What to Eat with Dumplings? The Best Ways to Serve Dumplings With Their Side Dishes
By Lisa Bot | Published 13 December 2023
A Savoury Introduction
The Delight of Chinese Dumplings and What Goes with Them
The joy of biting into a soft, steamy dumpling, filled with an array of flavourful ingredients, is hard to match. These bite-sized packages of umami flavour, whether they be wonton, jiaozi or other, are globally loved and have countless variations. Be it the herby, cream cheese wontons, the wholesome vegetable dumplings, or the delicately seasoned meat filling ones; dumplings often take center stage at the dining table. But to truly elevate this delightful gastronomic experience, it's essential to consider complementing dumpling side dish recipes. Together, they can create a well-rounded meal that's rich in flavour and varied in texture.
Read our blog post to learn about the different types of dumplings: Types Of Dumplings: What Are Chinese Dumplings And How Are They Made?
Must-Include Components: What are Dumplings Served with for the Perfect Dinner
Hearty proteins, veggies, rice, noodles, sauces, and perhaps an unexpected crunch - these are the must-include components to transform your dumpling meal from decent to delicious. Consider enriching your spread with intriguing, distinct flavours by focusing on your preferred seasonings, and don't shy away from the alluring power of a robust oyster sauce or a sensational sesame sauce. A dash of sesame oil can also kick the symphony of tastes up a notch.
Let's not neglect a nourishing and comforting soup or stew to your dumpling meal, the addition of which can act as a warm embrace on a cold evening. Round up your enticing array with a dressing of sesame seeds that not only adds a delightful crunch but also a tantalising aroma.
The often overlooked hero in this culinary journey is your dipping sauce; it's the silent stalwart that effortlessly amplifies the esteem of your dumplings. Having said that, why limit yourself to a single sauce when you can journey through a myriad of flavours - each bite coated in a different tantalising concoction.
Attributes of a Good Side Dish: What Pairs Well with Dumplings
Complimenting Flavour Profiles: What to Serve with Asian Dumplings
Complementing flavour profiles is the cornerstone of a successful dumpling meal. The addition of a fitting side such as a delightful sesame broccoli, can harmoniously balance bold, spiced dumplings. Imagine your dumplings filled with a fervently spiced stuffing, then tucking them into a soothing comfort of mild rice or maybe an aromatic Asian chicken noodle soup that's given a sumptuous depth with garlic, ginger, and a hint of chilli oil. Now, if your dumplings are light and understated, spice things up with a zesty sauce such as a curry sauce or consider stir fry dishes that have been infused with chilli flakes. The ultimate goal is a unity of flavour where every component on your plate complements the taste of dumplings. Think about mixing savoury, spicy, and sweet components that can engage in a delightful dance of flavours on your palate.
Nutritional Balance: Choices For What to Serve with Potstickers for Dinner
In crafting the ideal dinner with potstickers, consider a nutritional balance that complements the dumplings' higher carb content. Pair them with protein-rich sides like a Chinese chicken salad, offering both a crunchy texture and essential nutrients, or opt for sweet and sour tofu, a low-calorie yet flavourful choice. Such combinations not only provide a satisfying contrast in textures but also ensure a diverse and nutritious meal. Remember to adjust for specific dietary needs and check nutritional facts, as these can vary. This approach elevates your dumpling experience, making each meal both visually appealing and gastronomically exciting.
The Best Potsticker Sides: Dumpling Partners
Soup and Dumplings: What Goes with Soup Dumplings
No dumpling meal is complete without a comforting soup! Here are some picks proven to complement dumplings delicately:
Potstickers in Wonton Soup: This combination is comfort food at its finest. Fragrant broth filled with succulent cooking potstickers, mushrooms, and cabbage takes you on a flavourful journey. This is a fantastic alternative for an authentic wonton soup.
Shrimp Dumplings with Cantonese Style Salad: Enhance your dumpling experience with a shrimp dumpling recipe. The depth of the shrimp dumplings pairs wonderfully with the fresh veggies and fruits in the Cantonese salad. It’s like a potluck in your mouth.
Chicken Stir Fry with Dumplings: This rich Szechuan chicken stir fry pairs perfectly with dumplings. The intoxicating spices and tantalising aroma make for a delightful, filling meal.
Tofu Scramble with Dumplings: A delicious simple duo is perfect for those seeking a lighter, protein-rich option. It's tasty, flavourful, and doesn't overpower the shrimp or chicken usually found in the dumplings.
Shrimp Dumplings with Thai Coconut Soup: Savour this heartening combination of delicate shrimp dumplings in a rich, creamy Thai coconut soup. The soothing creaminess of the soup provides a delightful contrast to the shrimp dumplings' supple texture.
Stir Fry Vegetables – A Healthy and Tasty Companion for Pork Dumplings
Stir fry vegetables can bring colour, crunch, and nutrition to your dumpling feast. A ginger veggie stir fry, a popular variation of a simple vegetable stir fry recipe, is bursting with fresh vegetables glazed with a bold, garlic ginger sauce. This dish brings the right balance of zing and earthiness to complement your dumplings, matching well with the flavours of the much-loved chicken stir fry noodles and sesame noodles. Plus, it's super quick to prepare - under 30 minutes!
The classic veggie stir fry, another favourite, bedazzles with an assortment of your favoured vegetables adding colour, crunch, and wholesomeness to your meal. The vibrant mix of veggies also lends a nutritional punch, serving as an excellent companion to ginger noodles and sesame ginger noodles.
For spice enthusiasts, spicy Szechuan stir fry is sure to delight you! It's made with peppers, ginger, garlic, and Szechuan peppers, a dish that promises a delightful heat level that can be paired alongside chicken stir fry noodles, making it your new favourite!
For vegans, the stir fry with tofu is a protein-packed option. You get the goodness of tofu cubes stir-fried with vegetables. Tofu does a good job of soaking up sauce, pairing its tender texture brilliantly with crispy veggies. This option is perfect for those who enjoy sesame ginger noodles and are looking for a hearty choice.
These healthful, vibrant sides are just the ticket for a satisfying, nutritious dumpling meal.
Scintillating Salad Suggestions: What to Serve With Dumplings for Dinner
Salads can be the crisp, light, and colourful accompaniment that your dumpling meal needs. They infuse a refreshing, tangy element to help balance out the hearty dumplings such as a succulent shrimp salad or shrimp salad recipe. Here are a few suggestions:
Vibrant Veggie Salad: Loaded with fresh ingredients like beets, green beans, cherry tomatoes, red onions, and lettuce, this salad offers a hint of balsamic lemon basil vinaigrette that infuses a refreshing yet not overpowering taste.
Caesar Pasta Salad: A seamless blend of pasta with crispy lettuce and creamy Caesar dressing, this salad brings a seafood-inspired flair to the table, making it a wonderful lighter side dish that still feels fulfilling.
Cucumber Salad: Consider this refreshing dish for hot days; razor-thin cucumber slices are tossed with red onions and herbs in a savoury shrimp salad recipe. The dish is then drizzled with a tangy rice vinegar and honey dressing.
Avocado and Tomato Salad: Comprises creamy avocado, juicy tomatoes, adorned with a hint of fresh herbs tossed in a lemon dressing. This salad is summery, light, thus an ideal companion to dumplings and seafood delicacies.
Remember, the perfect salads to pair with dumplings are those that, like a rich shrimp salad, are irresistible—fabulous in their own right.
Divine Dipping Sauce Delights: What to Cook with Dumplings
Dipping sauces are the unsung heroes of a dumpling meal, adding a whole new world of flavour. Here are a couple of divine options to ponder upon:
Thai-Style Dipping Sauce: This sauce, improvised with the kick of chilli garlic sauce and smoothness of sesame oil, is not just tangy and mildly spicy, but it's also incredibly flavoursome. Made with red pepper flakes, aromatic ginger roots, tangy white vinegar, sweet turbinado sugar, and fresh cilantro – it perks up your dumplings within just ten minutes of preparation.
Chinese XO Sauce: Embellished with sesame seeds, this umami-rich dipping option is full of flavour crafted from canned shrimp and scallops. It requires no cooking and brings that authentic eastern taste to your dumplings.
Sriracha Infused Sauce: If spiciness is your thing, elevate your experience with a hint of sriracha sauce in your dip. A dash enriches your meal with a spicy sensation that lingers on your taste buds.
Don't underestimate the impact of a spectacular dipping sauce. They can elevate your dumpling meal from delicious to unforgettable, introducing you to new realms of food joy. Always remember to keep the flavours in balance, just as the sesame sauce keeps the heat of chilli garlic sauce in check, ensuring every bite is a culinary delight!
Rice and Noodles: How to Pair with Chinese Dumplings
Fried Rice Variations: Ideal Potsticker Sides
Fried rice conjures a wonderful mix of textures and flavours that make it one of the most satisfying sides. Here are some variations to serve with your dumplings, each a blend of remarkable tastes:
Simple Chicken Fried Rice: A hearty bowl of chicken fried rice packed with colourful veggies, juicy chicken, and tons of flavour. It’s a challenging contender for the conventional fried chicken noodles and pairs perfectly with a variety of dumplings.
Fried Rice with Pork and Vegetables: Traditionally served as a companion to pork dumplings, it provides an ample amount of carbohydrates to balance out the meatiness of the dumplings. It's a pleasant side dish that doubles as a comfort snack, and can be easily prepared ahead of time and reheated for later enjoyment.
Chinese Sausage Fried Rice: Elevate standard fried rice into a feast! This dish is a vibrant, flavourful Cantonese-style fried rice, complete with Chinese sausage, eggs, and vegetables like peas, carrots, and onions, becoming one of the delightful toppings for your dumplings.
Vegetable Fried Rice: A lighter veggie option, this fried rice is loaded with edamame and corn, seasoned with garlic, making it an optimal choice to go with your veggie dumplings.
Noodle Styles that Amp Up your Dumpling Feast: What to Eat with Mandu
Noodles are another great side dish that goes well with dumplings. From hearty udon noodles to flavourful sesame ginger noodles, Here are some noodle styles that could amp up your dumpling feast:
Chicken Ramen Noodle Soup: A heart-warming option great for serving with dumplings, you can even add a pan-fried eggplant for a hearty twist. This soup boasts ramen, tender chicken, fresh mushrooms, and a flavourful broth that you'll crave over and over.
Zesty Orange Chicken Noodles: Paired with some sweet and tangy orange chicken, these noodles make a mouthwatering, Asian-inspired feast. The bold flavours of the orange sauce complement the savoury dumplings.
Sesame Ginger Noodles: Made with spaghetti style shirataki noodles and garlicky soy, ginger sauce, these noodles are low carb but full of flavour and are perfect for serving alongside potstickers and Chinese dumplings. They also pair delightfully with a stir-fried eggplant!
Udon Noodles with Stir Fry Sauce: Toss in some pan-fried udon noodles with a savoury stir fry sauce as a pleasant side. Indulge with dumplings for a complete meal.
Chinese Sesame Noodles: Delectable sesame noodles zinging with a crunchy cucumber salad or crispy tofu—phenomenal pair for any dumpling.
Filipino Noodle Dish (Pancit): Packed with flavour and perfect to serve with tasty chicken dumplings, this noodle dish is super easy to make.
These noodle dishes, now rich with ginger noodles, udon noodles and crisp eggplant, are versatile, hearty, and oh-so satisfying, making them an excellent accompaniment to your dumplings!
Read our article to learn more: The Time-Honoured Art Of Handmade Noodles: A Journey Through History And Culture
Innovative Twists: What to Make with Dumplings for Sides
Hot Pot Dumpling Feast: A Glimpse at What to Serve with Gyoza Dumplings
Hosting a Hot Pot Dumpling Feast can be an interactive, sociable, and fun experience. To truly explore the vastness of Asian cuisine, you may start with a rich beef broth and a mouthwatering display of dumplings, from delectably filled pork potstickers to Korean-inspired flavours. The feast continues with an array of nutritious veggies like bok choy, broccoli, and mushrooms. Then, add a savouriness by including slices of richly seasoned pork belly. The key for a successful Hot Pot Dumpling Feast is indeed variety; the more, the merrier!
In this social symphony of cuisine, feel free to experiment with these elements and create unique combinations that satisfy your taste buds. It's a wonderful way to build a sense of community around food and to appreciate the diverse flavours and textures. Complemented with fluffy, pillowy bao buns, a hot pot dumpling feast would elevate your dumpling experience to new delightful heights!
Dumplings and Tea Ceremony - An Unusual Combo: What to Eat with Gyoza Dumplings
Now, this might not be the first combination that comes to mind, but there's something quite amazing about the combination of dumplings and a tea ceremony. Interestingly, some people also savour their dumplings, like the classic gyoza, with a delightful pancake dessert adding a sweet ending to this unique combination.
A tea ceremony usually involves the ceremonial preparation and presentation of tea. The type of tea and the ceremony's many aspects, such as the tea set and the tasting process, can contribute to the overall experience. It's a tranquil, mindful occasion, complete with elements like the scallion pancake, that slows down time and allows you to savour the moment.
Imagine biting into a delicate dumpling, and then washing it down with a sip of warm, fragrant tea — a truly unique way to enjoy your meal. Pairing dumplings with a green tea or oolong tea can be a fantastic option, as their mild flavour palate complements the flavours of the dumplings well.
Including a tea ceremony in your dumpling meal is a creative and unusual twist that adds depth and cultural richness to your dining experience. Round it off with a delectable dessert pancake.
FAQ: Answering Your Questions about What Goes well with Dumplings Meal
Can I Serve Dumplings as my Main Dish: A Look into What to Serve with Pork Dumplings
Absolutely! Dumplings, perhaps a delectable dumpling appetiser, are versatile and can indeed be served as a main dish. While they are traditionally regarded as appetisers or sides, their richness and diverse range of fillings make them a sufficiently satisfying meal by themselves. However, for an expanded dining experience, consider pairing them with accompaniments such as comforting soups rich with ingredients like cornstarch and wood ear mushrooms, or zesty salads. You could also bring an additional twist to the table with traditional favourites like crispy, flavoursome scallion pancakes. All these side dishes ensure a well-rounded and balanced meal.
What is a Good Non-Traditional Side for Dumplings: Suggestions for What to Eat with Potstickers
If you're looking to step away from traditional sides, consider pairing dumplings with something like a grilled vegetable medley, a kale or quinoa salad, or even barbecue baked beans for a touch of sweetness. Another playful, yet delectable option could be a chicken stir fry with a ginger sesame twist. This spicy Szechuan spin can also serve as an enchanting contrast to your dumplings. Another non-traditional pairing could be a creamy polenta or a refreshing salmon salad for some tang. Get creative! The key is to balance the flavours without overpowering the dumplings.
Are there Any Vegan Options Suitable with Dumplings: Exploring What to Serve with Tofu Dumplings
Absolutely! Vegan dumplings filled with enticing ingredients like vermicelli rice noodles or firm tofu can be complemented with colourful and appetising vegan side options. Stir-fried vegetables, vegan-friendly sesame noodles or sesame ginger noodles can arrest your taste buds, not to mention plant-based soups or salads. Don't forget the veggie-loaded summer rolls sprinkled with sesame seeds or avocado and vegan dipping sauces – sweet chilli sauce or sesame oil-infused soy sauce with scallions and ginger – for that extra burst of flavour.
