The popularity of potstickers has been on the rise lately, thanks in part to their versatility and the wide variety of fillings that can be encased within their crispy, soft shells. The shells are typically fried before being steamed, giving them a delicious texture. At its core, a well-made potsticker is a satisfying meal that can stand alone. However, it’s also a great canvas for adding your favorite flavors and ingredients.
When served with a complementary side dish, the possibilities become even more endless.
From simple salads to hearty bowls of rice, there are countless ways to elevate a plate of potstickers. With over 15 Asian-inspired side dishes to choose from, you’re sure to find a combination that suits your taste and style.
Pai Huang Gua (Chinese Cucumber Salad)
Pai Huang Gua’s refreshing essence lies in its light and revitalizing nature, typically served as an appetizer. The dish’s harmony is achieved through a precise balance of flavors, commencing with the combination of garlic and crisp cucumber. A delicate sauce, comprising soy sauce, vinegar, and sugar, is then added to the mixture, further enhanced by the subtle introduction of sesame oil.
The resulting flavor profile is marked by a distinct sourness, tempered by a hint of sweetness, which is beautifully complemented by the pungent aroma of garlic. To fully appreciate this dish’s nuances, it is essential to utilize English Cucumbers for their signature crispy texture.
Som Tum (Thai Green Papaya Salad)
Elevate your potsticker experience with this delectable Som Tum recipe, boasting a harmonious blend of sweet and sour flavors. The key to its irresistible charm lies in the tangy dressing, guaranteed to leave you craving more. If papaya is hard to come by, don’t worry – green mango makes an excellent substitute, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity. Enjoy it as a side dish or light appetizer that’s sure to delight everyone.
Veggie Stir Fry
Elevate your mealtime with this effortless Veggie Stir Fry, where simplicity meets flavor! Start by gathering your favorite vegetables and giving them a quick chop. Then, combine them in a wok with an array of sauces and seasonings to create a culinary masterpiece. This versatile recipe is perfect for utilizing any lingering veggies hiding in the fridge, adding excitement to your potstickers, or serving as a satisfying side dish on its own.
Feel free to add a protein source for added substance or enjoy it just the way it is!
Egg Drop Soup
In the realm of Chinese cuisine, egg drop soup stands out as a comforting and savory staple. At its core is the humble egg, elevated by a medley of aromatic spices including cloves, star anise, ginger, sesame oil, and other Asian flavors that harmonize to create a truly divine experience. This heartwarming soup is particularly well-suited for colder months when a warm, nourishing meal is just what’s needed.
Its versatility makes it a perfect accompaniment to any meal – be it breakfast, lunch, or dinner – providing a rich source of protein and essential nutrients. For an added layer of indulgence, try dipping potstickers into your egg drop soup and savor the way the flavors meld together in perfect harmony.
Fried Sesame Balls
Fried garlic dough balls are a beloved treat, but their sesame-filled counterparts are just as irresistible. Sesame balls, a staple in Chinese and Vietnamese cuisine, are made with sticky rice and sweet fillings like mung bean paste, similar to mochi. The addition of sesame seeds gives them a unique flavor profile. These tasty bites are not only affordable and easy to prepare but also remarkably delicious.
You can quickly whip up a large batch of Fried Sesame Balls for a week’s worth of snacks or side dishes, and with the option to air fry them, you can even make a healthier version.
Hot And Sour Soup
Get ready to have your expectations shattered! If you’re a Hot and Sour Soup aficionado, you’ll be thrilled to know that making this Chinese culinary staple at home is surprisingly easy. And the best part? You can tailor it to your taste preferences, making it a recipe that’s truly yours to own.
Want it scorching hot? Add more chili garlic sauce to give it an extra kick. Prefer a tangier flavor? Increase the rice wine vinegar to suit your palate. A vegetarian option?
Simply substitute tofu for the meat. And if you’re in the mood for something heartier, add some pork to make it a meat-lover’s delight.
Crunchy Asian Slaw
This delectable Asian slaw is an incredibly versatile accompaniment that can elevate a wide range of dishes beyond just potstickers. Its crunchy texture and savory flavors make it a perfect pairing for everything from tacos and burgers to even the most creative of Buddha bowls. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability – there’s nothing you can’t add it to!
To create this mouthwatering side dish, combine olive oil, sesame oil, honey, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, chili paste, and a generous helping of shredded vegetables. The more veggies you incorporate, the greater the depth of flavor and satisfying crunch you’ll achieve.
Thai Pineapple Fried Rice
Pineapple fried rice is an innovative and flavorful dish that often takes center stage in a hollowed-out pineapple. Even if you’re preparing it at home, feel free to replicate this unique serving style.
This mouthwatering side dish combines sweet pineapple chunks with savory soy sauce and a zesty chili-garlic seasoning for a harmonious blend of flavors. Its versatility makes it an excellent accompaniment to various Asian-inspired cuisines.
One of the best ways to enjoy this side dish is alongside potstickers, where the tangy pineapple adds a delightful pop of color and flavor to the dumplings.
Chinese Broccoli In Oyster Sauce
Chinese Broccoli, also known as Gai Ian, is a staple in many Asian grocery stores and offers a versatile cooking experience. The key to its impressive flavor profile lies in the marinade or oyster sauce used during preparation. When prepared with these ingredients, Chinese Broccoli presents a savory taste with subtle notes of saltiness. For added depth, a pinch of garlic can be incorporated to elevate the dish further.
If you’re unable to find Chinese Broccoli, Tenderstem Broccoli is a suitable substitute. To prepare this alternative, simply boil the broccoli for 1-2 minutes to achieve a tender yet crunchy texture that remains fresh throughout your meal.
Napa Cabbage Kimchi
Kimchi, a staple in Korean cuisine, has transcended cultural boundaries to gain popularity worldwide. Its fermented goodness is now a trendy addition to tacos and pizzas! While its global appeal is undeniable, making kimchi from scratch is still an essential part of Korean family traditions. To craft this flavorful condiment, simply combine chopped cabbage and vegetables with other ingredients in an airtight container, allowing the mixture to ferment for several days.
As you take your first bite of potsticker, the subtle yet explosive flavors of kimchi will elevate your dining experience.
Kongnamul Muchim (Korean Soybean Sprout Side Dish)
Indulge in the delightful combination of flavors and textures presented by this savory soybean side dish, a perfect way to incorporate extra veggies into your daily diet. The subtle spicing allows the authentic nutty flavor of soybean sprouts to shine through, while an optional kick can be added with gochugaru (red chili pepper flakes) and a touch of soy sauce – a popular combination in South Korean cuisine. This flavorful addition elevates any dinner spread to new heights.
Vietnamese Rice Paper Rolls
Indulge in an evening of Asian culinary delights by preparing these delectable Vietnamese Rice Paper Rolls. The versatility of this recipe lies in its ability to be transformed using the same ingredients as your potstickers or unique ingredients altogether, resulting in a distinct dining experience. To elevate the dish, serve with a rich and creamy Vietnamese peanut dipping sauce, perfect for a speedy yet satisfying side dish or appetizer.
Edamame With Soy And Sesame Sauce
Savory edamame pods that are as healthy as they are addictive can be prepared in just five minutes and require only three ingredients. The combination of soy sauce and sesame sauce adds a depth of flavor without relying on salt, making them a versatile side dish that pairs well with any meal – whether it’s Asian-inspired or not. Plus, these edamame pods make for an excellent snack to curb your cravings throughout the day.
Suan Cai (Chinese Pickled Mustard Greens)
Don’t be deceived by the appearance of this dish. The pickled greens within are a flavor powerhouse, boasting an irresistible deliciousness. A staple in traditional Chinese cuisine, suan cai is made from fermented or pickled mustard greens, with its tangy taste perfectly complementing other flavors.
With this straightforward recipe for homemade pickled mustard greens, you’ll be able to replicate the same bold, mouthwatering tartness found in sauerkraut, making it an excellent accompaniment to dishes like pot stickers.
Century Eggs
Beyond the breakfast plate, eggs take on an entirely new dimension in Chinese cuisine, particularly with Century Eggs. This recipe yields a sumptuous, jelly-like delicacy featuring a mesmerizing pattern. While duck eggs are often used to impart a fresher, saltier taste, regular chicken eggs can be substituted for a slightly different flavor profile. The distinct texture and taste of these eggs make them an absolute must-try, especially when paired with your favorite potstickers.
Final Thoughts
Crafting mouth-watering potstickers is an art form, but finding the perfect accompaniments can be a challenge. The good news is that we’ve got you covered.
Our collection of over 15 side dishes is designed to elevate your potsticker game and provide endless flavor combinations.
From spicy homemade kimchi to comforting, savory soups, each recipe on our list has been carefully curated to complement the rich flavors of your potstickers. Simply select a recipe that catches your eye and get cooking.
Barbara is an enthusiastic food-exploring person that goes through different culinary experiences. She got inspired by creating a pizza blog post after she tasted one of the best-selling pizzas in Toledo.