It has that beautiful blend of sweet and salty flavors, with a hint of earthy and smoky undertones. But while teriyaki chicken has nailed the flavors down, it’s hardly a meal on its own. You’ll want to serve a few complimentary sides to round out your meal. And since you’re already serving an Asian dish, why not go all out? Whip up some Asian sides to go with your Teriyaki Chicken. If that sounds a bit intimidating, don’t worry! These tasty side dishes are easier than you might think. So without further ado, I present to you, 15 side dishes that pair perfectly with Teriyaki Chicken.
1. Tempura
Let’s begin with another Japanese favorite of mine – tempura! But, aside from the more popular ebi (shrimp) tempura, use vegetables instead! Coat sweet potatoes, squash, and eggplant with Panko breadcrumbs and deep-fry until golden. And, don’t forget that sweet tempura sauce. Here’s how to do it: boil some water and add dashi, mirin, and soy sauce. Easy!
2. Vegetable Stir Fry
Called yasai itame, vegetable stir fry is another traditional Japanese side dish that’s delicious, nutritious, and quick and easy to make! Plus, the vibrant vegetables pair perfectly with Teriyaki Chicken too, so you can’t go wrong with this one. For the vegetables, you’ll need cabbage, onions, carrots, snow pease, carrots, and bean sprouts. You’ll also need garlic and ginger for more flavor. For the distinct Japanese flavor, though, head to your nearest Asian grocery and get some soy sauce, sake, and sesame oil.
3. Noodles
Since Teriyaki Chicken is purely protein, you’ll want to pair it with a few carbs on the side. So, how about some noodles? There are a variety of noodle dishes to choose from – and any of them are great with teriyaki chicken. For instance, some soba or buckwheat noodles flavored with soy sauce, sesame oil, green onion, and sesame seeds will elevate your meal to a whole new level of goodness. Or, you could also give your soba noodles a Korean flair by adding kimchi, edamame, and black bean paste. Then, coat that in soy sauce and rice vinegar dressing. Top it with peanuts, scallions, and cilantro for another layer of texture and flavor. Or how about some rice noodles? Coat them in sesame oil and flavor with a bit of lime juice. Again, top with some peanuts, green onions, and cilantro. So so good. Add a Chinese twist to your meal by making lo mein, a Chinese staple made with egg noodles. Veggies such as snow peas, carrots, and mushrooms add color and flavor to the dish. And, that beautiful sauce made with soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and ground ginger. Fantastic.
4. Eggplant
Eggplant is another staple in Asian cuisine. There are many ways to prepare this versatile dish, but I like marinating it in teriyaki sauce to match the chicken. I then fry it in olive oil for a few minutes, and it’s ready! So easy, yet so delicious.
5. Sticky mushrooms
Enoki and Shitake Mushrooms have such a distinct rich and earthy flavor, and it pairs so well with Teriyaki Chicken. Give it an Asian spin by flavoring it with oyster sauce and mirin. Add some chopped chili if you can take the heat.
6. Coleslaw
Okay, coleslaw isn’t Asian, but you can infuse some oriental flavor to your carrots and cabbage by coating it in a sweet sesame and ginger dressing. Delish!
7. Root Vegetables
Give your Teriyaki Chicken a healthy yet filling side by roasting some root vegetables! Slice up some carrots, potatoes, turnips, taro, and sweet potatoes and coat them in a delicious soy sauce, peanut, coconut, and sesame oil dressing. Roast them in the oven and Voila, a delicious and colorful side.
8. Veggies in Butter
Another easy way to flavor your vegetables is to cook it in butter and miso paste. If you’re not familiar with it, miso paste is a Japanese seasoning made with fermented soybeans. And boy is it delicious! See how it elevates the flavor of broccoli, sugar snap peas, carrots, young corn, and other vegetables. So good!
9. Salad
Again, here’s another dish that’s not exactly Asian, but hey, it tastes great with Teriyaki Chicken just the same. And you can infuse some Asian flavors to your salad by using a sesame ginger dressing instead of the usual ranch or vinaigrette. The dressing has that beautiful balance of sweet and tangy.
10. Steamed Broccoli
Give your Teriyaki Chicken a bright green contrast with a simple steamed broccoli! Add some Asian flavor to it by coating the florets with a mixture of miso paste, sesame oil, and sesame seeds. When preparing your broccoli, keep in mind not to overcook it, otherwise it will lose its signature crunch. Just a few minutes in the steamer will do.
11. Rice
Another Asian staple – rice! A simple steamed sticky Japanese rice is best for Teriyaki Chicken, but other varieties work well too. For instance, if you want a creamy rice dish, cook it in coconut milk. Or, if you want something more flavorful, make fried rice! Saute day-old rice with onions, eggs, and your favorite veggies.
12. Roasted Asparagus
Give your asparagus spears a wonderful flavor by adding oyster sauce and garlic. So crunchy and tasty!
13. Corn on the Cob
You can go the simple route and slather your corn with butter and call it a day. But while that’s good enough for Teriyaki Chicken, it will be even more fitting if you infuse it with Asian flavors. I’m thinking hot Sriracha sauce, honey, and garlic powder.
14. Brussels Sprouts
Sure, Brussels sprouts aren’t inherently Asian, but if you coat it in a mixture of soy sauce, Sriracha, sesame oil, rice vinegar, garlic powder, and honey, you transform it into an Asian dish! And boy is it fantastic.
15. Grilled Fruit and Veggie Skewers
Here’s what you do: coat some pineapples, apples, and red and yellow bell peppers in a mixture of Asian dressing, soy sauce, and honey. Fasten those fruits and veggies in skewers, and grill! Grilling the pineapples will enhance its sweetness even more, giving you a delicious side to die for. Click on a star to rate it!
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