In a Cuban household, when it comes to dinner, the white rice is implied! It is a classic side for a reason. There are so many of our favorite Cuban recipes are packed with flavor, rich sauces, and delicious juices that practically beg for a bed of fluffy white rice.
Whether it’s ropa vieja, fricasé de pollo, or a hearty bowl of black beans, white rice is the perfect canvas for soaking up all that goodness. It may not always be the star of the show, but it’s certainly an essential part of the meal.
How to Cook the Perfect White Rice
While it is not going to outshine the main star, it is important to know how to make it. No one wants to eat mushy or bland rice. Our White Rice Recipe will walk you through making the fluffiest, yummiest rice so that you never have this problem again.
And if you’re more of a visual learner, we’ve got you covered!
We walk you through it step by step on our You Tube Channel!
Once you’ve mastered the rice, it’s time to decide what to serve with it!
Our Favorite Cuban Recipes to Serve With White Rice.
Now that you’ve mastered the perfect pot of white rice, what should you serve with it? The good news is that the possibilities are endless! From saucy Cuban classics to quick weeknight dinners, these are some of our favorite recipes that deserve a spot right next to a big scoop of fluffy white rice.
Saucy Cuban Classics
These are the recipes that practically demand white rice. They’re packed with flavor, delicious sauces, and all the goodness you don’t want to leave behind on your plate.
Tender chicken and potatoes simmered in a rich, flavorful sauce. This Cuban classic is comfort food at its best, and serving it over white rice is the perfect way to soak up every last drop.
There are few combinations more Cuban than picadillo and white rice! This savory ground beef dish is a weeknight staple, and the rice balances all those delicious flavors.
Juicy shrimp in a flavorful tomato-based sauce? Yes, please! Spoon these shrimp over white rice and you’ve got a meal that feels special without being complicated.
Tender beef, soft potatoes, and a rich sauce make this Cuban beef stew a natural match for white rice. It’s the kind of meal that makes everyone come running to the dinner table.
One of Cuba’s most iconic dishes deserves its most iconic side. Shredded beef simmered in a savory tomato-based sauce is even better piled over fluffy white rice.
Beans & Potajes
In Cuban cooking, rice and beans are practically inseparable. Whether you’re making a simple pot of black beans or a hearty potaje, white rice turns these comforting favorites into a satisfying meal.
Is there a more perfect combination? A big spoonful of flavorful black beans over white rice is a Cuban kitchen essential. Add some plantains and you’ve got a meal that never disappoints.
This hearty Cuban split pea soup is loaded with flavor and makes the ultimate comfort meal. Serve it with white rice for an extra-filling dinner that tastes like home.
Lentils are another Cuban favorite that pair beautifully with white rice. They’re hearty, budget-friendly, and perfect for making a big batch to enjoy throughout the week.
A rich, comforting chickpea stew is another delicious excuse to make a pot of white rice. It’s especially good when you want something hearty and satisfying.
Quick Weeknight Dinners
Not every dinner needs to simmer for hours. Sometimes all you need is a simple protein, a little seasoning, and a pot of white rice to get a delicious meal on the table.
Few things say Cuban comfort food quite like bistec de palomilla! Thin, tender steak seasoned with garlic and lime, topped with sautéed onions, and served alongside a generous helping of fluffy white rice. Add some black beans and sweet plantains, and you’ve got a classic Cuban dinner that’s easy enough for any night of the week.
Thinly sliced chicken breast, golden onions, and a squeeze of lime make this Cuban classic a weeknight favorite. Serve it with white rice and black beans for an easy, complete meal.
Whether you’re making them in a skillet or the air fryer, Cuban pork chops are an easy dinner that pairs perfectly with white rice. Add some sautéed onions or vegetables and dinner is done!
Camarones al Ajillo
Garlicky shrimp and fluffy white rice are a match made in heaven. The rice catches all that delicious garlic-infused sauce, making this one of our favorite quick dinners.
Sunday Dinner
Sunday dinner is all about slowing down, gathering around the table, and enjoying a meal worth looking forward to. The truth is, these dishes may take a little more time. However a simple side of white rice is often all they need.
This traditional Cuban pot roast is a Sunday dinner favorite for good reason. Tender beef and a rich, savory sauce make it absolutely delicious served over white rice.
Slow-cooked oxtail in a rich, flavorful sauce is exactly the kind of dish that deserves a generous helping of white rice. It’s hearty, comforting, and perfect for a family gathering.
Sometimes the simplest meals are the most memorable. A beautifully roasted chicken with its delicious pan juices and a side of fluffy white rice makes for a wonderful family dinner.
Who says turkey is only for the holidays? This Cuban-inspired favorite is packed with citrusy, garlicky flavor and makes a delicious centerpiece for a Sunday meal alongside white rice.
