Stir fry nights are the best! They're quick, they're easy, and oh boy, do they pack a flavor punch.
But here's the kicker-what you plop on the side of that sizzling main dish can turn a great meal into an epic feast.
You're not just filling plates; you're creating a dining experience.
So, grab your chopsticks (or fork, no judgment here), and let's dive into the world of awesome side dishes that'll make your stir fry the star of the show.
Why Consider Serving Side Dishes with Stir Fry?
Stir Fry dishes are delicious, but they can be overwhelming and so including some sides will balance the palate.
Stir-fries also match almost any dish, so it can be pretty interesting.
Whether you make a stir fry for family or guests, they will love it too when you add side dishes.
Besides, a touch of crunch, sweet, tangy and heat can also bring in a freshness that may not be there.
At the same time, you also get a chance to mix and match dishes and get to know which ingredients team up in the best way.
What to Serve with Stir Fry? 7 BEST Side Dishes
As stated earlier, stir-fries click with many items, so there are numerous options.
But here we are only listing the seven best dishes.
1 - Easy Quinoa Fried Rice
Fried rice and stir fry pair pretty well.
There are several options, and easy quinoa fried rice is one of them that go with stir fry.
Because easy quinoa fried rice is immensely delicious, and it isn't a complicated dish to make.
It's a simple dish but packed with flavors that make you crave it even more.
You can add scrambled eggs, carrots, peas, broccoli and green onion with the rice and quinoa.
A simple but delicious sauce with soy (sauce) and ginger makes the dish even tastier.
Experts suggest using day-old rice for fried rice.
It's best to use long-grain rice, but if you don't have it, you can also use brown or short-grain varieties.
2 - Chinese Hot and Sour Soup
It's an obvious choice to go with stir fry for many reasons.
Firstly, you can never go wrong with Chinese hot and sour soup.
Secondly, it's very delicious and filling as you have pork, eggs, tofu, bamboo shoots and mushrooms in it.
Thirdly, homemade soups are nutritious and veggie versions have a low-calorie count.
If you don't want to add pork and eggs, you can do so with only the veggies, mushrooms and seasonings, and you will still get a meaty flavor from the mushrooms.
If you can't eat very spicy soup, go easy on the chili peppers for a more subtle flavor.
Whatever type you make, it will be delicious and suit the stir fry nicely, leaving you full and satisfied.
3 - Spring Rolls
Do you like spring rolls? If yes, then you can use them as sides with stir fry.
Because spring rolls click perfectly with stir-fries, and they provide fantastic flavors.
There are also several recipes that you can try for variety.
One aspect to keep in mind is to eat spring rolls on the day they are made to enjoy their taste in the best way.
You can make shrimp rolls, pork summer rolls, mushroom salad spring rolls or vegetable summer rolls.
Each type tastes excellent with the stir fry, so choose any.
4 - Teriyaki Chicken
How about some teriyaki chicken to go with a stir fry?
Because it's delicious, easy to make, and it pairs well with stir-fries.
The word teriyaki comes from the Japanese root words teri (to shine) and yaki (to broil or grill).
So, the traditional teriyaki chicken always looks glossy with grill marks.
The original teriyaki sauce comprises soy sauce, sake, and rice wine mirin.
Variations of teriyaki chicken also contain garlic, ginger, cornstarch, pineapple juice, and white sugar.
These are not traditional, of course, but it's even simpler to make.
The usual way is to marinate the chicken overnight, but you can also do it just for about an hour or two.
5 - Spinach with Sesame Miso Sauce
It's yet another delicious item that you can use with stir fry dishes.
Because it teams up perfectly with stir fry, and it's outstanding.
Making the dish is also simple, and it doesn't take much time to cook it.
Spinach and sesame are also nutritious and have many potential health benefits.
Besides, these two ingredients work well together.
Sesame miso sauce provides a nutty and umami flavor and added to blanched spinach, it makes the perfect side dish with stir fry.
6 - Chinese Pickled Cucumber
If you're looking for some crunchy and tangy side, Chinese pickled cucumber is the answer.
Because the pickle is perfect for lightening the palate and it pairs ideally with stir fry.
The dish can also remain fresh for a long time in the fridge and so you can make a big batch.
Cucumbers are also healthy and one of the most hydrating foods.
It takes a little while to come up with the perfect Chinese pickled cucumber, but the outcome is impressive, and you will not regret it.
Soak cucumbers in brine water overnight and add chili, garlic and spices the next day.
You can eat the pickle once done and also store it in the fridge.
7 - Boiled Eggs
The final item on the list is boiled eggs and a dish suitable as a side with stir fry.
Because eggs pair well with stir-fries and they are available in plenty.
Boiled eggs are also versatile as you can add spices and herbs of your choice.
You can also make the boiled eggs quickly, and they will taste amazing even if you add just some salt and pepper.
Hard boil the eggs and cut them into cubes and add salt and pepper and serve with stir fry.
You can also add the eggs with veggies and do a quick stir fry.
