22 Delicious Sides: What to Serve with Chinese Dumplings for a Perfect Meal
Enhance your Chinese dumpling experience with a variety of sides, from traditional egg drop soup to crunchy cabbage quinoa salad and flavorful stir-fried bok choy.
Chinese dumplings, a versatile delight, can be paired with an array of sides to enhance your dining experience. The vast options available might seem daunting, but I’m here to guide you through making these combinations both delicious and straightforward.
Whether you’re crafting dumplings from scratch or opting for the convenience of premade ones, the possibilities for accompaniments are endless and equally tantalizing.
The term “Chinese dumpling” encompasses a variety, often leading to confusion with potstickers. However, it’s crucial to distinguish between the two: potstickers boast a crispy exterior, while traditional dumplings are characterized by their soft, tender wrapper.
A charming anecdote traces the origin of potstickers to a distracted chef whose boiling dumplings ended up crisping at the bottom, thus birthing the “potsticker” name, which literally means “stuck to the wok.”
Fortunately, both traditional dumplings and potstickers pair wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Let’s dive into 22 mouthwatering sides that will complement your Chinese dumplings perfectly.
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Exquisite Sides to Accompany Chinese Dumplings
Soups
#1. Traditional Egg Drop Soup
A quintessential side, traditional egg drop soup, is a sublime match for Chinese dumplings. This easy-to-follow recipe promises an authentic taste in just 15 minutes, featuring a delightful mix of sweet corn, carrots, eggs, ginger, and garlic.
#2. Asian Chicken Noodle Soup
This savory soup brims with lo mein noodles, tender chicken chunks, and a broth seasoned to perfection, complemented by green onions and napa cabbage. It’s a heartwarming choice to accompany your dumplings.
#3. Coconut Soup
Embark on a culinary journey with this Thai coconut soup, a harmonious blend of noodles, shrimp, and assorted toppings. Its versatility allows you to adjust the spice level, ensuring a personalized flavor profile.
#4. Hot and Sour Soup
A bowl of this tangy, spicy soup offers comfort in every spoonful. With a quick preparation time, it combines Asian sauces, vegetables, and chicken for a deeply satisfying experience.
#5. Hong Kong Borscht Soup
This local favorite from Hong Kong cafes, known for its simplicity and heartiness, pairs wonderfully with dumplings, despite its longer cooking time.
Salads
#6. Chinese Coleslaw
A vibrant mix of Napa cabbage, carrots, green onions, water chestnuts, and toasted sesame seeds, all tossed in a zesty sauce, offers a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of dumplings.
#7. Asian Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad
This salad is a symphony of textures, combining cabbage, toasted ramen noodles, and almonds, all dressed in a tangy-sweet sauce. It’s a crunchy, flavorful side that complements the softness of dumplings beautifully.
#8. Asian Cucumber Salad
A refreshing side, this salad features crisp cucumbers seasoned in a light dressing. It’s a cool, palate-cleansing option that pairs well with both traditional dumplings and potstickers.
#9. Crunchy Cabbage Quinoa Salad
Quinoa, mixed veggies, and a creamy almond dressing create a healthy, crunchy salad that’s an excellent counterpart to the soft, savory dumplings.
#10. Cantonese Shrimp and Fruit Salad
This dish combines hot, crispy shrimp with a creamy, sweet fruit salad, creating a dreamy contrast of flavors and textures when served alongside Chinese dumplings.
Cooked Vegetable Sides
#11. Roasted Broccolini
Quick and flavorful, roasted broccolini is a tender, slightly sweet alternative to traditional broccoli, making it an excellent side for dumplings.
#12. Stir-Fry Snow Peas
Stir-fried to crisp perfection, snow peas offer a sweet, crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the softness of dumplings, enhancing their flavor.
#13. Stir-Fry Bok Choy
Bok choy, with its crisp texture and slightly bitter taste, adds a refreshing element to the dumpling experience, making each bite more enjoyable.
#14. Asian Green Bean Salad
This salad, with its mix of green beans, ginger, sesame seeds, and garlic, offers a flavorful side that complements the dumpling’s simplicity.
#15. Chinese Veggie Stir Fry
A colorful medley of vegetables stir-fried in a savory sauce, this side dish brings a delightful crunch and flavor diversity to the dumpling table.
Noodles and Rice Dishes
#16. Siracha Quinoa
For those who enjoy a bit of heat, this spicy siracha quinoa dish offers a bold flavor that stands up to the rich taste of Chinese dumplings.
#17. Sesame Ginger Noodles
These noodles are a flavor explosion, thanks to the bold taste of ginger and sesame. They add a delightful texture and taste contrast to the dumplings.
#18. Fried Rice (Yakimeshi)
This Japanese take on fried rice, featuring short-grain rice, seasoned meat, and vegetables, offers a simple yet satisfying side that complements the dumplings’ flavors.
#19. Coconut Rice
With its creamy texture and subtle coconut flavor, coconut rice is an excellent base that enhances the dumplings without overpowering them.
#20. Sweet and Spicy Noodles
This dish, with its creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce, offers a vibrant flavor profile that pairs wonderfully with Chinese dumplings.
Other Great Sides To Eat With Chinese Dumplings
#21. Scrambled Eggs and Zucchini
A delightful twist on scrambled eggs, this dish incorporates zucchini for a light, flavorful side that complements the dumplings beautifully.
#22. Cauliflower Fried Rice
Bon appetit!