Discover the perfect Asian side dishes to complement your teriyaki chicken! From noodles and fried rice to refreshing Asian salad, explore 31 delicious recipes that will transform your meal into something the entire family will love.
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What is Teriyaki Chicken?
Teriyaki Chicken, traditionally a Japanese cooking method from the 1700s that involves glazing food with soy sauce, mirin, and sugar, is now very popular in America.
In America, Teriyaki is used to describe a sauce (照り焼きのたれ) that is full of umami flavors, and created most commonly from mirin, sake, soy sauce, and brown sugar (instead of the cooking method. You can buy the sauce from the grocery store, use these teriyaki replacements, or make your own- recipe in the next link.)
Besides teriykai chicken thighs and teriyaki chicken skewers, you also have stir-fried teriyaki shrimp, tofu teriyaki, teriyaki meatballs, teriyaki mushrooms, teriyaki salmon, and even teriyaki pasta!
From traditional rice dishes and nourishing noodles to side salads and steamed vegetables, here are the best sides to complement this sweet and savory dish.
Savory Salads
I find that the rich and savory flavors of teriyaki chicken truly shine when accompanied by the fresh, crisp textures of a well-crafted salad which uses fresh vegetables.
Cucumber Pickles
The tanginess of a good cucumber pickle helps to lift the heavier flavors of the sauce. It's a great addition to bell peppers in a teriyaki chicken bow!
Cucumber Salad
The crunch of a cucumber salad goes very well with tender chicken, making it one of the best side dishes.
Mango Salad
If you want something more refreshing for hot weather, why not add some mangoes to your summer salad?
Asian Slaw
Another favorite of mine is a vibrant Asian slaw, where crisp vegetables peppers mix with a delicious dressing- the perfect contrast to juicy chicken. Toss in some edamame beans or thinly sliced radish to elevate the freshness and add a pop of color. It's simple yet stacked with flavor!
Tofu Salad
For nights when I want a bit more substance in my salad, I opt for something with crunch and protein, like a crisp Asian greens mix with baked tofu, sprinkled generously with toasted sesame seeds. The nuttiness of the seeds dances well with the rich sauce draping the chicken.
Tomato Salad
Imagine the crunch of fresh iceberg or romaine lettuce, the kick from slivers of red onion, and the burst of sweetness from cherry tomatoes, all brought together under a light, zesty ginger dressing or ponzu sauce. Such a salad not only refreshes the palate but also offsets the sticky sweetness of the teriyaki glaze.
Appetizers
A platter of Asian appetizers is a great way to start a meal!
Dumplings
Dumplings make for an irresistible starter. There's something delightful about biting into a steamed or pan-fried dumpling before diving into the main course.
But it's not just about any dumplings; you want ones filled with flavors that marry well with teriyaki – think shrimp, vegetables, or chicken seasoned with hints of ginger and sesame oil.
Spring Rolls
Beyond dumplings, consider spring rolls – crispy on the outside, packed with fresh veggies and perhaps some vermicelli noodles on the inside.
These rolls are not just a joy to eat but also incredibly versatile. You can stuff them with almost anything, balancing out the teriyaki chicken's rich glaze with their lighter, crunchier texture.
Opt for classic rolls or even those with a twist, like adding mango for a sweet contrast. Just serve them with a dipping sauce that has a touch of soy to echo the teriyaki theme, and you've got an appetizer spread that's as inviting as the main attraction.
Rice
Teriyaki Chicken goes really well with rice. Rice isn't just a filler here: instead, it absorbs the sauce wonderfully, mingling with the chicken's marinade to make every mouthful even better.
Here are some types of rice you can serve:
- If you want to serve it Japanese style, remember to use short-grain rice/ sushi rice (and not jasmine rice.) This white rice has a slightly sticky texture that I find marvelous for scooping up that rich, glossy teriyaki sauce. Remember to rinse the rice at least thrice to remove excess starch, ensuring the rice doesn't become gummy.
- For a nuttier flavor and healthier option, brown rice is my go-to. It's heartier and has the benefit of added fiber, making your meal not only delicious but also more wholesome. However, it's usually more expensive and cooking it takes a bit longer.
- For something more modern, try flavored rice. You can infuse the cooking water with a dash of sake, some dried kelp or sprinkle on furikake (after cooking.)
Fried Rice
An easy recipe to use up a can of tuna and leftover rice is to turn it into fried rice!
Nourishing Noodles
If you're not a fan of rice, how about noodles?
They aren't just a staple in Asian cuisine for their delightful texture but also for their incredible ability to soak up flavors like the savory-sweet glaze of a good teriyaki sauce.
Soba
Other noodle options include soba or chilled somen noodles lightly dressed with a sprinkle of sesame seeds, which offer a refreshing contrast to the warm chicken sticks. The perfect food for summer!
Yaki-udon
Or perhaps a stir-fried yakiudon, with its chewy texture and vegetables mingling in that signature sauce?
Vegetables
Steamed vegetables are a healthy side dish for a chicken meal, and also provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors.
I love how they introduce a subtle, tender crunch, breaking up the savory sweetness of the teriyaki chicken breasts' glaze. Broccoli, carrots, green beans, and snow peas steam beautifully, retaining their vibrant colors and nutrients.
If your taste buds need more flavor, I often season these steamed vegetables with a sprinkle of sesame seeds, a light drizzle of sesame oil, and some furikake. This simple gesture not only enhances their taste but also stays true to the dish's Asian roots.
Alternatively, whisk up a quick dressing with soy sauce, a touch of rice vinegar (you can use apple cider vinegar as a substitute), and a hint of honey. Pouring it over the vegetables just before serving.
Stir-fried Vegetables
With teriyaki chicken, I lean towards Asian greens like bok choy or Chinese broccoli, as they suit the aromatic hints of garlic and fresh ginger well.
Edamame
These are one of my favorite veggies, and so easy to make too, with just simple ingredients.
If using frozen edamame beans, simply boil them in a pot of hot water, drain, and serve. (Some people sprinkle on some salt, sugar, and red pepper flakes, but I prefer mine plain.)
Soups
Miso Soup
Think about pairing your chicken with miso soup: delicate silken tofu and seaweed bits in a savory, umami-rich broth that beautifully complements the sweet and tangy teriyaki glaze.
Teriyaki Feast
If you're looking to prepare as wide a spread as possible, why not make several types of teriyaki recipes? The same homemade teriyaki sauce sauce (more or less) can be used for anything from tofu to noodles!
Pasta
Tofu
Salmon
Mushrooms
Sushi
Baked Sushi
Salmon Bake
If you're a novice, start with baked sushi casserole.
Tuna Sushi Bake
Tempura
Or how about some fried tempura? The crunchy side dish is a great addition to your dinner table!
Maki Sushi
Ready to be more adventurous? Try these maki rolls, which go very well with these sushi sides.
Others
Butter Soy Mushrooms
Roast Potatoes
Potato Salad
Potato Salad is a creamy and delicious Japanese side dish.
Japanese Curry
Golden Curry is one of the easiest Japanese dishes to make- I used to make it in college all the time!
If you're lazy, you can even find the pre-cooked version in Asian grocery stores or online, leaving you more time to prep the chicken teriyaki. (You just need to heat those up in a pot of water, or microwave- check the back of the packet for instructions.)
Drinks
Barley Tea
Korean barley tea and Japanese barley tea are pretty similar! Both are refreshing beverages when it's sunny!
Japanese Royal Milk Tea
Ume Cha
This is very easy to make when you have ume syrup on hand!
Asian Plum Wine
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