This popular Japanese sauce is a perfect match for rice. Made from soy sauce, mirin, and sugar, teriyaki sauce has a sweet and savory flavor that pairs well with any type of rice. Simply drizzle it over your rice or use it as a marinade for your protein of choice to create a delicious and well-rounded meal.
2. Peanut Sauce
Peanut sauce is a creamy and flavorful sauce commonly used in Southeast Asian cuisine. Made from peanuts, coconut milk, and various seasonings, it adds a rich and nutty flavor to rice. You can also use it as a dip for veggies or as a sauce for stir-fry dishes.
3. Chimichurri Sauce
This vibrant green sauce originated in Argentina and is typically used as a condiment for grilled meats. However, its fresh and zesty flavor makes it a great addition to rice as well. Made from parsley, garlic, olive oil, and other herbs and spices, it adds a burst of flavor to any dish.
4. Curry Sauce
For those who love a bit of spice, curry sauce is the way to go. This sauce comes in various levels of heat, from mild to extremely hot. With flavors inspired by Indian, Thai, and other cuisines, curry sauce adds a complex and aromatic taste to rice, making it the perfect companion for a variety of meats and vegetables.
5. Tomato Sauce
This classic sauce is a staple in many Western cuisines. Whether you use canned or fresh tomatoes, tomato sauce adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor to rice. You can also incorporate other ingredients like garlic, onions, and herbs to enhance the taste and create a more robust sauce.
6. Soy Sauce
Soy sauce is another popular choice when it comes to sauces for rice. Made from soybeans, wheat, and other seasonings, it adds a salty and savory flavor to rice dishes. You can also mix it with other sauces like teriyaki or peanut sauce to create a unique and delicious blend.
7. Pesto Sauce
This Italian sauce is traditionally made with basil, pine nuts, garlic, olive oil, and parmesan cheese. It’s a great option for those who enjoy a rich and herbaceous flavor. Pesto sauce can be used as a topping or mixed directly into the rice for a more intense taste.
8. Hoisin Sauce
Hoisin sauce is a thick and sweet Chinese sauce made from soybeans, garlic, vinegar, and various spices. It adds a unique and flavorful taste to rice, especially when paired with meats like pork or chicken. You can also use it as a dipping sauce for your rice-based dishes.
9. Salsa
Salsa is a spicy and tangy sauce commonly used in Mexican cuisine. It’s made from tomatoes, onions, peppers, and various seasonings, giving it a bold and refreshing taste. Adding salsa to your rice will not only give it a burst of flavor but also provide some freshness and texture.
10. Coconut Curry Sauce
This sauce is a fusion of two popular flavors – coconut and curry. It’s a creamy and slightly spicy sauce made from coconut milk, curry powder, and other seasonings. Coconut curry sauce pairs well with rice and can add depth of flavor to your dishes, making them more satisfying and delicious.
The Perfect Pairings
Now that you know about these fantastic sauces, let’s talk about some perfect pairings. Below are some suggestions on how you can incorporate these sauces into your rice-based dishes:
| Sauce | Pairing Suggestions |
| Teriyaki Sauce | Grilled chicken, vegetables stir-fry, salmon |
| Peanut Sauce | Vegetable curry, tofu, spring rolls |
| Chimichurri Sauce | Steak, grilled vegetables, chicken skewers |
| Curry Sauce | Beef curry, shrimp, mixed vegetables |
| Tomato Sauce | Meatballs, roasted vegetables, pasta |
| Soy Sauce | Stir-fry, fried rice, dumplings |
| Pesto Sauce | Grilled shrimp, pasta, roasted vegetables |
| Hoisin Sauce | Beef stir-fry, pork dumplings, lettuce wraps |
| Salsa | Taco rice, burrito bowls, nachos |
| Coconut Curry Sauce | Coconut curry chicken, rice bowls, seafood curry |
Additional Tips
Before you start experimenting with these sauces on your rice, here are a few tips to help you get the most out of the experience:
- Make sure your rice is cooked properly and has a slightly sticky texture. This will help the sauce adhere to the grains and distribute evenly throughout.
- Take note of the flavors in the sauce and choose the right pairing accordingly. For example, if the sauce has a bold taste, opt for a plain or lightly seasoned rice to balance it out.
- Don’t be afraid to mix and match sauces to create new and exciting flavors.
- Experiment with adding additional ingredients like vegetables, meats, or nuts to your rice dish for added texture and flavor.
- Store leftover sauces in the fridge and use them as a dip or marinade for future meals.
In Conclusion
Rice doesn’t have to be boring. With the right sauce, it can transform into a delicious and satisfying dish that you’d want to eat every day. From Asian-inspired sauces like teriyaki and soy to Western classics like tomato and pesto, there are endless possibilities when it comes to jazzing up your rice. So, the next time you’re in the mood for some rice, try one of these sauces and take your meal to the next level.
In conclusion, rice may be a simple and staple food, but that doesn’t mean it has to be plain and boring. With the addition of delicious sauces, your rice can be transformed into a flavorful and satisfying dish. From traditional teriyaki to bold curry, these 10 sauces provide endless possibilities for jazzing up your rice. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or an impressive dish for guests, these sauces are perfect for any meal. So next time you cook rice, don’t forget to add a sauce and take your dish to the next level.