Serve with Stir Fry: Best Side Dishes and Sides to Serve that Pair Perfectly with Your Stir Fry Instead of the Usual

Wondering what to serve with stir fry? Explore our favorite side dishes that perfectly complement any stir fry meal.
What To Serve With Stir Fry Instead of Rice

Well, if you’re reading this, you’re probably wondering what to serve with your stir fry, right? Maybe you’re bored of the typical white rice or you’re looking for something different to make your weeknight dinner a little more exciting. A stir fry alone can often leave you wanting a bit more. That’s where this guide comes in. Let’s explore some of the best side dishes to serve with stir fry instead of rice.

Rethinking the Side Dish for Stir Fry Beyond Fried Rice

Stir fries are easy to make, delicious, and often provide an excellent blend of protein and fresh vegetables. But who said you could only pair them with white rice? The key to a good stir fry is balance – pairing your stir fry with the right side dish can complement the main dish and make the meal more satisfying.

The Best Side Dish To Serve With Stir Fry Instead of Rice: Oodles of Noodles

One fantastic side dish to serve with stir fry is noodles. They are a staple in Asian cuisine, and there are so many types to choose from.

Zucchini Noodles

If you’re considering a healthier alternative to rice or noodles, zucchini noodles or “zoodles” might just be the perfect accompaniment to your stir fry. They are simple yet incredibly tasty and easy to make at home. Zucchini noodles not only complement the textures and flavors of stir fry, but they also make for a great low-carb option.

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Zucchini Noodles Recipe
Zucchini Noodles
Discover how to make delicious, healthy Zucchini Noodles at home. This low-carb, gluten-free alternative to pasta is perfect for any meal.
Check Out The Full Recipe Here

Rice Noodles

Swap your white rice with rice noodles. They pair perfectly with stir fry and offer a different texture that goes well with any type of stir fry sauce. A stir fry with one side of rice noodles makes a quick and easy meal.

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English Rice Noodles
Welcome to an enchanting culinary journey that intertwines the luscious flavors of the East with a touch of English simplicity.
Check Out The Full Recipe Here

Teriyaki Noodles

If you’re into flavors, then teriyaki noodles might be your favorite side. These noodles soaked in teriyaki sauce add a sweet and tangy flavor to your stir fry.

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Teriyaki Noodles
A harmonious blend of sweet and savory, these noodles will make your taste buds dance. This dish is perfect for a quick weekday dinner or when you want to impress your friends on the weekend.
Check Out The Full Description Here

Stir Fry Dish Variations

Chicken Stir Fry

Chicken stir fry dishes can be heavy on their own. Thus, pairing them with something light like cucumber salad could bring a refreshing contrast to the palate.

Beef Stir Fry

With beef stir fry, consider serving side dishes like garlic bok choy. The subtle flavors of bok choy accentuate the robust flavor of beef.

Vegetable Stir Fry

For a vegetable stir fry, noodles or spring rolls can add a delightful crunch and variation in flavor.

Spring Rolls: A Crispy Side Dish

Crispy and savory, spring rolls are an excellent side dish for any stir fry. Their crunchy texture provides a nice contrast to the often saucy and juicy stir fry dishes. Whether you serve vegetarian or meat-filled spring rolls, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

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English Spring Rolls Recipe
English Spring Rolls
These crispy, golden beauties encapsulate a symphony of textures and aromas, making them a crowd-pleaser!
Check Out The Full Recipe Here

Greens to Consider Serving Side Dishes: Bok Choy & Cucumber Salad

Bok Choy

Bok choy is an Asian green that tastes amazing when cooked with simple seasoning. A side of garlic bok choy cooked with a dash of soy sauce, salt, and pepper makes a healthy and delicious stir fry side dish.

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Asian-Style Bok Choy Recipe
Asian-Style Bok Choy
Delving into the vibrant world of Asian cuisine, this Bok Choy stir-fry is a testament to the incredible versatility of this humble leafy green.
Check Out The Full Recipe Here

Cucumber Salad

A cool cucumber salad, seasoned with some rice vinegar, can be a refreshing side dish for a spicy or rich stir fry. The crispness of the cucumber pairs well with the diverse textures in a stir fry.

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Cucumber Salad Recipe
Summer Cucumber Salad
Indulge in the crisp, refreshing flavors of our Summer Cucumber Salad, a recipe masterfully combining simple ingredients into an extraordinary side dish that epitomizes the essence of summer.
Check Out The Full Recipe Here

Garlic Bok Choy

Garlic bok choy is another green to consider. Sauteed with a bit of garlic and drizzled with sesame oil, this side dish can take your stir fry dinner to the next level.

Soups to Serve with Stir Fry: Egg Drop Soup and Hot and Sour Soup

Hot and Sour Soup

Hot and sour soup, rich with flavors of soy sauce, vinegar, and several sides of different vegetables, can serve as a wonderful prelude to your stir fry main course.

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Hot and Sour Soup
Dive into the exotic world of Asian cuisine with our Hot and Sour Soup recipe. This perfect blend of tangy, spicy, and savory flavors wrapped up in a bowl is more than a dish – it's a culinary adventure! Easy to make, comforting, and deliciously versatile, this soup is your ticket to an unforgettable dining experience.
Check Out The Full Recipe Here

Egg Drop Soup

Egg drop soup is another traditional option that can pair well with stir fry. Its rich, silky texture and mild flavors provide a great contrast to the robust flavors in a stir fry.

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Egg Drop Soup Recipe
Egg Drop Soup
Whisk up a storm in your kitchen with our simple yet delightful Egg Drop Soup recipe, promising a bowl of warmth, comfort, and an unforgettable culinary adventure.
Check Out The Full Recipe Here

Other Delightful Sides: From Scallion Pancakes to Sesame Miso Sauce

Scallion Pancakes

If you’ve never had scallion pancakes, you’re missing out. These crispy, flaky pancakes are bursting with flavor and make a great side dish to any stir fry.

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Scallion Pancakes Recipe
Scallion Pancakes
Discover the secret to creating irresistible Scallion Pancakes – crispy, savory, and bursting with the flavors of scallions. Get the recipe and make your own delectable homemade pancakes today!
Check Out The Full Recipe Here

Sesame Miso Sauce

A side of sesame miso sauce could be a great addition to your stir fry dinner. This sweet and savory sauce works well if you want to add a burst of flavor to your meal.

Wrapping It All Up!

While rice might be the conventional side dish, trying something new can bring a different dimension to your stir fry experience. Whether it’s noodles, greens, soups, or pancakes, there’s a world of options out there waiting for you to explore. So why not take your stir fry game to the next level and give these delicious sides a try?

FAQs

What are some healthy side dishes to serve with stir fry?

Zucchini noodles, cucumber salad, and garlic bok choy are all healthy and delicious alternatives.

Can I serve more than one side dish with my stir fry?

Absolutely! Serving a variety of sides can make your meal even more satisfying and enjoyable.

Do I always need to serve a side dish with stir fry?

While stir fry can be a complete meal on its own, side dishes often complement the main course and create a more balanced meal.

What are some quick and easy sides to serve with stir fry?

Rice or noodles, cucumber salad, and spring rolls are all quick and easy to prepare.

Can I make these side dishes ahead of time?

Yes, many side dishes like cucumber salad or spring rolls can be made ahead of time, making your cooking process even more effortless.

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