When it comes to Asian-inspired cuisine, Chinese food is a must-try. This diverse range of dishes offers something for everyone, from crunchy vegetables to comforting rice and noodle options that perfectly complement any main course. Whether you’re in the mood for lunch or dinner, these side dish recipes are perfect for any occasion. With flavors infused with China’s finest herbs and spices, you’ll be spoiled for choice.
So gather some friends and get cooking – you may need a little help to finish off these deliciously easy-to-make dishes!
Asian Cucumber Salad
Indulge in the refreshing charm of our Asian-Inspired Cucumber Salad, an effortless delight that’s perfect as a starter, accompaniment to your favorite Chinese or Thai dishes, or a revitalizing snack on a warm day. The star of the show is crushed cucumbers – yes, you read that right! Simply gently crush them and combine with a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy dressing.
With everyday pantry staples and just a few minutes of prep time, you’ll have this distinctive salad ready to wow your guests with each mouthful.
Chinese Pickles
For centuries, the art of pickling has been deeply rooted in Chinese culture, dating back to the Zhou dynasty era. Today, China boasts an astonishing array of over 130 unique pickled varieties, each with its own distinct flavor profile. This reverence for homemade pickling is reflected in the specialized porcelain containers used specifically for creating these tasty appetizers or side dishes.
The typical pickled ingredients include a medley of vegetables and greens such as cabbage, eggs, lettuce hearts, cucumbers, mustard greens, radishes, and bamboo shoots. These ingredients are preserved in a harmonious blend of water and vinegar that can be enhanced with various elements like Sichuan peppercorns or ginger, imparting the pickles with an unmistakable zest.
Sichuan Style “Fish-Fragrant” Eggplant
The ‘fish fragrance’ of Yu Xiang may seem contradictory, given its lack of actual fish. However, this beloved Chinese dish from Sichuan province has evolved to incorporate the distinctive flavor profile that once accompanied fish dishes in the region. By combining pickled chilies, fermented bean paste, green onions, garlic, and ginger, cooks have crafted a harmonious blend that excites palates and adds depth to vegetable stir-fries and meat stews alike.
Sichuan cuisine is renowned for its masterful wok techniques, which involve rapid heat application and swift stirring to achieve perfectly cooked ingredients. To bring this authentic flavor experience into your own kitchen, follow these simple steps for a mouthwatering eggplant stir-fry using your stovetop.
Garlic Sesame Sautéed Spinach
Our take on the traditional Korean side dish sigeumchi namul, this simple sautéed spinach recipe is a flavor sensation that combines the rich taste of toasted sesame oil with the vibrant freshness of spinach. The addition of pungent raw garlic, fresh scallions, and rice vinegar creates a delightful zing that makes each bite utterly irresistible. For the best results, we recommend using mature, full-leaf spinach, as it retains more texture than its baby spinach counterpart.
If you only have baby spinach on hand, don’t worry – it will still be a scrumptious addition to your meal. This spinach pairs beautifully with bibimbap or kimbap for a well-rounded dinner, or serve it over rice alongside baked tofu or pan-seared salmon for a protein-packed meal.
Tangy Napa Cabbage Stir Fry with Vinegar Sauce
This delectable napa cabbage stir-fry yields a dish where tender, crunchy leaves of napa cabbage are smothered in a luscious, tangy sauce infused with a subtle sweetness. As a versatile side dish, it harmoniously accompanies your meal while leaving you craving for more. This vegan-friendly recipe has its roots in traditional Chinese cuisine, and I’m delighted to share it with you.
While my previous napa cabbage recipe was a family favorite passed down through generations, this one is unique in its focus on the star of the show – the humble napa cabbage. By simplifying the ingredients and emphasizing the natural sweetness of the cabbage, we’ve created a dish that’s sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.
Chinese Pickled Cucumber (A Quick Pickle Recipe)
The allure of Chinese pickled cucumbers lies in their ability to revitalize any dish, while serving as a delightful standalone snack that can be prepared in no time. This vegan and gluten-free adaptable treat is a testament to the benefits of preserving produce through pickling. By taking control of the process and making your own pickles at home, you not only save money but also eliminate the need for preservatives, allowing you to enjoy a healthier and more sustainable snacking experience.
Egg Drop Soup
Savor the comforting warmth of a hearty bowl of egg drop soup. This straightforward recipe is the perfect way to start your meal off right. Simply whisk an egg into boiling chicken broth and you’ll be treated to a delightful and satisfying appetizer that’s surprisingly easy to prepare, despite the few additional steps involved.
Kung Pao Brussels Sprouts
Swap out the traditional chicken component in your favorite recipes and instead elevate the humble Brussels sprouts to be the star of the show. The result is a delightful autumnal twist on a classic dish, where the savory flavors of kung pao sauce are reimagined to perfectly complement the sweet, earthy notes of pan-fried Brussels sprouts.
Egg Rolls
Elevate your snack game with a twist on traditional spring rolls! Instead of relying solely on vegetables for flavor, incorporate savory meats like ground beef or pork to give your wraps an added boost of protein. The best part? You can customize the filling to your liking, experimenting with different combinations to suit your taste buds. Once wrapped and fried, these protein-packed treats are sure to satisfy any craving.
Chinese Eggplant
The allure of this Chinese-inspired eggplant stir-fry lies not only in its bold flavors, but also in its vibrant colors. The star of the show, nutrient-dense eggplant, is joined by a colorful cast of supporting vegetables, resulting in a dish that’s as rich in antioxidants as it is satisfying to eat.
Asian Coleslaw
Infuse your next outdoor gathering with the simplicity and zest of this innovative slaw recipe, where shredded cabbage and carrots take on a new form by marinating in vegetable oil rather than traditional mayonnaise. The result is an airy yet tantalizing salad that’s sure to delight your guests.
Chinese Green Beans
Ditch the uninspiring canned green beans and reach for the superior freshness of newly harvested ones. The payoff is twofold: not only will you experience the delightful crunch and tender bite that fresh green beans have to offer, but also the opportunity to elevate their flavor profile with a savory blend of red chilies and pungent garlic. By doing so, you’ll be saying goodbye to those lackluster, soggy, and tasteless memories of past green bean experiences.
Spring Roll
While spring rolls may demand some dedication, their rewarding outcome makes every step worthwhile. A harmonious blend of shredded cabbage, grated carrot, and sautéed onion forms the foundation for this crispy treat. By wrapping the mixture into a neat roll and then deep-frying it to perfection, you’ll be treated to a satisfying crunch that’s sure to impress. To elevate the experience, choose your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy a delectable beginning to any meal.
King Prawn Fried Rice
Fried rice is a culinary chameleon, effortlessly transforming into a delectable solo act or harmonizing beautifully with a protein of choice, like succulent shrimp. Whatever the combination, rest assured that this quick-fix dish will consistently deliver a flavorful and filling meal that scratches your hunger itch.
Szechuan Noodles
In a harmonious culinary marriage, bell peppers, scallions, and noodles come together to create a delectable dish. The rich flavors of classic Chinese ingredients like oyster sauce, ginger, and garlic mingle with the noodles and vegetables, culminating in a savory noodle platter that will leave you craving for more.
Chinese Zucchini Salad
Savor the delightful combination of tender zucchini and luscious sauce in this quick and effortless recipe. Ditching traditional lettuce for crispy zucchini and a delectable dressing, this dish is sure to impress with its simplicity and flavor profile.
Chinese Chicken Salad
Indulge your taste buds with the harmonious union of soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame seeds, and ginger, perfectly balanced on top of succulent chicken. The combination is further elevated by the crunch of fresh lettuce, offering a delightful sensory experience that will leave you craving more.
General Tso’s Cauliflower
In a twist on the classic General Tso’s dish, swap out traditional fried chicken for crispy cauliflower bites and indulge in a flavorful, lower-calorie meal that still packs a punch. This vegetarian take on the beloved recipe allows you to effortlessly increase your daily veggie intake while keeping things deliciously interesting.
Stir-Fried Baby Bok Choy
Stir-fries often feature star ingredients, and delicate baby bok choy is no exception. By choosing youthful specimens, you’ll circumvent the pungency typically associated with mature bok choy, ultimately yielding leaves imbued with delectable flavors that leave a lasting impression.
Stir-Fried Chinese Broccoli
As the tender florets of broccoli are bathed in the savory stir-fry sauce, they undergo a remarkable metamorphosis, yielding a delectable morsel that redefines the notion of vegetables being exciting. This nutrient-dense superstar of the plant kingdom is elevated to new heights by this tantalizing side dish recipe, making it an irresistible addition to any meal.
Scallion Pancakes
Pancakes are often relegated to breakfast, but they deserve to be reimagined as a versatile staple that can complement a wide range of meals. One way to do this is by transforming them into savory scallion pancakes. Ditch the sweet maple syrup and instead pair these flavorful treats with your favorite dishes, whether it’s a hearty lunch or a satisfying dinner.
Chinese Mustard Greens – Quick and Easy Chinese Side Dish
Savor the delightful taste of mustard greens as you indulge in a culinary experience that will leave you craving more. The harmonious balance of zesty ginger and nutty sesame creates a flavor profile that’s equal parts sophistication and satisfaction, making this recipe a must-try for any green lover.
Garlic Broccoli Stir Fry – Easy Asian Side Dish
Make mealtime a breeze by converting your kids into vegetable enthusiasts! This simple and savory broccoli recipe is a game-changer. By generously seasoning it with garlic, you’ll create a mouthwatering stir-fry that even the pickiest eaters won’t be able to resist. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to prepare, requiring just one pan for a quick and effortless clean-up.
Shanghai Noodles – Best Asian Side Dish!
When it comes to quick and crowd-pleasing meals, noodle dishes often hit the spot. This particular recipe takes things to the next level by combining tender beef, crispy cabbage, and a sweet sauce that elevates the entire dish to main-course status. The best part? It’s ready in no time, making it perfect for busy days or unexpected dinner guests.
Panda Express Chow Mein Copycat
Chow mein, a classic Panda Express staple, is a crowd-pleaser for good reason. To bring this beloved dish home, follow our inspired recipe. And don’t be surprised if chow mein steals the show – its versatility makes it an excellent side dish that can easily become the main event.
For a truly unforgettable dinner experience, elevate your meal with these quick and easy-to-make Asian-inspired recipes.
From vibrant vegetable dishes to flavorful rice and noodle options, each of these Chinese-style side dishes is designed to perfectly complement any main course.
Instructions
Discover the flavors of China by trying out some popular side dish recipes! Start by clicking on the links below to access the full instructions and get cooking. Share your culinary creations with me on Pinterest and let’s explore the world of Chinese cuisine together!