Turkish Dishes to Serve With Rice

This collection of Turkish dishes to serve with rice includes hearty stews, flavorful kebabs, vegetable dishes, and saucy chicken recipes. A bowl of fluffy rice is perfect for soaking up all the wonderful flavors, making even simple meals feel special. These Turkish recipes are packed with fresh ingredients, warm spices, and easy ideas that make family dinners or entertaining great.

Chicken Shish Kebab

My Chicken Shish Kebab recipe, also known as Turkish Tavuk Şiş, is one of the dishes I get asked to make again and again, especially in summer. The chicken cooks quickly on the BBQ or under the oven broiler. It comes out juicy, lightly charred around the edges, and full of that proper Turkish restaurant flavor.

To learn more: Chicken Shish Kebab

Izmir Kofte

İzmir Köfte is a Turkish casserole made with lightly fried meatballs, potato wedges, and green peppers baked in a garlicky tomato sauce. You will find it in lokantas as well as home kitchens across Turkey, with each family adding their own small touch.

To learn more: İzmir Köfte

Baked Lamb Chops

If you like tender lamb with light seasoning and hearty vegetables, this classic Turkish dish Oven Baked Lamb Chops, known as Firinda Kuzu Pirzola, is a great one to try. It is simple to prepare and gives you a complete one pan meal.

To learn more: Baked Lamb Chops - Firinda Kuzu Pirzola

Lamb Shank

Kuzu Incik is a delicious Turkish dish made with lamb shank gently simmered with vegetables and herbs in stock until it's tender and full of flavour. It’s perfect for a simple family dinner or a special gathering when served with Turkish Rice Pilaf and Beet Cucumber Salad on the side.

To learn more: Kuzu Incik - Turkish Lamb Shank

Green Bean Stew

Etli Taze Fasulye Yemegi, or Green Bean Stew with Meat, is a traditional Turkish vegetable stew where fresh green beans and meat are simmered in a simple tomato sauce until tender. This delicious and simple summer dish has been a family favorite in our household for many years.

To learn more: Etli Taze Fasulye Yemegi - Green Bean Stew with Meat

Orman Kebabi

Orman Kebabi (also known as Bolu Kebabi or Forest Kebab) is a traditional Turkish kebab dish originating from the Bolu city of Turkey.

This delicious dish is a super easy one-pot stew made with slow-cooked beef (or lamb) and vegetables and is packed with Mediterranean flavors.

To learn more: Orman Kebabi

Chicken Saute

Tavuk Sote (Turkish Chicken Sauté) is a wholesome, simple, and healthy chicken dish full of Mediterranean flavors. It is made by sautéing chicken pieces with onions, tomatoes, peppers, and a variety of spices. This delightful chicken dish ticks all the boxes for the ideal weekday meal.

To learn more: Tavuk Sote (Turkish Chicken Sauté)

Okra Stew

My Turkish Okra Stew is based on Bamya, the tomato-based okra stew my mum used to make when I was growing up. I make it with chicken legs, fresh or frozen okra, tomatoes, onion, garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice. Lamb is more traditional in many homes, but chicken is cheaper, lighter, and still gives the stew plenty of flavor.

To learn more: Turkish Okra Stew - Bamya

Kuzu Guvec

Kuzu Güveç is a simple Turkish Lamb Casserole that cooks slowly in the oven until the lamb is soft and the vegetables have cooked down into the sauce. The prep is straightforward, and once the dish goes into the oven, there is very little left to do.

To learn more: Kuzu Güveç

Meat Stuffed Aubergines

My Stuffed Aubergine Recipe is a Turkish classic called Karnıyarık, made with pan-fried aubergines filled with minced meat, onions, tomatoes, garlic, and parsley, then baked in a light tomato sauce until soft and delicious. It is one of the best ways to cook with aubergines, especially in summer when they are at their best.

To learn more: Stuffed Eggplant Recipe

Turkish Meatballs

This spicy Homemade Kofte (Turkish Meatballs) recipe is extremely easy to make and full of flavor. You can serve them as an appetizer on their own or as a main meal along with some Crispy Sauté Potatoes with Garlic, Pita Bread, or Turkish Rice.

They are soft, juicy, and extremely delicious, the perfect comfort food to feed your family. 

To learn more: Homemade Kofte (Turkish Meatballs)