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    Home » Side dishes

    Published: Feb 23, 2023 · Modified: Mar 11, 2023 by Zen · This post may contain affiliate links.

    What to Serve With Fried Rice (30 ideas)

    Sharing food makes everyone happy! :)

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    What to serve with Fried Rice: the best side dishes from Chinese egg drop soup and chicken teriyaki to fish sauce Brussels Sprouts! (They even go well with a plain bowl of white rice!)

    A plate of Korean fried rice with a sunny side egg.
    Jump to:
    • Expert Tips
    • Soups
    • Appetisers
    • Seafood
    • Chicken
    • Pork
    • Fresh Veggies & More
    • Dessert
    • Drinks
    • FAQs

    Fried rice is 1 of the most basic dishes in Asian cuisine. You find rice dishes in Chinese food (BBQ pork fried rice, for example), Korean (kimchi and gochujang fried rice), Japanese (garlic fried rice) etc etc!

    It goes well with almost every dish, from a simple fried egg to the recipes below.

    Expert Tips

    Close-up of short grain shrimp fried rice and a slice of pork.
    Pork cutlet is a popular fried rice side, a la Din Tai Fung!

    Tip #1: This is a great way to use up overnight rice (cold rice that was cooked the day before and stored properly as rice goes bad easily! Click here for easy leftover rice fried rice recipes.) (Freshly cooked rice gives you a mushy fried rice, which is not what you want at all.)

    Tip #2: Render your own pork lard and use it to stir-fry the rice- the fried rice will be so much more fragrant!

    Tip #3: To get that smoky flavor characteristic of the best Chinese cuisine, you need to stir fry everything very quickly on very high heat.

    Tip #4: Don't forget to garnish your dish with some sliced green onions, lightly toasted sesame seeds and/or sesame oil for more flavor.

    Soups

    Chinese people normally serve a bowl of soup at every meal. Here are some suggestions that go beyond the typical hot and sour soup (though I have a recipe for that too!)

    Pumpkin Carrot Soup

    Close-up of a bowl of Chinese steamed soup in a pumpkin bowl.
    Chinese Pumpkin Soup with Carrots
    A deliciously savory dish, this Chinese Pumpkin Soup with carrots is also very nutritious and really easy to make in a few simple steps! (Basically, cut + steam!)
    Click here for the comforting carrot pumpkin soup recipe.
    A hand holding Chinese pumpkin soup served in a small pumpkin and white bowl.

    Hot and Sour Soup

    Also known as Suan La Tang, this is a tangy and warming soup that is especially delicious on a cold day!

    Tip: go slow on the cornstarch slurry- we don't want the soup to be a goopy mess!

    Coconut Chicken Soup

    A bowl of chicken soup with tomatoes and vegetables
    Chinese Coconut water chicken soup with lemongrass & ginger recipe
    A light but warming chicken soup that makes one feel better when sick or when it's raining. No sugar necessary thanks to the natural sweetness of the young coconut.
    Click here for the coconut chicken soup recipe.
    A close-up of coconut chicken soup with ginger and lots of ingredients

    Wonton Soup

    Chinese wontons in a bowl of clear chicken soup.

    This takeout classic has a mild flavor despite the ginger and garlic used.

    Easy Vegan Wonton Soup for Colds
    Done in 20 minute vegan Chinese wonton soup that tastes as good as the traditional version. Gluten-free and made without commercially bought stock/ bouillon cube OR hours of making homemade stock! A great flu fighter thanks to the ginger and garlic!
    Click here for the vegan Chinese soup recipe.
    Chinese wontons in a bowl of clear chicken soup.

    Egg Drop Soup

    This 10 minute soup recipe uses chicken broth and is super easy to make.

    Tip: don't substitute the white with black pepper- they are not interchangeable!

    Appetisers

    Cucumber salad

    Tip: for best results, make this delicious side dish an hour or so before and leave it in the fridge so the cucumber really has time to absorb all the flavors!

    Cold cucumber salad recipe
    The easy Chinese cold cucumber salad recipe is delicious and full of spicy flavor. Best of all, it only requires 4-ingredients and takes 5-10 minutes to make. 
    Click here for the spicy Asian salad recipe.
    Close-up of red spicy asian cucumber salad.

    Egg Rolls

    Instead of deep-fried rolls, you can also bake this recipe if you want to be healthier. They are ready in 30 minutes!

    Note: if you like these shrimp rolls, you'll love these Chinese shrimp recipes, such as Singaporean shrimp noodles, another Asian restaurant takeout favorite!

    Spring Rolls

    Whether you like the Chinese or Vietnamese version of spring rolls, we have you covered!

    For more dim sum recipes, check out this list of classic Cantonese dishes.

    Goes really well with this homemade vegan hoisin sauce!

    Chinese Dumplings

    3 types of Chinese jiaozi, from pork and chicken to vegetarian, which are also freezer-friendly!

    Seafood

    Teriyaki Salmon

    Close-up of 2 teriyaki salmon fillets with green onions.

    The same teriyaki sauce can be served with pan-fried tofu or even as teriyaki chicken thighs.

    Pan-Fried Teriyaki Salmon (& Baked)
    This deliciously savory Pan Fried Teriyaki Salmon recipe is sweet, savory and full of umami. Plus, it only takes under 10 minutes to cook and is perfect for busy weeknight dinners! (I include directions for both the pan fried and baked versions, as well as advice on when to use which method!)
    Click here for the Japanese salmon recipe.
    2 salmon fillets drizzled with teriyaki sauce on a white plate.

    Korean Salmon

    Close-up of a crispy skin salmon topped with Korean gochujang glaze.
    Gochujang Salmon (Pan-Fried vs Broiled)
    This Gochujang Salmon is deliciously savory. And, it takes less than 10 minutes to cook, perfect for weeknight dinners! (I've tested both the pan fried and broiled versions, and offer directions for both, as well as advice on which is "better"! Basically do pan friend for crispy skin and broiled for nice charred bits.)
    Click here for the pan-fried fish recipe.
    A plate of gochujang salmon with kimchi and white rice.

    Chicken

    Chinese Chicken Curry

    Someone scooping up thick pumpkin chicken curry with white rice.

    For more ways to use up your pumpkin harvest, click here!

    Easy Pumpkin Chicken Curry from Scratch
    This easy pumpkin chicken curry is made of juicy, tender chicken morsels simmered in a deliciously aromatic sauce that is full of warm spiced flavor. It's well- spiced but not spicy and can be bulked up with healthy veggies, all in one pot. Plus it's super flexible: it can be made with coconut cream, regular cream, pumpkin puree or none of the above!
    Click here for the pumpkin curry with chicken recipe.
    A plate of jasmine rice and chicken pumpkin curry with coriander.

    Fingerlicking Chinese Wings

    A plate full of sticky Chinese chicken wings next to a bowl of rice porridge.

    Chicken wings are not just for Super Bowl! They go really well with egg-fried rice and more too!

    Sticky Chinese Chicken Wings (Braised)
    These sticky Chinese Chicken Wings are braised in a savory sauce and require no marinating: they can be cooked whenever you have a crab ing without pre-planning! Fresh and zingy, they taste better than any from a Chinese restaurant and are on the table in 30 minutes!
    Click here for the braised wings Chinese recipe.
    Close-up of a braised chinese chicken wing held up by a pair of chopsticks.

    Vietnamese Wings

    asian-baked-wings
    Crispy Fish Sauce Wings Recipe (Baked)
    Inspired by the famous Pok Pok wings, this Vietnamese Crispy Fish Sauce Chicken Wings Recipe has big, punchy flavors. Though baked and not fried, it is still super crispy, tangy and delicious with a fingerlicking, sweet, salty and tangy sticky glaze! 
    Click here for the Asian baked wings recipe.
    2 baked chicken wings that are super crispy and have been tossed in a sticky Vietnamese glaze.

    Soya Sauce Chicken

    Close-up of a soy sauce whole chicken on a white plate.

    Or click here for an easy version of this Soy Sauce Chicken which uses the best part- chicken thighs!

    Best Poached One Pot Chinatown Soy Sauce Chicken Recipe
    This Cantonese classic chicken is an easy-to-recreate-restaurant dish that can be made in 1 pot! It's also the gift that keeps giving as the leftover poaching liquid can be used for so many things (see post above). (Inspired by 4 recipes: Woks Of Life, SCMP, Burning Kitchen and Red House Spice)
    Click here for the classic Chinatown takeout chicken recipe.
    A plate of Cantonese soy sauce with white rice and green onions.

    Spicy Roast Chicken

    A Korean roast chicken glazed with gochujang sauce on a white plate.
    Korean Gochujang Chicken
    Spice up your weekday dinner routine with this scrumptious Korean Gochujang Chicken recipe! An easy-to-make dish, the tender, juicy chicken is coated in a mouth-watering blend of Korean red chili paste, soy sauce, and more. Whether you're a fan of Korean food or just looking for new chicken recipes, this recipe is sure to impress!
    Click here for the spicy whole chicken recipe.
    A roasted whole chicken with a spicy charred glaze on the skin.

    Pork

    Braised Pork Ribs

    Someone holding up a small pork rib covered in thick glaze.
    12345 Chinese Spare Ribs (5-ingredients)
    These Chinese Spare Ribs are delicious, finger-licking Asian-style pork spare ribs that are as simple to cook as 12345 (a mnemonic device that will also help you recall the recipe.) Using only the Asian pantry staples of wine, dark soy sauce, vinegar and sugar to braise the meat, with only a few minutes of active cooking, this is the best easy sticky Chinese Spare Ribs for a lazy food lover.
    Click here for the amazing Chinese braised ribs recipe.
    Close-up of a pork rib with fingerlicking sticky sauce and caramelised bits.

    Soy Sauce Pork

    A spoonful of homemade soy sauce braised pork.
    Tau Yew Bak (Braised Pork in Soy Sauce)
    A super easy recipe to make for a weekday dinner after work, this braised pork dish is a delicious comfort food that doesn't require much prep time.
    Click here for this Singaporean family favorite pork recipe.
    Close-up of a spoonful of braised pork shoulder with carrot and coriander.

    Sweet and Sour Pork

    This delicious sweet and sour pork with bell peppers recipe is so good, you can eat it with plain white or brown rice too!

    Note: I recommend using green pepper instead of yellow or red pepper as it forms a nicer contrast with the red sauce and looks more appetising.

    Meat Jerky

    Homemade bak kwa squares piled on top of each other.

    This is delicious cut into small pieces as a fried rice topping or stir-fried with the rice itself!

    Bak Kwa (Chinese Pork Jerky)
    Bak Kwa, or Chinese Pork Jerky, is 1 of the most popular Chinese New Year snacks in Singapore & Malaysia. Save yourself time and money by making your own using this super simple recipe with easy-to-find ingredients! It's tender, savory and delicious!
    Click here for the Asian pork jerky recipe.
    A piece of Chinese pork jerky held up by a pair of chopsticks.

    Fresh Veggies & More

    Kimchi Eggs

    Overheat shot of scrambled eggs with cheese and kimchi on a white plate.
    Kimchi Eggs (10 minutes)
    An easy Kimchi Eggs recipe that only requires 10 minutes to whip up- perfect for breakfast, lunch or dinner! You really only need 2 ingredients (though ideally 5) and all are readily available at the regular grocery store!
    Click here for the Korean brunch recipe!
    A half bitten piece of toast with kimchi and scrambled eggs on it.

    Butter Soy Mushrooms

    A plate of seared mushrooms tossed in a butter soy sauce.

    Mushroom lovers, check out these delicious Asian shroom recipes.

    Quick Eryngii Mushrooms (3-ingredients)
    A 25-minute, easy to make and delicious eryngii mushroom recipe. These have a nice meaty texture which make them great meat substitutes for vegan meals.
    Click here for the soy sauce mushroom recipe.
    A plate of seared mushrooms tossed in a butter soy sauce.

    Bok Choy

    Stir-fried in oyster sauce and garlic, this Bok Choy recipe is a great choice for almost every type of fried rice!

    Salted Ducks Egg Yolk Tofu

    Close up of a salted egg tofu with chilli and curry leaves dish.

    If you like tofu, don't forget to try these Chinese tofu recipes!

    Salted Egg Tofu (Fried tofu & salted egg yolk sauce)
    This salted egg tofu is an easy but delicious recipe- the fried tofu is crispy and smothered with a creamy and buttery salted egg yolk sauce that has hints of the citrusy curry leaf and the spice of the chilli. Yum!
    Click here for the umamilicious egg tofu recipe.
    Salted egg yolk tofu with a box of tea.

    Dessert

    Beautifying Soup

    Someone scooping edible swiftlet nest out of a coconut.
    Easy Swallow Nest Soup (Bird's Nest Dessert)
    The easiest Chinese bird's nest dessert you could ever make!
    Click here for the bird's nest Chinese soup recipe.
    Close-up of a spoonful of steamed bird's nest sweet soup.

    Gui Hua Gao Jelly

    3 osmanthus jellies in brown sugar syrup on a white plate.
    Osmanthus jelly recipe
    This osmanthus jelly recipe (Gui Hua Gao) is a refreshing, delicious, quick and easy Chinese dessert made from edible sweet osmanthus flowers. Its shimmering gold color and floral fragrance have kept it popular through the years- you can even find it at Michelin-star Chinese restaurants today!
    Click here for the Chinese osmanthus recipe.
    3 osmanthus jellies with wolf berries on a white plate.

    Yuzu Jelly

    Easy delicious konnyaku jelly recipe
    Click here for the yuzu konjanc jelly instructions.
    3 pieces of flowers shaped yuzu tea konnyaku jelly

    Black Sesame Tong Sui

    A bowl of thick, rich and creamy black sesame Zhi Ma Hu.

    If you're a fan of this Chinese dessert, I recommend making a big batch of Chinese black sesame paste. You can even use it for lattes and cookies!

    Easy Black Sesame Soup Dessert
    A sweet and creamy Chinese recipe, with nutty overtones giving this easy black sesame soup dessert a complex depth of flavour. Moreover, this 3-ingredient traditional Chinese Tong Sui is naturally vegan, gluten-free, delicious & very nutritious!
    Click here for the Hei Zhi Ma Tang recipe.
    2 bowls of Chinese black sesame tong sui next to pink flowers.

    Drinks

    A glass of hot Suanmeitang Drink in a glass cup.

    Chinese Plum tea is a great drink for digestion.

    Note: If you're serving Kimchi Fried rice, maybe try Korean Plum tea instead?

    Chinese Sour Plum Drink (Suanmeitang)
    An ancient Chinese drink drunk by royalty, this classic summer beverage remains popular even today thanks to its sweet-sour-salty-smokey taste! Reduced to its 3 most basic ingredients whilst keeping a great flavour so that everyone can make Chinese plum tea easily at home!
    Click here for the Suan Mei Tang recipe.
    Overheat shot of a cup of Chinese Sour Plum Drink next to hawthorns and flowers.

    Barley Tea

    A cup of cold barley tea

    Tea is a great way to wash down the oil of fried foods: if you're caffeine-intolerant, try this barley tea recipe which promotes sleep!

    Korean Barley Tea Recipe (Boricha) (Mugicha)
    A deliciously nutty and aromatic no-caffeine tea that can be drunk both hot and cold. Ice barley tea is great on a hot day!
    Click here for the Korean Boricha recipe.
    A glass of cold roasted barley tea.

    FAQs

    How long does fried rice last in the fridge?

    As fried rice is usually made with leftover rice, I prefer to keep fried rice in the fridge for no more than 1 day.

    Can you use Jasmine rice for fried rice?

    Yes, Chinese fried rice is usually made with Jasmine rice that was cooked the day before, (Overnight rice has a drier consistency and so tastes better after stir-frying.) Japanese and Korean fried rice, on the other hand, is usually made with short-grain sushi rice.

    Is fried rice healthy?

    It all depends on what you add to your fried rice and how much oil you use in it!

    Can you freeze fried rice?

    Yes you can but you need to cool the rice as quickly as possible so that bacteria doesn't grow as rice spoils easily and can give you nasty food poisoning. You can even freeze egg fried rice as the rice protects the texture of the egg (it doesn't become as rubbery.)

    I have other recipes you may like here! :)

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    Hi I'm Zhen also known as GGG! I couldn't boil water till I was 18 but after living abroad (in St. Andrews then London) for 11 years and having to cook for myself, I now love cooking for friends and family. Learning to cook late, I make sure my recipes go into enough detail for those new to Asian cuisine or who love a test kitchen approach to cooking!

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