Are you bored of always serving the same white rice with your sesame chicken? I totally get it! After making sesame chicken dozens of times for my family, I started experimenting with different side dishes to keep things interesting. In this article, I’ll share my favorite sides that perfectly complement the sweet, savory flavors of sesame chicken.
Sesame chicken is that perfect Chinese-American dish we all crave – crispy chicken pieces coated in a sweet and tangy sauce with those toasty sesame seeds. But the right sides can transform this simple takeout-style meal into something truly special for your dinner table!
The Classic Starches: More Than Just Plain Rice
While white rice is the traditional choice (and for good reason – it soaks up that amazing sauce!) there are several other starchy options that work beautifully
1. White Rice Variations
The most traditional option is jasmine or basmati rice. These long-grain varieties stay fluffy and separate, making them perfect for soaking up that delicious sesame sauce For the best results
- Rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch
- Use a 1:1 ratio of chicken to rice on your plate
- Season lightly to let the chicken flavor shine
2. Brown Rice
If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, brown rice offers more nutrients and fiber than white rice. It has a nuttier flavor and chewier texture that stands up well to the rich sesame chicken sauce. Just remember that brown rice takes longer to cook!
3. Fried Rice
Why not take your rice game up a notch? Fried rice with carrots, peas, scrambled eggs, and scallions makes an excellent companion to sesame chicken. The combination creates almost two meals in one! I like to make extra rice the day before specifically for this purpose.
4. Lo Mein Noodles
For a change from rice, try lo mein noodles tossed in a light soy sauce. The chewy texture of the noodles provides a different but equally satisfying way to enjoy your sesame chicken. Add some vegetables to the noodles for extra nutrition and color.
5. Quinoa
Yes, you can use quinoa instead of rice! This protein-packed grain has a fluffy texture and nutty flavor that pairs surprisingly well with Asian flavors. Cook it according to package directions and season lightly.
Vegetable Sides: Adding Color and Nutrition
Vegetables provide the perfect contrast to the rich flavors of sesame chicken, adding freshness, crunch, and nutrition to your meal.
6. Steamed Broccoli
Simple steamed broccoli is a classic pairing with sesame chicken. For a flavor boost, toss the broccoli with a bit of sesame oil, garlic, and ginger after steaming. The slightly bitter notes of broccoli balance the sweetness of the chicken perfectly.
7. Stir-Fried Vegetable Medley
A colorful stir-fry of bell peppers, snap peas, baby bok choy, and water chestnuts creates a vibrant side dish. The variety of textures and colors makes your meal more interesting and nutritious. A quick stir-fry with a bit of garlic and ginger is all these veggies need.
8. Asian Greens
For a more authentic touch, try cooking some traditional Asian greens like bok choy, gai lan (Chinese broccoli), napa cabbage, or choy sum. These quick-cooking greens have unique flavors that complement sesame chicken beautifully. I like to stir-fry them with a bit of garlic, sesame oil, and a dash of oyster sauce.
9. Edamame
These bright green soybeans add a pop of color and a protein boost to your meal. Simply steam them in their pods with a sprinkle of salt, or shell them and add to a salad or stir-fry. They provide a nice contrasting texture to the chicken.
Refreshing Salads: The Perfect Counterpoint
A light, refreshing salad can cut through the richness of sesame chicken and provide balance to your meal.
10. Asian Slaw
Shred napa cabbage, carrots, and radishes, then toss with a tangy dressing made from rice vinegar, sesame oil, and ginger. Top with crushed peanuts or fresh herbs for extra flavor. The crunch and acidity make this the perfect counterpoint to rich sesame chicken.
11. Cucumber Salad
A simple cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and a touch of sesame oil is cooling and refreshing. You can add thin slices of red onion and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for extra flavor and visual appeal.
12. Fruit-Forward Salads
Don’t underestimate the power of fruit with sesame chicken! Try a mango, pineapple, or orange salad, or add mandarin oranges to mixed greens with slivered almonds. The sweet juiciness pairs surprisingly well with the savory chicken.
Special Touches to Elevate Your Meal
Sometimes it’s the little extras that make a meal memorable. Consider adding these special touches:
13. Dipping Sauces
While sesame chicken is already saucy, offering additional dipping options can be fun. Try:
- Spicy mayo (mix sriracha with mayonnaise)
- Sweet chili sauce
- Ginger-scallion sauce
14. Fresh Herbs
A sprinkle of fresh herbs like cilantro, Thai basil, or mint can brighten up any of the sides mentioned above. They add color, freshness, and a burst of flavor.
15. Toasted Sesame Seeds and Nuts
For consistency with the sesame chicken theme, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on your vegetables or salads. Chopped peanuts or slivered almonds also add a delightful crunch.
FAQ: Your Sesame Chicken Questions Answered
What’s the best wine to pair with sesame chicken?
A dry Riesling or Gewürztraminer works beautifully with sesame chicken. Their slightly sweet notes complement the sweet-savory flavors of the dish. A crisp rosé is also a good option if you prefer.
How can I make my steamed vegetables more flavorful?
Toss them with a light sauce made from soy sauce, sesame oil, and ginger after steaming. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds extra flavor and visual appeal.
Can I make sesame chicken ahead of time?
The chicken is best served fresh to maintain its crispy texture, but you can prepare the sauce and chop all vegetables ahead of time. Store the sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
What can I add to sesame chicken for a spicier kick?
Add red pepper flakes to the sauce or serve with chili oil or sriracha on the side. You can also add fresh chopped chilies to your stir-fried vegetables.
Is sesame chicken gluten-free?
Traditional sesame chicken usually contains soy sauce, which has wheat. However, you can easily make it gluten-free by substituting tamari (gluten-free soy sauce) in your recipe.
Putting It All Together
When planning your sesame chicken meal, think about balance. I like to include:
- One starch (rice or noodles)
- One or two vegetable dishes with different textures
- A refreshing salad or cold dish
- A few special touches like fresh herbs or a dipping sauce
With these combinations, you’ll transform your sesame chicken from a simple weeknight dinner into a complete, restaurant-quality meal that your family and friends will love.
Remember, cooking should be fun and flexible. Don’t be afraid to mix and match these suggestions based on what you have available and what your family enjoys. The best meals come from creativity and a willingness to try new things!
What’s your favorite side to serve with sesame chicken? I’d love to hear your ideas in the comments below!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
See the complete list of ingredients below on the recipe card.
- Chicken: boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Vegetable oil: or any oil that is good for frying with a neutral taste and a high smoking point, like canola oil or peanut oil
- Rice vinegar: apple cider vinegar and white wine vinegar are fairly good substitutes
- Sesame seeds: Store them in the fridge for up to a year
- Sesame oil: Also a key ingredient, will last in a cool, dark place for 8 months or in the refrigerator for up to 2 years
- Chili sauce: I use sambal oelek, which is ground fresh chili paste. You can find it in the Asian food section of most grocery stores. Store it in a fridge for up to 2 months, and use it in bang bang shrimp and chicken lettuce wraps.
