You guys ever just find yourselves with some perfectly juicy char siu pork (a Cantonese-style barbecued pork) and think, what on earth should we pair this with? No need to stress about it.
Sides can easily make or break a meal, and we're here to make sure it's all good vibes. From the sweet tang of pineapple fried rice to a chilled cucumber salad, there's something for all of us here.
We've pulled together 13 of the best sidekicks for your savory masterpiece. These aren't just sides; they're the life of the party.
Time to amp up our char siu pork nights with these stellar pairings! Ready to rock dinner with some fresh inspiration?
Top 13 Side Dishes for Char Siu Pork
Here are our top picks for side dishes to pair with your juicy char siu pork:
| Dish | Main Ingredients | Flavor | Difficulty | Time |
| Steamed Jasmine Rice | Jasmine rice | Fragrant, mild | Easy | 20 mins |
| Stir-Fried Bok Choy with Ginger | Bok choy, ginger, soy sauce | Savory, fresh | Easy | 15 mins |
| Chinese Cucumber Salad | Cucumbers, rice vinegar, sesame oil | Tangy, refreshing | Easy | 10 mins |
| Egg Fried Rice | Rice, eggs, vegetables | Savory, comforting | Easy | 20 mins |
| Charred Baby Corn with Soy Glaze | Baby corn, soy sauce, garlic | Sweet, umami | Easy | 15 mins |
| Sesame Noodles | Noodles, sesame paste, soy sauce | Nutty, savory | Medium | 25 mins |
| Wonton Soup | Wontons, broth, green onions | Light, savory | Medium | 30 mins |
| Roasted Eggplant with Soy Sauce | Eggplant, soy sauce, garlic | Umami, rich | Medium | 30 mins |
| Sweet and Sour Cabbage Slaw | Cabbage, vinegar, sugar | Sweet, tangy | Easy | 15 mins |
| Scallion Pancakes | Flour, scallions, oil | Savory, crispy | Medium | 30 mins |
| Braised Tofu with Black Bean Sauce | Tofu, black bean sauce, vegetables | Rich, savory | Medium | 30 mins |
| Pickled Daikon and Carrots | Daikon radish, carrots, vinegar | Tangy, crunchy | Easy | 15 mins |
| Garlic Fried Noodles | Noodles, garlic, soy sauce | Savory, aromatic | Easy | 20 mins |
This selection provides a balanced variety of dishes that pair well with the sweet and savory flavors of Char Siu Pork, incorporating both traditional Chinese elements and complementary flavors.
1 - Steamed Jasmine Rice
Want rice that doesn't steal the show but adds to it? Steamed jasmine rice (a long-grain Thai rice variety) is subtle and fragrant.
Easy means it's perfect for when we're on a time crunch.
It's fluffy, but let's not pretend it's about fancy techniques.
Rinse it, cook it, done. Pairs well with almost everything, yet doesn't scream for attention.
This is your reliable sidekick, soaking up sauces without fuss. It's like that friend who's always there, chill and never the center of drama.
2 - Stir-Fried Bok Choy with Ginger
Who knew bok choy could be this fun - try bok choy substitutes for similar crunch.
Crisp, crunchy, and packed with a mild zing. This isn't your average green leaf.
Bok choy (a Chinese cabbage in the Brassica family) gets real with its peppery vibe mingling with the fragrant ginger.
This pairing screams cool confidence. We saute just right for a hint of char.
A sprinkle of sesame seeds up top? Now we're talking.
Simple yet so much richness.
3 - Chinese Cucumber Salad
This dish's a cool refresher with crunchy cucumbers. They bring crispness to any plate.
Dressed with soy sauce, garlic, and chili oil, cucumbers (thin-skinned Persian cucumbers) soak up flavor fast.
We chop them thick, for a solid bite.
With each bite, there's a hit of garlic and gentle heat; for alternate aromatics see Chinese five-spice substitutes for different flavor profiles.
Easy to toss together in minutes. Perfect for when we want flavor without fuss.
A simple salad with serious vibes.
4 - Egg Fried Rice
Egg Fried Rice is our go-to side for flavor and ease. We toss day-old rice (preferably jasmine) with eggs, scallions, and a splash of soy sauce.
It's quick to whip up and won't overwhelm your char siu pork.
Simple, yet it complements beautifully.
Add shrimp or chicken for extra protein, or keep it strictly veggie. Play around with what's in the fridge; it's forgiving like that.
Soy sauce gives it depth, eggs give it texture; for plant-based options see vegan egg substitutes for reliable texture.
5 - Charred Baby Corn with Soy Glaze
Corn's going charred for the gig (baby corn from immature maize ears). Bite-sized units of taste joy, glazed with soy that sticks just right.
Whole bunch of flavor, minimal effort from us. Toss in sesame seeds for a nutty spin.
They don't need much, corn brings its own energy - see corn flour substitutes for baking and thickening.
Crispy outside, tender inside. Pop these little guys on the plate for fun texture.
Under the dinner spotlight, with a nod to fusion vibes.
Enjoy them with your favorite dish.
6 - Sesame Noodles
Ever tried sesame noodles? They're quite the sidekick for many dishes.
We toss them with sesame oil and soy sauce (toasted sesame oil for depth).
They're slick and savory, just how we like them.
A touch of green onions adds freshness. The flavors mingle well.
Mixed sesame seeds up top for texture. Not too long to make either, a real time-saver.
Cold or hot, these noodles fit in seamlessly.
Our tip: use day-old noodles for better flavor soak. Makes a great fridge cleaner too.
Swap proteins or veggies easily.
7 - Wonton Soup
Celebs like Wonton Soup too! It's all about those savory little bundles (usually filled with seasoned ground pork and shrimp) floating in delicious broth.
Ideal right when we need a quick warm-up.
Twice a month we gulp them down for lunch. Toss in some mushrooms or sprouts for extra texture.
It's a versatile side. Got leftover broccoli?
Pop it in. Experimenting gets its own fab flavor prize.
Literal soup squad goals. We keep it simple, let those wontons do their job.
Adding a pinch of pepper, and bada-bing, more zing!
8 - Roasted Eggplant with Soy Sauce
Roasted eggplant keeps us curious with its nutty vibes. Soy sauce toss gives a salty embrace.
Simple, no fuss involved.
We chop it, roast it, savor it.
Eggplant's texture transforms (Solanum melongena), soft but firm enough. Oven magic turns it golden.
We sprinkle sesame seeds, little pops of flavor.
No heavy lifting here, it's light and pleasant. Pairs nicely with tangy perks.
A quick go-to when we mix flavors. Eggplant play is easy, no strict measures needed.
Let's keep it chill, flavor's the goal.
9 - Sweet and Sour Cabbage Slaw
Sweet and sour cabbage slaw is where crunchy meets tangy. We toss shredded cabbage with vinegar (aim for a 2:1 vinegar-to-sugar ratio) for zingy freshness and a bit of sugar for balance.
It's our go-to for a refreshing bite.
We mix in carrots for color. Sometimes add a sprinkle of sesame seeds, starting to see them everywhere, huh?
This slaw is an easy add to any meal. It's quick, satisfying, and brings all the contrast.
Perfect for our char siu pork party.
10 - Scallion Pancakes
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Scallion pancakes are crispy disks of joy. We make them from simple dough, full of green onion goodness.
Mix flour, water, and our favorite scallions (Allium fistulosum).
Roll 'em thin and pan-fry them up. Flip when golden and bubbly.
Hot, aromatic, and flaky. These pancakes bring a savory twist.
Sprinkle a little sesame oil. Add soy sauce dipping for fun.
Irresistible when fresh, best enjoyed leisurely.
They're a nice snack or side. Dunk, munch, repeat.
Easy to make and worth a try.
11 - Braised Tofu with Black Bean Sauce
Ever tried tofu with flair? Braised tofu with black bean sauce brings flavors together.
Tofu (firm tofu works best) turns tender, soaking up the rich sauce.
This dish is a texture play, a mix of silky tofu and savory sauce. We braise until juicy deliciousness sets in.
Use fresh tofu for better bite. Spice it up with a touch of chili.
Garnish with scallions for a fresh pop! We drizzle sesame oil for extra depth.
Keep it simple, keep it tasty.
12 - Pickled Daikon and Carrots
Pickled Daikon and Carrots? We're fans.
It's all about crunch and zing. These veggies get their groove from vinegar.
Chilled, crisp, and soaking up those tangy vibes beautifully.
Prep's a breeze; it's ready in no time. Slice carrots and daikon thin.
Mix with vinegar and sugar (a 1:1 vinegar-to-sugar brine). Let them chill.
A simple, quick transformation that packs amazing flavor.
They balance out richer dishes nicely. Use 'em as a pop of brightness on your plater.
Fun, bright, unexpectedly refreshing. Great for spicing up any meal.
13 - Garlic Fried Noodles
Ever try garlic fried noodles? Totally simple, seriously flavorful.
We toss them in a generous amount of minced garlic and soy sauce (use rice or wheat noodles as preferred). They shine as an easy side dish.
Day-old noodles work great as they soak up flavor better.
We like ours with a dash of sesame oil. Add chili for a kick if you're in the mood.
Green onions bring freshness. Mix in whatever veggies hanging out in the fridge.
Quick, and away we go!
These noodles work well with almost anything.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.
