What to Serve with Dumplings: 30+ Perfect Side Dishes
If you’re wondering what to serve with dumplings, this is for you! To me, there’s nothing better than finding other dumpling side dishes, and I’m very excited to tell you my favorite pairings.
These side dishes will take your dumpling feast from comforting soups to crispy vegetables.
Whether preparing dumplings for a dinner party, or just a quiet night in with some great dumplings, these companions will make everything better.
What Are Dumplings?
Dumplings are delicious little packages of joy found in many cuisines worldwide. These pockets of dough can be filled with meat, vegetables, or seafood. You’ll find Chinese dumplings like jiaozi, Japanese gyoza, and Korean mandu. They’re usually boiled, steamed, or pan-fried to perfection.
What to Serve with Dumplings?
Let’s explore amazing sides that go perfectly with dumplings! From refreshing salads and savory soups to crunchy vegetables and tasty noodles, these sides will make your dumpling meal complete. You’ll also discover great sauces and pickled treats that bring extra flavor to your plate.
Soups to Accompany Dumplings
A warm soup bowl makes dumplings taste even better! These soups add extra flavor and create a complete meal. From light broths to rich flavors, these are perfect partners for your favorite dumplings.
- Hot and Sour Soup: This zesty soup packs a punch with mushrooms and tofu swimming in a tangy broth. The sour kick cuts through rich dumpling flavors perfectly. I love how the black vinegar adds depth while the white pepper brings gentle heat.
- Vegetable Soup: Fresh carrots, celery, and tender potatoes float in a clear broth that lets dumplings shine. The simple veggie soup cleanses your palate between bites. My family loves this cozy and comforting combination on chilly nights.
- Miso Soup: This umami-rich soup brings savory depth with every spoonful. Soft tofu cubes and seaweed add interesting textures. The fermented soybean paste creates an amazing flavor that makes dumplings taste even better.
- Chicken Noodle Soup: Tender chicken pieces and soft noodles make this soup extra filling. The golden broth has just the right amount of salt and herbs. It’s pure comfort food that turns dumplings into a complete meal. For more chicken soup sides, check out chicken noodle soup pairings.
- Egg Drop Soup: Silky ribbons of egg float in a golden broth seasoned with ginger and green onions. This light Chinese soup lets the dumpling flavors take center stage. The smooth texture contrasts nicely with chewy dumplings.
- Wonton Soup: Clear broth filled with pork wontons makes this soup special. The combination of two types of dumplings creates an exciting meal. Fresh vegetables and aromatic seasonings add extra layers of flavor.
Easy Salads to Serve with Dumplings
Fresh salads bring a crisp contrast to delicious dumplings. These light and refreshing sides add color, crunch, and bright flavors that balance out your meal perfectly.
- Asian Cucumber Salad: Cool, crisp cucumbers tossed in rice vinegar and sesame oil make this salad shine. I love adding a pinch chili flakes for extra zip. The light dressing lets the fresh veggie flavors come through. Want more fresh sides? Check out veggie salads without lettuce.
- Seaweed Salad: This umami-packed salad brings ocean freshness to your plate. The slightly sweet sesame dressing makes it irresistible. You’ll love how the chewy texture complements soft dumplings.
- Asian Slaw: Shredded cabbage, carrots, and snap peas create amazing crunch in every bite. The sweet and tangy dressing uses fish sauce and lime juice for authentic flavor. This colorful slaw brings great texture to your dumpling feast.
- Mango Salad: Sweet ripe mangoes mixed with red onions and cilantro create a tropical twist. The lime dressing adds tang while chili brings gentle heat. This bright salad cuts through rich dumpling flavors perfectly.
- Potato Salad: Creamy potatoes, crunchy celery, and pickles make this classic side special. I add a touch of Chinese hot mustard to the mayo dressing for an extra kick. The cool, creamy texture balances hot dumplings nicely.
Vegetable Sides to Serve with Dumplings
Fresh vegetables bring color, nutrients, and exciting textures to your dumpling feast. These sides add healthy balance while complementing the main dish perfectly.
- Vegetable Stir Fry: Colorful bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, mushrooms, and carrots tossed in oyster sauce create amazing flavors. The quick cooking keeps veggies crisp-tender. I love how the sauce coats each piece perfectly.
- Bok Choy Stir Fry: Tender green leaves and crunchy white stalks shine in garlic sauce. This simple Chinese broccoli brings freshness to your plate. The mild flavor lets dumplings be the star.
- Crispy Tofu: Golden-brown cubes of tofu seasoned with five-spice powder taste amazing. The crispy outside and soft inside make every bite special. Fish sauce adds savory depth that works great with dumplings.
- Garlic Green Beans: Fresh green beans stir-fried with lots of garlic bring bright flavor. The beans stay crisp while soaking up savory sauce. This easy side dish never fails to please. For more vegetable sides,
- Steamed Broccoli with Sesame Seeds: Tender-crisp broccoli topped with toasted sesame seeds adds nutrition. A light drizzle of sesame oil makes this simple side special. The nutty flavor works perfectly with savory dumplings.
Rice and Noodles to Pair with Dumplings
Starchy sides create the perfect base for savory dumplings. These filling options help soak up delicious sauces while adding satisfying texture to your meal.
- Fried Rice: Golden-brown rice loaded with veggies and eggs brings amazing flavor. The soy sauce and sesame oil create depth in every bite. I love adding Chinese broccoli for extra nutrition. Need more pairing ideas? Find side dishes for fried rice.
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: Fluffy white rice with delicate floral aroma works perfectly. The simple preparation lets dumpling flavors shine through. This classic side never fails to please.
- Sticky Rice: Sweet and chewy rice creates an interesting texture contrast. The glutinous grains stick together perfectly for easy eating. Fish sauce adds savory depth that complements dumplings.
- Ramen: Springy noodles in rich broth make this side extra special. The savory soup base adds another layer of flavor. Top with green onions and corn for color and crunch.
- Sesame Noodles: Tender noodles coated in creamy sesame sauce taste amazing. The nutty flavor works great with savory dumplings. Red pepper flakes add gentle heat to each bite.
- Pad Thai: Stir-fried rice noodles bring sweet and tangy flavors. Crushed peanuts add a wonderful crunch to every forkful. The tamarind sauce creates exciting contrast with dumplings. Looking for more Thai sides? Find what to serve with pad Thai.
Meat Options to Complement Dumplings
Savory meat dishes turn dumplings into an impressive feast. These protein-rich options create satisfying combinations that work for any occasion.
- Orange Chicken: Sweet and tangy chicken pieces glazed in citrus sauce bring amazing flavor. The crispy coating adds a wonderful crunch to every bite. This Chinese restaurant favorite pairs perfectly with delicious dumplings.
- Kung Pao Chicken: Spicy diced chicken with peanuts and vegetables creates exciting heat. The sauce has the perfect balance of sweet and spicy notes. Fresh green onions add color and crunch.
- Pork Belly: Tender, fatty pork with crispy skin makes this side extra special. The rich meat gets amazing flavor from five-spice powder. Serve with quick-pickled vegetables for balance.
- Shrimp Scampi: Plump shrimp swimming in garlic butter sauce taste incredible. The light and fresh flavors complement the dumplings perfectly. Fresh parsley adds bright color and flavor. For more seafood pairings, explore what goes with shrimp scampi.
Flavorful Appetizers That Pair Well Dumplings
These starchy sides and small bites add variety to your dumpling feast. From crispy pancakes to fluffy buns, these options make the meal more interesting.
- Chinese Scallion Pancakes: Flaky layers filled with green onions bring amazing crunch. The crispy exterior gives way to tender layers inside. Serve with soy dipping sauce for extra flavor.
- Spring Rolls: Crispy wrappers filled with vegetables and meat create perfect bites. Fresh herbs add brightness to every mouthful. The light and crispy texture complements soft dumplings. Want more Asian appetizers? Check out what to serve with spring rolls.
- Bao Buns: Soft, fluffy steamed buns filled with savory meats taste incredible. The pillowy texture provides contrast to the dumplings. Sweet and spicy fillings create exciting flavors.
- Scrambled Eggs with Zucchini: Light and fluffy eggs mixed with tender zucchini bring comfort. Fresh herbs add color and flavor to this simple side. The mild taste lets the dumplings shine. For more egg dishes, explore what to serve with eggs benedict.
Pickled and Fermented Sides for Dumplings
Tangy pickled vegetables cut through rich dumpling flavors. These delicious side dishes add bright acidity and crunch while helping digestion.
- Homemade Sauerkraut: Fermented cabbage adds tangy crunch to every bite. The natural probiotics aid digestion nicely. German style pairs surprisingly well with Asian dumplings.
- Pickled Radish: Crisp radishes in vinegar brine bring a zippy flavor. The beautiful pink color adds visual appeal. Sweet and sour notes refresh the palate.
- Pickled Ginger: A traditional Japanese accompaniment for Asian meals. Thin slices of pink ginger bring sweet heat. The palate-cleansing flavor works between dumpling bites. Need more ginger inspiration? See what to serve with sushi.
- Kimchi: Spicy fermented napa cabbage brings complex flavors. The combination of heat and tang works perfectly. Korean-style fermentation creates a unique taste.
Dipping Sauces for Dumplings
The right sauce can transform your dumpling experience. These dipping options add exciting flavors while keeping each bite interesting.
- Dumpling Dipping Sauce: Soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili oil create perfect balance. Fresh ginger adds zippy heat to every dip. This classic sauce never fails to please.
- Soy Ginger Sauce: Fresh ginger mixed with soy sauce brings amazing flavor. Sesame oil adds nutty depth to this simple sauce. Green onions add color and a fresh taste.
- Sweet Chili Sauce: Sticky sweet sauce with gentle heat tastes incredible. The perfect balance of sweet and spicy notes. Fresh cilantro adds a bright flavor contrast.
- Peanut Sauce: Creamy peanut butter mixed with soy sauce creates a rich flavor. The thick sauce clings perfectly to the dumplings. Lime juice adds bright citrus notes.
- Hoisin Sauce: Sweet and savory sauce brings depth to every bite. The thick texture works great for dipping. Five-spice powder adds complex flavor.
Final Thoughts
Dumplings shine brightest when paired with complementary side dishes that enhance their flavors.
From crispy vegetables to savory meats, the perfect sides can transform a simple dumpling meal into an impressive feast.
Remember that the best dumpling side dishes balance textures and tastes while adding nutritional value to your meal.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy family meal, these side dishes ensure your dumplings never stand alone.
