15 Easy Rice Side Dishes for Pork Tenderloin

When it comes to pork tenderloin, there are so many delicious things that you can do with it.

But one of my favorite ways to enjoy pork tenderloin is to serve it with a delicious rice side dish.

Rice is the perfect complement to pork tenderloin because it absorbs all of the flavors of the dish and is so versatile.

You can make it plain, or you can add in a variety of different vegetables, herbs, and spices.

So if you are looking for the best rice side dishes to serve with pork tenderloin, then you are in the right place.

I’m sharing 15 of my favorites including brown rice, white rice, wild rice, and more!

Rice Side Dishes for Pork Tenderloin

15 Rice Side Dishes for Pork Tenderloin

Anybody who appreciates good food knows that pork tenderloin is an extremely versatile meat.

It can be grilled, baked, roasted, or even pan-fried, and it always comes out juicy and flavorful.

But one of the best things about pork tenderloin is that it pairs so well with rice.

There are tons of possibilities when it comes to pairing pork and rice, and the combination is always delicious.

If you’re looking for some inspiration, here are 15 delicious rice side dishes that go great with pork tenderloin:

Creamy Garlic Butter Parmesan Rice

Rice sides for pork tenderloin are a dime a dozen, but this garlic butter parmesan rice is in a league of its own.

It’s fluffy, creamy, and full of flavor – everything you could want in a side dish.

And the best part?

It comes together in just ONE pot!

And, it’s so versatile.

Serve it as-is, or mix in some cooked chicken, shrimp, or veggies to make it a complete meal.

Here are a few other ways to change things up:

  • Use brown rice instead of white for extra fiber and nutrients.
  • Swap out the parmesan for another cheese like cheddar or mozzarella.
  • Add a splash of milk or cream for an even richer flavor.
  • Stir in some diced tomatoes, green onions, or chopped parsley for extra color and flavor.

Related Post: 16 Potato Side Dishes for Pork Tenderloin

Garlic Butter Rice

Something magical happens when you combine garlic and butter.

This garlic butter rice is the perfect example.

It’s simple to make, but it’s packed with flavor and it goes with just about anything.

Try it as a side dish for pork tenderloin, chicken, or fish.

Or, mix things up by stirring in some cooked chicken, shrimp, or veggies.

Here are a few other ideas for changing things up:

  • Use brown rice instead of white for a nuttier flavor and more fiber.
  • Swap out the rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice to make it gluten-free or low-carb.
  • Add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top for extra richness.
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Easy Mediterranean Yellow Rice

Why not add some beautiful color and flavor to your dinner table with this easy Mediterranean yellow rice recipe?

It’s the perfect side dish to any meal, and it’s so simple to make.

All you need is some rice, a few pantry staples, and whatever veggies you have on hand.

I love to add in some sautéed onions, garlic, and diced tomatoes, but feel free to mix things up and use whatever you have on hand.

Here are a few other ideas:

  • Add in some cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for extra protein.
  • Stir in a handful of frozen peas or corn for extra color and sweetness.
  • Top with a fried egg for an extra-special touch.

Easy Cilantro Lime Rice

Have you tried this Mexican-inspired cilantro lime rice?

It’s the perfect side dish for virtually any Mexican-inspired meal, and it comes together in just minutes.

See Also: What Salad Goes With Mexican Food? 15 Best Salads

I love to use this rice as a base for burrito bowls, but it would be delicious with grilled chicken or shrimp, too.

Here are a few ways to change things up:

  • Use white rice instead of brown for a quicker cook time.
  • Add a tablespoon of butter or olive oil for extra richness.
  • Swap out the cilantro for chopped parsley or green onions.
  • Add a diced jalapeño for some heat.

Mushroom Wild Rice Pilaf

Mushrooms have always been one of my favorite ingredients, so I was thrilled when I found this recipe for mushroom wild rice pilaf.

It’s the perfect side dish for pork tenderloin, but would also be delicious with chicken or fish.

The best part about this recipe is that it can be made in advance, which makes it perfect for busy weeknights.

Here are a few of my favorite ways to change things up:

  • Add some chopped kale or spinach for extra greens.
  • Swap out the mushrooms for another type of vegetable, like diced zucchini or yellow squash.
  • Use brown rice instead of white for a nuttier flavor.
  • Add some cooked bacon or sausage for extra flavor and protein.

Speaking of vegetables, check out this post on What Vegetables Go with Pork Loin.

Spanish Rice

I love this rice recipe, because it’s so versatile.

You can use it as a side dish, or add some protein and make it a main course.

It’s packed with flavor from the tomatoes, garlic, and onion, and the little bit of saffron really takes it over the top.

If you want to change things up, here are a few ideas:

  • Add a can of drained black beans or pinto beans for extra protein and fiber.
  • Stir in some frozen corn or peas for extra color and sweetness.
  • Top with shredded cheese, diced avocado, or sour cream for an extra-special touch.

Portuguese Tomato Rice (Arroz de Tomate)

If you want to try something unique and special, this Portuguese Tomato Rice is a must-make.

It’s a classic dish from Portugal that is typically served as a side, but can easily be made into a main course.

The best part about this dish is that it only requires a few simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry.

Tomatoes, rice, garlic, and onion are simmered together until the rice is tender and infused with flavor.

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A few tips for making this dish even better:

  • Add some spice with a pinch of red pepper flakes.
  • Swap out the rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice to make it gluten-free or low-carb.
  • Make it cheesy by stirring in some shredded cheddar cheese at the end.
  • Top with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and flavor.

Better Than Take-Out Fried Rice

Instead of going the lazy route and ordering take-out, try your hand at this easy fried rice recipe.

It’s packed with veggies and so much more flavorful (and healthier!) than anything you could get from a restaurant.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it’s completely customizable.

Use whatever veggies you have on hand, and swap out the rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice to make it gluten-free or low-carb.

Here are a few of my favorite ways to make this dish even better:

  • Add some spice with a teaspoon of sriracha or a diced jalapeño.
  • Make it cheesy with a sprinkle of shredded cheddar or Parmesan on top.
  • Mix in some cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for extra protein.
  • Stir in a handful of frozen peas or corn for extra color and sweetness.
  • Top with a fried egg for an extra-special touch.

Herb Lemon Rice

Lemony, herby, and so satisfying, this rice dish is the perfect side for pork tenderloin.

Buttery rice is infused with fresh lemon and thyme, making it a bright and flavorful addition to any meal.

This dish can easily be made ahead of time, which makes it great for busy weeknights or entertaining.

And if you’re looking for a change from plain old rice, this recipe is a great way to mix things up.

Here are a few ideas for how to change things up:

  • Swap out the thyme for another herb, like basil or oregano.
  • Add some diced onion or garlic for extra flavor.
  • Stir in some cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for extra protein.
  • Mix in a handful of frozen peas or corn for extra color and sweetness.

Stick of Butter Rice

This side dish needs no introduction – it’s simple, delicious, and goes with just about anything.

Butter rice is the perfect complement to pork tenderloin, but feel free to switch things up and use whatever type of rice you have on hand.

Here are a few other ways to change things up:

  • Use garlic butter instead of regular butter for an extra punch of flavor.
  • Stir in some cooked veggies like peas, corn, or diced carrots.
  • Mix in a handful of chopped nuts or dried fruit for a little sweetness and crunch.
  • Make it cheesy with a sprinkle of shredded cheddar or Parmesan on top.

Turmeric Rice

Flavor-packed, healthy, and so easy to make, this turmeric rice will be your new go-to side dish.

It’s the perfect accompaniment to pork tenderloin, but would also be delicious with chicken, fish, or tofu.

And the best part?

It can all be made in one pot!

Here are a few ways to change things up:

  • Add some spice with a teaspoon of chili powder or cumin.
  • Stir in a handful of cooked peas or corn for sweetness and color.
  • Make it cheesy by stirring in some shredded cheddar or Parmesan.
  • Top with crispy fried onions or shallots for a bit of crunch.
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Jeweled Persian Rice Pilaf

This dish just looks pretty, doesn’t it?

It’s perfect for a dinner party, but easy enough to make on a weeknight.

The key to this dish is in the rice – I like to use basmati because it’s so light and fluffy.

To change things up, you could:

  • Swap out the rice for quinoa or couscous.
  • Add some protein with cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
  • Stir in some chopped veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant.
  • Use different herbs and spices like cumin, turmeric, or curry powder.

Hawaiian Pineapple Rice

If you want some exotic flavor to go with your pork tenderloin, try this Hawaiian pineapple rice.

It’s easy to make and only requires a few ingredients, but it packs a big punch of flavor.

The sweetness of the pineapple pairs perfectly with the richness of the pork, and the rice soaks up all the delicious juices.

Here are a few ways to change things up:

  • Use different fruits in place of the pineapple, like mangoes or peaches.
  • Try different types of rice, like brown rice or sushi rice.
  • Add some spice with a teaspoon of sriracha or a diced jalapeño.
  • Make it cheesy with a sprinkle of shredded cheddar or Parmesan on top.

Cheesy Broccoli Rice

Broccoli has gotten a bad rap over the years, but this cheesy broccoli rice will have you rethinking your opinion of the green veggie.

It’s packed with flavor from the garlic, onion, and cheese, and it’s so much more satisfying than plain old steamed broccoli.

This recipe is also really versatile – feel free to swap out the rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice, and mix in other veggies like diced carrots or peas.

For an extra-special touch, top with a fried egg before serving.

Mexican Sour Cream Rice

Lastly, when you’re craving Mexican food but want something a little lighter, this Mexican sour cream rice is the perfect side dish.

It’s made with brown rice and is loaded with fresh lime juice, cilantro, and of course, sour cream.

For a fun twist, you could:

  • Top with some diced avocado or guacamole.
  • Mix in some cooked black beans or pinto beans.
  • Add a sprinkle of cotija cheese or shredded Mexican cheese blend.
  • Swap out the brown rice for white rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice.
Rice Sides for Pork Tenderloin

15 Easy Rice Side Dishes for Pork Tenderloin

With so many delicious pork tenderloin recipes out there, it can be hard to decide what to serve alongside it.
Rice is always a good option, and there are plenty of ways to make it even more flavorful and interesting.
In this post, we've collected 15 of our favorite rice side dishes that go perfectly with pork tenderloin.
From simple and classic dishes like garlic rice and fried rice, to more creative options like pineapple fried rice and Thai coconut rice, there's something here for everyone.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 people
Calories 408 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • Creamy Garlic Butter Parmesan Rice
  • Garlic Butter Rice
  • Easy Mediterranean Yellow Rice
  • Easy Cilantro Lime Rice
  • Mushroom Wild Rice Pilaf
  • Spanish Rice
  • Portuguese Tomato Rice (Arroz de Tomate)
  • Better Than Take-Out Fried Rice
  • Herb Lemon Rice
  • Stick of Butter Rice
  • Turmeric Rice
  • Jeweled Persian Rice Pilaf
  • Hawaiian Pineapple Rice
  • Cheesy Broccoli Rice
  • Mexican Sour Cream Rice

Instructions
 

  • Pick any of these tasty side dishes to serve with your pork meal.
  • Prepare the ingredients according to the recipe.
  • Enjoy in no time!
Keyword Rice Side Dishes for Pork Tenderloin, Rice Sides for Pork Tenderloin