The bold, vibrant flavors of Chinese cuisine have a way of elevating just about any meal. These easy Chinese side dishes are no exception—they’ll wake up your taste buds and bring balance to whatever’s on the plate, whether it’s chicken, steak, fish, or a plant-based main. Best of all, they’re simple to prep ahead or whip up alongside your main dish, making them as practical as they are flavorful.
1. Chinese Garlic Green Beans
If you’ve ever wondered how Chinese restaurants get their veggies tender yet still crisp and vibrant, my Spicy Chinese Garlic Green Beans recipe reveals the secret. Once you’ve got this technique down, you’ll be able to transform almost any vegetable into a crave-worthy Chinese side dish that’s packed with flavor and just the right amount of crunch.
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2. Triple Garlic Noodles
Garlic Noodles may have been born in the U.S., but their bold, savory flavors are rooted in the Chinese diaspora and the way communities around the world have adapted beloved ingredients to new kitchens. This is one of those Chinese food side dishes that comes together in minutes but delivers a serious triple hit of garlic and plenty of lip-smacking umami. The sauce keeps well in the fridge, so you can have it on standby whenever a craving strikes or even when a boring entrée needs a flavor boost.
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3. Smashed Cucumber Salad
When it comes to easy Chinese sides, this one delivers on two fronts: bold, refreshing flavor and a chance to take out a little aggression! Smashing the cucumbers is super fun, but it also serves a purpose. You're making lots of jagged surfaces in the vegetables for the spicy, piquant sauce to cling to.
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4. Shrimp Fried Rice
Fried rice is often more of an afterthought, but it doesn't have to be basic. My Shrimp Fried Rice recipe uses a few flavor-boosting hacks that take this classic to the next level, and I walk you through how to get perfectly fluffy grains every time. It's tasty enough to stand alone as a main, but it also makes a fantastic side to round out your meal with a little something extra. And if shrimp's not your thing, I've got a few other fried rice variations you can check out like kimchi fried rice, curry fried rice, and garlic fried rice.
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5. Spicy Wontons in Chili Oil (红油抄手)
These tender, slick noodle wrappers enfold a soft pillow of seasoned ground pork, and after they've been boiled, they get a generous topping of chili oil. I've got an easy homemade chili oil recipe, but store-bought works fine in a pinch. Add steamed rice and a couple more Chinese side dishes, and you have a feast worth sharing.
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6. Chicken Chow Mein
Chow Mein is often treated like a filler in fast food combos, but my version earns it a place at the center of your plate. With tender chicken, fresh noodles, and crisp vegetables tossed in a deeply savory sauce, this is a Chinese side dish with main dish vibes. And if you're into food history, don't miss the deep dive into its fascinating backstory.
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7. Rainbow Five Spice Pickles
Over on my other site, Marc’s Recipes, I like to play around with flavor mashups, and these Rainbow Five Spice Pickles are a perfect example. Inspired by other quick pickles, fragrant five spice powder and fresh ginger give them a distinctly Chinese twist. They’re crisp, tangy, warmly aromatic—perfect alongside everything from noodles to steak to a simple bowl of rice.
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No matter what’s on the menu, these easy Chinese side dishes make the whole meal shine. You might find yourself returning to them even when Chinese food isn’t the main event—seared scallops, pork chops, and roasted chicken all play beautifully with these bold, flavorful sides.
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