What To Serve With Chow Mein (25 Best Side Dishes)

Chow mein is a classic Chinese noodle dish that is loved for its combination of stir-fried noodles and flavorful vegetables and protein. Whether you prefer chicken chow mein or vegetarian chow mein, this dish is always a crowd-pleaser.

But what could make a bowl of chow mein even better? The perfect side dishes, of course! From hot and sour soup and sesame chicken to crispy tofu and sweet chili sauce, these sides and sauces will complete your chow mein dinner. But these sides work just as great for other Asian noodle dishes like lo mein noodles (tossed noodles) or yakisoba noodles.

So, let’s explore the best side dishes to serve with chow mein!

1. Egg fried rice

Egg-fried rice is a classic and tasty side that complements the bold flavors of chow mein.

With simple ingredients like soy sauce, sesame oil, and green onions, this easy side dish can be made in minutes and adds a satisfying crunch to any chow mein meal.

Pair it with a pan-fried chow mein recipe or a traditional chow mein dish from your favorite Chinese takeout spot.

We love: Better Than Takeout Fried Rice (by Life Made Simple)

2. Orange chicken

A vegetable chow mein and orange chicken make the perfect pair for a delicious Chinese-inspired meal. The savory sauce of the orange chicken goes well with chow mein noodles.

To add some extra flavor and texture, include thinly sliced vegetables like bell peppers and onions in your chow mein.

To complete your orange chicken and chow mein dinner, find more delicious orange chicken side dishes.

We love: Easy Orange Chicken Recipe (by Cookin’ with Mima)

3. Egg drop soup

Egg drop soup is the perfect side dish to serve with chow mein, especially if you’re going for a classic Chinese meal.

While chow mein is a delicious and filling dish on its own, pairing it with egg drop soup adds a layer of flavor and texture to the meal. Plus, it’s a simple and easy recipe that can be made with basic ingredients like eggs, chicken broth, and green onions.

Overall, egg drop soup is a great accompaniment to any style of chow mein, whether it’s homemade or from a popular restaurant like Panda Express or homemade. Serve it as an appetizer or side dish!

We love: Chinese Egg Drop Soup (by Takes Two Eggs)

4. Egg rolls

Egg rolls are the perfect addition to any chow mein dish, providing a satisfying crunch and delicious flavor.

These crispy fried rolls are filled with a variety of vegetables and protein, making them a great complement to the pan-fried noodles in chow mein. Plus, they are easy to make and can be customized with different ingredients to suit your taste buds.

We love: How to Make Egg Rolls (by Natasha’s Kitchen)

5. Char siu

Char siu, also known as Chinese BBQ pork, is a delicious and popular side dish to serve with chow mein. This dish adds a burst of flavor and texture to your meal.

Honestly, char sui goes with any meal!

Traditionally, char siu is made by marinating pork in a sweet and savory sauce made with hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and brown sugar. It is then roasted, sliced, and served tender, sticky and sweet.

But don’t worry, you don’t have to go to a Chinese restaurant to enjoy this delicious Chinese dish. You can easily make it at home by following a simple recipe, and the ingredients can be found in most grocery stores.

We love: Char Siu Pork (Chinese BBQ Pork) (by RecipeTin Eats)

6. Stir-fried bok choy

Stir-fried bok choy is a great side dish to serve with chow mein. This popular Chinese vegetable adds a fresh and crunchy element to the dish.

This dish is super easy to make and can be on the table in minutes. It’s a great healthy side dish to serve with your next Chinese food night.

We love: Bok Choy Stir-Fry with Garlic & Ginger (by Aline Made)

7. Spring rolls

Spring rolls are another great side dish that can also be served as an appetizer whether you are enjoying a homemade chow mein recipe or takeout from your favorite Chinese restaurant.

These crispy and flavorful rolls, filled with fresh vegetables (like shredded cabbage) and served with a side of sweet and tangy sauce, perfectly complement the bold and savory flavors of chow mein. Plus, they add a fun and interactive element to the meal as you can dip and eat them alongside your noodles.

Not only are spring rolls a great accompaniment to chow mein, but they also make a great appetizer served with a dipping sauce.

We love: Easy Homemade Spring Rolls (by Dinner, then Dessert)

8. Sweet and sour pork

Sweet and sour pork is a classic Chinese dish that goes perfectly with chow mein. The tangy and sweet flavors of the pork complement the savory and slightly spicy flavors of the chow mein, creating a well-balanced and delicious meal.

This dish is also a great way to add some protein to your meal if you’re having veggie chow mein, as it is traditionally made with chunks of deep-fried pork. Serve it alongside your chow mein for a satisfying and flavorful meal that will please everyone at the table.

And, if you’re not eating pork, sweet and sour chicken works just as well.

We love: Sweet and Sour Pork (by Silk Road Recipes)

9. Sesame chicken

Sesame chicken is another delicious Asian chicken dish to serve with chow mein.

The crispy and flavorful chicken pairs perfectly with the savory and slightly sweet flavors of the chow mein noodles.

This Chinese-American cuisine classic is easy to make, with simple ingredients like boneless and skinless chicken breast, a light batter, and a light soy sauce-based sauce. And, of course, toasted sesame seeds.

We love: Sesame Chicken(by Rasa Malaysia)

10. Kung pao chicken

Kung Pao chicken is the perfect side dish to serve with chow mein. This classic Chinese chicken dish is known for its savory flavors and spicy kick, making it a great complement to the salty sauce and egg noodles in chow mein.

The stir-frying method used to cook kung pao chicken is similar to the technique used to make chow mein, making it a natural pairing.

We love: Kung Pao Chicken Noodles (by Eat With Clarity)

11. Bean sprouts

You can simply sprinkle your noodles with raw bean sprouts. But why stop there? Stir-fried bean sprouts make the perfect side dish to complement your homemade chow mein!

These crunchy sprouts add a refreshing element to any chow mein dish, providing a nice contrast to the savory flavors.

For an extra boost of flavor, stir-fry the bean sprouts in some dark soy sauce before adding them to the chow mein. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.

We love: Bean Sprout Stir Fry (by Omnivore’s Cookbook)

12. Steamed dumplings

Steamed dumplings are the perfect side dish or appetizer to pair with chow mein. These traditional Chinese dumplings bring a delicious and savory flavor to any meal.

Whether you make your own homemade dumplings or use store-bought frozen ones, they are an easy and delicious side dish that can be steamed quickly while your chow mein is frying.

Serve with soy sauce and black vinegar for dipping, or a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce. See more sauces and sides to serve with dumplings.

We love: Juicy Steamed Chicken Dumplings (by The Flavor Bender)

13. Crispy tofu

Crispy tofu is a great side dish to pair with any style of fried noodles.

This tasty and easy recipe is traditionally made by frying well-drained tofu until crispy and then tossing it in a flavorful sauce made with ingredients like soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a touch of sesame oil. It’s a super easy and delicious vegetarian alternative to traditional chow mein dishes.

But, for a healthier version, you can also make crispy baked tofu!

We love: Crispy Baked Tofu (by 40 Aprons)

14. Honey garlic shrimp

Honey garlic shrimp is the perfect side dish to complement your chow mein. This classic Chinese dish is a tasty combination of sweet and savory flavors that will leave your taste buds wanting more.

With the right balance of sweetness and garlic, honey garlic shrimp is the perfect addition to any style chow mein. Serve it with more stir-fried veggies, steamed rice and appetizers like crunchy spring rolls.

We love: 20 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp (by Sally’s Baking Addiction)

15. Snap peas

If you’re looking for a delicious and easy side dish to serve with your homemade chicken chow mein or your favorite panda express chow mein, look no further than snap peas.

These fresh and bright green peas are the perfect accompaniment to the intensely savory flavors of chow mein. They add a nice crunch and pop of color to the plate.

Serve the snap peas (or snow peas) raw, or simply sauté the snap peas in a little bit of oil and toss in soy sauce. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and finish with a grind of black pepper.

We love: Sesame Soy Snap Peas (by Diethood®)

16. Hot and sour soup

Hot and sour soup is the perfect soup appetizer or side dish to pair with chow mein. The tangy and spicy flavors of the soup are a nice contrast to the savory and slightly sweet sauce of the chow mein.

This side dish is especially great in the colder winter months!

We love: Hot and Sour Soup (by Little Spoon Farm)

17. Chinese green beans

Chinese green beans are the perfect side dish to accompany your homemade chow mein. These crisp and flavorful green beans come together quickly and easily, making them a great addition to any dinner rotation.

This traditional Chinese side dish is almost always served with a protein. So, if you’re serving vegetable chow mein, add some char siu (Chinese BBQ pork), teriyaki chicken, or mapo tofu to complete your meal.

We love: Chinese Green Beans with Garlic Sauce (by Pickled Plum)

18. Shiitake mushrooms

Shiitake mushrooms are a delicious and versatile ingredient that’s often included in stir-fried noodles. But have you ever tried serving them as a side dish? They won’t disappoint!

To incorporate shiitake mushrooms into your chow mein recipe, simply slice them into thin, inch-thick pieces and cook them with your other vegetables (like red bell pepper and shredded cabbage) and protein.

Or create a simple side dish by sauteeing shiitake mushrooms in canola oil until golden brown. Then season with toasted sesame oil and a splash of soy sauce.

We love: Sautéed Shiitake Mushrooms (by Food with Feeling)

19. Sweet chili sauce

Sweet chili sauce is a versatile sauce that works well with a variety of Asian dishes, and it’s well worth keeping a bottle of the good stuff in the fridge.

But, it’s also super easy to make your own sweet chili sauce at home!

Place it in a small bowl or jar and let everyone help themselves to sweeten the meal, dip some crispy egg rolls, or take the spice up a notch.

We love: Sweet Chili Sauce (by The Kitchen Magpie)

20. General Tso’s chicken

One of the best chicken dishes to add to your chow mein dinner table is General Tso’s chicken. This classic Chinese dish is a perfect complement to any type of chow mein, whether it’s vegetable, chicken, or beef chow mein.

General Tso’s sauce ingredients include chicken stock, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, cornstarch, and rice wine vinegar. It’s a flavor-packed sauce with a glossy shine and sticky texture that coats the chicken pieces perfectly.

If you want to boost your veggie intake, you can swap the chicken for cauliflower!

We love: Try This General Tso Chicken Recipe (by Savory Bites Recipes)

21. Moo shu pork

Moo shu pork is a classic Chinese stir-fry dish that makes a great accompaniment for chow mein.

With its bite-sized pieces of pork and fresh vegetables, moo shu pork is a versatile dish available in many Chinese restaurants. But, you can also easily recreate it at home with a few pantry staples!

We love: Moo Shu Pork (by Small Town Woman)

22. Chinese garlic broccoli

Chinese garlic broccoli is a classic and delicious vegetable side dish.

This simple and flavorful dish is made by stir-frying fresh broccoli with garlic in a hot wok or pan. You can give the stir-fry a serious flavor boost with some traditional oyster sauce or vegetarian oyster sauce.

We love: Best Stir Fried Broccoli (by The Shortcut Kitchen)

23. Mapo tofu

Mapo tofu is a very popular Chinese dish. And, rightly so. It is intensely flavorful with ground meat and tofu stir-fried in a mouth-numbing Szechuan sauce.

And, surprisingly, delicious map tofu is not that difficult to create at home!

We love: Authentic Mapo Tofu (麻婆豆腐) (by Omnivore’s Cookbook)

24. Wonton soup

Wonton soup is a classic Chinese dish that makes a great side dish when you’re eating family-style. But it’s also the perfect appetizer to serve with chow mein.

The light broth and delicate wontons complement the savory noodles and add a different texture to the meal. Plus, wonton soup cooks quickly, making it the perfect side dish for a quick and easy meal.

We love: Quick & Easy Wonton Soup (by Belly Full)

25. Szechuan eggplant

For an Asian-inspired vegetable side dish to pair with chow mein, try Szechuan eggplant (aubergine).

This crowd-pleasing dish is flavor-packed with a silky texture. Sprinkle with sliced green onions and serve with more Chinese side and main dishes.

We love: Chinese Yu Xiang Eggplant Recipe (by China Sichuan Food)

Frequently asked questions

So there you have it – the best side dishes to serve with your delicious and flavorful Chinese chicken chow mein! From crunchy vegetables to tasty noodles and more, these sides are the perfect accompaniment to your chow mein main course.

Plus, with simple instructions and easy-to-find ingredients, these side dishes are perfect for weeknight meals or even to upgrade quick and tasty takeout recipes.

Don’t forget to leave a comment to let me know what you plan to serve with your favorite chow mein dish.

Thanks for reading and happy cooking!