What To Serve With Bao Buns: 15 Delicious Side Dishes

Bao Buns, a popular and delectable Asian street food, are pillowy steamed buns filled with a variety of ingredients, from succulent pork belly to tender vegetables.

These versatile and delightful buns can be enjoyed on their own, but pairing them with complementary side dishes can elevate your dining experience.

Here are 15 side dish ideas that go great with Bao Buns.

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The best side dishes to serve with Bao Buns are Asian Slaw, Steamed Dumplings,  Edamame, Vegetable Spring Rolls, Bok Choy, Sesame Noodle Salad, Stir-Fried Green Beans, Kimchi, Pickled Vegetables, Fried Rice, and Cucumber Salad.

With these options, you can create a diverse and enjoyable meal that highlights the deliciousness of Bao Buns and caters to a variety of tastes.

1. Asian Slaw

A refreshing and crunchy Asian slaw, made with a mix of cabbage, carrots, and a tangy dressing, adds a burst of brightness and texture that perfectly contrasts with the softness of Bao Buns.

2. Steamed Dumplings

These delicious parcels of flavor, filled with meat or vegetables, make for a satisfying and complementary side dish to Bao Buns, providing a different texture while maintaining the Asian cuisine theme.

3. Vegetable Spring Rolls

Crispy and golden, vegetable spring rolls provide a delightful crunch that pairs well with the soft, pillowy texture of Bao Buns. Serve them with a tangy dipping sauce for an extra burst of flavor.

4. Edamame

Steamed and lightly salted, edamame is a simple and nutritious side dish that adds a pop of color and a fresh, clean taste to your meal, balancing the rich flavors of the Bao Buns.

5. Sesame Noodle Salad

This cold noodle salad, featuring a zesty sesame dressing, offers a refreshing and flavorful side dish that complements the rich, savory fillings of the Bao Buns.

6. Stir-Fried Green Beans

With their bright, snappy flavor and a touch of garlic, stir-fried green beans add a simple yet flavorful side dish that contrasts nicely with the hearty Bao Buns.

7. Kimchi

This spicy, fermented Korean side dish brings a tangy, bold kick to your meal. The complex flavors of kimchi work well with the Bao Buns, cutting through the richness of the fillings.

8. Pickled Vegetables

A selection of pickled vegetables, such as daikon, cucumbers, and carrots, adds a tangy, acidic element that brightens up the flavors of the Bao Buns and cleanses the palate between bites.

9. Fried Rice

A classic Asian side dish, fried rice is a versatile option that can be customized with various ingredients. Its satisfying taste and texture make it an excellent companion for Bao Buns.

10. Cucumber Salad

A light and refreshing cucumber salad, dressed with rice vinegar and sesame oil, offers a cooling contrast to the rich, savory flavors of the Bao Buns.

11. Wonton Soup

This comforting and flavorful soup features delicate wontons filled with meat or vegetables, swimming in a clear, savory broth. Wonton soup is a warming and satisfying side dish that complements the textures and flavors of Bao Buns.

12. Salt and Pepper Tofu

This crispy and flavorful dish features tofu that is seasoned with salt and pepper, then fried to golden perfection. Its crunchy texture and savory taste pair wonderfully with the soft, pillowy Bao Buns.

13. Cold Sichuan Noodles

These spicy, tangy, and slightly sweet noodles are tossed in a Sichuan chili oil sauce and topped with fresh herbs. Cold Sichuan noodles add a bold and exciting flavor contrast to the Bao Buns, making for a thrilling dining experience.

14. Bok Choy

This healthy and easy-to-prepare side dish features bok choy cooked in an air fryer, resulting in a tender yet slightly crispy texture. Seasoned with garlic, ginger, and a splash of soy sauce, air fryer bok choy adds a delicious and nutritious component to your meal, complementing the flavors of the Bao Buns while keeping the dish light.

15. Asian Mushroom Salad

A medley of marinated mushrooms, such as shiitake, enoki, and oyster mushrooms, creates a delightful and earthy side dish. The umami-packed flavors of the mushrooms enhance the savory notes of the Bao Buns, rounding out your meal.

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