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What to Eat With Chow Mein? 15 Easy Side Ideas

What to Eat With Chow Mein? 15 Easy Side Ideas

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We provide a list of 15 sides to complement chow mein. These options add a variety of textures, temperatures, and flavor contrasts, offering crunchy vegetables, tangy slaws, warm soups, and simple starches that suit different effort levels and meal occasions.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Side Dish
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Garlic Sesame Roasted Broccoli crunchy
  • Tangy Asian Cabbage Slaw tangy
  • Crackly Scallion Pancakes crunchy
  • Simple Steamed Baby Bok Choy bright
  • Egg Drop Soup with Scallions creamy
  • Spicy Pickled Cucumber Salad crunchy
  • Chili Garlic Green Beans bright
  • Crispy Vegetable Spring Rolls crunchy
  • Ginger Soy Glazed Carrots bright
  • Chilled Sesame Noodle Salad creamy
  • Cilantro Lime Rice bright
  • Soft Steamed White Rice neutral
  • Hot & Sour Soup tangy
  • Pan-Fried Pork Potstickers crunchy
  • Crispy Fried Wontons crunchy

Equipment

  • Sheet pan For roasting vegetables
  • Mixing bowl For salads and dips
  • Cutting board
  • Skillet For sautéing or frying sides

Method
 

  1. Assess what the main dish already provides—if it has starch, focus on vegetables and fresh sides.
  2. Choose 2-3 sides that fill different gaps: one vegetable, one starch or bread, one sauce or dip.
  3. Start the longest-cooking side first. Prep quick items like salads while the oven works.
  4. Balance temperatures—pair hot roasted vegetables with a cold slaw or chilled dip.
  5. Plate the main dish with sides arranged around it. Drizzle sauce or add garnish last.

Notes

Add a crunchy or tangy salad and keep it chilled until serving. This prevents the meal from feeling too heavy or bland alongside savory chow mein.

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