The best side dishes for orange chicken that are better than takeout, with a variety of flavors and textures to complete that sweet and sour orange sauce!
Orange chicken is a perfect Chicken Recipe for Date Night, but needs a couple of easy sides to make it a complete meal!
Rice
The crispy chicken in a sweet and tangy sauce makes Orange chicken taste great with even just a simple bowl of white rice, brown rice or even cauliflower rice! However, if you want something fancier, try 1 of these Asian rice recipes!
Pumpkin Seafood Rice
Rice
Fried Rice
Personally, I wouldn't go with something as strongly flavoured as Kimchi Fried rice but a more neutral Egg Fried Rice with Soy Sauce or Yang Zhou Fried Rice (ζ¬ε·ηι₯), paired with these easy rice side dishes, would go really well with orange chicken!
The savory fried rice with the sweet and sour chicken is the perfect balance of flavors and textures!
Noodles
Stir-fried Rice Noodles
Singapore Noodles
Sesame Noodles
Sesame noodles is a 15-minute tasty side dish that is typically served cold. Coated in a savory, sometimes spicy, sesame sauce, it's a great make-ahead side for a Chinese feast! (Just add red pepper flakes if you want more heat!)
Note: if you want to go more multi-culture, Korean cold noodles is another good meal prep side dish.
Thai Noodles Salad
Lo Mein
Vegetable or Shrimp Lo Mein is an easy 20-minute noodle takeout recipe.
Bread
If you're tired of the typical rice or noodle side dish, mantou bao buns are a great carb when serving orange chicken- they're delicious dipped into the sticky sauce!
Alternatively, try some of these classic Asian bread recipes.
If you want a neutral flavor, just omit the matcha powder!
Soup
Wonton Soup
If you're vegan, I have a vegan version of Orange Chicken and more Chinese vegan recipes here! Delicious with fried garlic slices on top!
Tip: wonton goes superbly with home pickled green chilies!
Chinese Pumpkin Soup
Egg Drop Soup
Egg Drop Soup is the ultimate simple Asian comfort food. Its neutral flavor goes with just about anything!
Hot and Sour Soup
This easy, vegan version of hot and sour soup (ι ΈθΎ£ζ±€) requires only a few ingredients!
Pork
If you want more protein, try some of these easy Chinese pork recipes. My favorite is this 5-ingredient spare ribs recipe that is fingerlicking good!
Snacks
Scallion Pancakes
Crab Rangoon
The tangy orange sauce is a great way to brighten the heavy cream cheese filling of this classic American Chinese appetizer fried wontons. If you don't love crab, try these easy but delicious Asian appetisers!
Egg Rolls
These Shrimp Egg Rolls are a freezer-friendly, tasty side dish with a crispy exterior and flavorful filling. It's the perfect no-hassle side as you can make them in advance!
Spring Rolls
A lighter alternative to egg rolls, Springs Rolls or ζ₯ε· are filled with fresh vegetables such as carrots and radish, and also pair well with orange chicken. Dip them in the orange chicken sauce!
Veggies
Pickled Cucumbers
A burst of acid helps to brighten many Chinese dishes, and is a great palate cleanser!
Cucumber Salad
Steamed Vegetables
Steamed veggies are a classic side dish that can go with just about anything! Think steamed broccoli, green beans, snow peas, carrots, and bok choy to add color, texture, and flavor to the meal.
Soy Mushrooms
Ok, mushrooms are technically not a veg, but you know what I mean- they're good for you! So good, you should check out this list of easy Asian mushroom side dishes!
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