What To Serve With Stir-Fry (20+ Best Side Dishes)

Stir-fry is my go-to dish for busy weeknights. It’s always a quick, easy, and delicious dinner. But what makes a stir-fry even better? The perfect side dishes, of course!

From classic options like sesame noodles and steamed rice to more unique choices like hibachi vegetables and Chinese pickled cucumber, these sides will complement your stir-fry perfectly. I include low-carb, gluten-free, and healthy options, as well as more traditional side dishes.

Whether you’re pulling out your air fryer or instant pot, or sticking to no-cook and stovetop recipes, these sides will complete your stir-fry meal. So, let’s dive in and discover the best side dishes to serve with your next stir-fry.

1. Sesame noodles

Sesame noodles are the perfect side dish to serve with meat or vegetable stir-fry. This simple and easy recipe is a great option when you want something simple that’s not white rice or brown rice.

The nutty flavors of the sesame seeds, and toasted sesame oil in the savory stir-fry sauce add flavor to the vegetables and protein in the stir-fry. Plus, this dish can be customized with simple ingredients like zucchini noodles, snap peas, water chestnuts, bell peppers, and baby corn.

We love: Garlic Sesame Noodles (by Eat With Clarity)

2. Bok choy stir fry

Bok choy stir-fry is the perfect side dish to pair with any stir-fry recipe. This easy and versatile dish can be prepared quickly over high heat, making it the ultimate meat stir-fry side dish.

For a twist, add some snow peas, or green beans to your bok choy stir fry. The possibilities are endless with this easy side dish that will elevate any stir-fry meal.

Plus, it pairs well with a variety of rice recipes, from jasmine rice to fried rice, and even quinoa fried rice or cauliflower rice.

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

3. Asian cucumber salad

When it comes to stir-fries, a refreshing Asian cucumber salad is the perfect side dish to balance out the bold flavors of the stir-fry.

The cool and crisp cucumbers, paired with a tangy dressing featuring rice vinegar and chilli flakes, provide a nice contrast to the warm and savory stir-fry. Plus, it’s a great way to add some extra veggies to your meal.

Serve it alongside your favorite stir-fry recipes, and add some fried rice or fried noodles to the table for a delicious and well-rounded meal.

We love: Asian Cucumber Salad (by Rasa Malaysia)

4. Pork fried rice

Pork fried rice is a delicious and versatile side dish that goes well with any stir-fried dish. Its savory flavors and hearty texture make it a great side dish to balance out the light and fresh flavors of a veggie stir-fry.

Replace rice with quinoa or cauliflower in your fried rice recipe if you want a low-carb alternative that’s just as tasty. Serve it alongside your favorite stir-fried dishes for a well-rounded and satisfying meal.

We love: 15-Minute Pork Fried Rice (by Omnivore’s Cookbook)

5. Vegetable spring rolls

When it comes to finding the perfect side dish for your favorite stir-fried noodles recipe, vegetable spring rolls are a delicious and versatile choice.

These crispy and flavorful rolls are a great addition to any meal and can be filled with a variety of vegetables, making them a great accompaniment to any stir-fry dish. Or serve them as an appetizer to whet your appetite.

A side of sweet chili sauce is a must for a tasty dipping sauce.

We love: Vegetable Spring Roll Recipe (by Babs Projects)

6. Sesame soy broccoli

Soy-glazed broccoli is one of my favorite tasty side dishes that pairs perfectly with any stir-fry.

This simple and flavorful dish can be made quickly while your main course is cooking. Toss broccoli florets with soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, minced garlic, and black pepper (or red pepper flakes) and roast in a hot oven. Then sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds.

For an even quicker side dish, steam the broccoli florets and toss in the soy and sesame dressing—this is a typical Korean sesame broccoli salad. And it’s one of the best sides for stir-fry or Korean BBQ.

We love: Sesame Soy Broccoli (by Slender Kitchen)

7. Sesame miso sauce

One of the best parts of a stir-fry is that it can be made with a variety of delicious and flavorful sauces. Whether you stir sesame miso sauce into stir-fried noodles or serve it as an accompaniment to a veggie stir-fry, it is a serious flavor game changer!

Simply mix together some white miso paste, sesame oil, honey, garlic, and rice wine vinegar for a quick and easy sauce that will elevate your stir-fry to the next level.

It’s also perfect for meal prep. Make a large batch of sauce and serve it with your favorite recipes throughout the week, try it with teriyaki chicken breasts or salmon.

We love: Sesame Miso Sauce (by Easy Peasy Japanesey)

8. Teriyaki chicken

When it comes to stir-fry, teriyaki chicken is the perfect side dish. The sweet and savory flavors of the teriyaki sauce complement the bold and spicy flavors of the stir-fry, creating a delicious and well-rounded meal.

To make this dish, simply marinate chicken pieces in a mix of soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger, then cook on medium-high heat until golden brown. Serve alongside your favorite stir-fry dishes for an easy and satisfying meal.

Teriyaki chicken is the perfect protein to serve with your favorite vegetable stir-fry recipe. Add a bowl of white rice or fried noodles.

We love: Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl (by Modern Meal Makeover)

9. Scallion pancakes

Scallion pancakes are a classic Chinese dish that makes a perfect side or starter for stir-fry. The crispy texture and savory flavor of these pan-fried pancakes pair well with the bold and flavorful stir-fry dishes.

Along with the stir-fry and scallion pancakes, you can serve some fried rice for a delicious and complete meal. Or serve the scallion pancakes alongside egg rolls or spring rolls with a tangy dipping sauce for the perfect appetizer to serve with stir-fry.

The best part about scallion pancakes is that they are super easy to make!

We love: Homemade Scallion Pancakes (by The Flavor Bender)

10. Steamed dumplings

Steamed dumplings are another simple dish you can serve alongside stir fry as a side or as the perfect appetizer.

You can make your own homemade dumplings, it’s a fun activity if you have the time. Or opt for store-bought frozen dumplings for the ultimate convenience!

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

11. Egg drop soup

Egg drop soup is the perfect side dish for any stir-fry meal on a cold night. It’s a light and refreshing option that balances out the bold flavors of the stir-fry.

With simple ingredients like chicken broth and eggs, this soup is easy to make and pairs well with a variety of stir-fry dishes. Once you have the technique down, you can whip up a restaurant-style egg drop soup in no time!

I love to serve tomato egg drop soup as an appetizer for stir-fry, but you can also serve it as a stir-fry side dish alongside more Chinese side dishes.

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

12. Wonton soup

When it comes to stir-fry, the options for side dishes are endless. But one of the best side dishes to serve with stir-fry is wonton soup.

Not only does it provide a delicious side dish option, but wonton soup is also a popular dish in Chinese cuisine that pairs well with stir-fried dishes as an appetizer. The light broth, filled with wontons, baby bok choy, and other leafy greens, complements the bold and flavorful stir-fry.

Buy store-bought frozen wontons for the easiest side dish to impress the whole table. Or take your time to make homemade wonton soup for your next stir-fry dinner.

We love: 25 Minute Wonton Soup with Sesame Chili Oil. (by Half Baked Harvest)

13. Steamed rice

Steamed rice is a classic and versatile side dish that goes well with any stir-fry. The simplicity of steamed rice complements the bold flavors of stir-fry dishes and is the perfect vessel for soaking up all that flavorful stir-fry sauce.

Serve stir-fry with steamed rice and another light and fresh side dish like a simple cucumber salad with a honey garlic dressing to add some freshness to your meal.

For those looking for a low-carb option, cauliflower rice is a great substitute for steamed rice.

We love: How To Make Perfect Steamed Rice (by Curry Trail)

14. Miso soup

Miso soup is a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with any stir-fry dish. It’s light and refreshing, making it the perfect complement to the bold flavors of your favorite stir-fry.

This versatile soup comes together quickly and easily, making it a great option for a busy weeknight meal. You can serve it as a side dish or an appetizer.

It’s the perfect side dish to round out your meal and please your taste buds.

We love: Miso Soup (Easy and Authentic Recipe) (by Rasa Malaysia)

15. Coconut rice

Coconut rice is a delicious and versatile side dish that pairs beautifully with any stir-fry. The creamy and slightly sweet flavor of coconut adds a tropical twist to the meal.

This dish is also a great option for vegetarians or those looking for a plant-based side to go with their favorite stir-fry, such as a vegetable stir-fry.

For those who prefer a meat-based stir-fry, coconut rice also goes well with teriyaki chicken.

Sprinkle the coconut rice with sliced green onions or garlic chives, then serve it with a bowl of sesame miso sauce and easy stir-fried bok choy.

We love: Easy Coconut Jasmine Rice (by Cooking For My Soul)

16. Crab rangoon

Crab Rangoon is a perfect appetizer or side dish for any stir-fry recipe. This delicious and crispy appetizer is a Thai-inspired favorite that pairs well with any stir-fry dish.

With its umami flavor and crunchy texture, crab rangoon adds a unique twist to your meal. Serve it with a sweet chili sauce for dipping.

We love: Crab Rangoon (The Best Recipe!) (by Rasa Malaysia)

17. Hibachi vegetables

Hibachi vegetables are a Japanese-inspired side dish that pairs perfectly with any stir-fry. These flavorful and slightly spicy vegetables add an umami flavor to your meal that will have your taste buds dancing.

You don’t need an actual hibachi to make these grilled Japanese restaurant-style vegetables. A wok and very high heat will do the trick!

Customize the recipe with your favorite vegetables.

We love: Best Grilled Hibachi Vegetable Recipe (by Weekday Pescatarian)

18. Chicken lettuce wraps

Chicken lettuce wraps are a tasty and light side dish that pairs perfectly with any stir-fry. The crisp lettuce leaves provide a refreshing crunch, while the flavorful chicken filling adds a savory element to the meal.

This dish is also very versatile, as you can add many different ingredients to the filling such as scrambled eggs, pork, or even stir-fried tofu for a plant-based alternative

So, if you’re looking for the perfect low-carb side dish for your stir-fry, look no further than lettuce wraps!

We love: Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps (by A Pinch of Healthy)

19. Chinese pickled cucumber

Chinese pickled cucumber adds a refreshing and tangy contrast to the umami flavor of the stir-fry.

This easy side goes well with any stir-fry, whether it’s a classic cabbage stir-fry, a noodle recipe with peanut sauce, or classic Chinese take-out noodles like chow mein. Plus, it’s a low-carb option for those looking to cut back on rice or noodles.

For an extra kick of flavor, add some crushed red pepper flakes.

We love: Chinese Pickled Cucumber (A Quick Pickle Recipe) (by Omnivore’s Cookbook)

20. Chinese hot and sour soup

Chinese hot and sour soup is a great side dish to serve with stir-fry, as it complements the umami flavors of the main course. The tangy vinegar in the soup provides a flavorful contrast to the stir-fried veggies and protein.

This soup is also a great way to incorporate more fresh vegetables into your meal, as it typically includes ingredients like bamboo shoots and shiitake mushrooms. Plus, it’s a simple and easy recipe that can be made in a slow cooker or on the stovetop.

We love: Hot and Sour Soup (by Gimme Some Oven)

21. Lo mein noodles

Lo mein noodles are a versatile and delicious side dish that pairs perfectly with any stir-fry. This easy recipe is a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your meal planning, as you can add many different types of veggies, like white onions and red peppers.

For a complete meal, serve it with a protein like teriyaki chicken or beef, and feel free to customize the flavors with your choice of sauces, such as oyster sauce, sesame oil, or honey garlic.

Rice makes for a great main course, but serving lo mein noodles as a stir-fry side dish is the best way to enjoy its unique flavors and textures. And with this quick and easy recipe, you can have a delicious meal on the table in no time.

We love: Lo Mein Noodles (by RecipeTin Eats)

22. Quinoa fried rice

Looking for a healthier alternative to the traditional fried rice dish? Quinoa fried rice is the perfect stir-fry side dish to add to your meal.

This easy quinoa fried rice recipe is a one-pot dish that’s packed with flavor and can be customized with your favorite stir-fry ingredients.

Not only is this dish a great way to switch up your stir-fry side dishes, but it’s also a delicious side dish on its own. Enjoy it with lettuce wraps, cucumber salad, or even alongside some fresh spring rolls. The possibilities are endless with quinoa fried rice.

We love: Quinoa Fried Rice Recipe (by Simply Quinoa)

23. Cauliflower fried rice

Cauliflower fried rice is another great side dish for stir-fry, especially if you are looking for a low-carb or gluten-free option.

To make cauliflower fried rice, use a variety of vegetables, such as green beans, cabbage, and carrots, making it a versatile side dish that pairs well with many different stir-fry recipes. You can also add in some protein, such as boiled eggs, teriyaki salmon, or tofu, to make it a well-rounded meal.

This dish is also perfect for meal planning, as it can be made ahead of time and reheated (thoroughly) for a quick and easy side dish.

We love: The Best Cauliflower Fried Rice (by Sugarless Crystals)

So next time you whip up a stir fry for dinner, remember to pair it with one of these delicious side dishes. From easy quinoa fried rice to flavorful vegetable spring rolls, these stir-fried side dishes will complete your dinner and leave you smiling from ear to ear.

And with options for meal prep and slow cooker versions, you can easily incorporate these dishes into your meal planning.

So go ahead and whip up a large batch of sesame miso sauce, a few vegetable sides, and a bowl of coconut rice or fried noodles for the ultimate stir-fry dinner.

Leave a comment to let me know what your favorite stir-fry side dish recipes are!