Packed with a variety of flavors and textures, Asian side dishes are the perfect complement to any meal. Whether you’re in the mood for something light and refreshing or hearty and comforting, there’s an Asian side dish to suit every taste. From the delicate dumplings of Chinese cuisine to the bold flavors of Korean kimchi, I’ve curated a list of 14 Asian side dishes that are sure to delight.
If you’re planning an Asian-inspired dinner party, be sure to include restaurant favorites like egg drop soup and scallion pancakes on your menu! With recipes ranging from simple stir-fries to more complex preparations, as well as plenty of options for vegans and vegetarians, this list has something for everyone. You’ll find a mix of classic dishes and innovative twists to keep things interesting.
Soy Sauce Fried Rice
Just like its unassuming name suggests, this fried rice recipe packs a punch when it comes to flavor. By combining dark and light soy sauce with fish sauce and rice wine in perfect harmony, it achieves an unforgettable taste that’s sure to leave you craving more. It’s an umami explosion waiting to happen, making it well worth the trip to your local Asian market to pick up the essential soy sauces needed for this mouth-watering mixture.
Stir-Fried Baby Bok Choy
Yesterday’s meal prep could never be as vibrant and flavorful as today’s stir-fried baby bok choy. Yields a side dish that not only packs a punch but is also incredibly quick to prepare, all thanks to the harmonious balance between soy sauce and minced garlic. A drizzle of olive oil for stir-frying and a sprinkle of fresh black pepper at the end provide the perfect aromatic finish, allowing this entire recipe to be cooked and served within a span of just under 10 minutes.
For those with gluten sensitivities, swapping out the traditional soy sauce for coconut aminos can produce an equally tantalizing flavor without compromising on taste.
Egg Drop Soup
Diving into this egg drop soup recipe reveals a delightful twist on traditional flavors, yielding a creamy and delectable dish that rivals those found in restaurants. The key to achieving this rich texture lies in the strategic use of cornstarch, which not only accelerates cooking time but also adds an unmistakable velvety quality that harmoniously complements the eggs and subtle white pepper notes.
This recipe is particularly well-suited for accompanying steamed white rice and baked fish, resulting in a quick and effortless dinner solution that still exudes a touch of sophistication when presented on the table.
Chinese Cucumber Salad
Among the many reasons why this sesame and vinegar dressed cold salad has become a staple in Chinese home cooking is its undeniable flavor and convenience. Not only is it simple to prepare, but it’s also incredibly quick, requiring just five minutes from start to finish. Additionally, the act of chopping the cucumbers can be quite therapeutic, providing a much-needed break from the stresses of daily life.
Stir-Fried Choy Sum
Harvested from the same family as Chinese flowering cabbage, choy sum is an Asian green that offers a unique taste experience, often compared to bok choy and broccoli rabe. This delicious vegan and gluten-free option for stir-fried greens packs a flavor punch of garlic and ginger, resulting in amazing aromatics.
Spinach Ohitashi (Japanese Spinach Salad)
Perhaps one of the most appealing aspects of this recipe is the exceptional tenderness and rich flavor of the spinach. It’s perfectly complemented by a super-nutritious kombu dashi broth, which can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. This convenience allows you to quickly assemble the salad when you’re ready to serve.
Spicy Asian Zucchini
Spruced up with a dash of Asian-inspired flavors, Sriracha hot sauce takes center stage in this flavorful veggie side dish, perfect for making the most of your summer harvest. The harmonious blend of honey, soy sauce, and sesame oil expertly balances out the spicy kick from the Sriracha, imparting a delightfully rounded taste to the zucchini, leaving you wanting more.
Chinese Coleslaw
Understandably, a single serving of this inventive salad can easily make an entire meal. This recipe combines the convenience of store-bought chicken ramen noodles with the freshness of coleslaw mix, topped with crunchy slivered almonds for added texture. For those who may struggle to find specific Asian ingredients like sesame oil and rice wine vinegar in their local stores, there are plenty of substitution options available.
Korean Scallion Pancakes
Taking inspiration from Korean restaurants, scallion pancakes have become a favorite snack or side dish for many food enthusiasts around the world. These delicious flatbreads are surprisingly easy to make at home, requiring just a few simple ingredients that are likely already stocked in your pantry.
Japanese Potato Salad
Elevate your taste buds with this innovative twist on traditional potato salad, featuring a harmonious blend of creamy russet potatoes and Japanese mayonnaise. The addition of thinly sliced raw carrots and cucumbers adds a delightful freshness to each bite, providing an exciting contrast in textures that will leave you craving for more.
Hot and Sour Soup
Lightening up your mealtime routine with a quick and flavorful hot and sour soup recipe is definitely achievable, even on a busy schedule. Filled to the brim with mushrooms and tofu, this 15-minute recipe not only saves time but also packs a punch when it comes to taste. While traditional recipes often call for chicken broth, substituting vegetable broth makes this dish suitable for vegetarians looking for a satisfying meal option.
Asian Baked Chicken Wings
Everyone who’s ever tried oven-baked wings can attest to the fact that they’re not only healthier than their deep-fried counterparts, but also bursting with flavor thanks to the rich glaze of soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, and garlic. Whether you’re looking for a tasty side dish for a family dinner or a satisfying snack for game day, oven-baked wings are an excellent choice.
Chinese Sausage Fried Rice
Spicy Bean Sprout Salad
Veering away from the ordinary, this healthy side dish takes center stage with the bold flavors of shichimi togarashi – a quintessential Japanese seven-spice mix. Typically used as a topping for ramen, its complex mixture of pepper flakes, sesame seeds, toasted nori seaweed, and orange peel is capable of elevating even the humblest ingredients into a culinary masterpiece, such as bean sprouts.
14 Easy Asian Sides You Need to Try
Just when you think you’ve tried every Asian side dish out there, new options keep popping up. Joining the classic favorites like stir-fried noodles and egg rolls, innovative dishes like kimchi pancakes and spicy edamame have taken center stage. From simple yet flavorful fried rice to rich and savory hot and sour soup, these delicious Asian sides are elevating meals everywhere.
Instructions
Begin by choosing a simple yet delicious recipe that catches your eye. Next, gather and organize all the essential ingredients needed for preparation. Finally, create an Asian-inspired side dish that can be ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for a quick and easy meal solution.
