Dumplings are fantastic, aren't they? (small parcels of dough-steamed, boiled, or fried-commonly filled with meat or vegetables across many cuisines)
It's a wonder they haven't taken over the world yet.
When it's time to serve them up, we often ask ourselves, "What's the perfect side?" Not every dish is as dependable as the trusty dumpling. We've tried everything from the usual rice to some off-the-wall sides.
Join us as we round up our top picks. We've got 13 winners that'll make your dumpling experience even better.
Because let's face it, the right side dish can turn a good meal into an unforgettable one.
Top 13 Side Dishes for Dumplings
Here are the top 13 side dishes to serve with dumplings:
1 - Hot and Sour Soup
Hot and Sour Soup is like a cozy hug in a bowl. It's spicy, tangy, and full of flavor (often from white pepper and Chinese black vinegar).
We love its warm depth with a taste that kicks you just right.
The broth is loaded with tofu, mushrooms, and bamboo shoots. They add texture and a nice crunch.
Pair it with dumplings for a stellar spread and explore hot dog side ideas for backyard cookouts.
Enjoy every spoonful!
2 - Szechuan Green Beans
Szechuan green beans are a spicy, crispy delight we can't get enough of. These bright veggies carry a punch of heat from the Szechuan peppercorns that tickles our tongues just right (from Zanthoxylum species, which give a citrusy, numbing "ma" sensation).
Their crunchiness paired with savory garlic makes them a side that demands attention. We love how they bring life to our tables.
Toss some in oil and give them a quick stir-fry for that perfect char.
Perfect with dumplings or on their own-also great alongside fried green tomato side pairings for summer.
3 - Scallion Pancakes
Scallion pancakes are like crispy, flaky flatbreads stuffed with green onions (made from layered dough and thinly sliced scallions, often called cong you bing). They have a savory, slightly salty flavor that's hard to resist.
We can't get enough of that crunchy exterior and tender inside.
These pancakes go well with soy sauce for a nice dip. They add a great texture contrast next to our dumplings.
Pro tip: heat them up in a pan for that fresh, just-cooked vibe!
4 - Spicy Cucumber Salad
Spicy cucumber salad is a crunchy joy we can't resist. It's fresh, tangy, and has a kick from chili oil that awakens our mouths (usually balanced with rice vinegar and sesame oil).
We love how the cucumbers stay crisp and refreshing while absorbing the bold flavours. For extra zing, toss in garlic and sesame oil.
This salad is the perfect cool companion to our warm dumplings, keeping things balanced and tasty, and pairs well with taco salad side ideas for crowd-pleasing meals.
5 - Steamed Bok Choy with Garlic
Steamed bok choy is a real gem (a leafy Chinese cabbage, Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis). It's soft yet crunchy, adding a perfect contrast to our beloved dumplings.
The garlic brings a punchy flavor, making it a nice sidekick.
We love the light and fresh vibe it adds to our meals. Just toss some garlic in while steaming for a fragrant boost.
It's a simple side that brightens any plate-also pairs nicely with garlic butter shrimp side options.
6 - Crispy Egg Rolls
Crispy egg rolls bring crunchy vibes to our dinner spread (thin wheat wrappers deep-fried until golden). They are packed with flavour and have a nice, toasty exterior that we love.
Filled with veggies and meat, each bite is a tasty surprise.
We like to serve them with sweet and sour sauce for a tangy kick. These rolls are super versatile.
Grab a few for a quick snack or pair them with dumplings for a satisfying meal, and try egg bite side pairings for brunch.
7 - Chinese Pickled Vegetables
Crispy egg rolls are the life of the party on any plate. These tasty treats come loaded with flavour and feature a crunchy outer layer that'll make you go back for more (the crunch comes from deep-frying or pan-frying the wrapper).
Usually filled with a mix of veggies and protein, each bite is a scrumptious surprise.
Serve them with sweet and sour sauce for that extra zing. Nothing beats the contrast between the crispy outside and the warm filling.
They're perfect as a side, snack, or a tasty addition to dumpling night!
8 - Crispy Tofu Bites
Crispy tofu bites are our go-to for a crunchy snack attack! They're fried to golden perfection, with a satisfying crunch on the outside and a soft, saucy center (start with firm tofu, pressed to remove excess water).
We love how they soak up flavors like a sponge. Toss them in teriyaki - just divine!
For the perfect experience, serve them hot with a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Pair with a tangy dipping sauce for extra zing.
You'll want these bites at every meal!
9 - Ginger Soy Noodles
Ginger soy noodles are a simple yet scrumptious side. The ginger adds a warm zing, while the soy sauce brings a savory depth (fresh ginger root and light soy sauce are typical).
We love how the noodles soak up all that flavour. For a zestier kick, toss in some sesame oil.
These noodles are easy to whip up, making them a great pairing with dumplings. Just serve them hot for the best experience!
10 - Spicy Peanut Sauce
Spicy peanut sauce is a must-try that brings rich, nutty vibes to any meal. We love its creamy texture and the perfect balance of heat and sweetness (from peanut butter, coconut milk, and chili paste in many Southeast Asian versions).
This sauce pairs fantastically with dumplings or as a veggie dip.
To amp up the flavor, mix in some lime juice and a sprinkle of chili flakes. Serving it warm makes it even better!
Keep it on hand for that quick flavor boost.
11 - Kimchi Fried Rice
Kimchi fried rice is a dish that hits you with bold flavors. We adore its spicy and tangy kick, thanks to the fermented cabbage (kimchi is napa cabbage fermented with chili, garlic, and often fish sauce).
The rice soaks all that goodness up, creating a nice mix.
Pair it with sunny-side-up eggs to add creaminess. It's the perfect comfort food, easy to whip up and loaded with layers of flavor.
Toss in some chopped green onions for freshness.
12 - Miso Soup
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Miso soup is a comforting classic we adore. It features a savoury umami flavour from fermented soybean paste (miso is fermented soybeans often combined with rice or barley koji).
Each bowl is warm and soothing, making it an ideal starter.
We love tossing in seaweed, tofu cubes, and green onions for extra texture. Add a splash of soy sauce for a deeper taste.
This soup is light, yet it fills us up nicely.
Perfect as a side, especially on chilly days.
13 - Garlic Chive Pancakes
Garlic chive pancakes are crispy, savory flatbreads that we adore. They carry a bold garlic flavor paired with a fresh chive zing (garlic chives, Allium tuberosum, add a mild garlic-onion aroma).
Each bite is a treat, offering a nice crunch contrasted by a soft inside.
These pancakes are super versatile. They work great as a snack or a side with any meal.
Heat them up for an extra crispy finish. They're even better dipped in soy sauce or chili oil. Enjoy!
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.
