One question that puzzles home cooks often is what to serve with teriyaki chicken. Read on as we present some of the best side dishes that will go perfectly with your teriyaki chicken!
One of the most popular dishes on Japanese menus is teriyaki chicken.
It is a simple dish, yet it is so full of flavor that everyone can’t seem to get enough of it.
The complex flavors that teriyaki chicken brings to the table can make it a bit tricky to find suitable pairings.
Not to worry, though, as we are here to help.
Teriyaki chicken is a Japanese dish that traditionally consists of chicken that has been grilled or broiled and served with a sweet soy sauce glaze.
While the origins of chicken teriyaki are unknown, the origins of teriyaki sauce can be traced to the 1960s when Japanese immigrants settled in Hawaii and shared their cooking methods and techniques.
Since then, it has become a beloved dish in Japan and abroad.
Read on as we discuss 17 dishes that go well with teriyaki chicken.
Pay close attention to #15, as this dish will give your palate a surprising treat!
The umami zest of the mushrooms pairs well with the sweet-and-savory teriyaki chicken, and the earthy tones of the mushrooms contrast the colorful chicken and rice.
Plus, the mushrooms add a touch of sophistication to the dish, making it ideal for entertaining.
So next time you’re looking for a suitable side dish for your teriyaki chicken, look no further than Roasted Mushrooms with a balsamic, soy, and garlic glaze.
This side dish is a terrific combination of tangy and wholesome.
The asparagus is stir-fried with garlic and then tossed in a light soy sauce.
This gives the asparagus a nice flavor that pairs well with the sweetness of the teriyaki chicken.
So if you’re looking for a palatable side dish to go with your teriyaki chicken, look no further than Garlic Stir-Fry Asparagus.
Shrimp Tempura is a Japanese dish of deep-fried shrimp.
The shrimp is usually coated in a batter of eggs, flour, and water.
However, some variations may include additional ingredients such as baking soda or rice flour.
Tempura batter is light and crispy, making it a fitting complement to teriyaki chicken.
The two dishes share similar tanginess, and the tempura adds a welcome crunch to the tender chicken.
Steamed Broccoli pairs well with teriyaki chicken because it is a light and nourishing vegetable that contrasts nicely with the rich sauce.
The bright green color of the broccoli also provides a visual contrast to the dark chicken and sauce.
Gomae is a type of salad often served as an appetizer or side dish in Japanese cuisine.
It is made with blanched spinach served chilled and dressed with a sweetened soy sauce dressing.
The sweetness of the dressing helps to offset the saltiness of the soy sauce.
At the same time, the crispness of the spinach provides a refreshing contrast to the chicken.
As a result, Gomae makes an ideal accompaniment to teriyaki chicken, helping to balance out the tastiness of the dish.
Nasu Dengaku is a sweet and tasty grilled eggplant dish from Japan.
It is typically made by coating grilled eggplant in a miso-based sauce and is often served with teriyaki chicken.
The combination of these two dishes is often said to be the quintessential marriage of flavors, as the sweetness of the Nasu Dengaku complements the savoriness of the chicken.
In addition, both dishes are cooked using similar methods (i.e., both grilled), which helps create a harmonious taste.
7. Fried Rice
Fried Rice is a popular dish made from cooked rice that has been stir-fried in a wok or frying pan.
Fried Rice can be made with white or brown rice, but it is usually prepared with day-old rice that has been allowed to dry out slightly.
This helps prevent the rice from sticking together and results in a light and fluffy dish.
Teriyaki chicken pairs well with fried rice because the salty sapor of the chicken complements the lightly seasoned rice.
The Fried Rice also helps absorb some excess marinade, creating a richer piquancy.
In addition, the crispy texture of the pan-fried rice contrasts nicely with the tenderness of the chicken.
8. Yakisoba
Yakisoba is a Japanese noodle dish made from wheat flour and typically fried in a piquant sauce that features soy sauce, vinegar, and sugar.
The combination of yakisoba and teriyaki chicken is a classic example of Japanese cuisine that combines the noodles’ bite with the chicken’s sweetness.
Together, these two dishes create a sumptuous meal that diners will undoubtedly enjoy.
9. Yasai Itame
Yasai Itame is a popular choice for teriyaki chicken because of its bold taste and versatility.
This dish is made by sautéing vegetables in a mixture of soy sauce, mirin, and sake.
The result is a stellar course infused with the savory tang of the sauce.
Additionally, the dish can be spiced up with the addition of chili pepper flakes or served over steamed rice for a more filling meal.
No matter how you enjoy it, Yasai Itame is an excellent way to add more punch to your teriyaki chicken.
Japanese Potato Salad is a popular dish made with boiled potatoes, eggs, cucumber, and carrots in a vinegar-based dressing.
One reason Japanese potato salad goes particularly well with teriyaki chicken is that the sauce’s sweetness complements the dressing’s acidity.
The chicken also provides a hearty protein component that helps round out the meal.
11. Japanese Rice
While any kind of rice can be utilized for teriyaki chicken, Japanese Rice is the ideal choice.
Japanese Rice is short-grain, sticky rice that has a slightly sweet flavor.
This stickiness allows the rice to absorb the zest of the sauce, creating a dish that is incredibly satisfying.
Bean Sprout Salad is a brilliant dish that makes an excellent side to teriyaki chicken.
The salad is made with fresh bean sprouts, carrots, and cabbage, all tossed in a zesty soy ginger dressing.
The result is a crisp and refreshing salad that goes well with the chicken.
The bean sprouts add crunch, and the dressing adds flavor, making this dish a winner all around.
cooked in a light broth.
While it can be enjoyed independently, Shiraae also makes an excellent side dish for teriyaki chicken.
The light, delicate tang of the Shiraae complements the rich zest of the chicken, making for a delectable and well-rounded meal.
In addition, the contrast in textures between the smooth tofu and the tender chicken is an enjoyable eating experience.
If you want a fresh way to enjoy teriyaki chicken, remember to give Shiraae a try.
14. Tsukemono
Tsukemono is Japanese pickled vegetables.
They are typically made with cabbage, cucumber, daikon, or ginger.
They can be flavored with various seasonings, including soy sauce, rice vinegar, and mirin.
Tsukemono is a common accompaniment to Japanese meals and is often served alongside rice and other dishes.
One dish that tsukemono goes particularly well with is teriyaki chicken.
The salty-sweet flavors of the chicken are complemented by the tangy taste of the pickled vegetables, making for a finger-licking meal.
Whether you’re enjoying a home-cooked Japanese dinner or ordering takeout from your favorite restaurant, try Tsukemono with your next order of teriyaki chicken.
Hijiki is a seaweed often used in Japanese cuisine that has a sweet flavor and a chewy texture.
Hijiki is typically used in salads or as a topping for rice and noodles.
The combination of Hijiki Seaweed Salad and teriyaki chicken is a classic match.
The hijiki provides a pleasant contrast to the richness of the chicken.
At the same time, the teriyaki sauce helps to bring out the sweetness of the seaweed.
This dish is sure to please any fan of Japanese cuisine.
16. Tamagoyaki
Tamagoyaki, or Japanese omelet, is a delicious and versatile dish that goes well with many different main courses.
A personal favorite is Tamagoyaki with teriyaki chicken.
The lightly sweetened tamagoyaki is a consummate compliment to the flavorsome chicken, and the two dishes come together to create a spectacular and sublime meal.
To make this dish even more unique, you can add a sprinkle of furikake, or Japanese rice seasoning, on top.
This simple addition adds an extra tang that takes the dish to the next level.
Whether you’re looking for a hassle-free meal or an impressive dish to serve at a dinner party, tamagoyaki with teriyaki chicken will pleasantly raise eyebrows.
While there are many variations of teriyaki chicken, one common pairing is Bok Choy and Mushrooms in Oyster Sauce.
The savory oyster sauce helps balance the sweetness of the teriyaki chicken, and the mushrooms add a layer of umami zip.
The crispness of the bok choy provides a refreshing contrast to the rich chicken and sauce.
Combined, these ingredients create a dish that is superb and wholesome.
The bottom line
There are many yummy and easy-to-make side dishes that go well with teriyaki chicken.
So next time you’re wondering what to serve with your teriyaki chicken, try one of these fantastic options.
Trust us; your family and guests will be mightily grateful for satisfying their palate and filling their tummies.
What To Serve With Teriyaki Chicken🍴
Next time you're wondering what to serve with your teriyaki chicken, try one of these 17 easy side dish options.
Ingredients
- Roasted Mushrooms
- Garlic Stir-Fry Asparagus
- Shrimp Tempura
- Steamed Broccoli
- Gomae (Japanese Spinach Salad With Sesame Sauce)
- Miso Glazed Eggplant
- Fried Rice
- Yakisoba
- Yasai Itame
- Japanese Potato Salad
- Japanese Rice
- Bean Sprout Salad
- Green Bean Shiraae
- Tsukemono
- Hijiki Seaweed Salad
- Tamagoyaki
- Bok Choy & Mushrooms In Oyster Sauce
Instructions
- Take a look at our What To Serve With Teriyaki Chicken list!
- Bring the ingredients to create a new favorite dish.
- Woohoo! You created a home-cooked meal!
- Comment your thoughts on our Facebook page!