Top Picks on Side Dishes to have with Dumplings

Spice up your dumpling game by adding some flavorful side dishes. So... mix things up and make your dumpling meal a delightful feast with these additions. All of these picks offers a variety of textures, flavours and colours to enrich the overall dining experience.

Top 3 picks for Pan-fried Dumplings:

1. Garlic Stir-Fry Vegetables: Choose one or all of the following to toss in your wok for a refreshing crunch with your crispy dumplings.

   • Bok choy

   • Snow peas

   • Chinese broccoli (Gai Lan)

   • Click here for a Chinese Version Recipe

     
     

2. Seaweed Salad: Light and refreshing, this salad adds a unique texture and flavor to your dumpling experience.

   • Click here for a Chinese Version Recipe

   • Click here for a Korean Version Recipe

     
     

3. Pickled Vegetables: A small side of pickled radish, cucumbers, or kimchi provides a tangy contrast. Note: I always swap out the sugar for honey or apple sauce.

   • Click here for a Modern Asian Version Recipe

   • Click here for another Modern Asian Version Recipe

Top 3 picks for Steamed Dumplings:

1. Scallion Pancakes: Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, these pancakes are a perfect accompaniment.

   • Click here for a Chinese Version Recipe

   
   

2. Hot and Sour Soup: This classic soup offers a tangy and spicy flavor that complements the rich taste of dumplings.

   • Click here for a Chinese Version Recipe

     
     

3. Garlic Green Beans: This adds an additional crunch to the soft texture of the dumplings.

   • Click here for a Chinese Version Recipe

Top 3 picks for Boiled Dumplings:

1. Fried Tofu: These crispy, golden cubes contrasts nicely with the soft dumplings.

   • Click here for a Chinese Version Recipe

   • Click here for a Japanese Version Recipe

     
     

2. Egg Drop Soup: Light and comforting, this soup is a simple yet delicious addition.

   • Click here for a Chinese Version Recipe

   
   

3. Cold Sesame Noodles: These noodles, dressed in a savory and nutty sesame sauce, provide a tasty contrast in texture and flavor.

   • Click here for a Chinese Version Recipe

   • Click here for a Modern Korean Version Recipe (Warning: Spicy!)

More about Chinese Side Dishes.

The variety of side dishes also reflects the diversity of China's vast culinary landscape, with each region contributing its unique flavors and ingredients. From the spicy, pickled vegetables of Sichuan to the delicate, savory egg drop soup of Cantonese cuisine. Each dish brings a piece of China’s rich heritage to the table.

These side dishes not only enhance the main course but also create a symphony of flavors and textures that make every meal a delightful journey. They embody the essence of Chinese dining – a celebration of flavors, a balance of nutrition, and, most importantly, the joy of sharing good food with loved ones.