From Gyozas to Wonton to Momos, there are hundreds of types of dumplings around the world. Each with their own flavors and techniques that are special to the culture they are created in.
And they are absolutely delicious. Dumplings are typically made from a thin dough which is then filled with a veggie or meat mixture before being steamed or pan-fried depending on the culture.
However, if you are new to the gorgeous pockets of heaven that are dumplings then you may not know how to serve them. While they are most commonly served in a broth, you may want to add some side dishes for an indulgent meal.
Below are 7 of the best side dishes to serve with dumplings. Let’s dive in!
Do You Need To Serve Side Dishes With Dumplings?
You will often see people enjoying a bowl of dumpling soup in a restaurant or even from a street vendor. However, you can make them even more enjoyable.
Adding a few easy side dishes to your dumpling feast can help enhance the flavors they have to offer while providing a little more variety at the dinner table.
When cooking at home, no one wants to be cooking multiple courses. So, cook multiple smaller dishes to be served at the same time. This will give your meal depth and make it all the more exciting to eat.
So, do you need to serve side dishes with dumplings? No, not really. But it is worth the extra effort for the burst of flavor with every bite!
7 Best Side Dishes To Serve With Dumplings
Now we can get into the delicious side dishes that are going to make the experience unforgettable. Yes they are that good! Sauces, noodles, rice, and so much more can take your dumplings for decent to incredible.
1. Chinese Hot And Sour Soup
This bowl of Chinese Hot and Sour Soup is the epitome of comfort food—it’s spicy, acidic, and hearty. This quick Indo-Chinese meal just takes 15 minutes to prepare. Only a few Asian sauces, some veggies, and chicken are required.
Chinese Hot and Sour Soup is the perfect side dish to serve with dumplings during the winter months. It is comforting and utterly delicious.
A top tip is to soak your green onions in a bowl of cold water to take out the intense flavor. Leaving behind a nice crunch and a subtle tang.
This recipe is extremely simple and is the perfect soup to serve with your dumplings.
2. Spring Rolls
When you dig into your dumplings you may notice that there is something missing, crunch! Dumplings are typically soft as they are steamed. You need this mouthwatering Spring Roll recipe to add to your meal.
This recipe for spring rolls has a juicily crunchy exterior with a filling of vegetables, mushrooms, and pork.
The hardest part is not eating them straight from the pan. If you are not a fan of pork, you can easily customize the recipe to suit you and your guests.
Serve with your dumplings and a range of dipping sauces such as chili oil, soy sauce, and peanut sauce. Our mouths are watering at the thought!
3. Kimchi
Kimchi is an essential side dish for many Asian cultures. It is mostly enjoyed in Korea and is extremely simple to make.
Start with Napa Cabbage and cut it into large pieces before placing in a bowl. Pour over a generous amount of salt to get all of the water out and rise. From here it is totally up to you.
This recipe includes garlic, fresh ginger, Gochugaru, radish, scallions, and fish sauce or water. Then you simply have to leave it in a sealed container in the refrigerator for a few days to ferment.
Kimchi gets better the longer you leave it to ferment. Like pickles. So you are going to need to prepare this dish a few weeks in advance.
Or you can cheat and purchase kimchi at your local Asian supermarket.
4. Fried Rice
Fried Rice is an easy, old reliable dish that hits every single time. When you need a side dish to add some satisfaction, flavor, and veggies you always go for Fried Rice.
The best way to make Fried Rice is using day-old rice that has been stored in the fridge overnight.
Begin by sauteing all of your favorite vegetables and adding the greens on the green onions before adding in your leftover rice.
Once your rice has slightly browned on the bottom, make a space in the pan and add in your whisked eggs. Then get to mixing.
Add a splash of soy sauce at the end for a super quick and easy side dish that will help support your dumplings. Not overshadow them.
5. Sesame Ginger Noodles
Only got a few minutes to get something on the table for dinner? Then you need to make this Sesame Ginger Noodle recipe. They can be served in less than 15 minutes and can be made to suit a range of dietary needs.
Using rice noodles this recipe is super light but flavorful. This dish is overflowing with strong ginger flavor and is a vegetable powerhouse thanks to the bok choy.
Use broccoli or any other green vegetable you have in your refrigerator if you don’t have any bok choy on hand.
Serve your noodles in a large bowl and allow everyone to help themselves. Pairing perfectly with dumplings and the family style meal you are about to enjoy.
6. Chinese Broccoli With Oyster Sauce
If your dinner table is looking a little beige then you have to add a burst of color with this Chinese Broccoli recipe. Now, the Oyster Sauce does not just come straight from the bottle, you have to build the flavor.
This recipe uses cornflour, soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, mirin, ginger, garlic, oil, and oyster sauce. All heated until it is thick and delicious.
You are going to enjoy this recipe by the bucket load. It is rich, crunchy, and full of so much flavor. You cannot help but come back for seconds. And maybe even thirds.
This is the perfect side dish for dumplings when serving a large crowd as you can make a lot of it for a small cost.
7. Dumpling Sauce
When serving dumplings there is one side dish that you cannot forget. Dumpling Sauce. This sauce comes together in minutes and should be served in a small dish along the table for everyone to dip in.
Dumpling Sauce is a combination of garlic, soy sauce, chili oil, and rice vinegar. It is the perfect blend of spicy, tangy, and savory making it utterly delicious.
Finish your sauce off with a sprinkling of finely chopped green onion for a vibrant zest of flavor. It also adds a nice texture for when you dip your dumpling in.
Make sure to test this recipe as you go as you want the flavors to remain balanced. Too much spice and it may not be enjoyable for your guests and too much sweetness could overpower the vinegar and soy sauce.
If you prefer no spice at all, swap the chili oil for sesame oil or toasted sesame oil. Leave the chili oil on the table for everyone to customize their own sauce.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to Asian cooking you are guaranteed a few things: flavor, variety, and pure indulgence.
They use traditional ingredients that bring balance and harmony to any dish. Including dumplings.
Wherever you go through the delicate process of making dumplings at home, be sure to compliment them with a range of simple yet delicious side dishes. This shows your guests you care and gives you a lot more food to dig into.
From kimchi to fried rice, there is a side dish for everyone to enjoy. Now you just have to learn to use chopsticks!
