Jollof rice is one of those iconic and beloved West African dishes that’s celebrated for its incredible flavors.
The rich, smoky-tasting rice gets its signature bright orange-red hue from a tomato-based sauce loaded with spices and seasonings.
It’s deeply savory and comforting, but still cries out for some accompaniments to make it a complete meal.
From protein-packed mains to fresh salads and stews, here are 10 delicious sides that pair beautifully with jollof rice.
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1. Roast Beef in the Oven
If you wonder what to eat with jollof rice, you can never go wrong pairing tender, juicy roast beef alongside the bold, aromatic jollof rice.
Slowly roasting a beef roast in the oven until it’s fall-apart tender makes for such a satisfying main course.
This recipe is quick to prepare, foolproof, and gives you a roast so tender and flavorful, it’ll become your go-to for any special occasion or lazy Sunday dinner.
You can pretty much use any boneless roast – ribeye’s my personal favorite when it’s on sale, but top round or sirloin will do the trick too!
The rich beef flavors stand up beautifully to the spice and smokiness of the rice. Make sure to spoon some of the flavorful pan juices over the sliced beef for even more savoriness in every bite.
2. Homemade Chicken Nuggets
Crispy baked chicken nuggets are an awesome kid-friendly option for serving with jollof rice.
You get that crowd-pleasing fried chicken flavor and crunch without all the mess of frying.
This homemade chicken nuggets recipe ensures you’re munching on 100% boneless, skinless white meat chicken, coated in a blend of seasoned flour, dipped in lush buttermilk, and then rolled in crunchy Panko breadcrumbs.
And trust me, once you’ve made these, you’ll be saying bye-bye to those drive-thru windows
Serve them alongside the jollof rice for a fun twist on the classic chicken and rice combo. A side of ranch or honey mustard is never a bad idea for dipping!
From start to finish, you’re looking at about 30 minutes. Quick, easy, and absolutely scrumptious!
3. Chicken Sausage and Vegetable Skillet
For a heartier, all-in-one style side dish, this skillet filled with chicken sausage and veggies is hard to beat.
Brown the sausage, sauté those veggies, and then toss those golden potatoes back in. A few stirs and, boom, dinner served!
Seriously, 15 minutes tops for prep and cooking and you’re digging into a meal that’s not only quick to table but also perfect for leftovers.
The sausages add that savory, meaty element to balance the rice, while the veggie mixture provides freshness and crunch.
4. Suya
Are you a meat lover and wonder what meat goes with Jollof rice? This classic Nigerian street food of spicy shish kebabs is a natural match for jollof rice.
Beef (tender sirloin, chuck roast, or ribeye) is marinated in a fiery blend of ground peanuts, garlic, onion powder, a bunch of peppers, and some warm smoked paprika.
It’s a breeze to make. Just slice, spice, skewer, and grill (or bake). I am talking 15 minutes prep & 15 minutes cook time.
Not only is suya a breeze to make, but it also hails from the culinary traditions of the Hausa people.
This dish brings a slice of West African culture right to your plate with its unique, nutty, and spicy flavors.
Serve the suya kebabs over the rice or on the side for dipping into extra marinade.
The bold spices and char flavors make the perfect accompaniment for the equally bold rice.
5. Dodo (Fried Plantains)
You’ll often find dodo, or fried sweet plantains, served as the quintessential side for West African dishes like jollof rice.
The starchy banana relatives get sliced and fried until crisp and golden on the outside, while the insides turn deliciously soft and sweet when cooked.
It’s like if sweet maduros and savory tostones had a delicious baby! You only need very ripe plantains and some oil – yup, that’s it!
Prepping this dish is a breeze – slice the plantains, heat some oil, and fry them until they’re the perfect shade of golden brown.Who doesn’t love a good fry-up that’s ready in under 15 minutes?
They make for an irresistible sweet-savory combo with the smoky, peppery notes of the rice. Top them with a sprinkle of salt or even some chili powder for an extra flavor punch to complement the dish.
6. Homemade Coleslaw
A crisp, creamy coleslaw makes for the perfect fresh, crunchy counterpoint to rich, spice-laden jollof rice.
I make mine with shredded cabbage and carrots tossed in a tangy dressing of mayo, vinegar, sugar, and celery seeds.
The cooling slaw helps balance the bold flavors of the rice while providing a variety of tasty textures on the plate.
This recipe it’s simple, delicious, and the crunch from the fresh cabbage mixed with that creamy dressing is divine.
Top it with some sliced green onions or a sprinkle of paprika for even more color and flavor.
7. Moin Moin/Moi Moi
This savory steamed bean pudding is a popular accompaniment to jollof rice in nearly every Nigerian home.
It’s made with peeled black-eyed peas, a pop of onions and peppers, and enriched with tasty add-ins like fish, crayfish, boiled eggs, or liver.
You get this wonderfully soft, custard-like texture packed with rich, savory flavors that complement the spiced rice so well. It’s a filling, protein-packed side option that feels comforting yet fresh.
8. Soft-Boiled Eggs
With their gloriously runny yolks, soft-boiled eggs make for an easy yet absolutely delicious partner for sopping up all the delicious tomato-spiced flavors of jollof rice.
You’ll only need a few things: eggs, water, and your choice of seasonings.
Simply boil the eggs for 7 minutes so the whites are set but the yolks stay luscious and jammy in the center.
Sprinkle them with a bit of salt and pepper and get ready to let those vibrant yolks ooze all over the rice.
9. Pan Fried Tofu
For a plant-based protein option to serve alongside jollof rice, crispy pan-fried tofu really fits the bill.
I’ve got a pan-fried tofu recipe that’s seriously off the charts!
I mean, have you ever had those golden-brown tofu bites that are so perfectly crispy on the outside but oh-so-tender inside, with a sweet and sour sauce that’s out of this world?
That’s what I’m talking about!
Pat that tofu dry, coat it, dip it, and give it a sizzle in the pan. Whip up that sauce until it’s nice and thick, coat the tofu and—bam!— in no time (just 25 minutes), you’ve got a perfect side dish for your jollof rice.
The tofu absorbs all those warm spice flavors and provides such an amazing texture contrast to the tender rice. Finish it off with a squeeze of lemon or lime juice for brightness.
10. Red Red, Ghanaian Bean Stew
Jollof rice and this hearty, flavorful Ghanaian bean stew are a match made in heaven.
The stew gets its name from the deep red-orange hue that comes from simmering red beans or black-eyed peas with smoked turkey or ham, tomatoes, garlic, ginger and plenty of warming spices like cayenne.
It’s a cozy bowl of flavor that’s perfect for vegans and meat-lovers alike. This stew is naturally gluten-free and comes with a sidekick of fried (or roasted, if that’s your jam) plantains.
It’s rich yet cooling and pairs beautifully with the seasoned rice for a super satisfying plant-based meal.
Beth
My name is Beth, Elizabeth Evelyn to be exact. A native Tennessean, I was born in the South.
I am the author behind Local Milk Blog.
Local milk is a journal devoted to home cookery, travel, family, and slow living—to being present & finding sustenance of every kind.
It’s about nesting abroad & finding the exotic in the everyday.
Most of all it’s about the perfection of imperfections and seeing the beauty of everyday, mundane life.
