What to Serve with Lo Mein? 7 BEST Side Dishes

If you are into Chinese food, you are probably familiar with lo mein and its popularity all over the world.

If you are new to it, imagine a delicious mix of egg noodles, some chopped veggies, and meat - it could be anything, including chicken, beef or seafood.

The mix is incredible and makes a suitable lunch or dinner - a bit heavy, but great to impress your guests.

Now, when it comes to making a good impression, figuring out what to serve with lo mein could be a bit of a problem - here is what you need to know.

7 Perfect Accompaniments for Lo Mein

Here are some great dishes when not sure what to serve with lo mein - chow mein side dish ideas for variety.

1. Baked Chicken Breast

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Baked chicken breast will add to your meal - excellent if you want to impress.

Chicken works with other types of meat too.

You can match it with chicken-based lo mein, but other types of meat are also accepted.

This is the type of side dish you prepare if you have a bit of extra time on your hands - baked potato side dish ideas for hearty meals.

Just like the meat in your lo mein, the baked chicken breast will taste great with egg noodles and can complement your dish like nothing else.

2. General Tso's Cauliflower

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This dish is a classic in Chinese cuisine.

While you can find different recipes for cauliflower in local takeaway shops, this recipe in particular is not too common - cauliflower cheese side dish pairings to try.

This is actually a plus because you are about to impress your guests with something different.

All in all, the final result will give you avocado-tasting cauliflower, savory edges, a bit of crispiness, and a caramelized profile - what else can you ask for?

The slightly crispy texture is excellent for the lo mein, while the taste and aroma will add to the overall dining experience.

3. Garlicky Sesame Broccoli

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You can come up with this side dish even if you already have some broccoli inside the lo mein - the effect is even better if you do not though.

This side dish takes about five minutes of cooking.

Once done, you have the strong flavor of garlic that works well with lo mein.

Then, you have nutty and hearty sesame flavors, not to mention the crunchy broccoli - it is not all about the taste, but also about the texture, which pairs well with sesame noodles side ideas for balance.

Make more of this garlicky goodness than what you need because chances are your guests will fight for it.

4. Chinese Vegetable Spring Rolls

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Chinese vegetable spring rolls make the perfect side dish for lo mein.

They are fulfilling, easy to prepare and eat.

Also, since lo mein is quite soft with a bit of crunch from veggies, the crispy rolls will easily go with the texture.

The mix will push your lo mein to another level.

You can have them plain, but you can also get a few dips on the table.

This is the type of side dish that will turn a boring lo mein into requests for second servings.

Besides, the veggies inside your rolls will match the ones in the lo mein - Chinese chicken salad side pairings for fresh contrast.

5. Sesame Miso Spinach

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A vegetable-based side dish has a simple purpose with lo mein - making it feel lighter.

After all, a large serving can fulfill you in no time.

Throw in some veggies, and you will feel differently.

Spinach adds a bit of green and a leafy flavor - ideal for lo mein.

However, plain spinach can be dull - how about some sesame miso on top of it then?

Maintain the same Chinese cuisine profile with your side dish and bring in some umami, nutty aromas that can definitely go with the lo mein - miso cod side ideas for umami matches.

The side dish is suitable in small amounts, so do not prepare too much of it.

6. Sauteed Cucumber

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This type of side dish may seem a bit unusual at first.

Your palate will need a few bites to get used to it.

But then, everything changes once they realize how well it works with lo mein.

The dish is weird because cucumbers are normally used pickled or raw - try cucumber soup side options for chilled contrast to see similar cooling effects.

However, this preparation brings in unique flavors that will support the lo mein.

The secret to obtaining a perfect side dish is in the overall texture.

You need to keep cucumbers a bit crispy and fresh.

In other words, make sure you squeeze plenty of water out.

7. Brown Rice

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Brown rice is a staple food in Chinese cuisine. But on the same note, it may feel a bit weird in this combo.

After all, the lo mein is heavy enough. While not as heavy, the rice is just as fulfilling.

However, when mixed together, these two foods work wonders.

Stick to brown rice for an even more intense flavor.

The hearty aroma will blend into the lo mein, making it more intense.

You can improve the brown rice with veggies, but you can also use classic pot rice to save a bit of time.

Noodle variations sometimes change the sideboard; noodle varieties and substitutes explained helps pick the right base. For a comparison across stir-fried noodle types, chow mei fun vs lo mein: texture and choice outlines the differences.