What to serve with dumplings so dinner feels complete
Dumplings are rich and small, so a meal around them needs something fresh, something green and sometimes something to drink. A restaurant table already does this. Here is how to copy it.
Something cold and crunchy
Smashed cucumber salad with rice vinegar and a little sesame oil is the classic answer. The restaurant version is on the starter list at about $9.20. Edamame with sea salt is simpler still.
Something green and hot
Garlic stir-fried greens, whether bok choy, broccoli or string beans, balance fried dumplings. A restaurant plate runs about $13.80 to $14.95, but at home it is five minutes in a pan.
Something to fill the gaps
Steamed rice or a simple egg fried rice rounds out the meal (the fried rice guide has tips). A clear soup works for a lighter night.
Drinks
Jasmine tea or a not-too-sweet milk tea. The boba guide lists the options on the restaurant menu.
A quick formula
Dumplings, one cold dish, one hot green dish, one starch. That works for two people or six, and the sauce ties it together.
Menus for different nights
A weeknight menu: air-fried dumplings, cucumber salad, steamed rice. A weekend menu: soup dumplings, garlic greens, fried rice and boba. A party menu: three kinds of dumplings, wings, noodles, a cold salad and dessert.
The same logic applies when you eat out. See our ordering guide for how a restaurant table puts these together.
Questions people ask
What is a light side for fried dumplings?
Cucumber salad or a quick vinegar slaw.
Should I serve soup with dumplings?
A clear broth works well, especially with pan-fried dumplings.
What vegetable pairs with soup dumplings?
Garlic bok choy is the classic.