5 Heavenly Rice Sides Dish Recipes For Steak You Must Make In Dinners 2025

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When it comes to pairing steak with a side dish, rice is always a top contender. The versatility of rice allows it to absorb flavors and complement a hearty steak perfectly. In 2025, a great steak dinner can be even better with these five heavenly rice side dish recipes that are sure to elevate your meal.

Whether you’re looking for a creamy, cheesy rice dish or a savory, aromatic option, these rice recipes will make your steak dinners even more memorable. Let’s dive into the best rice side dishes for steak that you must try this year!


1. Creamy Cheesy Rice for Steak

Creamy Cheesy Rice for Steak
Creamy Cheesy Rice for Steak

For ultimate comfort, creamy cheesy rice is the perfect pairing with your steak. This rich and creamy dish provides a smooth texture that contrasts beautifully with the hearty and savory flavors of steak.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup white rice
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Cook the white rice according to package instructions.
  2. In a separate pan, melt the butter and add the cream, stirring occasionally.
  3. Once the mixture is warm, add the shredded cheddar and Parmesan, and continue stirring until the cheese is melted and smooth.
  4. Pour the creamy mixture over the cooked rice and stir until well combined.
  5. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve alongside your favorite steak.

Why It Works: The cheesy, creamy texture perfectly complements the richness of steak, creating a comfort food experience that’s hard to resist.

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2. Chicken-Flavored Rice Side for Steak

Chicken-Flavored Rice Side for Steak
Chicken-Flavored Rice Side for Steak

If you’re craving a more savory rice dish to pair with your steak, try a chicken-flavored rice side dish. This rice recipe adds an extra layer of flavor that complements the juicy and tender steak without overpowering it.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup white rice
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Rinse the rice and set it aside.
  2. In a pot, heat the olive oil and add the garlic and onion powder. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Add the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer.
  4. Stir in the rice and cook according to package instructions, using the chicken broth instead of water.
  5. Season with salt and pepper and serve alongside your steak.

Why It Works: The savory chicken broth enhances the rice with deep, rich flavors, creating a perfect balance with your steak.

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3. Copycat Texas Roadhouse Seasoned Rice

Copycat Texas Roadhouse Seasoned Rice
Copycat Texas Roadhouse Seasoned Rice

If you’ve ever had the Texas Roadhouse seasoned rice, you know it’s packed with flavor and perfectly complements any steak. Recreate this dish at home with this easy recipe!

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon thyme
  • Salt to taste

Instructions:

  1. Cook the rice with water according to the package instructions.
  2. Once cooked, stir in the butter, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and thyme.
  3. Season with salt to taste and mix thoroughly.
  4. Serve as a flavorful side to your steak dinner.

Why It Works: The blend of spices in the seasoned rice adds a punch of flavor that pairs beautifully with steak, especially if you enjoy a bit of spice in your meal.

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4. Flavored White Rice with Aromatic Toppings

Flavored White Rice with Aromatic Toppings
Flavored White Rice with Aromatic Toppings

Looking for a light yet flavorful rice side? Try white rice with aromatic toppings. The simplicity of white rice, paired with fresh and bold toppings, offers a bright and fresh contrast to the rich steak.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup white rice
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon chopped scallions
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

Instructions:

  1. Cook the white rice according to the package instructions.
  2. In a small bowl, combine the sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and lime juice.
  3. Pour the mixture over the cooked rice and toss to combine.
  4. Top with scallions and toasted sesame seeds before serving.

Why It Works: The light, fresh flavors from the toppings contrast well with the steak, adding a bright note to the meal while keeping it light.

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5. Savory Rice with Garlic, Butter, and Herbs

Savory Rice with Garlic, Butter, and Herbs
Savory Rice with Garlic, Butter, and Herbs

For a classic and simple side dish that goes perfectly with steak, garlic butter herb rice is a winner. This savory rice dish is easy to make and packs a ton of flavor, providing the perfect complement to your steak.

When it comes to creating the perfect side dish for your steak, chicken, or fish dinner, Garlic Butter Rice with Fresh Herbs is an irresistible choice. This aromatic, buttery rice is infused with the rich flavors of garlic and fresh parsley, making it an excellent companion for nearly any main course. The blend of savory garlic, rich butter, and fragrant herbs results in a comforting, flavorful dish that’s quick and easy to prepare.

Recipe Overview

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Cuisine: American
  • Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients for Savory Garlic Butter Rice

For Rice:

  • 1 cup long grain white rice
  • 1 cup water
  • 1.5 cups vegetable stock (or chicken broth)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

For Garlic Butter Rice:

  • 2.5 tablespoons butter
  • 1.5 tablespoons minced garlic (about 3 cloves)
  • ⅓ cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • Optional: crispy garlic chips (for extra flavor)

Instructions: How to Make Savory Garlic Butter Rice

Step 1: Cooking the Rice

The first step in this recipe is cooking the base rice, which should be light and fluffy. This method ensures the rice is perfectly tender and fluffy, and sets the stage for the garlic and butter to work their magic.

  1. Warm the Liquid: In a saucepan, combine the vegetable stock and water. Warm the mixture over medium heat until it’s hot, but not boiling. This helps the rice absorb the liquid faster during cooking.
  2. Sauté the Rice: In another saucepan or skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the rice. Stir the rice constantly for about 2-3 minutes, allowing it to coat with the oil. This will help to slightly toast the rice, bringing out its nutty flavor.
  3. Cook the Rice: Add the warm water and stock mixture to the pan with the rice, and season with 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix well to ensure the rice is evenly distributed in the liquid. Once the liquid comes to a boil, reduce the heat to low. Cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid and let the rice cook for 12-15 minutes, or until all the liquid has evaporated and the rice is cooked through.
  4. Let It Rest: After cooking, remove the rice from the heat, keeping it covered. Allow it to rest for another 10 minutes. This resting time helps the rice firm up and ensures it doesn’t become mushy when you fluff it.
  5. Fluff the Rice: Once the rice has rested, use a fork to gently fluff the rice. This will separate the grains and make the rice light and airy.
  6. Cool the Rice: For the next step, the rice should be fully cooled to room temperature. Spread the rice out on a plate or in a shallow pan to speed up the cooling process. This will make it easier to toss with the garlic butter.

Step 2: Making the Garlic Butter

This garlic butter is what will infuse the rice with its incredible flavor, so it’s essential to get it just right. Here’s how to prepare it:

  1. Melt the Butter: In a large skillet, melt the 2.5 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Let it melt until it becomes bubbly but before it starts turning brown.
  2. Cook the Garlic: Add the 1.5 tablespoons of minced garlic to the melted butter. Stir the garlic and cook for about 1-2 minutes. You want the garlic to turn golden and crispy, but not burnt. The garlic will become wonderfully fragrant during this step.
  3. Add Fresh Parsley: Once the garlic is crispy and golden, add ⅓ cup of chopped fresh parsley to the skillet. Stir the parsley in with the garlic butter and cook for an additional 30 seconds. This will allow the herbs to release their aroma and flavor.
  4. Season with Pepper: Add ¼ teaspoon of black pepper, and mix well. If you like, you can add more salt at this point, depending on your taste preferences.

Step 3: Combine the Rice with Garlic Butter

Now it’s time to bring everything together:

  1. Combine the Rice and Butter: Add the cooled rice to the skillet with the garlic butter. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently toss the rice, ensuring that every grain is coated with the rich garlic butter mixture. This is when the magic happens—the rice absorbs all the wonderful flavors from the butter, garlic, and herbs.
  2. Serve: Once the rice is evenly coated with the garlic butter mixture, it’s ready to serve. Optionally, sprinkle crispy garlic chips on top of the rice before serving for added texture and flavor.

Nutrition Information

Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1 cup)

  • Calories: 238 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 39g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Fat: 7g
    • Saturated Fat: 5g
    • Cholesterol: 19mg
  • Sodium: 1004mg
  • Potassium: 81mg
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Vitamin A: 828 IU
  • Vitamin C: 7mg
  • Calcium: 20mg
  • Iron: 1mg

Tips for Perfecting Garlic Butter Rice

  1. Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley adds a burst of flavor and color to this dish, but you can also experiment with other herbs like basil, thyme, or oregano for a different twist.
  2. Adjust Seasoning to Taste: While the recipe calls for salt and pepper, don’t hesitate to adjust to your liking. You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat, or a squeeze of lemon juice for a tangy kick.
  3. Add Extra Protein: For a more hearty meal, consider adding a protein to the rice, such as grilled chicken, shrimp, or a poached egg.
  4. Crispy Garlic Chips: For an added layer of flavor, you can make garlic chips by thinly slicing garlic and frying it in olive oil until golden and crispy. Sprinkle them over the rice for an extra burst of flavor.

Why Garlic Butter Rice Makes the Perfect Side Dish

Garlic butter rice is versatile, flavorful, and easy to prepare. Whether you’re serving it alongside a perfectly grilled steak, roasted chicken, or a fish fillet, this rice is the perfect accompaniment. The balance of buttery richness and garlic’s aromatic kick enhances the flavor of your main dish, making it a crowd-pleasing addition to any dinner.

In addition, this garlic butter rice is an excellent side for special occasions, weeknight dinners, or even holiday feasts. It’s quick enough for busy nights but flavorful enough to impress guests at a dinner party.


Final Thoughts

Garlic Butter Rice with Fresh Herbs is a timeless side dish that elevates any meal. Its creamy, buttery texture and aromatic flavors make it the perfect complement to steak, chicken, fish, or any of your favorite main dishes. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can create a savory side dish that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Next time you’re planning a meal, don’t overlook the power of garlic butter rice. It’s sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation.

Enjoy!

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