Trader Joe's Scallion Pancakes are a crowd pleaser. They're crispy, flavorful, and just plain fun to eat.
Yet, one question often pops up - what the heck do you serve with them?
If you're scratching your head for side dishes that complement this tasty treat, you've landed in the right place.
From tangy salads to savory dips, we've got you covered.
Ready to turn your scallion pancake meal into a feast? Keep reading to discover seven sensational sides that will elevate your dining experience.
Why Consider Serving Side Dishes with Trader Joe's Scallion Pancakes?
Generally speaking, you can have Trader Joe's scallion pancakes alone too.
However, they are not impressive.
You basically end up with some pancakes that taste like bread - the green onion infusion can also be experienced.
But this is pretty much it. Throw anything on a pancake, and you will notice an incredible improvement.
Anything… A piece of cheese, some veggies, a sausage, you name it.
Anything will be better than a plain pancake.
But then, certain things can make the difference and impress your guests.
What to Serve with Trader Joe's Scallion Pancakes? 7 BEST Side Dishes
Here are some great ideas when not sure what to serve with Trader Joe's scallion pancakes.
1 - Soy Sauce and Black Vinegar
This combo might be a bit unusual - after all, it is only a dip.
However, this dip will turn basic and boring scallion pancakes into a great dish.
You only need two ingredients. There are no rules regarding the proportions.
Add more or less of one or the other based on what you find tasty.
If you have some guests over, you can provide each of them with small bowls, so they can mix as much as they want.
Use the mix as a dipping sauce.
2 - Steamed Bao Buns
You can never go wrong with bao buns - the only problem is they are super tasty and quite small, so you will need plenty of them.
You can find them in commerce, but you can also make them yourself.
At this point, the bao buns may become the main dish, while Trader Joe's scallion pancakes will become a side dish - no problem at all, as the combo is amazing.
Steamed bao buns can have different fillings - they can be meaty, but you also have different veggie options.
3 - Chinese Barbecue Pork
This is another extraordinary recipe that will turn the scallion pancakes into a side dish.
Known as char siu pork in Chinese Cuisine, the recipe only needs 10 minutes to prepare.
The pork is one thing, but what makes it unique is the mix of different ingredients used in the Asian cuisine.
You can mix up ginger, Chinese five spice powder, soy sauce, honey, and oyster sauce.
These ingredients will make the marinade sauce for the pork.
You should start this recipe the night before, as the pork must marinate overnight.
4 - Cold Sesame Noodles
You cannot go wrong with noodles and scallion pancakes, but you need to prepare the noodles accordingly.
This is the type of combo that will turn two plain dishes into a proper meal - garnish with some leaves, add some dips, and you can definitely impress your guests.
Get the noodles cooked - whether you make them yourself or you buy them.
The mix on top should be a combo of peanut butter, tahini, ginger, toasted sesame oil, garlic, and some rice wine.
You can also add a bit of water to thin the mix. Keep some of it aside - not thinned.
Throw this mix over your noodles, while the one kept aside will work as a filling for your pancakes.
5 - Soft Pulled Chicken
This is another great recipe that will work well with your pancakes.
You can prepare it in two different ways.
The easy way implies putting the pulled chicken next to the pancakes.
It will feel dull, so you need to come up with even more side dishes for it.
The better - and harder - way implies using the pulled chicken as a filling.
Obviously, a sauce or dressing will also do, but you can also use plain soy sauce.
Make sure the chicken is pulled into small pieces to go well in the pancakes.
6 - Sweet and Sour Chicken
This is another traditional way to smash some Trader Joe's scallion pancakes by mixing them with a Chinese dish.
Given the hearty profile of chicken, the pancakes will go on a secondary position and become the side dish.
All in all, the difference is in the sweet and sour sauce, which is often based on chili.
There are more variations for this recipe.
Keep some of the sauce aside, as you can use it to dip your scallion pancakes into it.
7 - Chicken Kebab
Sometimes, it is perfectly normal to get out of the traditional Chinese cuisine and mix things that do not make sense.
Trader Joe's scallion pancakes are part of Chinese Cuisine, but chicken kebab is different.
Surprisingly enough for some, the mix is incredibly good.
You can have this meal in a few different ways.
You can use chicken kebab as a filling, but most commonly, you will eat the pancakes as a side.
You do need a side sauce or a dip for your pancakes, though - it can be anything, including recipes not related to Chinese Cuisine.
