Are you craving that perfectly crispy, golden-brown chicken katsu but wondering what sides would complement it best? You’re not alone! As a home cook who’s experimented with countless Japanese-inspired meals, I’ve discovered that pairing the right side dishes with chicken katsu can transform a simple meal into an extraordinary dining experience.
Chicken katsu, with its crunchy panko coating and juicy interior, deserves companions that balance its rich flavors and textures In this article, I’ll share 15 amazing side dishes that’ll take your chicken katsu dinner to the next level!
The Perfect Partners for Your Crispy Chicken Katsu
1. Steamed White Rice
Nothing beats the classic combination of chicken katsu and fluffy steamed rice It’s simple, yet perfect! The neutral flavor of white rice provides an excellent base that lets the savory katsu shine while soaking up any delicious sauce
Why it works: The subtle flavor enhances the overall dining experience, making it an ideal match for the rich, crispy chicken katsu.
Tip: Try short-grain or jasmine rice varieties. Remember to rinse your rice thoroughly before cooking for the best texture!
2. Miso Soup
A warm bowl of miso soup introduces umami-rich flavors that beautifully complement chicken katsu. This traditional Japanese soup often contains tofu cubes, seaweed, and green onions.
Health bonus: Miso soup is packed with probiotics and vitamins that support digestion and immune health.
I like to serve miso soup in small bowls alongside katsu for a warming element that balances the meal perfectly.
3. Japanese Coleslaw
Japanese coleslaw offers an invigorating crunch that contrasts wonderfully with the crispy chicken. Unlike American coleslaw, the Japanese version features a lighter, tangy sesame dressing rather than mayo.
What makes it special: The savory sesame dressing elevates fresh cabbage, creating a delightful texture contrast that complements the chicken katsu.
4. Pickled Vegetables (Tsukemono)
Pickled vegetables add that zesty punch that cuts through the richness of fried katsu. These tangy, colorful sides wake up your palate!
Popular options include:
- Pickled cucumber
- Pickled radish
- Pickled cabbage
The acidity in these pickles provides a refreshing counterpoint to the savory chicken katsu, enhancing the overall flavor profile of your meal.
5. Cucumber Sunomono
This revitalizing cucumber salad is light, crisp, and tangy – perfect for balancing the richness of chicken katsu.
Quick recipe: Thinly slice cucumbers and marinate them in a mixture of rice vinegar, sugar, and a pinch of salt. So simple yet so refreshing!
The cool, crisp texture makes a wonderful contrast to the warm, crispy katsu.
6. Japanese Curry
If you want to take your chicken katsu to another level, serve it with Japanese curry! This combination is so popular in Japan that it has its own name: Katsu Curry.
Why it’s amazing: The rich, slightly sweet curry sauce complements the crispy chicken katsu perfectly. The sauce seeps into the rice below, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
We often make this for weekend family dinners, and there’s never any leftovers!
7. Edamame
These young soybeans are protein-packed and make a satisfying side dish or appetizer alongside chicken katsu.
Serving suggestion: Simply steam or boil edamame in their pods, sprinkle with sea salt, and serve warm. They’re fun to eat and nutritious too!
8. Potato Salad
Japanese-style potato salad brings a creamy, comforting element to balance the crispy chicken katsu.
What makes it unique: Japanese potato salad is smoother than Western versions, with a creamier texture and subtle sweetness. It often includes carrots, cucumber, and sometimes apple for added crunch and flavor.
9. Gyoza
These Japanese dumplings with their savory filling and crispy-bottomed wrappers make an excellent side dish for chicken katsu.
Pairing tip: Serve gyoza with a simple dipping sauce of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a few drops of chili oil for an extra flavor dimension.
10. Soba Noodles
These thin buckwheat noodles can be served hot or cold, making them versatile for any season.
Summer serving idea: Cold soba with a light dipping sauce provides a refreshing contrast to the warm, crispy katsu.
Winter serving idea: Hot soba in a flavorful broth offers comforting warmth alongside your chicken katsu.
11. Seaweed Salad
An invigorating seaweed salad introduces vibrant, umami-rich elements that pair seamlessly with chicken katsu.
Nutritional benefits: Seaweed is packed with essential vitamins and minerals, making this side dish as nutritious as it is delicious.
The slightly crunchy texture and tangy dressing provide a revitalizing contrast to the savory katsu.
12. Tempura Vegetables
If you’re already frying chicken katsu, why not make some tempura vegetables to go alongside? The light, airy batter makes for a delicious side dish.
Vegetable suggestions:
- Sweet potato
- Eggplant
- Bell peppers
- Broccoli
- Mushrooms
Serve with a simple dipping sauce like tentsuyu (tempura dipping sauce) for an authentic touch.
13. Daikon Radish Salad
A crisp daikon radish salad provides a delightful contrast to chicken katsu with its refreshing crunch and mild peppery flavor.
Quick recipe: Peel and julienne daikon radish, then toss with a dressing of rice vinegar, soy sauce, and a touch of sugar. Some recipes add carrots for color and sweetness.
14. Teriyaki Vegetables
Stir-fried vegetables glazed with teriyaki sauce add a savory-sweet element to your chicken katsu meal.
Pro tip: Use seasonal vegetables for the best flavor and nutritional value. My favorites include bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, and carrots.
15. Green Tea Ice Cream
Don’t forget dessert! Green tea ice cream offers a refreshing conclusion to a meal featuring chicken katsu.
Why it works: The subtle matcha flavor cleanses the palate after the savory meal, and the cold, creamy texture contrasts beautifully with the warm, crispy chicken.
Creating a Balanced Chicken Katsu Meal
When planning your chicken katsu dinner, try to include a variety of elements:
- Starchy base – Rice or noodles
- Vegetables – Fresh or pickled
- Soup – Miso or clear broth
- Protein complement – Edamame or gyoza
- Something refreshing – Cucumber salad or cold noodles
This approach ensures a well-rounded meal with complementary flavors and textures.
My Personal Favorite Combination
When I make chicken katsu at home, my go-to sides are steamed rice, miso soup, and Japanese coleslaw. This trio provides the perfect balance of flavors and textures – fluffy rice, warming soup, and crunchy vegetables. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but satisfying enough to feel special.
For special occasions, I’ll add gyoza and green tea ice cream for dessert. My family always cleans their plates when this menu is served!
Final Thoughts
Chicken katsu is a versatile main dish that pairs wonderfully with many side dishes. Whether you prefer traditional Japanese sides like steamed rice and miso soup or want to experiment with more substantial options like Japanese curry, there’s something for everyone.
The key is balancing the crispy, savory katsu with complementary textures and flavors. Don’t be afraid to mix and match these suggestions based on what you have available and what your taste preferences are.
What’s your favorite side dish to serve with chicken katsu? Have you tried any unexpected pairings that worked surprisingly well? I’d love to hear about your culinary adventures!
Remember, the best meals are those shared with people you love, so gather round the table and enjoy your delicious chicken katsu feast with these amazing side dishes!
Are there gluten-free options for Katsu Curry?
You can use gluten-free breadcrumbs or panko for the breading, and ensure the curry sauce is made with gluten-free ingredients.
What is Katsu Curry?
Katsu Curry is a Japanese dish with breaded meat (or alternative protein) and a carrot-based curry sauce.
Japanese Chicken Cutlet Rice Bowl – Chicken Katsu Don
FAQ
What side dishes go with chicken katsu?
Serve: Serve the chicken katsu with steamed rice and drizzle with tonkatsu sauce. You can also add shredded cabbage or pickled vegetables on the side.Jan 25, 2025
What is traditionally served with katsu?
Traditionally, it’s served with rice, miso soup and shredded cabbage with tonkatsu sauce on the side for dipping. You can also serve it with japanese curry and rice, or even put it in a sandwich with some tonkatsu sauce and shredded cabbage. Really, it’s just essentially a fried pork cutlet, so go wild with it.
How is katsu served?
Katsu is typically served with chopsticks, which means you’ll need to cut it up in the kitchen before it hits the table. Use a sharp knife to cut the cutlets into thin strips without damaging the breading.
What rice to serve with katsu curry?
Chicken Katsu Curry With Jasmine Rice. Chicken Katsu Curry is a restaurant favourite and it’s so easy to make at home. With a combination for crispy chicken, a rich sauce and Jasmine rice, it will take your tastebuds on a journey!