Last Updated on March 25, 2024 by Share My Kitchen
Dumplings are one rare food that goes well with almost everything. You can easily get overwhelmed by all the options. But this list has the perfect recipes if you are don’t know what to eat with dumplings.
These sides are great for Chinese dumplings, and are far better and tastier than takeout!
NOTE: Although the term “Chinese dumplings” is quite broad, for this post it is assumed that you are looking for side dishes to go with jiaozi (AKA potstickers). These dumplings are made with seasoned meats and vegetables wrapped in tender dough. They can be boiled, steamed or fried. However, they are best steam-fried.
What To Serve With Dumplings?
If you’re wondering what to eat when you eat Chinese dumplings then our honest answer is: ANYTHING.
Potstickers are delicious on their own, smothered with sauces or topped on noodles.
This is a list of fun recipes and ideas for dishes that can be paired with potstickers to create the ultimate Asian feast. While dumplings can be eaten as street food, they are often served with side dishes when dining out.
If you want to enjoy takeout food at home, then it is recommended either making a bunch of dumplings or a whole group of dishes to create a feast-type situation. You can scroll down to see recipes for those side dishes.
How to make dumplings as a main course:
Often eating Chinese dumplings with one side dish or on their own at home is enjoyable. But these are some quick ways to make dumplings a more well-rounded, satisfying meal.
- Pouring chili oil is a good choice. Without a doubt, this is a classic way to enjoy Chinese dumplings. It’s amazing to eat boiled dumplings with chilli oil. If you don’t like spicy food, our suggestion is to try sweet chili sauce. But it works better with fried dumplings. It’s so good!
- You can serve them with noodles and broth like a wonton soup. Boiled potstickers in broth with noodles can be a great substitute for authentic wontons soup. This is a great option as it is light and healthy, especially when you add lots of vegetables like bok choy.
- Try to pan fry them and put them on top of udon noodles with stir fry sauce. Then add more sauce, sesame seeds, crispy onion and Japanese mayo.
- You can also add them to a stir-fry. This is similar to the one above but gives you more space to include more vegetables.
- Serve them with jasmine rice and sautéed vegetables. Top it with your sauce of choice. This is a quick and easy solution.
- Dumplings can be served with ramen. A hot bowl of ramen with crispy dumplings. You can also make instant ramen but add an egg to it to elevate the flavor!
You Can Serve Your Chinese Dumplings:
- Fried rice is a great choice. Chicken and sausage fried rice are both delicious, while this dried scalloped and egg white fried rice is perfect for more formal occasions.
- Stir-fried noodles and chow mein
- Sautéed vegetables such as Chinese broccoli, green beans and bok choy make a great choice. Or, you can do a simple vegetable stir-fry.
- If you feel extra hungry, fresh spring rolls are a great option.
- Simple soups such as egg drop soup, hot-and-sour soup or plain broth.
- You can get takeout classics like Mapo Tofu, Beef & Broccoli, Cashew Chicken, Sweet & Sour Chicken Balls and Ginger Beef, etc. They are Americanized Chinese food, but they taste great and go well with dumplings!
- Cucumber salad (for a lighter, more refreshing side dish)
Here are 30+ tasty sides to pair with your dumplings and potstickers for dinner, including:
- soups
- salads and vegetables
- rice and noodles
- and other delicious sides
Some are authentic, others are fusion and some simply sound too good not to include. I hope that you find something that you love!
What Soups To Serve Dumplings With
Let’s begin with soup because a delicious soup is a must-have with Chinese dumplings. It does not matter if you’re aiming for a Chinese classic, or going for a Pan-Asian meal with other tasty soups from other Asian cuisines, they go well with Dumplings.
Asian soups come in many forms. They can be simple broths or full-fledged bowls with vegetables, meat, or seafood. Whatever your preference, soup is great when you don’t know what to do with dumplings.
Chinese Hot and Sour Soup
This soup is quick and easy to prepare and is a great side dish for Chinese dumplings. This soup is made with soy sauce vinegar, spicy chili garlic sauce, and packed with mushrooms and tofu! It’s the perfect palate cleanser between potsticker bites.
Check the recipe from Drive Me Hungry.
Vegan Thai Coconut Soup
This Vegan Thai Coconut Soup is a combination of chickpeas, coconut cream, yellow curry, and vegetable broth. It is easy to make and packed with flavor.
This soup is already very filling so adding some potstickers to the mix would make it a delicious “better than takeout” dinner.
Get the recipe from Marathons and Motivation.
Tomato Egg Drop Soup
Tomato Egg Drop Soup (the ultimate comfort food) is a popular Chinese favorite. It’s great to pair with dumplings for dinner.
A good recipe can be found in Oh Snap! Let’s Eat!
Mien Ga (Vietnamese Clear Noodle Soup)
While pho is most commonly served with Cha Gio, summer rolls, I think dumplings and Pho make a great combination.
This clear noodle soup is a great way to make pho. Not only is it light but also especially satisfying. You can make it in about an hour, while still enjoying all the delicious aspects like tender chicken, savory broth and fresh aromatics.
Find the recipe in Season + Thyme.
Asian Chicken Noodle Soup
This delicious chicken noodle soup uses a tasty Asian style broth that is flavored with ginger, garlic, and hot chili oil. Basically the perfect flavors to go with Chinese dumplings!
Get the recipe from Drive Me Hungry.
Egg Drop Soup
Egg Drop Soup takes only minutes to prepare and tastes amazing! For a quick and easy meal, pick up pot stickers at your local Asian grocery or Asian market to pair with this soup.
Find the recipe from Dancing Through the Rain.
What To Eat With Dumplings: Salads
Potstickers and dumplings are rich and filled with umami flavor so a side dish of vegetables or a salad can be refreshing. Although often indulging in eating dozens upon dozens of dumplings without a single vegetable is acceptable, these side dishes are great for anyone who prefers to be healthy.
Simple Vegetable Stir Fry
A rainbow vegetable stir-fry is a healthy and delicious side dish to go with your dumplings.
A vibrant mixture of vegetables, bound together with a light sauce, pairs well with any variety of dumplings.
Easy Crunchy Quinoa Cabbage Salad
This salad, while not the usual side dish for Chinese dumplings, is a great option if you’re looking for something healthy to accompany your potstickers.
This salad includes quinoa, cabbage, and black beans for extra protein. And it also contains carrots and sunflower seeds that add extra crunch. This salad can be eaten on its own or with potstickers for a lighter lunch.
Get the recipe from Thrifty Frugal Mom.
Asian Green Bean Salad
Another popular side dish that pairs well with Chinese dumplings are sautéed vegetables. But, for something more refreshing, try a vegetable-dense salad!
This recipe calls for green beans to be flash-cooked in boiling water, then tossed with an Asian marinade. It takes only 30 minutes for the salad to absorb its flavors. However, it can also be prepared in advance. You may prepare it the night before and serve it with potstickers to have a well balanced meal.
Find the recipe from Jam Jar Kitchen.
Stir-Fried Bok Choy With Soy Sauce And Butter
Bok choy is a classic vegetable side dish. It can be paired with anything, plain rice, noodles, or even dumplings.
A low-carb stir fried bok choy with butter and soy sauce is a great choice if you are looking for a recipe.
Even if you don’t like it, you will love pairing this with your Chinese dumplings.
A great recipe can be found in Kayln’s Kitchen.
Stir-Fried Snow Peas
Snow peas are another great Chinese vegetable side dish.
In just 15 minutes, you can prepare these stir-fried snow peas. It is simple and refreshing to make because it is packed with a beautiful garlic flavor that is simple, crunchy and tasty.
Get the recipe from Green Bowl 2 Soul.
Easy Asian Cucumber Salad
This Asian cucumber salad only requires a few ingredients, can be prepared ahead of time, and takes very little time to make. An amazing side dish to pair with dumplings that requires no cooking.
Find the recipe in Elise Tries to Cook.
Roasted Broccolini
Broccoli and Chinese Broccoli, or Gai Lan, are very popular to partner with dumplings, especially when they’re sautéed with garlic.
Now broccolini, a fun cross between these two foods, when roasted is a delicious side dish that is paired with many Asian dishes including dumplings. It’s delicious, filling, light and healthy.
Get the recipe from Wholesome Yum.
Scrambled Eggs with Zucchini
Another classic Chinese comfort food, scrambled eggs with tomatoes, goes perfectly with dumplings. However, you can also try other egg dishes.
Fresh summer produce is celebrated in scrambled eggs with zucchini. Simply season this side dish with salt, pepper, and some parmesan cheese. It is a different take on Chinese dumplings, but it can be a great way to add vegetables to your menu.
Get the recipe from Ashcroft Family Table.
Crunchy Asian Ramen Noodle Salad
This side dish is great for summer parties and potlucks. It features crunchy noodles, fresh vegetables, and a tasty dressing that brings together all the flavors.
Find the recipe in Homemade Interest.
Coleslaw from China
This Chinese Asian Coleslaw isn’t your average coleslaw. It is made using cabbage, snow peas, and carrots. This bright and flavorful slaw is a perfect side dish and palette cleanser for a dumpling-filled meal.
Get the recipe from This Old Gal.
Asian Zucchini Noodle Salad
This Asian Zucchini Noodle Salad dressed with sesame-soy ginger is a healthy and vibrant addition to your menu. This makes a great side dish to dumplings, but you can add shrimp or grilled chicken to make it more substantial.
Get the recipe from Valerie’s Kitchen.
Rice and Noodles Served with Dumplings
People love rice and noodles and they make great sides for Chinese potstickers and dumplings. It does not matter if you prefer spicy noodles or perfectly cooked white rice, pairing them with dumplings is perfect.
Chicken Fried Rice
Chicken fried rice is a great side dish to dumplings. It is loaded with colorful vegetables, juicy chicken, and tons of flavor.
House Special Fried Rice
Another fried rice recipe to pair with your dumplings is this: fried rice that has a lot of vegetables like edamame, corn, and is seasoned with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, and soy sauce. This flavorful and protein packed side dish is quick and easy to prepare.
Get the recipe from Mae’s Menu.
20 Minute Sweet and Spicy Noodles
These sweet and spicy Thai-inspired noodles can be made in 20 minutes. It has chopped peanuts that add that delectable crunch. This side is definitely great with dumplings!
Find the recipe in Served from Scratch.
Dump and Start Instant Pot Coconut Rice
A Thai inspired side dish that is fragrant and flavorful. It is simple and easy, perfect to pair with your dumplings.
Get the recipe from Budget Delicious.
Yakimeshi (Fried Rice)
This easy side dish can be made in 15 minutes and is perfect to serve with dumplings. Yakimeshi, a Japanese version of fried rice, is equally delicious with Chinese dumplings and gyoza.
Get the recipe from Drugstore Divas.
Sesame Ginger Noodles
These noodles are made with spaghetti-style shirataki noodles, and garlicky soy, ginger sauce. They low carb but full of flavor and are great for serving alongside Chinese dumplings and potstickers.
Get the recipe from Peace Love and Low Carb.
Cauliflower Fried Rice
Cauliflower Fried Rice is lighter and healthier, with less carbs, than traditional Chinese fried rice. This is the perfect side dish to all your Asian-inspired dishes.
Get the recipe from Lemon Blossoms.
Spicy Red Sriracha Quinoa
This spicy Red Sriracha Quinoa will give your taste buds a kick! It’s great for spice fans, plus it’s gluten-free and vegan.
Add some Chinese dumplings to make it a delicious and spicy foolproof meal.
Get the recipe from Strength and Sunshine.
Here are some more delicious sides to serve with your dumplings:
These delicious recipes will help you create a great Pan-Asian feast if you aren’t quite sure what to do with your potstickers.
Sweet and Sour Chicken Balls
With a plan to have an amazing dumpling dinner, you can add sweet & sour chicken balls to the mix.
These crispy chicken balls are made from chicken that has been dipped into a thick batter and then deep-fried to a perfect golden brown. Not only does it pair well with sweet and sour sauce, but it also tastes yummy with dumplings.
Serve Dumplings With Vegan Summer Rolls
These delicious rice paper summer rolls are packed with fresh vegetables and served with a peanut sauce. You may serve this with Chinese dumplings or potstickers for a delicious Pan-Asian dinner.
Get the recipe from My Plantiful Cooking.
Chili Garlic Tofu Scramble
Tofu scramble is rich in protein and can be prepared in 20 minutes. It is best served with potstickers. Simply add your favorite vegetables to the skillet and cook with chili garlic sauce.
Get the recipe from Go Healthy Ever After.
Pork Spring Rolls
A hearty appetizer that features vegetables, rice noodles, and pork in crispy spring roll wrappers.
NOTE: Spring rolls are a great side dish to go with dumplings. So if you’re not averse to carbs, then you can have them together.
Get the recipe from Sustain My Cooking Habit.
Tofu Sesame Toasts
Now this tofu sesame toast appetizer is simple to make and doesn’t need a deep fryer. It is the vegan version of prawn toast, a delicious side dish that pairs well with dumplings or other tasty sides!
Get the recipe from It’s Not Complicated.
Scallion Pancakes
Scallion pancakes are delicious as a side or starter. Perfect with a crispy outside and soft and flavorful inside.
Get the recipe from The Art of Food and Wine.
Lettuce Wraps With Teriyaki Chickpeas
This appetizer takes only 15 minutes and is so much fun to eat. This refreshing lettuce wrap is filled with a delicious chickpea and spicy teriyaki mixture. It’s great for light lunches, snacks, or as a side dish.
Get the recipe from Plant Prosperous.
Crab Cream Cheese Wontons
There is nothing better to serve with dumplings than more dumplings!
These crispy wontons are filled with a delicious and juicy crab filling. Check out the recipe for it that makes it easy to cook and cheaper than ordering takeout.
Get the recipe from Baking Beauty.
Fresh Vegetable Spring Rolls
These vegetable spring rolls can be a healthy alternative to fried egg rolls.
They are salads packed with bright green lettuce leaves, thin bean threads, and bean sprouts. They also include crunchy matchsticks of red peppers, carrots, and cucumbers. Then serve it with a peanutty sesame sauce.
Get the recipe from Amy Casey Cooks.
This is the list of things to do with Chinese dumplings or Potstickers.
If you have a favorite side dish that you love to serve with dumplings, don’t forget to leave a comment.
