Hey there! As someone who’s been cooking Asian cuisine for years I’ve experimented with countless combinations to find the perfect sides for shrimp fried rice. Today I’m super excited to share my favorite pairings that’ll transform your simple shrimp fried rice into an amazing feast!
Quick Answer
The best sides for shrimp fried rice include:
- Crispy egg rolls and spring rolls
- Asian-style vegetables (like bok choy, snow peas, or Chinese broccoli)
- Soups (miso, hot and sour, or wonton)
- Fresh salads (cucumber, seaweed, or Asian slaw)
- Protein-rich sides (edamame, tempura, or dumplings)
Vegetable Sides That’ll Make Your Meal Pop!
1. Sautéed Asian Greens
I’m telling ya, nothing beats these quick-cooking greens alongside shrimp fried rice:
- Bok Choy: Quick stir-fry with garlic and sesame oil
- Snow Peas: Keep ’em crispy and bright green
- Chinese Broccoli (Gai Lan): Perfect when slightly charred
- Green Beans: Toss with sesame seeds for extra crunch
2. Roasted or Air-Fried Vegetables
These bad boys add amazing texture to your meal:
- Crispy cauliflower (try it with gochujang sauce!)
- Brussels sprouts with kung pao sauce
- Honey garlic cauliflower
- General Tso’s cauliflower
Awesome Appetizers & Small Bites
1. Rolls & Dumplings
These are my go-to starters:
| Type | Cooking Method | Best Dipping Sauce ||------|---------------|-------------------|| Egg Rolls | Air fry/Deep fry | Sweet chili sauce || Spring Rolls | Fresh/Fried | Peanut sauce || Dumplings | Steam/Pan-fry | Soy-vinegar mix |2. Protein-Rich Sides
Perfect for hungry folks:
- Sticky sesame tofu
- Salt and pepper tofu
- Tempura shrimp
- Edamame (pro tip: try it with sweet chili sauce!)
Fresh & Crunchy Salads
Here’s what I love throwing together:
-
Asian Slaw
- Shredded cabbage
- Carrots
- Edamame
- Asian vinaigrette
-
Cucumber Salad
- Thin-sliced cucumbers
- Rice vinegar
- Sesame oil
- Red onion
-
Seaweed Salad
- Ready-made from Asian grocery
- Or DIY with wakame seaweed
Comforting Soups
These soups are perfect for completing your meal:
- Miso Soup: Quick, light, and satisfying
- Hot & Sour Soup: Spicy and tangy goodness
- Wonton Soup: Comfort in a bowl
- Simple Egg Drop Soup: Ready in 5 minutes!
Pro Tips for Perfect Pairings
-
Balance is Key
- Mix textures (crispy, soft, crunchy)
- Combine flavors (spicy, sweet, sour)
- Include different colors
-
Timing Matters
- Prep cold dishes first
- Cook crispy items last
- Keep soups hot until serving
-
Portion Control
- 2-3 side dishes max
- Small portions of each
- Don’t overshadow the fried rice
Common Questions I Get Asked
Q: Can I prep these sides ahead?
A: Heck yeah! Many salads taste better next day. Soups and some cooked veggies reheat well too.
Q: What’s the easiest side to start with?
A: Definitely edamame or cucumber salad – super simple but impressive!
Q: Help! I’m cooking for picky eaters!
A: Start with milder options like garlic bread or simple steamed veggies. Everyone loves egg rolls too!
Wrapping It Up
There ya have it – my fave sides for shrimp fried rice! Mix and match these options based on what you’re craving and what’s in your fridge. Remember, cooking should be fun, so don’t stress too much about getting everything perfect.
And hey, if you’re feeling adventurous, why not try making some fusion combinations? I recently paired my shrimp fried rice with Korean-style cauliflower and it was AMAZING!
Would you like me to share more specific recipes for any of these side dishes? Drop a comment below – I’d love to help! Happy cooking!
2 Pan Fried Fish
If youre not a fan of Chinese cuisine, I bet youll be after trying this dish. The perfectly pan-fried fish has a golden and crunchy crust. This recipe highlights the flavors of the fish while enhancing them with a touch of garlic, ginger, and soy sauce.
This delicious dish is perfect for vegans and anyone looking to add more plant-based protein to their diet. With its simple ingredients and small pieces, this recipe is an excellent addition to salads, stir-fries, or simply enjoyed as a delicious and satisfying snack.
1 Spicy Garlic Shrimp
This succulent and spicy shrimp recipe brings forth bold flavors that perfectly complement flavorsome fried rice or fragrant jasmine rice. The blend of heat and sweetness highlights the tender texture of the shrimp against the fluffy grains of rice. With its irresistible appeal, this pairing is sure to leave everyone craving for more.
This twist on the classic orange chicken recipe doesnt compromise on flavor, thanks to the sticky, sweet, and tangy orange glaze that perfectly coats the tender chicken. Enjoying this scrumptious dish with steamed jasmine rice or fried rice is a brilliant idea as it creates a harmonious combination of tastes and textures. The rice soaks up the delicious sauce, elevating the overall dining pleasure.