What Goes With Red Beans & Rice? 2024 Cookbook

Red beans and rice is a dish that’s as comforting as it is flavorful, with its rich, savory blend of spices and hearty ingredients. Whether served as a main or a side, it’s a Southern classic that pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes to round out the meal.

From tangy slaws to smoky grilled meats, the right accompaniments can elevate your red beans and rice into a feast. Explore our selection of easy recipes and how these pair well to discover bold flavors and textures that perfectly complement this timeless favorite!

1. Warm Cornbread With Salted Butter

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Preheat the oven to 375 °F (190 °C). Grease a 9x9-inch baking pan.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, sugar, and baking powder.

3. In a separate bowl, mix the heavy cream, eggs, and vegetable oil (or melted butter).

4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.

5. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a silicone spatula.

6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

7. Let cool for 5 minutes, then serve warm with salted butter.

Overview 🔍

Warm cornbread with salted butter is a perfect complement to red beans and rice. The slight sweetness and soft texture of cornbread help balance the savory, hearty flavors of the beans and rice. The combination of the rich, buttery taste with the cornbread's slight crunch adds a satisfying contrast that really elevates the beans and rice.

Cornbread is also great for soaking up any extra sauce or broth from the beans, making each bite even more flavorful. Its comforting, homestyle nature provides a hearty base that pairs well with the spiced notes of red beans and rice. This side dish brings a touch of Southern tradition to your plate, creating a well-rounded meal.

2. Southern Spicy Collard Greens With Bacon

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Cook the bacon in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon, drain the fat, let it cool, crumble it, and set aside.

2. In the same pan, sauté the chopped onion and garlic until softened, about 3-4 minutes.

3. Add the collard greens to the pan and stir until they begin to wilt.

4. Pour in the chicken broth, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.

5. Cover and simmer for 45-50 minutes, or until the collard greens are tender.

6. Stir in the crumbled bacon and cook for an additional 5 minutes.

7. Serve hot, garnished with extra bacon if desired.

Overview 🔍

Southern spicy collard greens with bacon are an excellent side dish for red beans and rice. The smoky, salty bacon and the spicy heat from the red pepper flakes complement the savory richness of the beans and rice. The greens add a fresh, earthy contrast, balancing the meal with their hearty yet tender texture.

The rich flavor of the bacon infuses the greens, creating a deep, savory profile that enhances the overall dish. The slight heat from the red pepper flakes also elevates the flavor, adding a touch of warmth that pairs perfectly with the beans. This dish brings both comfort and spice, making it an ideal match for red beans and rice.

3. Cajun-Style Grilled Shrimp With Garlic Butter

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Preheat the grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.

2. In a small bowl, melt the butter and mix in the minced garlic, Cajun spice, salt, and lemon juice.

3. Toss the shrimp in the garlic butter mixture until evenly coated.

4. Skewer the shrimp or place them directly on the grill.

5. Grill the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque.

6. Remove the shrimp from the grill and drizzle with any remaining garlic butter.

7. Serve immediately, garnished with extra lemon wedges if desired.

Overview 🔍

Cajun-style grilled shrimp with garlic butter is a flavorful and spicy addition to red beans and rice. The smoky char from the grill combined with the zesty Cajun seasoning gives the shrimp a bold, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the rich, comforting beans and rice. The garlic butter adds a smooth, decadent touch, balancing the heat and improving the shrimp's natural sweetness.

This dish also introduces a light, protein-packed element that complements the heavier, starch-based red beans and rice. The fresh, bright flavors of the shrimp, along with the kick from the Cajun spice, add depth to the meal, while the butter ensures every bite is satisfying and full of flavor.

4. Red Bean & Corn Burrito Bowls

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Cook the jasmine rice with the vegetable stock concentrate and ¼ tsp salt in a small pot, following package instructions.

2. While the rice cooks, heat a large sauté pan over medium heat and add cooking oil.

3. Add the chopped green bell pepper and onion to the pan, sautéing until softened, about 4-5 minutes.

4. Stir in the beans, corn, cumin, coriander, oregano, and water. Cook for 5-6 minutes, until heated through.

5. Once the rice is ready, fluff it with a fork and stir in the tomato salsa with cilantro.

6. Assemble the burrito bowls by layering the rice, bean and corn mixture, guacamole, Cholula sauce, and Monterey Jack cheese.

7. Serve immediately.

Overview 🔍

Red bean and corn burrito bowls bring a vibrant, satisfying contrast to red beans and rice. In the original Green Chef recipe, black beans are used, but this works just as well with red beans. The seasoned red beans and sweet corn offer a hearty, protein-packed base that pairs wonderfully with the spiced rice. The creamy guacamole and spicy Cholula sauce add layers of flavor, balancing the meal with richness and heat. 

The combination of cumin, coriander, and oregano brings warmth and earthiness, while the crunchy veggies and fresh salsa provide bright, refreshing notes. This dish offers a lighter yet filling option that pairs nicely with red beans and rice, adding both variety and flavor to your meal. Feel free to adjust the toppings to your taste or add extra veggies for more variety. 

5. Red Bean & Kale Bowl

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Preheat the oven to 400 °F (200 °C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Slice the plantain and toss with ½ tbsp oil and a pinch of salt. Arrange on the baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

3. While the plantains roast, cook the rice with 1 1/3 cups water and ⅛ tsp salt in a small saucepan, following package instructions.

4. Heat the remaining ½ tbsp oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until softened, about 4-5 minutes.

5. Stir in the cumin and coriander, then add the beans and cook until heated through, about 5 minutes.

6. Add the kale to the skillet and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, until wilted.

7. To assemble, layer the rice, bean and kale mixture, roasted plantains, and top with fresh lime, avocado, tomato, and cilantro.

8. Serve immediately.

Overview 🔍

This recipe offer a sweet and savory contrast that complements red beans and rice. The roasted plantains add a delightful sweetness, which balances the rich, savory flavors of the beans and kale. The spiced cumin and coriander bring depth to the dish, while the fresh lime and avocado add brightness and creaminess.

This meal offers a well-rounded, nutritious option with a good balance of protein, healthy fats, and carbs. The plantains provide a unique twist, contrasting the earthy kale and beans, and the fresh tomato and cilantro garnish adds a burst of freshness. Together, these flavors make for a vibrant and satisfying side that perfectly complements the hearty red beans and rice.

6. Garlic, Rosemary & Thyme Chicken With White Wine Sauce

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Preheat the grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.

2. Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.

3. Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 °F (74 °C).

4. While the chicken cooks, heat a small saucepan over medium heat and pour in the white wine and chicken broth.

5. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce by half, about 5-7 minutes.

6. Stir in the butter and apple cider vinegar, and simmer for an additional 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

7. Drizzle the white wine sauce over the grilled chicken and garnish with fresh herbs, if desired.

8. Serve immediately.

Overview 🔍

This dish brings a savory and aromatic flavor profile to traditional beans and rice. The tender, juicy chicken infused with garlic and fresh herbs adds a light yet flavorful protein option to the meal. The rich white wine sauce, with its buttery, tangy finish, adds depth and elegance to the dish.

The chicken's herbaceous flavors blend seamlessly with the hearty, spiced beans and rice, while the white wine sauce offers a touch of sophistication. This dish strikes a perfect balance of flavors, providing a flavorful contrast that pairs wonderfully with the boldness of red beans and rice.

7. Tasty Broiled Andouille Sausages

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Preheat the broiler to high and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil (optional for easier cleanup).

2. Brush the sausages with olive oil to prevent sticking.

3. Place the sausages on the prepared baking sheet and broil for 7 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked through.

4. Use tongs to flip the sausages halfway through for even cooking.

5. Once done, remove from the oven and slice the sausages if desired.

6. Garnish with fresh herbs, if using, and serve immediately.

Overview 🔍

Tasty broiled andouille sausages add a smoky, savory flavor to your red beans and rice. The spicy, rich flavor of andouille sausage complements the heartiness of the beans, creating a balanced and satisfying dish. The crisp, slightly charred exterior from broiling enhances the flavor, while the juicy, tender interior delivers a satisfying bite.

This quick and easy dish brings a bold, meaty element to the meal, providing a protein-packed contrast to the creamy beans and rice. The sausage's smoky heat and seasoning add complexity, making it an ideal pairing for the comforting red beans and rice and offering a flavorful contrast to the more delicate components of the meal.

8. Sweet & Tangy Coleslaw

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cabbage and carrots.

2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.

3. Pour the dressing over the cabbage and carrots, and toss to combine until evenly coated.

4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.

5. Stir the coleslaw again before serving.

Overview 🔍

Sweet and tangy coleslaw is the perfect refreshing side to accompany red beans and rice. The crisp cabbage and carrots provide a crunchy, light contrast to the richness of the beans, while the creamy, tangy dressing really improves the overall flavor profile. The slight sweetness from the sugar and tang from the apple cider vinegar offers a balanced bite that complements the savory elements of the main dish.

This coleslaw adds a cool, refreshing element to the meal, cutting through the heaviness of the beans and rice. Its light, vibrant flavors provide a perfect contrast to the deep, earthy taste of red beans, making it an excellent accompaniment that brightens the dish while still complementing its heartiness.

FAQ

What do you eat red beans and rice with?

Red beans and rice pair wonderfully with dishes that balance their rich, savory flavors. Classic sides include cornbread, coleslaw, and greens. 

For a more substantial option, check out the Garlic, Rosemary, and Thyme Chicken with White Wine Sauce. This grilled chicken, with its herbaceous, tender texture, enhances the hearty beans, offering a light contrast to the meal while complementing the depth of the flavors.

Is red beans and rice a complete meal?

Red beans and rice are often considered a complete meal because they provide both protein and carbohydrates. The beans deliver plant-based protein, while rice offers filling carbs. 

But to elevate the meal and add variety, try pairing it with some protein or salad. For example, the Tasty Broiled Andouille Sausages bring a smoky, meaty richness that pairs perfectly with the beans, making the dish even more hearty and satisfying.

What protein goes with red beans and rice?

Red beans and rice can be complemented with various proteins like sausage, shrimp, or chicken. One excellent choice is the Cajun-Style Grilled Shrimp with Garlic Butter. 

The shrimp’s bold, spiced flavor and tender texture add a savory, juicy contrast to the beans. This pairing gives your meal a lighter yet flavorful protein option that balances the richness of the beans and rice while adding a unique zest.