What Goes with Mushroom Risotto (15 Interesting Sides)
A few days ago, I was having some friends over for dinner, and I decided to make mushroom risotto. It’s one of my favorite dishes and always a big hit with guests. I was trying to decide what to serve with it as a side dish, and I realized that there are actually quite a few options.
So many, in fact, that it’s no wonder people get so confused about what to serve with this dish. With that in mind, I’ve put together a list of 15 of the best side dishes for mushroom risotto with links to their recipes.
These side dishes are chosen for a few reasons. First, they all go really well with the flavors of mushroom risotto. Mushroom risotto is creamy and earthy, so we want sides that will complement those flavors without overwhelming them. Second, they’re all relatively easy to prepare. You don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
So go check them out; you’ll thank me later.
Side Dishes For Mushroom Risotto:
- Spinach salad
- Roasted asparagus with prosciutto
- Baked chicken thigh
- Pan-seared steak
- Steamed broccoli
- Cooked salmon
- Marinated Tofu
- Blistered tomatoes
- Marinated lamb chops
- Roasted sausages
- Garlic bread
- Shrimp scampi
- Potato wedges
- Pork chops
- Arugula salad
Spinach salad
Mushroom risotto is a dish that can be enjoyed with a variety of different side dishes. One of my favorite combinations is spinach salad. The vibrant green of the spinach against the creamy risotto is a beautiful contrast, and the flavors work together perfectly.
Additionally, this is a quick and easy side dish to go with your risotto. All you need to do is mix some spinach leaves with a bit of olive oil and vinegar. Season it with salt and pepper to taste, and you’re good to go!
However, if you want some extra flavors in the salad, you can add in some diced avocado, crumbled feta cheese, or even some chopped nuts.
Roasted asparagus with prosciutto
Asparagus is another excellent side dish for mushroom risotto. It’s a bit more substantial than spinach, so it can really round out a meal.
To make this dish, start with roasting the asparagus in the oven with some olive oil and salt. Once it’s cooked, top it or wrap around it a thinly sliced prosciutto.
The combination of the smoky-flavored asparagus and the slight saltiness of the prosciutto pairs perfectly with the creamy risotto.
Baked chicken thigh
A baked chicken thigh is the perfect side dish for mushroom risotto. The creamy and crispy chicken pairs perfectly with the rich flavor of the risotto.
Plus, baked chicken thighs are a great way to get your fill without adding any extra food to the dish. Do note, however, that you must keep an eye on your chicken as it bakes so it doesn’t stay in too long and become dry and chewy.
The estimated cooking time for chicken thighs in the oven is 30 minutes. Finally, remember to season chicken with spices for a scrumptious and mouth-watering taste.
Pan-seared steak
For a heartier option, try pairing your mushroom risotto with a pan-seared steak.
Pan-seared steak is a type of steak that has been cooked in a skillet. The steak is first seared at a high temperature to create a crispy crust, and then it’s finished cooking in a low heat setting.
The result is a juicy and tender steak that has a beautiful sear on the outside. Pan-seared steak is a great side dish for mushroom risotto as the flavourful steak helps absorb some of the richness from the dish.
When cooking pan-seared steak, make sure to use a high-quality cut of meat such as ribeye or strip steak. Season the steak with salt and pepper before cooking.
Steamed broccoli
Steamed broccoli is a simple but effective side dish for mushroom risotto. The two dishes share similar flavors, so they work well together.
Additionally, steamed broccoli is a healthy option that will help to balance out the richness of the risotto.
I usually add butter and garlic to my steamed broccoli, but you can keep it simple with just salt and pepper.
Cooked salmon
Cooked salmon is a great side dish for mushroom risotto. The cooked salmon is tender and slightly crispy.
There are many different ways to prepare salmon, however, I am a fan of cooking my salmon in the oven.
I start by seasoning my salmon with salt, pepper, and lemon juice (for that extra zing!) before cooking it in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
The estimated cooking time for salmon is about 20 minutes, however, this depends on the thickness of your fillet.
Marinated tofu
The vegetarians amongst us are not left out! For a vegetarian option, try pairing your mushroom risotto with some marinated tofu.
Tofu is a great source of protein and it soaks up flavors really well. I like to marinate my tofu in a mixture of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey.
After marinating the tofu for at least 30 minutes (the longer the better!), I cook it in a pan with some oil until it’s crispy on the outside.
This dish is bursting with flavors on so many levels. And even if you’re not vegetarian, you should give this a try, you’ll love it!
Blistered tomatoes
By blistered, I mean roasted in the oven until they are slightly charred. This method of cooking tomatoes brings out their natural sweetness.
Tomatoes work great as a side dish for mushroom risotto because of their acidity. The acidity helps to cut through the richness of the dish and brighten it up.
To make this dish, simply roast some cherry tomatoes (I recommend using cherry tomatoes for that sweet flavor) in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 minutes.
After they are done, add them to your mushroom risotto and enjoy!
Marinated lamb chops
Lamp chops are a flavorful and juicy option for a side dish. I like to marinate my lamb chops in a mixture of rosemary, garlic, and olive oil.
The key to cooking lamb chops is not to overcook them. I cook mine for about two minutes per side in a pan over medium-high heat.
Once they are cooked, I add them to my mushroom risotto, the tenderness of the lamb and the creaminess of the risotto are a match made in food heaven.
Roasted sausages
The savoriness of the sausages pairs perfectly with the creaminess of the mushroom risotto. I like to use chicken sausages for this dish, but you can use any type of sausage that you like.
To prepare this dish, simply roast your sausages in the oven and cook for about 20 minutes.
You can cut up the sausages into bite-sized pieces or leave them whole, it’s up to you!
Garlic bread
Any type of bread can work well with risotto, but I particularly love garlic bread with mushroom risotto.
There’s just something about the combination of the creamy risotto and the crispy garlic bread that makes my taste buds very happy.
To make this dish, simply toast some bread and rub a garlic clove on it (I like to use a lot of garlic!). You can also add some butter or olive oil to the bread if you want.
Shrimp Scampi
If you are like my mum and you’re allergic to shrimp do not take this as a side dish option AT ALL!
For those who aren’t allergic, a shrimp scamp is a great option. The shrimp are cooked in a garlic butter sauce and it’s absolutely delicious.
To make this dish, simply cook the shrimp in a pan with some butter, garlic, and white wine. Next, season it with salt and pepper to taste and add it to your mushroom risotto. Yum!
Potato wedges
This starchy side dish goes well with almost everything, and mushroom risotto is no exception.
Potato wedges are a great option if you are looking for something easy to prepare.
Simply cut up some potatoes into wedges, season them and bake in a preheated oven. You can fry them but baking is healthier.
Once they are crispy, add them to your mushroom risotto and enjoy!
Pork chops
Pork chops are a type of meat that is cut from the shoulder or loin of a pig. They are a popular choice for the main dish, but they can also be served as a side dish.
Pork chops are a flavorful and juicy option for a side dish. I like to marinate my pork chops in a mixture of rosemary, garlic, and olive oil. However, if you want a bit of spice in your pork chops, then season with some cayenne pepper, chili powder, and paprika.
To ensure my spices get into the pork chops before baking, I make tiny incisions all over the pork chops and insert the spices into the incisions.
The tenderness of the pork and the creaminess of the risotto pair perfectly.
Arugula salad
Arugula salad is a great side dish for mushroom risotto. The ingredients in the salad complement the flavors of the risotto perfectly.
The acidity of the vinegar and lemon juice helps to balance out the richness of the dish, while the sweetness of the raisins and the crunch of the nuts add an extra layer of flavor.
In addition, arugula is also a great source of vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy addition to any meal. So, give it a try next time you’re looking for a delicious and healthy side salad.
FAQ
What to serve with risotto?
Many side dishes go well with the risotto. Some popular choices include roasted meats, seafood, vegetables, salad, and bread.
What can I add to my risotto?
There are many things you can add to your risotto to change up the flavors. For example, you could try adding different herbs or spices, cheese, vegetables, or meat.
Is risotto a main dish or a side dish?
Risotto can be served as either a main dish or a side dish. It all depends on what you are serving it with. If you are serving it with roasted meats and vegetables, then it would likely be considered a main dish. However, if you are serving it with a salad or bread, then it would be considered a side dish.
What wine goes with mushroom risotto?
A Pinot Noir or Chianti are both great choices for wine pairings with mushroom risotto. If you are looking for white wine, then a Chardonnay would also be a good option.
Conclusion:
So you see that you can enjoy your mushroom risotto with a wide range of side dishes. I hope this list has inspired you to try something new the next time you make this dish! Happy cooking!