What to Serve with Thai Sticky Rice? 7 BEST Side Dishes

Did you know Thai sticky rice goes with more than just mangoes? It’s a versatile base that pairs well with a variety of side dishes.

Today, we’re sharing our top 7 favorites. We’ve all been there, standing in the kitchen, wondering what to whip up with that delicious, sticky goodness.

Our list is about to change the game. These sides aren’t just fillers; they’re show-stealers. Ever tried sticky rice with spicy papaya salad?

We did last summer, and it was a game-changer. Or how about grilled chicken with a side of that sweet and sticky rice? Yes, please!

Why Consider Serving Side Dishes with Thai Sticky Rice?

If you want to enjoy Thai sticky rice wholeheartedly, you should consider having it with a side dish.

A side dish plays a vital role but often goes unnoticed.

It helps to balance the nutrients and adds subtlety to the meal.

And in the case of Thai sticky rice, a side dish is essential to enjoy the rice thoroughly.

Moreover, having sticky rice alone would be pretty bland, especially if it’s plain.

Additionally, adding a side dish will enhance the taste even for flavored sticky rice, allowing a superb meal.

What to Serve with Thai Sticky Rice? 7 BEST Side Dishes

Are you curious about the seven side dishes to serve with Thai sticky rice? Read the list below:

1. Steamed Vegetables

If you like to have a simple meal, you can prepare steamed vegetables to have with Thai sticky rice.

You can choose any vegetables to steam, but we recommend broccoli and carrot as they blend well.

After it’s cooked, sprinkle it with salt and pepper as a seasoning for more flavor.

This side dish will taste incredible if your sticky fried rice is meat-based or rich in spices.

It will help even out the nutrients and balance the meal.

2. Spicy Coleslaw

If you plan to have seafood based-Thai sticky fried rice, the side dish we recommend is spicy coleslaw.

Add a bit of spiciness to your taste buds by serving sticky fried rice with this shredded cabbage salad.

This salad is refreshing and would be great on a cool summer evening.

You can also have this salad with other sticky fried rice as it blends well with most dishes regardless of the flavor.

It’s a simple side dish and easy to prepare.

Next time, you can check out this recipe and serve it to your guests.

3. Grilled Pork

Grilled pork and sticky rice are a match made in heaven, and if you haven’t tried this combo yet, you’re missing something great.

This side dish blends with any variation of sticky rice, making it a versatile food.

You can also have this side item with other main dishes.

If you prefer a heavy filling meal, we recommend this combo, and it would be great to have it as dinner.

4. Green Papaya Salad

Have you tried green papaya salad with Thai sticky rice? If you haven’t, perhaps you should give this combo a chance.

This pairing may seem unconventional, but they taste incredible.

Papaya salad is rich in flavor and blends perfectly with sticky rice.

It gives a refreshing and tangy feeling to your taste buds and would be great during summer days.

You can prepare this salad yourself as it’s pretty simple and easy.

Do you want to make this salad and serve it with sticky rice to your guests? If so, check this recipe and get to the action.

5. Grilled Chicken

Grilled chicken makes an excellent accompaniment of sticky rice, be it boiled or fried.

Additionally, you can have this side item with other dishes making it a versatile food.

This side dish enhances the taste of the rice and evens out the meal.

And if you’re looking for a heavy filling meal, this combo would be amazing.

To have sticky rice alone would be pretty dull and bland, but a side item like grilled chicken will enhance the taste.

To make grilled chicken, you will have to preheat the grill first.

Season both sides of the chicken with pepper or herbs, and then start grilling until tender.

Next time, you can serve this side dish chicken with Thai sticky rice to your guest or friend.

6. Deep-Fried Mackerel

Deep-fried mackerel with Thai sticky rice tastes incredible and is worth giving it a shot if you haven’t.

Mackerel is tender, yet it has a firm texture and is chewy.

If you prefer the crisp texture, deep fry the fish.

And truth be told, when it’s served with sticky rice, you’ll be amazed by how incredible they taste.

Whether it’s boiled sticky rice or flavored one, this side item blends with any dish.

So, don’t hesitate and take a chance with this combo, and we assure you that you’ll have a hearty meal.

7. Shredded Fried Pork

Shredded pork stir-fried is another popular side item that blends with Thai sticky rice perfectly.

Interestingly, this dish is quite popular among the locals in Thailand, and they often have it with sticky rice.

You can also prepare this shredded fried pork yourself, as it’s pretty simple.

All you need is to stir fry the shredded pork with sliced shallots.

Add coconut sugar sauce if you like to give a Thai twist to the dish.

It is a simple meal, and you can have it any day.

Conclusion

If you plan to serve Thai sticky rice as the primary dish source, adding a side dish is essential.

Having this rice alone would taste bland but adding a flavorful side dish would do wonders.

So, if you want to have a hearty meal, consider an appropriate side dish.

It will enhance the overall taste of the food.

And considering the variations in Thai sticky rice dishes, we have carefully curated the seven best side dishes that blend with any dish type.

Hopefully, this list will help you sort your confusion about side dishes to serve with Thai sticky rice.