Dumplings are one of the most popular dishes in the world, but they can also be tricky to pair with other foods.

You don't want to overwhelm their delicate flavor and texture, but you also don't want to end up with a bland or boring meal. That's why we've compiled a list of the best side dishes with them, whether you prefer them steamed, boiled, or fried.

Best Side Dishes to Serve with Dumplings and Potstickers

From salads and soups to pickles and vegetable stir fry dishes, we have something for every taste and occasion. These side dishes will enhance the flavor and texture of your wontons. gyoza, or potstickers, and make your meal more satisfying and enjoyable. So, what are you waiting for? Discover the best side dishes for these delicious gems.

Fried Rice

The rice in this recipe is golden and crispy. The dumplings are soft and moist. They add more protein and juiciness to the dish. So, the fried rice and these wontons are a perfect match of flavors and textures. They are savory, sweet, and salty.

Chicken Noodle Soup

This homemade chicken noodle dish is perfect for a cold day or when you are feeling under the weather. You can make it even more delicious by adding savory dumplings and potstickers to the soup. These add more flavor and texture to the soup. They also make the dish more filling and satisfying.

Lettuce with Oyster Sauce and Garlic

Cooked lettuce with oyster sauce and garlic is a simple but delicious dish that you can make in minutes. It is a great way to use up any leftover lettuce that you have in your fridge. All the ingredients in this dish pair well with wontons. Their crispiness contrasts with the softness of the lettuce, and the savory oyster sauce enhances the taste of both. 

Cucumber Salad

Cucumber salad is a refreshing and crunchy side dish that is perfect for summer. It consists of thinly sliced cucumbers, red onions, and fresh herbs tossed in a tangy dressing made with rice vinegar, honey, and salt. The dressing adds a burst of flavor and acidity. This salad is delicious with wontons because it balances out the richness and heaviness of the dough and filling. 

Egg Drop Soup

If you are looking for a quick and easy dish that will warm you up, try egg drop soup. It is made by stirring beaten eggs into a hot broth, creating thin strands of cooked egg. You have the option to serve it with some green onions or cilantro on top for a pop of color and freshness. Dumplings are a great accompaniment for egg drop soup because they add more variety to the meal. They match the light and smooth soup.

Peanut Noodles with Chili Oil and Fried Garlic

You can pair this dish with potstickers and the like for a more satisfying experience. It's the best for a fast and tasty meal. They add a soft and juicy contrast to the chewy and saucy noodles. They also temper the heat of the noodles with their mild filling. This dish brings out the flavor of the potstickers with their rich peanut sauce. 

Pan-Fried Noodles

These pan-fried noodles are a classic dish in Hong Kong and Guangzhou. The noodles are crispy and chewy and the wontons are soft and juicy. The sauce enhances the meat filling, while the meat dumplings make the dish more filling. 

Sweet and Sour Chicken 

These bite-sized pieces of chicken are delicious with any type of dumplings because they can be filled with meat, cheese, or anything you like. They can be steamed, boiled, or fried, depending on your preference. These can also soak up some of the flavorings from the chicken, making them more flavorful and moist. 

Bibimbap

Bibimbap features a medley of colorful ingredients, tender marinated meat, and a perfectly fried egg, all artfully arranged over a bed of white rice. The deliciousness of this dish pairs wonderfully with dumplings due to the contrast between the savory, hearty components of the bibimbap and the soft, comforting nature of the potstickers.

Szechuan Eggplant

The Szechuan eggplant dish is a delectable Chinese recipe featuring tender eggplant slices stir-fried with bold Szechuan flavors, creating a perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and savory notes. The dish's rich and complex flavors complement the wontons excellently, offering a contrast that enhances the overall dining experience. Plus, it's easy to make, making it an ideal pairing to enjoy alongside any meal.

Miso Soup

This easy miso soup is a simple and comforting dish that can be enjoyed any time of the day. The soup has a savory and umami flavor that warms your soul. It is delicious with Chinese dumplings because they add a chewy texture and a meaty filling to the soup. You can add a dip for extra zing.

Quiche Lorraine

Quiche Lorraine is a savory French dish that features a delicate pastry crust filled with a rich and flavorful mixture of eggs, cream, bacon, and Swiss cheese. The creamy custard-like filling complements the crispy bacon, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. It's one of the unique dumpling side dishes since it offers a satisfying contrast with the dumplings' comforting warmth and heartiness.

Beet Salad

If you're looking for a dumpling side ideal for the summer, consider making this salad. It consists of roasted beets, fresh greens, creamy goat cheese, crunchy walnuts, and a tangy dressing. The sweetness of the beets goes well with the saltiness of the cheese and the acidity of the dressing. This salad is great with dumplings because it adds a light and crisp texture to balance the soft and chewy dumplings. You will love this beet salad for its vibrant flavor and appearance

Shrimp Scampi

Shrimp scampi is a classic Italian-American dish that features succulent shrimp that has garlicky, buttery, and lemony tastes. It is usually served over pasta, but you can also serve it with potstickers for a delicious fusion of flavors. The dumplings complement the tender and juicy shrimp, while the tangy and savory sauce adds a burst of freshness and richness.

Soba Noodles

This dish lets you enjoy the natural flavor and texture of cold buckwheat noodles. If you want to make your meal more satisfying, you pair it with some dumplings. The dumpling dipping sauce will complement the dish with its rich and spicy taste. You can choose from different types of dumplings, such as shumai or wonton, depending on your preference. It's a simple but delicious dish that will cool you down on a hot summer day.

Mapo Tofu

It consists of soft tofu cubes that have a complex flavor that is both hot and numbing, as well as sweet and salty. The dish is usually served with rice or noodles, but it can also be enjoyed with dumplings. You can find mapo tofu and dumplings in many Chinese restaurants, or you can try making them at home with some simple ingredients.

Garlic Bok Choy

Bok choy, a type of green vegetable that is popular in Asian cuisine, has a crunchy texture and a mild flavor that goes well with various seasonings. This bok choy recipe is simple and easy to make, requiring only a few ingredients and a quick stir-fry in a skillet.

Black Pepper Beef

Black pepper beef is a delicious side dish that features tender slices of beef coated with black pepper, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. It is delicious with dumplings because the dumplings can soak up the flavorings and add more texture and flavor to the meal. The dumplings can also balance the heat of the black pepper and make the dish more satisfying.

Moussaka

Moussaka is a cozy and comforting dish that comes from Greece. It has layers of tender eggplant, juicy minced meat, and cream. It is cooked in the oven until it is golden and bubbly, and then you can cut it into slices and enjoy it hot or cold. It goes well with dumplings because they make the dish more soft and fluffy. They also balance out the rich and savory taste of the moussaka.

Oyakodon

This simple but satisfying meal is popular in Japan and other parts of Asia. It has chicken and egg cooked in a savory broth and served over rice. Serving it with dumplings adds more depth to this rice dish, making it more delicious and filling.

Caesar Pasta Salad

If you want a vegetable side that is easy and delicious, try Caesar pasta salad. It has pasta mixed with fresh lettuce, crispy croutons, and rich Caesar dressing. It is a great way to enjoy a light and tasty meal or to pair it with other dishes. You can also add dumplings to your pasta salad. They make the salad more yummy and satisfying, as they have a soft and rich texture.

Minestrone Soup

The dish is a hearty minestrone soup featuring a medley of vegetables, beans, and pasta simmered in a flavorful tomato broth. It's a comforting blend of textures and tastes, with the addition of dumplings enhancing the overall satisfaction and richness of each spoonful. The choice to serve dumplings complements the soup's comforting nature.

Thai Cashew Chicken

In this flavorful chicken stir-fry recipe, tender pieces of chicken are sautéed with veggies and cashews. The dish boasts a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. It's a delightful culinary journey that transports your taste buds to the heart of Thailand, offering a satisfying contrast to classic potstickers and dumplings.

Orange Chicken

The dish you're looking at is a delightful and flavorful orange chicken, a classic from easy Chinese cuisine. The tender and crispy chicken is coated in a tangy and sweet orange glaze that's both zesty and satisfying. When paired with dumplings, the deliciousness of the dish is elevated by the contrast between the succulent chicken and the soft, doughy dumplings, creating a balanced and comforting combination.

Stir-Fried Vegetables

Are you looking for a side dish that's easy to make and full of flavor? Then you'll love this stir-fry recipe that's ready in just 30 minutes. It's a colorful and tasty dish that pairs well with dumplings. You can use any fresh veggies you like and cook them until they are crisp and tender. This stir-fry is a great way to balance out the savoriness of the dumplings. 

Jambalaya

This Cajun-inspired rice dish is packed with a medley of flavorful ingredients like sausage, chicken, and shrimp, all simmered in a fragrant blend of spices and tomatoes. The deliciousness of this dish pairs perfectly with dumplings at home, as the spicy Jambalaya flavors are beautifully balanced by the comforting and slightly chewy texture of the wontons.

Adobo

If you love chicken adobo, you'll be amazed by how well it goes with dumplings and Chinese fried rice. Chicken adobo is a Filipino dish that has chicken pieces simmered in rich soy and vinegar. It has a delicious balance of salty and sour flavors that make your mouth water. They add a nice contrast to the chicken adobo and soak up some of the sauce. 

Grilled Asparagus

This dish presents tender, grilled asparagus adorned with a medley of flavors. The asparagus is expertly grilled, bringing out its natural sweetness while maintaining a satisfying crispness. The zesty vinaigrette adds a tangy kick, perfectly complementing the earthy tones of the asparagus. Its delightful combination of textures and flavors makes it a delicious choice to go with dumplings.

Quesadillas

A Philly cheesesteak quesadilla is a delicious fusion of two popular dishes: the Philly cheesesteak sandwich and the Mexican quesadilla. Thinly sliced steak, sautéed peppers, onions, and melted cheese are sandwiched between two tortillas, creating a delightful combination of savory and cheesy notes. You might like to serve it with dumplings because of the contrast between the rich, meaty flavors of the quesadilla and the comforting, doughy texture of the dumplings.

Spinach Feta Pie

The Greek spinach pie is a savory delight you won't want to miss. A low-carb and gluten-free masterpiece, it's a medley of fresh spinach, creamy feta cheese, and aromatic herbs encased in a flaky crust. The layers of flavors and textures in this dish complement the dumplings beautifully, making every bite a taste of Mediterranean goodness.

Apple Walnut Salad

Searching for a delicious salad to go with your dumplings, you might want to try this salad. It has juicy apple slices, crunchy walnuts, and colorful mixed greens, all coated with a zesty vinaigrette. The salad is light and refreshing, while the dumplings are hearty and satisfying, creating a harmonious balance of tastes and sensations.

Spicy Hummus

This dish is a spicy hummus that is perfect for dipping pan-fried dumplings. It has a creamy texture and a tangy flavor, with a hint of garlic and cumin. You can enjoy it as a snack or as a side dish for your main course. It is easy to make and vegan-friendly, so you can share it with your friends and family.

Pad Thai

You'll enjoy a harmonious blend of stir-fried noodles, chicken, and shrimp, all woven together with a medley of vibrant veggies in this pad Thai recipe. Be sure to save room for the delightful surprise of pork dumplings nestled alongside, adding an extra layer of savory indulgence to this beloved Thai favorite.

Sushi Rolls

These delectable rice paper sushi rolls are a harmonious blend of vibrant vegetables and savory flavors. The delicate rice paper wraps snugly encase the colorful assortment of fillings, creating a visually appealing mosaic. With the accompanying teriyaki dip, these rolls offer a burst of taste that's perfect for dumplings as well.

Egg Foo Young

Egg foo young consists of fried egg patties with various fillings, such as meat, vegetables, or seafood. You can enjoy egg foo young as a main course or as a side dish with rice or noodles. Dumplings are best when you want to have a more filling meal.

Scallion Pancakes

This delightful Korean favorite is known for its unique blend of flavors and textures. It features thin, savory pancakes bursting with an array of fresh ingredients, including green onions and seafood. The pancakes are skillfully pan-fried to achieve a perfect balance of crispy edges and soft centers. So, the dish also makes for a wonderful companion alongside boiled dumplings.

Seaweed Salad

A refreshing and vibrant dish, the seaweed salad features tender, marinated seaweed and a medley of fresh veggies, all tossed in a savory and slightly tangy dressing. It has delicate umami flavors and a crisp texture that pair well with potstickers. This salad is also one of the ideal sides to eat with them, as it enhances the dining experience with its contrasting yet complementary elements.

Teriyaki Salmon

The teriyaki salmon is a succulent and flavorful dish featuring tender salmon fillets coated in a delicious homemade teriyaki sauce, creating a delightful harmony of sweet and savory flavors. The salmon's natural richness complements the savory teriyaki sauce beautifully.

Mango Salad

The mango salad has a sweet, sour, and savory flavor that balances the richness of dumplings. The mango salad also adds a crunchy texture and a burst of color to your plate. You can enjoy this refreshing Asian side with any kind of potstickers, such as pork, chicken, or vegetable.

Spring Rolls

Chinese spring rolls are a popular appetizer or snack that are crispy, savory, and delicious. They are made with thin wrappers filled with various ingredients such as meat, noodles, or cheese. You can fry them until golden and crunchy, or bake them for a lighter option. Serve them with wontons and a dipping sauce of your choice, such as soy sauce, vinegar, or sweet and sour sauce.

Jjamppong

Jjampong is a popular dish in Korea that combines chewy wheat noodles with a fiery red broth full of seafood and vegetables. The soup is rich and flavorful, with a balance of spicy, savory, and sweet tastes. It goes well with potstickers because they are soft and mild, which can soothe your mouth from the heat of the noodles.

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What are the best side dishes to serve with chili dinner? Enjoy our bowl of chili on a chili night accompanied by the perfect side dish found in this list.

Looking for your next favorite chili recipe?

This easy beanless low-carb chili recipe is for those who love chili but don't love beans or the carbs that come with them! Full of protein and all the flavors of a traditional chili this easy chili recipe will sure to become a family favorite.

Best side dishes to serve with chili:

Baked potatoes

Large potatoes that are baked until their skin turns crispy, while the inside becomes fluffy and soft. They can be topped with various ingredients like butter, sour cream, cheese, or bacon bits.

Black beans and white rice

A classic combination of tender black beans cooked with flavorful spices and served alongside fluffy white rice. It offers a satisfying and nutritious accompaniment to chili.

Caesar salad

A refreshing salad made with crisp romaine lettuce, tossed in a tangy Caesar dressing, and garnished with crunchy croutons and grated Parmesan cheese.

Cheesy breadsticks

Long, thin breadsticks that are baked to golden perfection and sprinkled with melted cheese. They are an irresistible combination of chewy bread and gooey cheese.

Cream Cheese and Chive Deviled Eggs

Cream Cheese and Chive Deviled Eggs are a delightful appetizer that combines the classic charm of deviled eggs with the creaminess and tanginess of cream cheese. Imagine perfectly boiled eggs, halved lengthwise, with their vibrant yellow yolks delicately removed.

Cucumber and tomato salad

A light and refreshing salad consisting of sliced cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and a tangy dressing. It adds a cool and crisp element to balance the heat of a bowl of chili.

Sous vide grilled vegetables

Assorted vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, eggplant, and mushrooms, that are grilled to perfection. They offer a smoky and charred flavor, enhancing the overall meal. Sous vide fajita vegetables will change the way you make fajitas! Full of flavor, crisp, tender and charred all at the same time.  

Guacamole and tortilla chips

A creamy and flavorful dip made from mashed avocados, onions, tomatoes, lime juice, and spices. It's served with crispy tortilla chips for a satisfying and zesty accompaniment.

Mexican street corn

Grilled corn on the cob coated with a mixture of mayonnaise, cheese, chili powder, and lime juice. It's a popular street food known for its smoky, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors.

Nachos

Crispy tortilla chips topped with melted cheese and various toppings like salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and jalapenos. They provide a crunchy, cheesy, and customizable side option.

Rice pilaf

Fragrant rice dish cooked with aromatic ingredients like onions, garlic, and various herbs and spices. It adds a fluffy and flavorful component to the meal.

Sweet potato fries

Thinly sliced sweet potatoes that are baked or fried until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. They provide a slightly sweet and satisfying alternative to regular fries.

Tortilla soup

A flavorful soup made with a tomato-based broth, shredded chicken, vegetables, and tortilla strips. It offers a warm and comforting option to enjoy alongside chili.

FAQ's and Tips

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