What To Serve With Dumplings (20 Best Side Dishes) - Ingredient 101 (2024)

Dumplings are a staple in many Asian cuisines and for good reason. These little pockets of filling wrapped in a doughy wrapper are flavorful, comforting, and oh-so-satisfying.

But what could make a plate of dumplings even better? The perfect side dishes, of course! Whether you’re enjoying Chinese dumplings, soup dumplings (my favorite), Korean mandu, Japanese gyoza, or Nepalese momos, these tasty sides will elevate your dumpling experience to the next level.

From stir-fried vegetables to sesame noodles or fried rice, these dishes will complement your dumplings perfectly. So, let’s dive in and discover the best side dishes to serve with your next plate of dumplings.

1. Sesame noodles

Sesame noodles are the perfect side dish to serve with dumplings. The nutty, savory flavors of the sesame oil and soy sauce complement the rich and savory flavors of dumplings.

And, this simple recipe can be made in a matter of minutes, making it a great option for a quick and easy dumpling meal. Add in some vegetables like green beans or Chinese broccoli for a well-rounded and satisfying dish.

Try pairing it with some pan-fried or air-fried dumplings for a delicious and complete meal.

We love: Garlic Sesame Noodles (by Eat With Clarity)

2. Chicken stir fry

Chicken stir fry is a tasty and versatile side dish that pairs perfectly with any type of Asian dumpling. The combination of tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and savory stir-fry sauce makes it a delicious accompaniment to any main dish.

This dish is also a great way to add some variety to your meal, especially if you’re serving up a traditional Chinese dim sum spread. You can also customize it to your liking by adding in other ingredients such as snow peas, red peppers, or even pork belly.

We love: Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry (by Salt & Lavender)

3. Asian chopped salad

Dumplings are the ultimate comfort food, and adding a crunchy Asian chopped salad as a side dish makes for a delicious and well-rounded meal.

The fresh and vibrant flavors of the salad perfectly complement the rich and comforting taste of dumplings.

The simple ingredients, such as crunchy vegetables, toasted almonds, and a zesty dressing, come together in an easy salad recipe that tastes like it came straight from a restaurant. Add some red pepper flakes or fresh diced red chili for a spicy kick.

We love: Crunchy Asian-Inspired Chopped Salad (by Clean Food Crush)

4. Scallion pancakes

Scallion pancakes are a popular Chinese dish that make a great side for dumplings. These thin pancakes are made from dough mixed with green onions and pan-fried until golden brown. They have a savory and slightly crispy texture that pairs perfectly with dumplings.

If looking for a side for Korean dumplings, try a Korean vegetable pancake (jeon or yachaejeon).

Serve with a simple dipping sauce of soy sauce, rice vinegar, grated ginger, and toasted sesame seeds.

We love: Homemade Scallion Pancakes (foolproof recipe) (by The Flavor Bender)

5. Asian cucumber salad

When it comes to dumpling side dishes, an Asian cucumber salad is always a tasty choice.

The cool and crunchy cucumbers, combined with a tangy and flavorful dressing, perfectly complement the rich and savory taste of dumplings. Plus, the thinly sliced cucumbers add a refreshing contrast to the hearty texture of the dumplings.

Serve it alongside your favorite dumplings, whether they are potstickers, wontons, or even spring rolls, for a delicious and well-rounded meal.

We love: Asian Cucumber Salad (by Rasa Malaysia)

6. Stir-fried vegetables

Stir-fried vegetables are the perfect side dish for dumplings, providing a balance to the rich and savory flavors of the dumplings.

You can use any combination of vegetables you like, such as Chinese broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers, and toss them in a delicious garlic sauce for extra flavor.

The umami flavor of the stir-fried vegetables complements the dumplings perfectly and makes for a tasty side dish.

We love: EASY Vegetable Stir Fry Recipe (by NatashasKitchen.com)

7. Thai mango salad

Thai mango salad is a refreshing and flavorful side dish that complements dumplings perfectly. The sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors of the salad provide a nice contrast to the savory dumplings, making for a satisfying meal.

This super easy salad comes together in minutes and is a great addition to any Asian-inspired meal. Pair mango salad with other dishes like egg rolls, wonton soup, or sesame ginger noodles for a complete and delicious noodle dish experience.

We love: Spicy Thai Mango Salad (ready in just a few minutes!) (by Every Last Bite)

8. Seaweed salad

Seaweed salad is a perfect side dish to serve with dumplings. Not only does it add a refreshing element to your meal, but it also complements the flavors of dumplings well.

This salad is packed with umami flavor. Plus, it’s a light and healthy option to balance out a potentially heavy and filling meal. It’s also a great option for those who are looking for gluten-free or vegetarian side dishes to pair with their dumplings.

We love: Chinese Seaweed Salad (凉拌海带丝) (by The Woks of Life)

9. Asian chicken noodle soup

Dumplings, whether they’re potstickers or deep-fried wontons, are a delicious and comforting dish. But why not complete your meal by serving them with a side of Asian chicken noodle soup?

This easy Chinese-style soup is the ultimate comfort food on a cold day. The flavorful broth complements the savory flavors of Chinese dumplings perfectly.

Plus, with its simple ingredients and quick preparation, it’s a great option for busy weeknights or when you’re in need of an easy and delicious meal. Try it as a side dish for your favorite dumpling recipe and make it your new favorite recipe.

We love: Chinese Chicken Noodle Soup (by Omnivore’s Cookbook)

10. Chinese hot and sour soup

Chinese hot and sour soup is the perfect side dish to serve alongside dumplings or as an appetizer. This soup is a classic Asian-style dish, known for its rich and tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with dumplings.

The combination of tangy vinegar, umami-packed shiitake mushrooms, and savory broth will tantalize your taste buds, making it the ultimate comfort food on a cold day.

For an even better dining experience, serve it with a splash of chili sauce and a drizzle of sesame oil.

We love: Hot and Sour Soup (by Gimme Some Oven)

11. Egg drop soup

Egg drop soup is a delicious and comforting side dish to serve with dumplings.

This classic Chinese soup is the perfect combination of simple ingredients and bold flavors, making it a versatile accompaniment to any meal.

Egg drop soup is also a great way to add some variety to your dumpling meal, whether it’s a cold day or a celebration like Chinese New Year.

We love: Chinese Egg Drop Soup (by Takes Two Eggs)

12. Chili oil

Chili oil is an excellent accompaniment to serve with dumplings, whether they are potstickers, pan-fried, or boiled. It adds a spicy kick to the already flavorful and delicious dish.

Plus, chili oil is super easy to make at home with just a few ingredients. Place a jar of homemade chili oil in the middle of the dining table and let everyone customize their dumpling dipping sauce with heat to their liking.

It pairs perfectly with different types of dumplings, from ground pork to tender chicken or even cream cheese dumplings.

We love: Homemade Chilli Oil (by Khin’s Kitchen)

13. Dumpling dipping sauce

No dumpling feast is complete without a delicious dipping sauce. Whether you’re serving veggie dumplings, or pork potstickers, a savory dipping sauce is a must!

For a quick spicy dipping sauce, mix some Chinese chili garlic sauce with a splash of rice wine vinegar, brown sugar, and soy sauce.

Or, for an instant flavor feast, mix hoisin sauce with rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, and a splash of water.

We love: Super Quick Gyoza Sauce (Just 4 Ingredients!) (by Wandercooks)

14. Lo mein noodles

Lo mein noodles are the perfect side dish for any type of dumplings, whether they are potstickers, rice balls, or traditional Chinese chicken dumplings.

These light and flavorful noodles perfectly complement the rich and savory flavors of the dumplings, making it a great choice for those looking for a lighter side dish option.

Add your favorite stir-fried vegetables, like snow peas, snap peas, and shiitake or wood ear mushrooms, to make a tasty and nutritious side dish. If you enjoy a little heat, add some garlic chili sauce.

We love: Lo Mein Noodles (by RecipeTin Eats)

15. Rice balls

Rice balls are a simple and versatile side dish that pairs perfectly with dumplings. From Japanese onigiri to deep-fried and stuffed, these balls of rice are easy to make and customize to your liking.

To make rice balls, simply cook some short-grain rice, season it, and form it into balls around your chosen filling. Serve as is, or fry until golden brown and crispy.

For a complete Asian-inspired meal, serve the dumplings and rice balls with a side of stir-fried vegetables or a bowl of soup – try egg drop soup, hot and sour soup, or miso soup.

We love: Yaki Onigiri (Grilled Rice Balls) (by Drive Me Hungry)

16. Korean potato salad

Korean potato salad is the perfect side dish to serve with dumplings. Its creamy and tangy flavor pairs well with the savory taste of the dumplings.

Add a side of Korean potato salad (or Japanese potato salad if you’re serving gyoza) to your dumpling meal for a complete and satisfying dining experience. If you prefer a warm potato dish, try gamja jorim (Korean soy-braised potatoes).

We love: Korean Potato Salad (by Korean Bapsang)

17. Summer rolls

Summer rolls are a flavorful and refreshing side dish that pairs perfectly with dumplings. These rice paper wraps filled with fresh herbs, vegetables, and rice noodles are a popular dish, and for a good reason.

Not only do they provide a balance to the umami-rich and savory flavors of dumplings, but they also add a textural contrast with their crunchy vegetables and soft noodles. Plus, their simple yet delicious flavors make them a great side for any dumpling meal.

With its quick and easy recipe, summer rolls are a simple side dish that can make your dumpling meal even better. Serve alongside dumplings with a peanut sauce, or traditional dumpling dipping sauce.

We love: Vietnamese Summer Rolls with Chicken (by Ahead of Thyme)

18. Sesame ginger broccoli

Sesame ginger broccoli is a perfect side dish to serve alongside your favorite Chinese dumplings. This easy recipe is quick to put together and adds a burst of fresh and flavorful veggies to your meal.

The nutty, sweet, and spicy flavors of sesame and ginger perfectly complement the savory and sour flavors of dumplings, making this a great way to serve dumplings. Plus, it’s a super easy dish to make, so you can focus on enjoying your dumplings instead of spending time in the kitchen.

This sesame ginger broccoli dish also pairs well with other popular Chinese dishes such as scallion pancakes and fried noodles.

We love: Recipe: Sesame-Ginger Roasted Broccoli (by Kitchn)

19. Garlic bok choy

Garlic bok choy is a must-try side dish for any dumpling potsticker meal. This easy recipe is a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it a great complement to the dumplings.

Stir-fry it with a little bit of garlic and a stir-fry sauce for an easy and tasty side. Or swap the bok choy for Chinese broccoli (gai lan). This is a great low-carb option to serve with dumplings.

Feel free to pair it with other Chinese sides like glutinous rice balls or chow mein.

We love: Sautéed Bok Choy (by Little Pine Kitchen)

20. Egg fried rice

Pairing egg-fried rice with dumplings creates a meal that’s both comforting and flavorful, blending the warm, savory essence of white rice with the succulent taste of dumplings.

For a protein boost, opt for chicken fried rice with a splash of oyster sauce for the ultimate umami boost.

Fried rice is an ideal choice for a cozy, delicious dining experience that’s easy to prepare yet packed with flavor.

We love: Egg Fried Rice (by Christie At Home)

So next time you’re craving some delicious dumplings, don’t forget to pair them with one of these amazing side dishes. From crispy pan-fried dumplings to flavorful potstickers, these easy recipes will turn your dumplings into a flavorful and satisfying dumpling meal.

And who knows, you may just discover a new favorite in the process!

So go ahead and add some sesame ginger noodles or lo mein, a flavorful Chinese soup, or a crunchy Asian-style salad for a dumpling feast!

Let me know in the comments how you like to serve your Asian dumplings.