25 Asian Side Dishes to Complete Your Feast

Asian side dishes bring vibrant flavors and textures to any meal. This collection of 25 recipes includes everything from spicy noodle salads to crispy spring rolls, adding bold and exciting elements to your table.

These sides not only enhance the main course but stand out on their own with fresh ingredients and distinctive tastes. Whether you're making dinner for the family or entertaining guests, these dishes are quick to prepare and packed with flavor.

Explore the colorful and dynamic world of Asian cuisine with these crowd-pleasing sides.

Mayak Eggs (Korean Marinated Eggs)

Mayak eggs bring an irresistible blend of soft-boiled perfection and bold, umami-packed marinade. These Korean-style marinated eggs soak up flavors overnight, resulting in a savory, slightly sweet burst in every bite.

Perfect for breakfast or as a snack, they pair beautifully with rice or noodles. Their rich, glossy exterior and tender interior make them a visual and flavorful delight.

Preparing them takes minimal effort, but the taste feels gourmet.

Asian Cucumber Salad

Asian cucumber salad combines crisp cucumbers with a tangy, umami-rich dressing for a refreshing side dish. Perfect for summer, its vibrant flavors come from soy sauce, sesame oil, and a touch of spice.

The crunch of the cucumbers contrasts beautifully with the smooth, aromatic dressing. Great alongside Thai or Chinese mains, it’s also a wonderful standalone snack.

Light and healthy, this dish is a quick crowd-pleaser.

Hibachi Fried Rice

Hibachi fried rice brings the sizzling flavors of Japanese steakhouses straight to your kitchen. With perfectly cooked rice, scrambled eggs, and a medley of vegetables, it’s a versatile side or light main dish.

Soy sauce and sesame oil blend seamlessly to create that signature hibachi taste. Leftover rice finds new life in this quick, satisfying recipe.

Its simplicity allows you to customize it with shrimp, chicken, or beef.

Wonton Soup

Wonton soup blends tender wontons with a flavorful, aromatic broth for a comforting classic. Bok choy and mushrooms add depth and texture, while the delicate wontons provide a satisfying bite.

Perfect as an appetizer or light main, it’s both elegant and comforting. This homemade version rivals any restaurant favorite while being surprisingly quick to prepare.

Each spoonful offers layers of warmth and umami goodness.

Simple Edamame

Simple edamame brings a healthy and satisfying touch to any meal or snack. Lightly salted for a classic flavor or spiced with garlic and chili for a bolder kick, it caters to a variety of palates.

Each pod delivers a burst of nutty, natural sweetness and protein-packed nutrition. Quick to prepare, it’s ideal as a starter or nutritious side.

Whether served warm or chilled, it’s always a crowd-pleaser.

Miso Soup

Miso soup soothes with its light, umami-packed broth and delicate flavors.

A base of miso paste and dashi provides a rich yet subtle taste, enhanced with tofu, wakame, and scallions.

This Japanese favorite is both nourishing and comforting, perfect as a starter or light meal.

Quick to prepare, it offers a sense of warmth and tranquility with every sip.

Vietnamese Chicken Salad

Vietnamese chicken salad combines shredded chicken, crunchy vegetables, and fragrant herbs in a tangy, savory dressing.

Fresh mint, cilantro, and basil create a symphony of flavors, while the balance of sweet, sour, and salty notes ensures every bite is memorable.

Light yet satisfying, it’s an ideal dish for lunch or as a side for larger meals.

The vibrant colors and textures make it a feast for the eyes and the palate.

Kimchi Fried Rice

Kimchi fried rice turns leftover rice into a spicy, flavor-packed dish.

Infused with tangy kimchi, garlic, and sesame oil, it delivers a bold taste in every bite.

Topped with a fried egg, it becomes a complete meal, rich in texture and umami.

A sprinkle of green onions adds freshness and a touch of brightness.

Easy Lo Mein

Easy lo mein satisfies cravings for takeout with a homemade twist.

Loaded with fresh vegetables and tender noodles, it combines soy sauce, sesame oil, and a hint of sweetness for that classic flavor.

A versatile base for shrimp, chicken, or tofu, it’s a dish that adapts to your preferences effortlessly.

Perfect for busy weeknights, it comes together in just minutes while delivering bold, satisfying tastes.

Kimchi

Kimchi holds its place as a staple in Korean cuisine for a reason. This spicy, tangy fermented cabbage dish is packed with bold seasonings like garlic, ginger, and chili.

Its probiotic benefits make it not just delicious but a healthful addition to any meal. Whether served as a side, incorporated into fried rice, or added to stews, it always enhances dishes with its distinctive taste.

With its robust, dynamic flavor, it’s a must-try for those looking to expand their palate.

Filipino Garlic Rice (Sinangag)

Filipino garlic rice, or sinangag, transforms simple ingredients into a fragrant, savory treat.

Cooked with golden, crispy garlic, this dish brings out a nutty depth in each grain.

A perfect side for breakfast with eggs or longganisa, or paired with rich stews, its versatility makes it a staple in Filipino households.

It’s a quick and easy way to elevate plain rice into a culinary star.

Classic Egg Rolls

Classic egg rolls wrap seasoned meat and vegetables in a golden, crispy shell.

These homemade versions are packed with fresh cabbage, carrots, and ground pork, perfectly seasoned for a satisfying bite.

Paired with dipping sauces, they make an ideal appetizer or snack for any gathering.

The crunch of the wrapper complements the savory filling, creating a balanced, irresistible dish.

Chinese Fried Rice

Chinese fried rice combines fluffy grains with savory soy sauce, crisp vegetables, and optional proteins like chicken or shrimp. A quick toss in a hot wok ensures every ingredient is infused with smoky flavor.

It’s an easy and adaptable way to use leftover rice, transforming it into a restaurant-quality dish. Whether as a side or a main, it brings comfort and satisfaction in every bite.

Customizable to suit your preferences, it never fails to impress.

Thai Fresh Spring Rolls

Thai fresh spring rolls combine light, crisp vegetables, tender shrimp or tofu, and chewy rice paper wraps.

Served with a sweet and tangy peanut chili sauce, they are a refreshing, healthy appetizer or snack.

Bursting with fresh herbs like mint and cilantro, they pack incredible flavor into every bite.

Easy to customize, they suit a range of dietary preferences and occasions.

Lumpia (Filipino Fried Spring Rolls)

Lumpia wraps a flavorful filling of ground pork and mixed vegetables in a crispy shell.

These Filipino fried spring rolls are perfect as an appetizer or snack, delivering a satisfying crunch with every bite.

Dipped in a sweet chili sauce, they offer a balance of textures and tastes that’s hard to resist.

Easy to prepare in batches, they’re a favorite for parties and family meals alike.

Lumpiang Sariwa (Filipino Fresh Spring Rolls)

Lumpiang sariwa brings fresh flavors and a light, satisfying crunch.

Filled with meat, shrimp, and vegetables, these Filipino fresh spring rolls are wrapped in delicate crepes and served with a sweet-savory sauce.

Perfect for gatherings or as a wholesome snack, they’re both nourishing and flavorful.

The fresh ingredients create a refreshing bite that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Egg Drop Soup

Egg drop soup combines silky egg ribbons with a light, savory broth for a comforting dish.

Infused with chicken flavor and garnished with scallions, it’s both simple and satisfying.

Perfect as a starter or light meal, its rich yet delicate taste makes it universally appealing.

Quick to prepare, it’s a go-to recipe for busy days.

Okonomiyaki (Japanese Pancake)

Okonomiyaki combines cabbage, scallions, and batter into a savory Japanese pancake that’s rich in flavor and texture.

Topped with mayo, bonito flakes, and okonomiyaki sauce, it’s both hearty and satisfying.

Often incorporating seafood or pork, it’s highly customizable and ideal for sharing.

The crisp edges and soft center make it an irresistible treat.

Asian Slaw

Asian slaw reinvents the classic coleslaw with bold, zesty flavors.

A vibrant mix of cabbage, carrots, and fresh herbs comes alive with a tangy dressing made from soy sauce, sesame oil, and a touch of lime.

Its crisp texture and refreshing taste make it an excellent side for grilled meats or seafood.

A sprinkling of toasted sesame seeds adds a nutty finish.

Chow Mein

Chow mein blends crispy noodles with tender vegetables and a savory sauce.

With bok choy, carrots, and onions, it delivers a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

A touch of oyster sauce adds depth, while garlic and soy bring a familiar umami taste.

Perfect as a side or main, it’s versatile enough to pair with your favorite proteins.

Baby Bok Choy with Garlic Soy Dressing

Baby bok choy with garlic soy dressing is a side dish bursting with simplicity and flavor.

Tender-crisp bok choy leaves pair beautifully with the umami-rich dressing made from soy sauce, garlic, and a touch of sesame oil.

Quick to prepare, it’s an ideal addition to any meal, from stir-fried noodles to grilled meats.

Its bright green hue adds a vibrant touch to your plate.

Nasi Ulam (Herb Rice)

Nasi ulam brings a burst of herbal freshness to your table. This Malaysian rice dish blends fragrant herbs, such as lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and mint, with aromatic spices and toasted coconut for a truly unique flavor.

The texture is light yet complex, with every bite offering a medley of earthy and citrusy notes. Often paired with grilled fish or meat, it’s as versatile as it is flavorful.

Perfect for those who love adventurous cuisine, this dish combines bold, authentic flavors effortlessly.

Chinese Spring Rolls

Chinese spring rolls bring a satisfying crunch filled with savory, well-seasoned vegetables or meat. Wrapped in a delicate shell and fried to golden perfection, they’re a favorite starter or snack.

The recipe simplifies the process while ensuring an authentic taste, perfect for any Chinese meal. Their crispy exterior gives way to a tender, flavorful filling that everyone enjoys.

Paired with dipping sauces, they become a standout feature at gatherings.

Seaweed Salad

Seaweed salad combines the natural umami of rehydrated seaweed with a tangy, sesame-infused dressing. Each bite brings a chewy, slightly crunchy texture, complemented by hints of sweetness and nuttiness.

This Japanese favorite is light yet packed with flavor, making it a wonderful appetizer or side. A quick preparation process ensures it’s ready in minutes while tasting like it took much longer.

Its vibrant green hue adds visual appeal to any meal spread.

Refreshing Mango Salad

Refreshing mango salad brings the perfect mix of sweet, spicy, and tangy elements together. Juicy mango slices mingle with chili oil, soy sauce, and a sprinkle of herbs, inspired by Thai flavors.

It’s an easy-to-make side dish that pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or seafood. The bright, tropical sweetness contrasts beautifully with the savory dressing.

Ideal for summer gatherings or as a light appetizer, it always leaves a lasting impression.