It’s sushi night! Whether making your own or picking it up from the store, isn’t it great to know there are lists like this one that can help you pick out the perfect side dishes for sushi?
There are so many options—we gathered TONS of recipes to help you decide what to serve with sushi.
Below, you’ll find our epic list of recipes with our list of Top 10 Picks if you’re short on time, plus tips for picking up the Easiest Sides For Sushi that you can pick up from the store, and Asian-Inspired Ingredients You Can Buy Online.
You’ll also find our lists of Asian Cocktails, Appetizers, and Soups, plus Japanese Side Dishes, and Chinese Eggplant Recipes, and so much more.
Let’s take a look.
- Japchae #84. These sweet-potato-starch noodles are nearly see-through, with a springy texture. They go great with sushi.
- Sunomono. This refreshing side can be as simple or complex as you want it. I make mine with seasoned rice vinegar, sliced cucumbers, imitation crab and chunked avocado. #97
- It’s time to go on a culinary adventure with #24—Natto! Slimy, nutty, and mildly aromatic of coffee, this one isn’t yet popular in the States, but worth trying as a side for sushi.
- The briney, lilting texture of Seaweed Salad. We list two below: The #8 Wakame and the #202.
- Homemade Kimchi. Customize to your heat preferences. #96
- #148. Cold Asian Green Bean Salad: The traditional bean you are probably familiar with, boosted with Asian-style flavor.
- Tempura all day, every day. These light, crisp, batter-dipped delights can’t be beaten on sushi night: #6 (All kinds), #58 (Shrimp), #91 (Vegetables).
- Mango Salad. It has a Thai-forward ingredient list, but this will be one of your new favorite sides for sushi, I swear. #149
- #60. Air Fryer Broccoli With Chinese Garlic Sauce. Broccoli is easy to find, and the sauce transforms the “ugh, healthy” into “yum, Chinese food!”
- Korean Green Onion Salad #28. A nice oniony bite without the tear-inducing bitterness.
Easiest Sides For Sushi — Buy Them at the Store!
Need the list of the EASIEST ideas for what to serve with sushi? Sure you do.
We all do.
Sometimes the best sides are the kind you don’t have to make yourself.
Here’s our list of some of the best sides for sushi that you can add alongside that don’t take much work and can be picked up easily at the store.
- Gyoza. Find them fresh in the case with the prepared sushi or buy them in the frozen foods. Also called Chinese Dumplings or Pot Stickers. Reheat with a bit of water in the microwave.
- Air Fryer Green Beans. I’ll toss anything in my air fryer because I love crispy vegetables, but they add a nice crunch. Buy a bag of fresh, pre-washed green beans.
- Seaweed salad. Usually available in the cold case with the sushi and gyoza also, it’s a simple mix of bright green seaweed and seasonings, eaten cold.
- Asian-style slaw. Grab a bag of coleslaw mix. Leave out the mayo and toss this mix with a ½ c of apple cider vinegar, 1 T of sugar, ¼ c soy sauce, a dash or two of sriracha sauce, and a few turns of black pepper or gochujang. Toss and eat.
- Pick up a pack of heat-and-eat egg rolls from the freezer. Follow the directions for the air fryer. Don’t use the microwave if you can avoid it; it wilts the wrapper and they are so much better crisped up.
- Stir-fried greens. Did you know you can take most mixed salad greens and toss a handful in your frying pan with some sesame oil? You have some warmed and seasoned greens alongside your sushi three minutes later.
- Uncle Ben’s and Minute Rice individual cups of fast, microwave jasmine rice.
- Edamame (soybean pods). You can buy it frozen; just steam or boil it and toss with sea salt to serve as a side for sushi.
- PF Chang sells a frozen vegetable lo mein, which will pair nicely as a side for sushi, especially if you are craving a hot dish.
- Do you have an Asian supermarket near you? They offer a ton of imported, ready-to-eat foods. If not, you can get Chappegetti (jjajangmyeon) or the japchae noodle bowl online.
Asian-Inspired Ingredients You Can Buy Online
Planning way ahead? Visit our buy links that may help you get ingredients to your door fast.
You may also see these linked in the recipes below.
We receive a little money from Amazon every time you make a purchase, but you don’t get charged for it.
We aren’t affiliates of Walmart, but sometimes it’s easier or cheaper to get food products from them (delivered, pick-up, or shipped).
- Canned Banana Blossom (A fresh one is way too time-consuming to process yourself, I PROMISE. Been there.)
- Miso Paste
- Gochugaru
- Bamboo Steamer (I use mine more often than I thought I would. My wok, too.)
- Hot Water Kettle (Faster than the microwave and has a slender footprint to save counter space)
- Tube of Prepared Wasabi for Sushi
- Jar of Pickled Ginger to pair up with the wasabi for an authentic sushi night
- Nonstick Wok
Check out our punch list of even more essential Asian pantry items and spices.
What To Serve With Sushi
This cucumber sesame salad is one of those great sides that enhances the rich flavor of the sushi.
It’s packed with flavorful ingredients such as rice vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, sesame seed toppings, and sugar that balances its overall flavor profile.
For a hint of spice, you can add a dash of crushed red pepper flakes at the last minute of preparation.
Ingredients include: Cucumber, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, and soy sauce.
You’ll love these crispy grilled rice balls stuffed with avocado and salted peanuts and then coated in a dumpling dipping sauce and sesame.
If you’re still puzzled over what goes well with sushi, this recipe is a great side to choose.
Ingredients include: Sushi rice, rice vinegar, sugar, nori sheets, and salt.
This quick and easy asparagus dish has an Asian touch that’s so good when paired with your homemade sushi.
The recipe also bursts with flavor from soy sauce, sugar, dry sherry, garlic, and asparagus!
Ingredients include: Asparagus, garlic, olive oil, soy sauce, and chili powder.
What goes with sushi? BEEF KUSHIYAKI!
This Japanese-inspired beef dish combines sake, sugar, potatoes, soy sauce, steak, and spices, resulting in a hearty weeknight dinner!
Ingredients include: Soy sauce, sake, sugar, ginger, and potatoes.
If you’re still wondering what to serve with sushi, this miso soup recipe is a real winner.
It’s loaded with greens, tofu, green onion, and the star of the night: the miso paste!
This magical ingredient adds a smooth flavor that goes well with sushi, moyashi salad (bean sprout salad), and tataki (Japanese fish dish).
You can tweak the recipe with bok choy, mushrooms, and a dash of powdered ginger or sweet chili sauce.
Ingredients include: Vegetable broth, nori, miso paste, green chard, and tofu.
6. Tempura
It’s hard to resist the crispy, crunchy texture of tempura—what’s not to love about deep-fried and battered anything?
It features prawns and veggies made in a mild batter and then served with soy sauce-based dipping sauce.
Ingredients include: Soy sauce, mirin, daikon, ginger, and eggplant.
Fortunately, light beers such as pilsners, witbiers, and hefeweizens are great for pairing with sushi.
A Japanese lager goes great with sushi, if you’re over 21 in the USA, of course.
You can usually find them in the larger liquor stores or Asian market imports section.
Ingredients include: White rice, pilsner malt, acid malt, gypsum, and Sorachi Ace hops.
This salad has dried seaweed, mushrooms, soy sauce, veggies, and spices that are so tangy and addicting.
It’s the reason why I love serving this recipe with sushi!
Adding red chili powder to the dish also gives a hint of spice, while the sugar balances the overall flavor.
Ingredients include: Seaweed, agar-agar strips, mushroom, soy sauce, and sesame seeds.
Tamagoyaki is Japanese rolled eggs that looks like an omelet—a popular breakfast dish and street food.
It can also be found in bento boxes and is an excellent pairing for sushi.
This recipe is also excellent to serve with sushi for its slightly sweet taste and custardy texture.
Ingredients include: Eggs, mirin, sugar, salt, and dashi.
Make a tangy soy-based vinaigrette and add it to boiled sashimi (octopus), along with Japanese cucumber, dried wakame seaweed, and toasted white sesame seeds.
This will be a great complementary side salad for your sushi feast.
Make the salad ahead or let it chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.
English cucumber will do.
Ingredients include: Octopus sashimi, cucumber, wakame seaweed, white sesame seeds, and sugar.
11. Teriyaki Chicken
This homemade Teriyaki Chicken recipe is a crowd-pleaser.
It has tender chicken thighs marinated in a sweet and savory sauce made with soy sauce, brown sugar, and ginger.
The dish is seared and then simmered in the remaining sauce until it caramelizes into a delicious glaze.
Ingredients include: Cornstarch, brown sugar, soy sauce, honey, and ground ginger.
12. Kanisu
This quick salad is an excellent side for your upcoming sushi meal because it features a sweet and tangy flavor that won’t overpower.
Fresh crab meat mixed with fresh cucumber, yummy soy sauce, and mild rice vinegar.
Slice everything very thin to get all that flavor in every bite.
Ingredients include: Sugar, rice vinegar, soy sauce, dashi, and cucumber.
Get a taste of Japan with this Gomae spinach salad.
Made with fresh spinach leaves and rich sesame dressing, this dish has the right blend of sweet and savory flavors.
Ingredients include: Spinach, mirin, soy sauce, sake, and salt.
14. Boiled Edamame
This is on every sushi menu in the country as the perfect side for sushi.
The dish is as straightforward as it looks and probably the easiest side dish you’ll come across for sushi.
You’ll start by placing the thawed edamame in a pot filled with boiling water.
Wait three to four minutes until the vegetable softens, then drain.
Toss the boiled edamame in salt, cool, then pop the beans out of the pod to eat.
Ingredients include: Frozen edamame, kosher salt, and water.
15. Crab Rangoon
When finding a side dish to complete your sushi meal, these homemade crab rangoon bites are the bomb.
The recipe combines a simple mixture of crab, cream cheese, onion, garlic powder, and
Worcestershire sauce.
Dunk your crab rangoon bites in a sweet-and-sour dip or sweet chili sauce.
Ingredients include: Crab meat, cream cheese, green onion, soy sauce, and wonton wrappers.
16. Kinpira Gobo
This traditional Japanese side dish is as pleasing to the eyes as to the palate, thanks to the vivid hue of burdock root (gobo) and carrots which are both stir-fried then simmered in a sweet soy sauce.
Ingredients include: Carrots, chicken bouillon powder, mirin, burdock root, and tsuyu sauce.
These little dumplings are tasty on their own, but they also pair well with these dishes: sushi rolls, stir-fried vegetables, fried rice, egg drop soup, and air fryer green beans.
The secret behind these dumplings is the tangy dipping sauce, consisting of soy sauce and rice vinegar.
You can include la-yu or Japanese chili oil in the mixture if you want some heat.
Ingredients include: Ground pork, gyoza wrappers, ginger, soy sauce, and napa cabbage.
Do you want to really savor the taste of your next sushi roll?
This dish is a palate cleanser that’s great to have between different types of sushi.
Pickled ginger also keeps well in the fridge for a long time.
Ingredients include: Ginger, salt, and turmeric.
19. Kani Salad
The perfect accompaniment to your sushi, primarily if you’re serving up some California rolls!
A mildly sweet, creamy, and crunchy salad that contrasts nicely with sushi.
The kani strips are coated with just the right amount of mayonnaise and panko breadcrumbs to make you go mmm!
Ingredients include: Mayonnaise, mirin, salt, kani, and sriracha.
20. Sesame Jellyfish
Here’s a dish that’s found chiefly in dim sum restaurants.
But it’s also great to have with sushi!
The shredded jellyfish readily absorbs the sesame oil, sugar, and vinegar, which complements its crisp texture nicely.
Here’s a pro tip: it’s best served cold.
Ingredients include: Jellyfish, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and cilantro.
21. Okonomiyaki
Do you want takoyaki but don’t have the kitchen gadget to make it?
You can make a Japanese savory pancake filled with the same ingredients and even topped with the same sauce.
This dish is a great appetizer but is also excellent on its own.
You can also make it your own by substituting the filling with something that’s more your speed.
Ingredients include: All purpose flour, baking powder, salt, Dashi broth, and cabbage.
Reminiscent of Hawaiian poke, this recipe typically uses small citrus fruits found in the Philippines called calamansi.
The dish gets tangy from the vinegar added to the sauce that marinates and coats the raw fish.
A great companion to sushi for its complementary texture but contrasting flavor.
Ingredients include: Tuna, vinegar, ginger, onion, and black pepper.
23. Dango
A great follow-up to your sushi feast!
This sweet treat only has four main ingredients: mochiko, sugar, water, and coconut milk.
Ingredients include: Mochiko, sugar, coconut milk, potato starch, and food coloring.
24. Natto
This recipe is for homemade Japanese fermented soybeans, also known as natto.
With a subtle coffee aroma and a slimy (not kidding—very viscous) texture, these fermented beans are a unique addition to your sushi.
Ingredients include: Dried soybeans and natto starter bacteria.
This is a tasty, palate-cleansing soup made with mushrooms and kombu kelp.
The recipe adds some soft tofu for an even better mixture of textures.
Ingredients include: Soy sauce, mirin, kombu seaweed, radish, and mushroom.
Light and refreshing pickled vegetables provide a pop of color and crisp acidic flavor to cut the rich sushi rice.
This Japanese staple will help clean your palate for that next round of sushi.
Ingredients include: Carrots, zucchini, turnips, and miso paste.
Make some crispy and juicy fried chicken pieces to serve with your sushi.
The spicy garlic mayo sauce adds depth to the flavor.
Ingredients include: Chicken thigh, ginger, soy sauce, sake, and sesame oil.
If you’re up for another pa muchim palate cleanser, this dish will give you just that.
This light and refreshing salad has some great textures and flavors that go great with sushi.
The muted heat from the green onion paired with the spicy and salty taste of the soy sauce and chili flakes in the dressing will have you ready for the next round of sushi in no time!
Ingredients include: Green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and sugar.
29. Agedashi Tofu
This fried tofu recipe is a simple dish, but it has a characteristically Japanese-inspired taste.
Make it extra crispy with a couple of extra minutes in the fryer.
Ingredients include: Tofu, cornstarch, Dashi stock, soy sauce, and mirin.
A dish that’s sure to put on a show!
The tofu is served with diced vegetables and shiitake mushroom in a savory dip made from oyster sauce and soy sauce.
Be careful or this dish might outshine your sushi!
Ingredients include: Soon tofu, egg, carrot, mushroom, and soy sauce.
Simple chicken wings that pack some serious Japanese flavor!
Soaking it in sake gives the wings that unmistakable Japanese taste.
Ingredients include: Chicken wings, sake, ground pepper, salt, and lemon.
32. Beef Udon
A nice bowl of noodles, beef, and broth warms the stomach.
The dish’s star is the broth which gives you a taste of Japan just from one sip.
Garnish it with an onsen egg or a narutomaki for a trip to the streets of Tokyo.
Ingredients include: Mushroom, hondashi, soy sauce, mirin, and sake.
33. Katsudon
A nice rice bowl dish to go with your vegetarian sushi.
Crunchy and savory deep-fried pork coated in panko breadcrumbs served over rice with an egg and sauce concoction.
An excellent dish to serve with sushi for a more filling bite!
Ingredients include: Dashi stock, onion, cooked rice, mirin, and sugar.
The appetizer, salad, and side dish for sushi all rolled into one!
This sweet and refreshing salad is an amazing companion.
The balance of flavors from the watermelon, cucumber, honey, extra virgin olive oil, and mint comes together for a salad that gets better with every bite.
Ingredients include: Watermelon, cucumber, feta, honey, and lime juice.
35. Broccoli Slaw
Here’s a sweet and savory salad coated with mayonnaise and apple cider vinegar.
The broccoli stems, bacon, apple, and dried cranberries make for a truly exciting salad combination.
Make this with some Japanese mayo to better complement the flavor of the sushi.
Ingredients include: Broccoli, bacon, onion, cranberries, and apple.
A versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, as dessert, or as both!
Slices of perfectly roasted sweet potatoes, glazed with honey, and adorned with the slightly savory taste of rosemary.
Eat this for a deliciously sweet and savory break from your sushi.
Ingredients include: Sweet potatoes, olive oil, honey, rosemary, and black pepper.
Here’s something to munch on in between mouthfuls of sushi.
A crispy and savory bite of bacon and asparagus in a neat little package.
As they say, everything’s better with bacon!
Ingredients include: Asparagus, bacon, pepper, olive oil, and garlic.
38. Yakitori
A Japanese street food staple that will make you feel like you’re in downtown Tokyo!
Deliciously tender morsels of grilled chicken glazed with a sweet and savory sauce that’s to die for!
This is a great dish to take bites of in between servings of sushi.
Ingredients include: Chicken breast, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and black pepper.
39. Hamachi Crudo
This recipe is a quick and easy appetizer that perfectly pairs with sushi.
This dish will elevate your dining experience with some aesthetically prepared sashimi.
The fish is creatively plated and adorned with the other ingredients, making it a feast for the eyes and the palate.
Ingredients include: Sashimi-grade hamachi, watermelon radish, jalapeno pepper, pea shoots, and mirin.
A bowl of brightly colored vegetables held together by roughly mashed potatoes will look great beside your sushi.
This dish incorporates Japanese cucumbers and mayonnaise for that authentic Japanese taste.
You can bet that every mouthful of this dish will have you coming back for more!
Ingredients include: Potatoes, carrot, cucumber, egg, and mayonnaise.
This dessert gets its name from a mashup of two Japanese words, anko for red bean paste and mitsu for syrup.
Anmitsu will typically have a mishmash of different dessert ingredients that complement each other.
This indulgent dessert incorporates kanten or agar jelly, black sugar syrup, tangerine slices, and some matcha ice cream.
Ingredients include: Kanten jelly, red bean paste, ice cream, strawberries, and banana.
42. Sukiyaki
A delicious pot of thinly sliced beef, shiitake mushrooms, fried tofu, and vegetables swimming in a sweet and savory broth that keeps you coming back for more.
An excellent companion to any Japanese dish but especially sushi.
Serve a pot of this traditional Japanese soup with your sushi when you want something filling and indulgent.
Ingredients include: Sukiyaki–cut beef, Japanese leek, chrysanthemum leaves, mushroom, and eggs.
Crispy and firm tofu coated in a simple but delicious teriyaki sauce.
The teriyaki sauce is made with ingredients that are easy to find, some of which might already be found in your pantry.
This recipe combines soy sauce, pineapple juice, light brown sugar, ginger, and garlic to create a slightly sweet and tangy teriyaki sauce.
Serve this as a side dish for your sushi or serve it with some hot white rice.
Ingredients include: Tofu, soy sauce, pineapple juice, sugar, and cornstarch.
A luxurious culinary treat that is sure to wow your guests, this savory egg custard is served individually in bowls or tea cups where there is hidden treasure found in the bottom.
You can “hide” anything under the egg custard, from diced chicken meat to scallops, shrimp, and shiitake mushrooms.
The possibilities are endlessly delicious!
Ingredients include: Asparagus, shrimp, surimi fish stick, eggs, and mirin.
A simple spinach salad sitting in a sauce made to complement and preserve its original flavor.
This classic Japanese dish is soaked in a delicious mixture of dashi and soy sauce, which is easily absorbed by boiled spinach.
The salad is topped with some bonito flakes to give it that signature Japanese appeal reminiscent of takoyaki.
Ingredients include: Spinach, bonito dashi, mirin, soy sauce, and bonito flakes.
Try this finger food that’s crunchy and delicious with an interesting texture.
Unlike other spring rolls with dry ingredients, these spring rolls are made with ingredients cooked in a thick sauce.
Serve this with your sushi for an appetizer bursting with Asian-inspired flavor.
Ingredients include: Pork slices, bamboo shoots, mushrooms, sake, and potato starch.
47. Asian Cod
With beautiful golden brown edges on the cod filets, this dish is both visually appealing and delicious.
Made in just a few minutes, the recipe packs a unique blend of Asian flavors that elevate the mild taste of the cod.
Ingredients include: Cod filets, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and garlic.
Still wondering what to serve with sushi?
Enter the Pork Egg Rolls.
These rolls are filled with juicy pork, crunchy vegetables and wrapped in an egg roll wrapper.
The recipe offers a choice between frying or baking, so you can save the deep-frying for another day if you want.
Ingredients include: Soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, vegetable oil, and cabbage.
Introducing the Pepper Crusted Tuna, a flavorful companion for sushi lovers.
The star of the dish is the seared tuna coated with black pepper, but the real game-changer is the wasabi cream sauce drizzled on top.
The sauce adds a refreshing element to balance out the dish.
Ingredients include: Peppercorns, sesame seeds, salt, Wasabi powder, and soy sauce.
This recipe is a delicious way to use up leftover veggies from the fridge; it’s soo good with sushi.
With its charred noodles and a generous sprinkling of white pepper, the Thai noodle dish brings its own distinctive taste to the table.
Ingredients include: Vegetable oil, garlic, egg, steak, and rice noodles.
51. Edamame
These young soybeans are boiled until tender, then sprinkled with salt or seasoned to taste.
Whether you prefer a sprinkle of salt or get creative with your own seasoning blend like Furakake, edamame is a versatile dish that can be tailored to your taste preferences.
Ingredients include: Edamame, salt, and flaked sea salt.
Discover a world of flavor with these amazing Soba Noodle Recipes.
Whether you prefer the nutty flavor of sesame or the sweet and spicy kick of teriyaki shrimp, there’s a recipe here for your next sushi feast.
Give them a try and discover your new favorite sushi side.
Ingredients include: Ginger soy soba, toshikoshi soba, zaru soba, teriyaki salmon with soba noodles, and more.
The delicate rice paper wraps around succulent shrimp and crisp veggies, providing a medley of flavors and textures.
Notable for their refreshing taste and lightness, these rolls are great served with sushi.
Hot tip: It’s recommended not to double the recipe as they don’t keep well as leftovers, since refrigerating the wraps makes them tough.
Ingredients include: Rice wrapper, shrimp, lettuce, cabbage, and carrots.
Nothing beats these Hand-Pulled Noodles when you pair them with sushi.
Don’t be intimidated by the name, though.
With just 4 simple pantry ingredients and the right techniques, you can make chewy and bouncy noodles that will have everyone asking for more.
Ingredients include: Salt, bread flour, oil, and warm water.
Dive into a flavor adventure with the Teriyaki Shrimp Sushi Bowl, where juicy shrimp dance in a luscious teriyaki glaze.
This side dish cradles the shrimp atop a pillow of seasoned sushi rice—a harmony of textures.
The colorful veggies add a refreshing crunch, transforming ordinary sushi nights into a delectable experience.
Ingredients include: White rice, quinoa, olive oil, shrimp, and avocado.
This Tom Yum With Shrimp is a delicious, sour Thai soup that matches nicely with sushi.
It’s made with delicious shrimp in a flavorful and spicy broth.
Evaporated milk is added to the soup to make it creamier and more Bangkok-style.
Ingredients include: Shrimp, lemongrass, galangal, lime leaves, and mushrooms.
From Miso Glazed Japanese Eggplant to Japanese Eggplant Tempura, these dishes elevate your sushi meal in no time.
Recipe #13 is a must-try dish that can be quickly whipped up in your own kitchen, defying all expectations.
Ingredients include: Grilled Japanese eggplant, Japanese eggplant gratin, Japanese eggplant tempura, nasu nibitashi, and more.
Your sushi meal won’t be complete without a crispy, homemade shrimp tempura.
The key ingredients in this recipe include fresh shrimp, tempura batter, and oil for frying.
Ingredients include: Shrimp, vegetable oil, all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and egg.
This side dish is a true taste sensation, featuring a medley of mouthwatering mushrooms.
The mushrooms are all marinated to perfection, but the real star is the crunchy and nutty sesame spinach.
Don’t be shy to switch up the mushroom selection to make this salad your own.
Ingredients include: Mushroom, olive oil, spinach, sesame seeds, and wine vinegar.
Cooked to perfection in the air fryer, the broccoli is crisp and tender with just enough char.
And for those looking for an additional kick of flavor, the Chinese garlic sauce is a good addition.
The sauce is optional, so you can enjoy this dish just as much without it.
Ingredients include: Broccoli, avocado oil, garlic, pepper, and olive oil.
These Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice Balls are sure to satisfy any sushi lover’s cravings.
They have crispy and chewy textures, with a spicy kick from the tuna filling.
Top with sesame seeds and sliced serrano for an extra pop of flavor, and add soy sauce to taste.
Ingredients include: Tuna, Japanese mayo, gochujang, sesame oil, and tamari.
If fresh kale is too tough and bitter for you, try this recipe for crisp chips.
Fresh kale is transformed into a delicate, savory snack with just a few seasonings and the magic of air frying.
The unique cooking technique ensures a perfect crunch every time.
Ingredients include: Curly kale, oil, salt, and favorite seasoning of choice.
This side combines creamy avocado filled with juicy tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and aromatic basil.
But what really sets this recipe apart is the addition of a tangy balsamic glaze that adds an incredible depth of flavor to the already delicious combination of ingredients.
An “American-Italian” side for sushi.
Ingredients include: Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, basil pesto, avocado, and basil leaves.
64. Fried Calamari
You don’t need to order fried calamari in the restaurant; you can make it at home.
Don’t be intimidated by the idea of making it yourself; it’s easier than you might think.
With its savory and slightly sweet flavors and satisfying crunchy texture, this recipe will be a hit.
Ingredients include: Calamari rings, buttermilk, all-purpose flour, pepper, and vegetable oil.
65. One-Pot Sukiyaki
This recipe combines tender slices of beef with savory vegetables, all cooked in a flavorful broth made from soy sauce, sugar, and mirin.
What makes this dish unique is that it is traditionally cooked at the table but can easily be prepared on the stove.
You’ll love its sweet and savory flavors!
Ingredients include: Sake, mirin, brown sugar, mushroom, and scallions.
Take your taste buds on an adventure with this Green Beans Belacan Stir Fry, your new go-to side for sushi night.
Crispy green beans are stir-fried with a blend of spicy chilies, fragrant shallots, and savory dried shrimp, then seasoned with the unique and addictive flavor of belacan.
Ingredients include: Chilies, shallot, dried shrimp, belacan, and vegetable oil.
These dishes showcase Chinese eggplants’ versatility and ability to absorb a range of flavors and spices.
Whether roasted, stir-fried, or grilled, Chinese eggplant offers a silky texture and rich taste that matches with sushi.
Ingredients include: Chinese stuffed eggplant, sticky Chinese eggplant, roasted Chinese eggplant, sweet and sour eggplant, and more.
This Japanese “Inspired” Bento Box is so delicious and visually stunning.
The recipe has a classic bento box layout, filled with unique and flavorful ingredients inspired by authentic Japanese cuisine.
From savory tamagoyaki-inspired omelet to Japanese salad, it’s a fun way to explore the rich flavors of Japan.
Ingredients include: Egg, soy sauce, mirin, olive oil, and cabbage.
This Easy Eggplant Stir-Fry recipe calls for tender eggplant, a fiery kick of jalapeño peppers, sauces, and spices.
Don’t forget to adjust the spice level to your taste by choosing the right type of pepper.
Ingredients include: Eggplants, canola oil, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and ginger.
KKanpung Saeu, also known as Sweet & Spicy Shrimp, is a delectable Korean dish that’s great as a side for sushi or as a main course.
This recipe requires the shrimp to be deep-fried twice to achieve an irresistible crunch that holds up against the bold sauce.
Ingredients include: Shrimp, oil, potato starch, egg, and bell pepper.
With various options like tangy Kimchi and refreshing goi cuon, this recipe collection is a treasure trove of unique and delicious side options.
Each recipe features a unique blend of flavors and textures that go with the delicate notes of sushi.
Ingredients include: Kimchi, pork katsudon, Peking duck, goi cuon, and more.
72. Asian Recipes
With various options like tangy Kimchi and refreshing goi cuon, this recipe collection is a treasure trove of unique and delicious side options.
Each recipe features a unique blend of flavors and textures that go with the delicate notes of sushi.
Ingredients include: Kimchi, pork katsudon, Peking duck, goi cuon, and more.
Our tried-and-tested recipe, Chicken Chow Mein, will take your sushi game up a notch.
This dish combines succulent chicken, crunchy cabbage, and an array of fresh veggies, all brought together by the magic of cooking oil.
I’ll tell you what, the flavor of this stir-fry recipe is simply divine.
Ingredients include: Cabbage, green onions, bean sprouts, carrots, and cooking oil.
Don’t let your leftover pork tenderloin go to waste.
Use it to make this delicious and easy fried rice recipe, ideal as a side dish for sushi feast or as a main course.
With just a handful of seasonings cubed cooked pork, and some cooked rice, you can transform your leftovers into a satisfying dish in no time.
Ingredients include: Sesame oil, garlic, onion, celery stalk, and honey.
When it comes to sushi sides, Dakjjim offers a flavorful protein boost.
The juicy and tasty chicken is simmered in a Korean-style sauce.
The secret to its soft texture and exquisite flavor is slow cooking it for hours in a crockpot.
Ingredients include: Potatoes, carrot, onion, mushrooms, and scallions.
76. Tom Ka Soup
This creamy and tangy Thai soup has a unique blend of flavors.
Tom Ka Soup uses mushrooms and vegetables, which add depth and complexity to the dish.
Here’s a fun twist: Add delicate carrot flowers, which are simple to make by cutting V-shaped grooves down the length of a carrot and slicing.
Ingredients include: Chicken stock, coconut milk, lime, fish sauce, and lemongrass.
Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet or savory, these Malabar Spinach recipes have got you covered!
From crispy salads to creamy soups, these dishes offer a range of textures and flavors that will delight your taste buds.
Ingredients include: Malabar spinach pakora, malabar spinach curry, malabar spinach tambli, malabar spinach sambar, and more.
Dubu Jorim is easy to make and brings a touch of Korean cuisine to your sushi spread.
The dish packs a bold and spicy taste, thanks to a special sauce made with soy sauce, water gochugaru, and sugar.
The firm tofu holds its shape, creating a unique texture that’s both chewy and soft.
Ingredients include: Tofu, soy sauce, gochugaru, sugar, and sesame oil.
Musaengchae is a delightful sweet and sour radish salad.
This Korean side dish is ideal as a sushi sidekick, and dazzles with a dance of tangy taste and optional gochugaru spice.
Ingredients include: Korean radish, carrot, vinegar, sugar, and red chili pepper flakes.
Perilla leaves can sometimes be found in Asian supermarkets.
They have a strong flavor for their deceivingly delicate appearance.
This steamed recipe tames that strong flavor.
Leave out the gochugaru if you are looking for a milder dish.
Ingredients include: Perilla leaves, soy sauce, sugar, scallion, and sesame oil.
If you’re searching for an eye-catching side dish to complement your sushi, make sure to try this recipe.
These Eggplant Rolls, also known as Gaji Mari, use thinly sliced eggplant and veggie-based filling; they’re laden with crunch.
Ingredients include: Eggplant, sesame oil, alfalfa sprouts, red cabbage, and bell pepper.
82. Japanese Snacks
This list of delectable Japanese snacks will take your sushi night to the next level.
With a variety of textures ranging from crisp to chewy, these snacks are a crowd-pleaser.
Notable ingredients include nori, sesame seeds, and soy sauce, all combining to create a delicious taste of Japan.
Ingredients include: Daigaku imo, takoyaki, harumaki, karaage, and more.
Make Hamachi Kama, or Grilled Yellowtail Collar, for an unforgettable sushi experience.
The succulent and meaty texture of the collar, combined with its crispy and charred exterior, creates a mouthwatering contrast, especially if you are having vegetarian sushi.
This high-protein recipe is surprisingly easy to make at home and offers a cost-effective alternative to eating out.
Ingredients include: Hamachi kama, soy sauce, yuzu juice, lemon, and salt.
Japchae, a Korean stir-fried noodle dish, has a delicious combination of savory and sweet.
You may have had these before from Korean street food trucks: the noodles are made from sweet potato starch and have a distinct springy, al dente texture.
This recipe would make an amazing side dish for sushi.
Ingredients include: Korean potato starch noodles, carrots, scallions, tender beef, and spinach.
Who says jalapeños are only meant to accompany Latin cooking?!
Baked until bubbly, try these excellent apps to cleanse the palate between sushi bites.
Ingredients include: Jalapeno peppers, olive oil, Italian turkey sausage, cream cheese, and cheddar cheese.
These Japanese-Style Sweet Rice Balls are a delightful snack with a chewy texture and balanced sweet flavor.
Filled with a creamy and sweet azuki bean paste, they make a great side for sushi, complementing its flavor and textures.
Ingredients include: Rice, brown sugar, sesame seeds, soybean powder, and sweet azuki bean paste.
87. Korean Soups
Here are interesting soup inspirations for your sushi with these Korean soups.
From the rich seolleontang to the spicy jjamppong, they offer unique ingredients, like beef bone broth and seafood.
The soups’ texture and taste blend with sushi, making for an unforgettable culinary experience.
Ingredients include: Seolleontang, soondubu jjigae, tteokguk, jjamppong, and more.
These Vegetable Dumplings (Gyoza) are a savory Japanese dish with minced veggies, soy sauce, and sesame oil wrapped in a thin, crisp dough.
The dumplings are easy to assemble and can be folded into crescent-like pierogi.
Ingredients include: All-purpose flour, salt, cornstarch, sesame oil, and carrot.
Gua Bao is a Taiwanese street food favorite.
Soft, pillowy steamed buns are filled with succulent pork belly, fresh herbs, and aromatic seasonings.
The contrast of the fluffy buns with the rich and savory pork and sauce makes it a good accompaniment for sushi.
Ingredients include: All-purpose flour, sugar, whole milk, butter, and olive oil.
This crispy, flavorful Air Fryer Tofu is seasoned with soy sauce and garlic powder.
The tofu is air fried to perfection, resulting in a texture that’s crispy on the outside but still soft and tender on the inside.
Ingredients include: Tofu, gochujang, honey, rice vinegar, and soy sauce.
Dance your taste buds into a delightful frenzy with Tempura Vegetables, a rich, crispy side dish for sushi.
Enjoy the contrast of soft vegetables cooked in an airy, golden batter.
See the ice cube trick keeps that batter light – a must-try for any tempura aficionado!
Ingredients include: Flour, cornstarch, baking powder, assorted vegetables, and ponzu sauce.
This Asian Pear Salad Recipes list has something for everyone, from a tangy mango Asian pear salad to a refreshing fruit salad.
Each recipe features crisp Asian pears as the star ingredient, which pair wonderfully with the savory flavors of sushi, with a refreshing crunch to every bite.
Ingredients include: Mango Asian pear salad, blue cheese and grilled Asian pear salad, Asian pear and walnut salad, fruit salad, and more.
This straightforward sushi side dish has delicate bamboo shoots simmered in a delicious broth of soy sauce, sugar, and ginger.
It calls for frozen spring bamboo shoots, which is available year-round.
Ingredients include: Bamboo shoots, neutral oil, ginger, sugar, and soy sauce.
This Chinese Mushroom Stir Fry is a dish that marries delectable mushrooms with your sushi, a nice dish of contrasting textures.
The garlic and ginger add a bold kick.
Ingredients include: Mushroom, oil, baby bok choy, bamboo shoot, and soy sauce.
This Korean soybean sprout side dish is all you need for your sushi.
The sprouts are lightly blanched, then seasoned with soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic.
By not overcooking the sprouts, they retain the characteristic crunchy texture.
Ingredients include: Soybean sprout, scallion, sesame oil, soy sauce, and gochugaru.
This popular Korean side dish for sushi packs a punch of flavor and spice.
Notable aspects of the recipe include the fermentation process that offers a tangy and slightly sour flavor to the cabbage.
Ingredients include: Cabbage, rice vinegar, honey, ginger, and scallions.
Often found on the menus of many sushi bars or Japanese restaurants, Sunomono is reliably fresh and tasty with ingredients many will recognize.
Thinly sliced cucumbers are tossed with delicate rice vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce dressing.
This recipe has mung bean noodles, but you don’t have to use them if they aren’t on hand.
Ingredients include: Persian cucumbers, dried wakame, soy sauce, mung bean noodles, and rice vinegar.
Filipino Sticky Rice Cake, also known as Biko, is caramelized, giving it a rich and decadent flavor with a chewy texture.
It’s a good side for sushi as its sweet note complements the savory flavors of the Japanese dish.
Ingredients include: Coconut milk, sticky dessert rice, coconut cream, sugar, and vanilla.
A delicious and rather exotic combination of noodles, imitation crab, noodles made with green tea and a handful of other ingredients, you’ll want to read through the ingredients carefully before committing to this one.
Ingredients include: Green tea somen noodles, lettuce, ocean salad, crab, and kamaboko.
This soup is a great side dish for sushi as it balances out the savory taste of the Japanese dish and provides a refreshing contrast to the palate.
If one ingredient is unavailable, the recipe can still be made with the slight modification.
Ingredients include: Korean fish cakes, soy sauce, rice wine, kelp, and anchovy.
101. Takoyaki
These small, round balls are filled with diced octopus and green onions.
The batter is made with flour, dashi broth, and eggs, giving it a light and fluffy texture.
Extra oil is added while flipping the takoyaki for a crunchier texture and deep golden color.
Ingredients include: Dashi stock, all-purpose flour, cornstarch, egg, and octopus.
102. Japanese Soups
Don’t miss out on trying these delicious soups alongside sushi.
With extensive options available, ranging from savory ramen to hearty kenchinjiru, every bowl is crafted with an exquisite blend of distinct flavors and textures.
Ingredients include: Kitsune udon soup, dashi, kenchinjiru, nikujaga, and more.
These fluffy steamed buns are filled with sweet and creamy red bean paste.
With just a few basic ingredients and no need for special techniques, anyone can easily make these delicious steamed buns at home.
Pro Tip: We had an easier time removing bao from our steamer when we used small cutouts of parchment under each.
Ingredients include: Adzuki beans, sugar, butter, all-purpose flour, and yeast.
Haemul Pajeon isn’t just any old side dish, it’s the perfect match for sushi lovers.
To achieve the ultimate chewy and crisp pancake, a special combo of rice flour, corn starch, and baking powder is added to the batter.
Ingredients include: Seafood, sesame oil, scallion, egg, and red chili pepper.
105. “Monkey Brains”
This side dish has a delicious combination of ingredients.
The crispy tempura coating and creamy filling provide a delightful contrast to the delicate texture of sushi.
And the spicy Sriracha sauce adds a welcome kick.
Ingredients include: Tempura batter, crab meat, avocado, mayonnaise, and Sriracha.
106. Shrimp Shumai
This Shrimp Shumai features a flavorful filling with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
This recipe is also flexible; you can do any filling if you’re not a fan of shrimp.
Ingredients include: Garlic, ginger, shrimp, chestnuts, and soy sauce.
107. Asian Appetizers
Sushi is a traditional Japanese dish, and pairing it with some Asian appetizers enhances its flavor and texture and adds a touch of culture to the dining experience.
From the classic crab rangoon to the flavorful spam musubi, there are plenty of recipes to choose from for your sushi sides.
Ingredients include: Pajeon, red lentil patties, crab rangoon, spam musubi, and Taiwanese popcorn chicken.
The Oi Muchim (or Spicy Cucumber Salad) is a Korean side dish that’s as refreshing as it is spicy.
The recipe is about finding the right combination of spicy, tangy, and refreshing flavors, so don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own.
Ingredients include: Korean cucumber, red chili pepper flakes, scallion, vinegar, and sugar.
This 20-minute recipe requires only a handful of ingredients, including fresh zucchini.
The zucchini is sliced and cooked in a hot skillet, then tossed with a mixture of sesame seeds and oyster sauce.
Ingredients include: Zucchini, cooking oil, red chili, soy sauce, and sesame seeds.
110. Pancit Palabok
This Filipino noodle dish is made with rice noodles, shrimp, crushed pork rinds, and a unique orange sauce.
It works wonderfully with flavors of mild sushi.
Ingredients include: Rice noodles, ground pork, anatto powder, pork broth, and fish sauce.
This Warm Mushroom Salad is drizzled with a delicious sesame dressing.
It also includes savory mushrooms, crisp greens, and toasted sesame seeds.
Ingredients include: Mushroom, mizuna, sake, sesame oil, and mirin.
112. Korean Side Dishes
Don’t miss the opportunity to add Korean flair to your sushi spread!
From savory Korean salad to fluffy steamed eggs, this recipe collection has various delicious options that blend with any sushi dish.
Ingredients include: Sundubu jjigae, gyeran mari, tteokbokki, japchae, and more.
BBQ Sweet Potatoes are a delicious sweet and crispy snack or side dish with sushi.
The crispy potatoes contrast nicely with the smooth texture of sashimi.
Ingredients include: Sweet potato, sugar, and oil.
114. Mushroom Broth Soup
The use of dried shiitake mushrooms in the broth makes it extra unique.
These dried mushrooms lend an intense umami flavor to the soup.
Ingredients include: Onion, olive oil, mushroom, tamari, and kombu.
Who would have thought that these Filipino egg rolls make a terrific side dish for sushi?
Lumpia’s crunchy texture and complex taste enhance sushi’s delicate and fresh flavor.
The compact size of the egg rolls makes them ideal finger food to snack on before enjoying your sushi rolls.
Careful, or you won’t have any room for the sushi!
Ingredients include: Shanghai won ton wrappers, ground pork, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, and sugar.
What makes this Layered Tuna Tartare a great sushi side?
Each mouthful of this dish is a flavor explosion.
The tartare has a smooth, buttery texture that contrasts with the chewy texture of the sushi, and the fruity salsa gives a refreshing touch to balance away the salty flavor of the soy sauce.
Ingredients include: Yellowfin tuna, soya sauce, ginger, cilantro, and olive oil.
117. Japanese Sauces
These Japanese sauces are a superb pairing with your favorite sushi dishes.
Condiments like soy sauce, wasabi, and ponzu, enhance the flavors of raw fish.
The goma-dare and the sweet note of unagi sauce bring out the best in sushi, while the yakiniku no tare adds a sweet-spicy twist.
Ingredients include: Goma-dare, mentsuyu, unagi sauce, yakiniku no tare, and more.
118. Easy Bihon Pancit
Here’s another exceptional companion to sushi rolls.
Bihon Pancit is a Filipino recipe that provides a tasty contrast to the lighter flavors of sushi.
The unique aspect of this dish is its stir-fry cooking method, which creates a slightly crispy texture, adding an extra crunch to every bite.
Ingredients include: Peanut oil, garlic, onion, bihon noodles, and mixed vegetables.
This Asian Grilled Vegetables recipe is a symphony of grilled veggies, including soy-marinated eggplant and colorful bell peppers.
The fresh, light, and crisp salad balances out the rich taste of the sushi, cleansing the palate between bites.
Ingredients include: Red peppers, zucchini, eggplant, mushroom, and soy sauce.
120. Hijiki Salad
Hijiki Salad is a traditional Japanese side dish with tender hijiki seaweed mixed with soy sauce, mirin, carrot, and sesame seeds.
These ingredients give the salad a crisp, pleasant flavor.
Ingredients include: Hijiki, carrots, aburaage, edamame, and dashi.
Ah, Achara, a classic Filipino side dish.
It’s made with green papaya, vinegar, garlic, and onions, creating a tangy and slightly sweet flavor.
Marinate it in the fridge for at least a day to intensify the taste.
Ingredients include: Green papaya, carrot, bell pepper, peppercorns, and white vinegar.
122. Asian-Style Soups
Here are some of the reasons why adding an Asian soup to your sushi can enhance your dining experience:
- Soup can help to cleanse your palate between sushi courses. This can help you to appreciate the flavors of each course more fully.
- Soup can help to balance out the richness of the sushi. Light and fresh soup can help offset the sushi’s richness, creating a more well-rounded flavor profile.
- Soup can help to warm you up on a cold day. Many Asian soups are served hot, which can be a welcome addition.
- Soup can help to add variety to your sushi meal. Adding soup to your sushi meal can help to add some variety to your dining experience. This can be a great way to try new flavors and textures.
If you’re looking for a way to enhance your next sushi meal, I recommend adding an Asian soup as a side for sushi.
Ingredients include: Asian spicy noodle soup, chicken satay soup, dumpling soup, egg and tofu soup, and more.
123. Easy Lo Mein
With just a few simple ingredients and 15 minutes, you can enjoy a tasty sushi side dish.
This recipe is not only quick and easy to make, but it also makes an excellent side dish for nigiri or any sushi that isn’t wrapped in rice.
Ingredients include: Egg noodles, olive oil, mushroom, carrot, and snow peas.
124. Shrimp Gyoza
Shrimp Gyoza is a delightful twist on traditional Japanese dumplings.
It’s a must-try for seafood fans and those searching for a unique side dish to go with their sushi.
These dumplings are a hit with everyone.
Ingredients include: Shrimp, cabbage, scallion, mirin, and sake.
125. Asian-Style Greens
With just four ingredients and five minutes of cook time, these classic Chinese greens are a favorite for a reason.
The recipe calls for tender-crisp greens called choy sum, which you can usually find through the Weee! Asian Market App or an H-Mart near you.
Easy-seasoned with soy sauce and garlic.
Ingredients include: Choy sum, peanut oil, garlic, and soy sauce.
126. Ceviche Na Isda
Ceviche Na Isda is a good side for sushi because of its complementary tangy and zesty notes.
The inclusion of coconut milk, which gives the dish a creamy texture and a unique tropical flavor, separates it from other ceviche recipes.
Ingredients include: Kingfish, white vinegar, coconut milk, ginger, and cucumbers.
127. Chinese Appetizers
Chinese appetizers, such as Baozi and Guotie, give a variety of flavors and textures that can balance and improve the taste of sushi.
If you’re still puzzled about what to serve with sushi, save these Chinese appetizers to your favorites.
Ingredients include: Baozi, danhuatang, yusheng, guotie, and more.
Tender bok choy leaves are seasoned with garlic powder and crisped to perfection in this delectable sides for sushi.
The use of an air fryer provides the bok choy with a pleasant crunch without the need for unnecessary oil.
Ingredients include: Baby bok choy, sesame seeds, sesame oil, garlic, and salt.
These Asian Grilled Chicken Salad Spring Rolls are a culinary festival of flavors.
I see these when I’m out and I sometimes think that these are stuffed with “chicken-salad”, like the mayo kind.
But no, thankfully.
This recipe is worth the read for the writer’s enthusiasm alone, but the recipe looks like one of the best spring roll recipes out there.
Grilled chicken mingles with crisp, fresh veggies wrapped in rice-paper wrappers.
This sidekick isn’t just for show; its satisfying crunch and tangy dipping sauce fit with sushi’s soft elegance.
Ingredients include: Peanut butter, coconut cream, lime juice, honey, and ginger.
These Vietnamese-style Shrimp Spring Rolls are a great way to add some variety to your sushi night.
These are sometimes called Fresh Rolls—they use reconstituted rice wrappers and are served immediately, not deep fried like an egg roll.
Typically offered with shrimp or chicken tucked inside, the hearty, sweet peanut sauce makes these rolls sing.
They go GREAT with sushi, but it takes some preparation.
Ingredients include: Rice paper sheets, vermicelli, shrimp, lettuce, and cilantro.
Chilled Soba Noodle Salad with Crispy Mushrooms is a genius fusion of nutty soba noodles and earthy shiitake mushrooms with a special dressing.
As a side dish for sushi, this salad recipe bursts with umami flavor.
Ingredients include: Tahini paste, white miso, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sriracha.
No shiitakes on hand? Here’s our list and FAQ of shiitake substitutes.
132. Japanese Salads
Japanese Salads, such as Kani (crab) and Hotate (scallop), are among the greatest side dishes in the country.
The creamy texture of Kani salad and the delicate flavor of Hotate salad offer a fresh complement to the sushi.
Ingredients include: Kani, sunomono, wakame, hotate salad, and more.
With a combination of crisp vegetables and creamy almond butter sauce, these veggie wraps are a fresh lift to a sushi dinner.
The recipe provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the sushi; you’ll fall in love with the flavor combo.
Pro tip: The sauce becomes a flavorful “glue” to keep the veggies in place.
Ingredients include: Almond butter, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, and basil.
Ensaladang Talong is a vibrant salad staple in Filipino cuisine, and this unexpected dish will steal the sushi show.
Its fire-roasted eggplant, fresh veggies, and zesty tang give a welcome contrast and palate cleanser to sushi’s deep, umami flavors.
Ingredients include: Chinese eggplant, tomatoes, red onion, mango, and vinegar.
Meet Ginger Sesame Asparagus & Mushrooms, the veggie sidekick sushi never knew it needed.
This recipe is a culinary ballet of delicate asparagus and earthy mushrooms twirling in a richly aromatic sauce.
The sharp ginger notes cut through the rich flavor, refreshing your palate, while the nutty sesame echoes sushi’s subtle umami tones.
Ingredients include: Asparagus, canola oil, mushroom, ginger, and soy sauce.
This Roasted Asian Cauliflower & Carrots dish showcase a beautiful harmony of both sweet and savory flavors.
It mixes the sweet flavor of carrots with the nutty flavor of cauliflower, all while being flavored with an Asian-inspired spice mixture.
To add a new touch, experiment with varying quantities of chili garlic sauce or swap to sriracha.
Ingredients include: Cauliflower, carrots, olive oil, soy sauce, and cornstarch.
With dishes ranging from savory eggplant parmesan to creamy baba ganoush, you’ll find the ideal partner for your favorite sushi rolls.
The subtle and delicate flavor of white eggplant is a lovely match to sushi’s robust flavors.
Ingredients include: Baba ganoush, Thai white eggplant stir-fry, brinja curry, white eggplant parmesan, and more.
138. Asian Fruit Slaw
This recipe is a unique twist on traditional coleslaw, as it incorporates juicy and tropical fruits.
What makes it even more special is the creamy yet tangy dressing made with a blend of whipping cream, honey, and lemon juice.
Ingredients include: Cabbage, carrot, mangoes, oranges, and cilantro.
139. Sashimi Salad
This Sashimi Salad calls for a succulent tuna filet coated with a sprinkle of freshly ground pepper and seared in grapeseed oil.
The real magic comes from the Matsuhisa dressing and Nobu’s Vegetable Salad, which adds an umami flavor and refreshing crunch to the mix.
Ingredients include: Tuna filet, ground pepper, grapeseed oil, Matsuhisa Dressing, and Nobu’s Vegetable Salad.
Dinardaraan is a Filipino pork blood stew with crispy pork belly.
Its tangy-savory flavor and crunchy texture give an interesting contrast to the smooth texture of sushi rolls.
Ingredients include: Pork cheek, shallot, ginger, tamarind extract, and pork liver.
141. Arroz Caldo
With the addition of chicken and a unique broth, this Arroz Caldo dish combines long-grain rice to achieve a creamy and hearty texture.
Its comforting warmth makes it a brilliant companion to sushi, enhancing the light and fresh note of the fish.
Ingredients include: Chicken, onion, canola oil, fish sauce, and ginger.
142. Asian Slaw
Serve this Asian Slaw alongside your favorite sushi dish and watch it disappear.
The recipe offers a nice blend of fresh veggies dressed in a complex and savory sauce.
Pro tip: Letting the slaw chill in the fridge is the secret to unlocking the full potential of its flavors.
Ingredients include: Purple cabbage, carrots, garlic, ginger, and soy sauce.
These Teriyaki Mushroom Lettuce Wraps are a great way to get your greens in while still indulging in some tasty comfort food.
The tender and juicy shiitake mushrooms are cooked in a homemade teriyaki sauce and wrapped in fresh lettuce leaves for a satisfying crunch.
Ingredients include: Mushroom, oil, bell pepper, ginger, and Teriyaki sauc
This Filipino dish combines crispy fried tofu, tender pork belly, and a soy-vinegar sauce, all come together without requiring extensive cooking techniques.
Despite its simplicity, this dish will wow your taste buds with its bold and delicious flavors.
Ingredients include: Pork belly, salt, tofu, onion, and green chili.
Subak-Hwachae is a customizable Korean watermelon fruit punch.
Pair it with sushi to cleanse your palate with its light, fruity flavor and cooling sensation.
Ingredients include: Watermelon, honeydew melon, rice cake balls, ginger ale, and sugar.
These crispy bites take classic mac and cheese to the next level with the addition of spicy gochujang and tangy kimchi.
They’re a tasty side for sushi, adding a bold and unexpected twist to your meal.
Ingredients include: Macaroni, milk, cheddar, butter, and gochujang.
147. Korean Appetizers
Korean Appetizers, like dakgangjeong and rabokki, can be a fantastic side for sushi.
These starters offer a unique and delicious flavor that can add a lot of excitement to your sushi meal.
Ingredients include: Fire rabokki, kimchijeon, jjukkumi gui, dakgangjeong, and more.
Gather around, foodies, for the tale of Cold Asian Green Bean Salad.
Its crunchy beans and zesty sesame-soy dressing combine to provide a fragrant symphony that compliments the delicate aromas of sushi.
When prepared ahead of time, its charm intensifies overnight, promising an unforgettable side dish sensation.
Ingredients include: Green beans, soy sauce, honey, vinegar, and ginger.
149. Mango Salad
Filled with bright colors and bold flavors, this Mango Salad is a true taste of summer.
Each bite delivers a delectable taste that lingers on your lips long after you’ve finished.
This recipe is a universally Asian-inspired favorite as a side for sushi.
Ingredients include: Mangoes, bell pepper, cilantro, mint, and lime juice.
202 Ideas: What To Serve With Sushi 🍣
Here’s our epic list of 202 side ideas for sushi, with tips for what to buy at the store instead of making it yourself.
Ingredients
- Japchae (Stir Fries Starch Noodles)
- Sunomono (Cucumber Salad)
- Natto
- Seaweed Salad
- Seaweed Salad (Wakame Salad)
- Easy Homemade Kimchi
- Cold Asian Green Bean Salad
- Tempura
- Homemade Shrimp Tempura
- Tempura Vegetables
- Mango Salad
- Air Fryer Broccoli With Chinese Garlic Sauce
- Agedashi Tofu
Instructions
- Wondering What To Serve With Sushi?
- Select the recipes that look good.
- Gather all the ingredients needed.
- Get cookin’ and chewin’!
- Love it? Share on your socials!
This classic Chinese dish is wonderful for anyone who wants to add some flavor to their meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Made in just 5 minutes and 4 ingredients, the vegetable side blends well with sushi, adding a pop of color to the meal.
Ingredients include: Choy sum, peanut oil, garlic, and soy sauce.
Experience a culinary revelation with the brilliant pairing of Oven-Roasted Bok Choy and sushi.
The strong and flavorful garlic infusion gives the bok choy a delicious twist, and it’s roasted until tender and crispy.
Ingredients include: Bok choy, olive oil, pepper flakes, black pepper, and sesame seeds.
152. Japanese Appetizers
Japanese appetizers frequently include elements that go well with sushi, making them expected accompaniments to the rolls.
Many of them offer light and refreshing qualities, which can help balance out the bold taste of the sushi.
Ingredients include: Tsukune, chawan mushi, miso soup, yaki onigiri, and more.
153. Tokyo Mule Cocktail
The Tokyo Mule Cocktail is a new and refreshing take on the classic Moscow Mule.
This drink, made with saké, Smirnoff vodka, and lime juice, has a special Japanese-inspired flavor profile.
Ingredients include: Sake, ginger syrup, sparkling water, cucumber, and lime juice.
These Easy Thai Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a must-try pair for sushi.
The peanut sauce is the star of the show; it’s so creamy and flavorful that you’ll want to eat it straight from the spoon.
Ingredients include: Chicken breasts, bell pepper, oil, butter lettuce, and peanut butter.
Step into the world of the Pea & Green Bean Sesame Ginger Salad.
This recipe isn’t only easy to make but is also a perfect combination of sweet and zesty flavors.
The blanching and shocking technique used for the beans gives them a crisp and tender texture.
Ingredients include: Green beans, sunflower oil, honey, soy sauce, and peas.
Even though this soju dirty martini just takes a few minutes to make, it is big on flavor.
Mix it up with different soju variations to get your own unique touch on this incredible drink.
Ingredients include: Soju, vermouth, olive brine, and ice.
The choice of side dish depends on personal taste preferences and the specific type of sushi being served.
Some spinach side dish recipes can be a delicious addition to a sushi meal, even if they are not traditionally Japanese.
Ingredients include: Sigeumchi namul, garlic spinach, spinach fritters, cheesy spinach casserole, and more.
Sungnyung (Scorched Rice Tea) is a fun and easy-to-make Korean tea with a unique nutty flavor.
What makes this recipe special is the toasting process, which gives the rice a pleasant smoky taste.
It’s a good match for sushi, as it helps cleanse the palate between bites.
Ingredients include: Short grain rice and water.
This recipe combines the unique flavors of tangy lemon and savory Parmesan cheese with the crunch of crispy croutons made from older or stale bread.
The result is a mouthwatering salad that enhances the flavors of sushi.
Ingredients include: Kale, lemon juice, olive oil, croutons, and black pepper.
160. Easy Arugula Salad
This salad provides a spicy bite of arugula balanced with sweet honey and tangy note of lemon juice.
They’re all tied together with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of pepper.
Thanks to its refreshing crunch, it makes a nice, easy pairing to sushi.
Ingredients include: Olive oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, arugula, and pepper.
While it may sound unconventional, the pairing of these Chinese Chicken Dumplings with sushi is quite delightful.
It calls for boneless and skinless chicken thighs, which make the filling moist and juicy.
While the napa cabbage adds a pleasant contrast to the delicate flavor of sushi.
Ingredients include: Gyoza wrappers, sesame oil, ground pork, cabbage, and soy sauce.
162. Korean Recipes
Sushi and Korean dishes may come from different culinary traditions, but when combined, they make a harmonious blend of tastes that will delight your palate.
By incorporating Korean recipes, such as samgyeopsal, spicy soondae, or hotteok, you can create a more exciting sushi meal.
Ingredients include: Jjampong, samgyeopsal, soondae, hotteok, and more.
163. Homemade Bone Broth
Serve a cup of this bone broth in between sushi courses as a palate cleanser.
It also pairs well with heartier sushi roll fillings such as cooked meats or tempura shrimp.
Make in large batches and freeze for up to six months.
Ingredients include: Chicken bones, carrots, celery, chayote squash, and parsnips.
If you ever find yourself with an abundance of cucumbers, make a batch of Vietnamese cucumber salad.
It has a tangy, refreshing flavor that complements the rich sushi rolls.
Ingredients include: Cucumbers, red onion, jalapeno pepper, cilantro, and mint.
This Japanese Ginger Salad Dressing is a delicious recipe that balances the flavors of sushi or any other Asian-inspired dish.
Unlike heavier Asian salad dressings, this one has a light and subtle flavor.
The secret to this recipe is the combination of grated ginger and pureed carrot, which gives it a distinct taste.
Ingredients include: Carrot, ginger, rice wine vinegar, shallot, and soy sauce.
This salad is a great example of how taking a chance on an unexpected ingredient can lead to culinary discoveries and enjoyable surprises.
Despite broccolini not being the most common salad ingredient, the lightly seasoned and chilled greens pair nicely with the tangy sesame dressing, creating a unique taste experience.
Ingredients include: Broccolini, sunflower seeds, togarashi, nerigoma, and soy sauce.
167. Asian Noodle Recipes
Picture this: you’re sitting at your favorite sushi spot (your kitchen table), craving a little something extra to go with your rainbow roll.
Enter our extensive list of Asian noodle recipes.
Some of these chewy and bold noodles bring a flavor explosion, so bookmark this list for further reading.
Ingredients include: Jjajangmyeon, pad Thai, pho, japchae, and more.
This exquisite age 21+ cocktail is not your ordinary Whiskey Soda.
Crafted with the utmost precision, using only the finest ingredients, it’s a testament to the art of mixology.
It’s a good sushi companion.
The light and refreshing taste of the cocktail doesn’t overpower the delicate flavors of the sushi, allowing you to enjoy the subtle nuances of each bite.
Ingredients include: Japanese whiskey and soda water.
Laden with crispy cauliflower and irresistible sticky sauce, General Tso’s Baked Cauliflower will convert even the most ardent cauliflower skeptics into cauliflower lovers.
Mmm sweet and spicy veggie goodness.
Ingredients include: Cauliflower, canola oil, cornstarch, soy sauce, and red chilies.
170. Ahi Tower
The presentation is really the key here, an eye-popping literal tower of stacked sushi ingredients.
Gather all of your ingredients before you begin to assemble.
Pro Tip: Assemble on your presentation table so you don’t have to move it too much before serving.
Ingredients include: Tuna, crab meat, sushi rice, sesame oil, and mayonnaise.
171. Squid Salad
This dish is like a refreshing sea breeze in your mouth; it’s light, zesty, and oh-so-tasty.
And you know what makes this salad even better?
It tastes great with sushi.
Ingredients include: Squid, feta cheese, yogurt, olive oil, and capers.
172. Vegetarian Bento Box
This fun bento box is filled to the brim with delicious marinated tofu, sesame hazelnut furikake on a bed of fluffy rice, and an assortment of vibrant veggies.
And to top it all off, a sweet and indulgent chocolate treat for dessert.
Ingredients include: Nori, butternut squash, lemongrass, tofu, and cucumber.
With a flavor that’s totally unique and a texture that’s totally addictive, these Roasted Nori Seaweed Chips will have you coming back for more.
They are made from the finest nori seaweed sheets that have been roasted to crispy perfection with just the right amount of salt.
Ingredients include: Nori seaweed, tamari sauce, sesame oil, cayenne pepper, and sesame seeds.
174. Easy Bang-Bang Sauce
Let’s get saucy with some bangin’ sushi!
This sauce is the ideal partner for your sushi rolls, adding a lovely entertaining twist to your palate.
Keeping ingredients cold helps create a creamy and saucy texture.
Ingredients include: Mayonnaise, sweet Thai chili, rice vinegar, sriracha sauce, and garlic.
175. Tobiko Avocado Toast
Imagine biting into crisp toast topped with creamy avocado and bursting with tiny, flavorful tobiko, a type of fish egg.
And if that wasn’t enough, it’s also garnished with succulent cooked lobster and fresh scallions for an extra punch of flavor.
Ingredients include: Avocado, lime juice, black pepper, sourdough bread, and tobiko.
Vietnamese Noodle Salad, a vibrant symphony of crunchy veggies, quick-cooking vermicelli, and a tangy Vietnamese dressing, pirouettes onto your plate.
Fish sauce tastes better than it smells, by the way, so don’t let the strong smell scare you off. 🐟
Ingredients include: Carrot, cucumber, bean sprouts, cilantro, and fish sauce.
177. Japanese Cocktails
Japanese Cocktails offer a fantastic accompaniment to sushi.
The Tokyo Mule cocktail, for example, mixes ginger beer, sake, and lime juice to deliver a refreshing and tangy taste.
Another option is the Yuzu Chūhai, a blend of sweet and sour yuzu citrus with Japanese shochu for a crisp and citrusy flavor.
Ingredients include: Haiboru, sake bomb, kinbato, yuzu chuhai, and more.
Japanese Cocktails offer a fantastic accompaniment to sushi.
The Tokyo Mule cocktail, for example, mixes ginger beer, sake, and lime juice to deliver a refreshing and tangy taste.
Another option is the Yuzu Chūhai, a blend of sweet and sour yuzu citrus with Japanese shochu for a crisp and citrusy flavor.
Ingredients include: Haiboru, sake bomb, kinbato, yuzu chuhai, and more.
Great as a sushi side, this Chili Crisp & Garlic Roasted Asparagus recipe will add bold, exciting flavors to your table.
To make, roast the asparagus, drizzle hot sesame oil, and top with fried garlic and Lao Gan Ma chili crisp for a spicy note.
Ingredients include: Asparagus, olive oil, garlic, salt, and sesame oil.
180. Kinbato Cocktail
The Kinbato Cocktail is a simple yet flavorful drink made with just three ingredients.
Despite its simplicity, this cocktail has a unique and refreshing citrusy taste that blends greatly with sushi.
Ingredients include: Shikuwasa juice, awamori, and cider.
181. Scallion Salad
This simple salad dish highlights the fresh, crisp flavor of scallions.
For an extra kick, some chefs toss the scallions with sesame oil, gochugaru, and sesame seeds.
The crisp, refreshing texture of the salad can help to clear the palate and balance the rich flavors of the sushi.
Ingredients include: Scallion, gochugaru, sesame oil, soy sauce, and sugar.
These low-carb Asian Turkey Meatballs are a scrumptious side for sushi, as their juicy and tender texture offers a pleasing contrast to the fish.
The garlic powder and scallions in these meatballs add a savory element; you’ll love the flavor combo.
Ingredients include: Ground turkey breast, pork rinds, garlic powder, eggs, and scallions.
Bulgogi’s sweet, savory taste and tender texture make it an excellent accompaniment to delicate sushi.
Its bold flavor profile enhances the sushi’s mild taste, while the vegetables and spicy sauces balance the dish.
Ingredients include: Beef, scallions, soy sauce, carrot, and sugar.
This side dish is straightforward to make, adding some variety to your usual meal routine.
The tangy and refreshing flavors balance the rich and savory taste of the sushi, while its crunch provides a pleasant contrast.
Ingredients include: Vinegar, sugar, salt, carrots, and daikon radish.
The special feature of this recipe lies in its thick, chewy udon noodles with fresh vegetables, chicken, or beef.
The secret to perfectly cooked Yaki Udon is to thaw the frozen noodles in hot water for a minute, then toss them in a hot wok with other ingredients.
Ingredients include: Udon noodles, cooking oil, shrimp, cabbage, and carrots.
186. Hwe Dub Bap
Hwe Dup Bap is the spicy sushi bowl you never knew you needed.
The dish has cool and crisp cucumbers, which balance out the spicy sauce and fresh sashimi-grade seafood.
It also improves the rich taste of the sushi, and the spicy gochujang sauce complements the flavors of soy sauce and wasabi.
Ingredients include: Gochujang, sugar, sesame oil, sesame seeds, and lettuce.
187. Grilled Eel
This traditional Japanese dish is made with grilled eel, cooked to perfection, and served over a bed of rice.
The secret to this recipe is the unagi sauce, which adds a rich umami flavor and a sweet note.
Ingredients include: Fresh water eel filets, mirin, sake, sugar, and soy sauce.
Filipino Adobo Dipping Sauce is a tangy and savory condiment made with soy sauce, vinegar, and garlic.
It can be thickened with cornstarch for versatility.
It’s both pungent and powerful, not sweet, and is very different than Mexican adobo flavors.
Ingredients include: Vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, bay leaf, and sugar.
Mu Saengchae is a vibrant and spicy Korean radish salad that will introduce a burst of savory notes to any meal.
The recipe is simple, but the radish’s julienning can be a bit challenging.
Don’t worry; a mandolin can be used instead.
If you prefer an extra crunchy texture, salt the radish beforehand.
Ingredients include: Korean radish, scallions, gochugaru, fish sauce, and ginger.
190. Sriracha Mayo Sauce
Sriracha Mayo Sauce is an excellent side for sushi, as the spiciness complements the subtle taste of raw fish and seafood.
The creamy texture balances the sushi, while the sauce’s versatility allows for dipping or enhancing the flavors of sashimi or nigiri.
Ingredients include: Egg, lime juice, salt, sriracha, and avocado oil.
Transform bland cauliflower into a low-carb, powerful side dish to sushi of all kinds.
Behold the Garlic Soy Roasted Cauliflower recipe.
A great alternative to traditional fried sides, this recipe adds a flavorful kick to your sushi plate without overpowering delicate flavors.
Ingredients include: Cauliflower, olive oil, tamari, honey, and ground ginger.
192. Bibimbap
Bibimbap is a Korean rice bowl that features a colorful assortment of vegetables, meat, and egg, arranged artfully over a bed of rice.
You’ll enjoy this rice bowl with sushi since its tangy and slightly spicy notes balance out the mild, clean taste of the latter.
Offer this delicious Korean dish with the rest of your sushi offerings and make it a feast!
Ingredients include: Ground beef, baby spinach, carrots, white rice, and gochujang sauce.
193. Masago Ponzu Shoyu
The unique aspect of this recipe is the combination of masago, cilantro, and lemon wedges.
This sauce is not only a tasty accompaniment to sushi but also works well as a dipping sauce for grilled King Trumpet or Oyster mushrooms.
Ingredients include: Oysters, soy sauce, lemon juice, lemon zest, and sugar.
194. Eel Sauce
This quick sauce uses only three simple ingredients: soy sauce, sugar, and mirin.
This sweet and savory eel sauce has a thick and sticky texture, making it excellent for drizzling over sushi rolls.
The recipe also adds a complex depth of flavor to any dish without overpowering it.
Ingredients include: Soy sauce, sugar, and mirin.
195. Vietnamese Pho
Vietnamese Pho is a popular soup dish with rice noodles, herbs, and spices in a rich, flavorful broth.
Its unique taste comes from the combination of aromatic ingredients like star anise, cinnamon, and cloves.
Time-consuming and worth every moment.
Ingredients include: Ginger, sugar, beef leg bone, fish sauce, and star anise.
This combines the exotic taste of banana blossom with a blend of spices, herbs, and vegetables.
The dish is beautifully topped with vegan yogurt, coriander leaves, and a sprinkle of chaat masala, which adds a tangy and spicy twist.
Lots of ingredients, but what a presentation!
Ingredients include: Olive oil, chaat masala, sugar, turmeric, and banana blossom.
197. Asian Cocktails
Cheers to a memorable sushi night!
These Asian Cocktails go well with sushi because they enhance the delicate flavors of the famous Japanese dish.
Sake grapefruit cocktail, for instance, has a refreshing citrusy taste that cleanses the palate between bites of sushi, while the creamy and sweet Korean yogurt soju cocktail adds a unique and interesting flavor to the meal.
Ingredients include: Sake grapefruit cocktail, Korean yogurt soju cocktail, Vietnamese coffee espresso martini, Singapore sling, and more.
198. Kimchi Pancake
Say hello to the Kimchi Pancake, a delightful fusion of Korean and Western cuisine.
It boasts a unique flavor and hue thanks to the addition of kimchi juice.
Satisfyingly crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside, this is bound to impress.
Ingredients include: Kimchi, scallions, onion, tuna, and cooking oil.
This Soju Cape Cod Cocktail is a fun and refreshing twist on the classic Cape Cod drink.
The unique recipe uses Korean vodka, giving the mix a bright, lightly sweet, and has a tangy finish.
Ingredients include: Soju, cranberry juice, simple syrup, ice, and lime.
Are you tired of the same old sushi sides?
Shake things up with keto-friendly Cauliflower Fried Rice.
The dish’s subdued flavor also serves as a delicious contrast to the mild and subtle taste of sushi.
Season it any way you want, and the riced cauliflower takes on all the flavors.
Ingredients include: Cauliflower, sesame oil, carrots, ginger, and eggs.
201. Grilled Pork Belly
This Grilled Pork Belly recipe is what you need to make your sushi feast a nice protein-rich meal.
It’s laden with a rich, smoky, and crispy texture, thanks to the powerful blend of pork belly, soy sauce, and sugar.
Ingredients include: Pork belly, soy sauce, banana sauce, sugar, and pepper.
202. Seaweed Salad
This Seaweed Salad is a light and tasty way to complement the rich flavors of sushi rolls.
Its flavorful dressing, made from miso paste, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and ginger, is a highlight of the recipe.
Ingredients include: Dried seaweed, ginger, miso paste, soy sauce, and rice vinegar.
The bottom line
Sushi is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed on its own, but it’s even better when paired with the right sides.
This article lists 202 sides for sushi, including side dishes, appetizers, sauces, salads, cocktails, and more.
We have something for everyone from classic sides like miso soup and edamame to more creative options like grilled eel and mango salad.
So whether you’re looking for a simple side dish or something more elaborate, we have you covered.
Plus, we’ve included recipe links for all of the sides, so you can make them at home.
So next time you’re in the mood for sushi, be sure to check out our list of sides.
You won’t be disappointed.
And many more!