Your Essential Guide: What to Eat with Dumplings for Amazing Meals
Dumplings are perfect on their own, but the right sides can turn a simple meal into something memorable. Whether you're working with delicate wontons, crispy potstickers, or hearty gyoza, the question remains the same: what should you serve alongside them?
Sure, you could stick with plain steamed rice. That works. But why settle for basic when thoughtful pairings can create a more satisfying dining experience? The best companions for Asian dumplings range from rich ramen and stir-fried greens to chili miso steamed aubergine and claypot tofu.
European varieties open up different possibilities entirely—think pierogi with sour cream, Austrian Marillenknödel, or British suet dumplings.
Chicken and dumplings will always hold their place as the ultimate comfort food. But there's a whole world of pairing possibilities waiting to be explored. This guide walks you through 30 proven side dishes that work beautifully with dumplings—from quick stir-fries and noodle soups to creative fusion ideas and essential dipping sauces.
The goal isn't just to fill your plate. It's to create combinations that make each bite more interesting than the last.
Best Sides to Eat with Dumplings
Asian-inspired sides create natural harmony with dumplings. The flavors complement each other, and the textures provide interesting contrast. Here are the combinations that consistently deliver satisfying results.
1. Noodle soup and ramen options
Rich, warming broth turns dumplings into a complete meal. Dumpling noodle soup comes together in just 10 minutes when you start with frozen dumplings. For something more substantial, udon noodles in dashi-based broth create a traditional Japanese-inspired combination.
Ramen offers endless flexibility with dumplings. Pork dumpling ramen pairs ground pork, cabbage, and green onion for a hearty option, while veggie dumpling ramen works perfectly for plant-based meals. Short on time? A quick ramen bowl with bok choy, egg noodles, and frozen dumplings delivers satisfaction in 15 minutes.
2. Stir-fried greens and eggplant dishes
Fresh vegetables cut through the richness of dumplings beautifully. Bok choy with garlic brings vibrant color and nutrients to your plate while balancing heavier flavors. The crisp-tender texture creates perfect contrast.
Eggplant dishes work exceptionally well alongside dumplings. Sweet and sour eggplant combines tender texture with tangy sauce—the eggplant absorbs flavors while providing refreshing contrast. Sticky ginger aubergine offers a more substantial option that stands alone or pairs with rice.
3. Fried rice and claypot tofu
Fried rice remains a classic dumpling companion for good reason. The crispy texture and savory flavors provide a satisfying base. Try dumpling fried rice for something different—incorporating dumplings directly into the dish and letting the wrappers crisp up adds interesting texture.
Claypot tofu makes an excellent choice, especially for vegetarian meals. This comforting dish requires just 20 minutes and works perfectly on colder days. With only four sauce ingredients plus your choice of vegetables, it's remarkably versatile—serve it alone, with rice, noodles, or pasta, making it ideal for meal prep.
4. Kimchi and pickled vegetables
Kimchi delivers bold, spicy notes that balance dumpling richness perfectly. This fermented Korean staple works as a side dish or dumpling topping. The tangy, spicy profile cuts through heavy flavors, creating more balanced bites.
Pickled vegetables—carrots, cucumbers, or daikon radish—cleanse the palate between dumpling bites. Their acidity provides welcome contrast, particularly when serving Korean dumplings like Mandu.
5. Spicy peanut noodles and miso ramen
Spicy peanut noodles come together in 15 minutes with a creamy, garlicky sauce that clings beautifully to noodles. The dish adapts to whatever noodles you have on hand, and you can adjust spice levels to taste.
Miso ramen with dumplings creates a comforting 20-minute meal. The process stays simple: cook eggs, prepare dumplings in miso broth, blanch noodles with spinach and edamame, then combine everything in warmed bowls topped with spring onions, sesame seeds, and optional chili oil.
European Dumpling Pairings That Actually Work
European dumplings play by different rules. They're heartier, richer, and call for sides that can match their substance. The light, bright accompaniments that work beautifully with Asian varieties won't cut it here.
These pairings respect traditional European approaches while creating the balanced meals your table deserves.
1. Mashed potatoes and potato salad
Double carbs? Absolutely. Mashed potatoes alongside European dumplings create the kind of satisfying comfort that makes cold months bearable. Loaded mashed potatoes take this further—plenty of butter, milk, salt, and pepper, then topped with fried leeks, bacon, and sour cream.
Potato salad offers a different angle.
Traditional British-style versions combine:
- Mayonnaise and sour cream base
- Crisp celery for texture
- Wholegrain mustard for tanginess
- Simple seasonings (black pepper and salt)
- Perfectly cooked potatoes
The beauty lies in customization. Feta, harissa paste, or smoked paprika can shift the flavor profile to match your specific dumplings.
2. Cheesy pasta and sliders
European dumplings find natural harmony with pasta dishes. Baked mozzarella pasta delivers on three fronts—cheesy, flavorful, and remarkably simple to prepare. Austrian Kasnocken (cheese spaetzle) creates an even more authentic pairing. These cheesy pasta dumplings topped with onions get prepared in a cast-iron pan, developing a crispy, cheesy crust called the "Prinzn".
Cheesy 'nduja sliders bring something different to the table. As one enthusiast puts it, "There's nothing quite like a big slab of gorgeous bread topped with cheesy, spicy sausage". The spice and color complement dumpling dishes perfectly.
3. Green salad with vinaigrette
European meals rely on fresh salads to balance rich mains. A vibrant green salad provides the essential crunch and freshness that European dumplings need. Gem lettuce, vine tomatoes, cucumber, feta, olives, and perhaps some Serrano ham, all dressed with light vinaigrette, create the perfect contrast.
Cheese kreplach (Jewish cheese dumplings) particularly benefit from leafy salads or steamed greens. These dumplings run rich and buttery—something fresh and crunchy provides necessary balance.
4. Roasted vegetables and soups
Roasted vegetables develop the kind of flavor complexity that European dumplings appreciate. Golden roast potatoes, caramelized brussels sprouts—these oven-baked sides bring depth. Arrange your choice of vegetables on a baking tray, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt, pepper, oregano, and rosemary before roasting at 160°C (fan) for approximately 40 minutes.
Soups work particularly well on colder days when warmth matters most. A smooth, creamy vegetable soup makes an excellent companion. Herb dumplings floating in roasted vegetable soup create something special—the dumplings absorb the soup's flavors while adding textural contrast. Marjoram, parsley, and thyme bring aromatic depth that elevates the entire dish.
American Comfort Food Meets Dumplings
American comfort food tradition brings a different energy to dumpling pairings. Where Asian sides focus on balance and European accompaniments emphasize heartiness, American approaches lean into indulgence and familiarity.
The results? Satisfying combinations that turn simple dumpling dinners into something worth lingering over.
1. Chicken and dumplings with biscuits
This is comfort food at its most essential. Southern-style chicken and dumplings with biscuits delivers everything you want from a weeknight dinner—warmth, satisfaction, and minimal fuss. The one-pot approach combines tender chicken pieces with fluffy biscuit dumplings in rich, creamy broth. Using shortcuts like rotisserie chicken and canned biscuits gets dinner on the table in about 30 minutes.
At our house, this stands as a complete meal on its own. But if you want to stretch it further, consider the extras.
Red Lobster cheddar bay biscuits make exceptional dumplings—their texture and subtle flavor elevate the entire dish. Want more vegetables? Carrots and celery boost nutritional value while preserving that classic comfort food appeal.
2. Mac and cheese or loaded fries
Here's where American comfort food gets creative. Mac and cheese pairs beautifully with dumplings, but why stop there? Try stuffing roasted garlic mac and cheese into dumpling wrappers and deep-frying until golden. The result is an irresistible fusion that combines two beloved dishes into something entirely new.
Loaded fries offer another casual pairing option. Picture gyoza served over crispy fries with spicy mayo, chicken broth, spring onions, and black sesame seeds. The textural contrast between crispy fries and tender dumplings creates something unexpectedly satisfying.
Pro tip: Spread your fries in a single layer while baking for perfect crispness.
3. Cornbread and garlic bread
Golden, buttery cornbread adds wonderful texture contrast and subtle sweetness alongside dumplings. This dense, semi-sweet companion works with almost everything—essentially the perfect comfort food partner. Homemade versions let you skip the preservatives found in boxed mixes while delivering superior flavor.
For something different, try garlic bread dumplings. These light, flavorful creations incorporate all the beloved elements of garlic bread into dumpling form. The roasted garlic provides depth that complements traditional dumpling recipes beautifully.
4. Coleslaw and green beans
Not everything needs to be indulgent. Coleslaw provides a refreshing counterpoint to rich dumpling dishes—the crunchy texture and tangy flavor cut through richness to create balanced bites. An Asian-inspired sweet and spicy slaw works particularly well, with the crunchy texture complementing pillowy dumpling dough perfectly.
Green beans stir-fried with onions and garlic offer another excellent vegetable option. Beyond their appealing texture and flavor, green beans deliver valuable vitamins, nutrients, and fiber. They're packed with antioxidants that benefit heart and gut health while staying low in calories. This simple yet flavorful side creates the perfect fresh component to balance heartier dumpling-centered meals.
The Sauce Makes the Difference: Essential Dipping Options
A dumpling without the right sauce is like a great song played through a broken speaker—you're missing half the experience. The perfect dipping sauce doesn't just add flavor; it creates harmony between all the elements on your plate.
Here's what works, and why it works.
Classic soy-vinegar combinations
Most dumpling sauces start with the same foundation: soy sauce for umami depth and vinegar for bright acidity. This isn't accident—it's the result of generations of cooks figuring out what tastes best.
For authentic Chinese flavors, combine soy sauce with Chinkiang black rice vinegar, which brings a unique aroma that pairs exceptionally well with dumplings. Can't find black vinegar? Balsamic works as a substitute.
Japanese versions typically use regular soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sometimes chili oil for heat. Want to add complexity? Drop in julienned ginger and a few drops of honey to balance the sourness.
Heat lovers' go-to: chili oil and garlic
Spicy garlic sauces can make even basic dumplings memorable. The Sichuan approach combines chili oil with minced garlic that's been "half-cooked" by pouring hot oil over it—this reduces the raw bite while intensifying the aroma.
Weichuan Hot Dumpling Sauce exemplifies this style with its sesame oil, vinegar, and soy sauce blend that delivers what one enthusiast calls a "simmering sort of heat" rather than overwhelming spiciness. For homemade versions, fresh ingredients like minced garlic, ginger, spring onions, and ground Sichuan pepper create layers of complexity.
Sweet and savory: chili and hoisin options
Sweet chili sauce strikes the perfect balance between sweetness and mild heat, complementing dumplings without overwhelming them. It requires minimal preparation but delivers maximum impact.
Hoisin-based sauces offer rich, complex sweetness. Start simple: hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. From there, you can build complexity with chili oil, sugar, sesame seeds, and chopped green onions. Another approach incorporates soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, sugar, garlic, and ginger for a more nuanced profile.
Rich and creamy: peanut and sesame
Peanut sauce brings indulgent richness that works especially well with lighter dumpling fillings. Combine smooth peanut butter with garlic, hot water, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and chile crisp or oil. The consistency should be velvety but not thick—adjust with water as needed.
Sesame dressing offers nutty complexity that enhances rather than masks dumpling flavors. A ginger-sesame version with garlic, fresh ginger, scallion, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and toasted sesame oil creates perfect balance.
For something simpler, mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, chile-garlic sauce, and toasted sesame oil—four ingredients that deliver optimal savory-tangy-spicy harmony.
Fusion Combinations That Break the Rules
Cultural boundaries matter less when flavors work together. The most interesting dumpling pairings often come from unexpected combinations that shouldn't work on paper—but absolutely do on the plate.
Bibimbap meets dumplings
Korean bibimbap creates an excellent foundation for dumplings. Steam your dumplings first, then nestle them into a rice bowl alongside trimmed vegetables like carrots and mushrooms. Add protein, vegetables, and seasonings like oyster sauce and soy sauce to complete the bowl. Water buffalo dumplings seasoned with spicy hoisin sauce, sambal, and classic Asian aromatics take this combination to another level.
Caesar pasta salad with a twist
Caesar pasta salad brings Mediterranean flavors into dumpling territory. Rotini noodles, chicken, bacon, parmesan cheese and caesar dressing form the base. The real surprise? Pan-fried dumplings work beautifully as a topping. The textural contrast between crisp lettuce and tender dumplings creates something neither dish achieves alone.
Italian-Asian shrimp scampi potstickers
Shrimp scampi potstickers represent fusion at its finest. These innovative dumplings combine shrimp with white wine, lemon juice, parsley, and parmesan cheese. Pair them with a garlic butter dipping sauce that complements the seafood filling perfectly.
Thai cashew chicken as a side
Thai cashew chicken delivers intense flavors without overwhelming delicate dumplings. Unlike saucier Chinese versions, the Thai preparation offers clean, distinct tastes. Crunchy cashews, caramelized onions, and a sticky sweet-savory sauce create perfect balance.
Ocean-inspired combinations
Sushi rolls and wakame seaweed salad make unexpected dumpling companions. You can even create sushi-style dumplings by wrapping rice paper around nori, sushi rice, salmon, and avocado. The refreshing crunch of seaweed salad cleanses the palate between bites.
These combinations prove that the best pairings often ignore traditional rules. When ingredients complement each other, cultural origins become secondary to flavor harmony.
Making Your Next Dumpling Meal Count
Dumplings don't need sides to be satisfying. But the right pairings turn a good meal into something you'll remember.
From Asian classics like kimchi and ramen to European comfort foods like mashed potatoes and fresh salads, each tradition brings its own strengths to the table. American comfort pairings offer familiar flavors, while fusion combinations show just how adaptable these little pockets really are.
The sauce matters just as much as the sides. A well-crafted soy-vinegar blend, spicy chili oil, or creamy peanut sauce can completely change how your dumplings taste. Sometimes the simplest combinations work best.
What you serve depends on what you're cooking and who you're feeding. Feel free to mix traditions—Korean kimchi with Italian-style dumplings, or caesar salad with potstickers. The rules aren't written in stone.
The bottom line? Thoughtful pairings make every bite more interesting. Whether you stick with classic combinations or experiment with fusion ideas, the goal is the same: create a meal that satisfies beyond just filling your stomach.
Next time you're planning a dumpling dinner, pick one new side from this guide. See how it changes the experience. You might discover your new favorite combination.
FAQs
Q1. What are some popular side dishes to serve with dumplings?
Popular side dishes for dumplings include noodle soups, stir-fried vegetables like bok choy, fried rice, kimchi, and pickled vegetables. These complement the flavors and textures of dumplings while adding variety to the meal.
Q2. Can dumplings be considered a complete meal on their own?
While dumplings can be satisfying on their own, they are often paired with other dishes for a more balanced meal. Adding vegetables, soups, or salads can create a more nutritionally complete dining experience.
Q3. What are some creative ways to serve dumplings for dinner?
Creative ways to serve dumplings include incorporating them into stir-fries, adding them to soups and stews, using them to top salads, pairing them with eggs for a hearty meal, or simply serving them with your favorite dipping sauce.
Q4. Which vegetables pair well with dumplings?
Vegetables that pair well with dumplings include Asian greens like bok choy and choy sum, as well as other leafy greens such as kale, chard, and spinach. These provide a fresh contrast to the rich flavors of dumplings.
Q5. What are some popular dipping sauces for dumplings?
Popular dipping sauces for dumplings include soy-vinegar sauce, spicy chili oil, sweet chili sauce, hoisin-based dips, and peanut sauce. These sauces can enhance the flavors of the dumplings and add extra depth to your meal.