What To Serve With Chow Mein? 18 Best Side Dishes

Chow Mein, a classic Chinese dish, is loved for its savory noodles and rich flavors. But what should you serve with it?

Here you can find 18 amazing side dishes to pair with Chow Mein. These sides will enhance the meal, adding variety and balancing the flavors.

Looking for a quick answer?

The best side dishes to serve with chow mein are spring rolls, beef and broccoli, char siu, steamed dumplings, orange chicken, crispy tofu, bok choy, wonton rangoon, honey garlic shrimp, corn egg drop soup, sesame chicken, potstickers, egg rolls, kung pao chicken, sweet and sour pork, garlic green beans, and fried rice. 

Now, let's get cooking!

1. Spring Rolls

Spring rolls are crispy and packed with fresh vegetables, offering a nice crunch alongside Chow Mein. They are filled with ingredients like cabbage, carrots, and bean sprouts, then fried until golden brown. Serve with a dipping sauce like sweet chili for an extra kick. Spring rolls are a great appetizer or side dish that adds texture to your meal.

2. Beef And Broccoli

Beef and broccoli is a savory and hearty side dish that pairs well with Chow Mein. Tender beef slices and crisp broccoli florets are cooked in a flavorful sauce made from soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. The rich flavors of the beef and the fresh taste of the broccoli complement the noodles perfectly, making it a satisfying combination.

3. Char Siu

Char Siu, or Chinese BBQ pork, is a sweet and savory side that goes great with Chow Mein. The pork is marinated in a mixture of hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, and five-spice powder, then roasted until caramelized and tender. Its bold flavors and slightly sticky texture add a delicious contrast to the noodles.

4. Steamed Dumplings

Steamed dumplings are a wonderful addition to Chow Mein. These little pockets are filled with a mix of meat and vegetables, making them hearty and satisfying. Use a bamboo steamer or a metal one to cook them until the wrappers are soft and the filling is fully cooked. They are easy to make and fun to eat.

5. Orange Chicken

Orange chicken is a sweet and tangy dish that pairs well with Chow Mein. The chicken pieces are battered and fried, then tossed in a sticky orange sauce made from orange juice, soy sauce, and sugar. The citrusy flavor of the sauce complements the savory noodles, creating a delightful balance of flavors in your meal.

6. Crispy Tofu

Crispy tofu is a great vegetarian option to serve with Chow Mein. The tofu is cut into cubes, coated in cornstarch, and fried until golden and crispy. Serve it with a dipping sauce or toss it in a flavorful stir-fry sauce. The crispy texture and mild flavor of the tofu provide a nice contrast to the noodles.

7. Bok Choy

Bok Choy is a leafy green vegetable that adds a fresh and slightly bitter taste to your meal. Simply stir-fry it with garlic and a splash of soy sauce until it’s tender but still crisp. Bok Choy is light and nutritious, balancing the richness of the Chow Mein perfectly. It’s a quick and easy side to prepare.

8. Wonton Rangoon

Wonton Rangoon is a delightful side dish that pairs well with Chow Mein. These crispy wontons are filled with a creamy mixture of crab meat and cream cheese, then fried to perfection. The crunchy exterior and creamy filling provide a tasty contrast to the noodles. Serve them with sweet and sour sauce for dipping.

9. Honey Garlic Shrimp

Honey garlic shrimp is a sweet and savory dish that complements Chow Mein beautifully. The shrimp are sautéed in a sauce made from honey, garlic, soy sauce, and ginger, creating a flavorful and slightly sticky glaze. The tender shrimp and rich sauce enhance the taste of the noodles, adding a delicious seafood twist to your meal.

10. Corn Egg Drop Soup

Corn egg drop soup is a comforting and light side dish that goes well with Chow Mein. This soup is made with sweet corn, beaten eggs, and a savory broth, resulting in a silky and flavorful dish. The mild and creamy texture of the soup balances the rich flavors of the noodles, making it a great addition to your meal.

11. Bulgogi

Bulgogi is a Korean BBQ beef dish that pairs excellently with Chow Mein. Thin slices of beef are marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger, then grilled to perfection. The sweet and savory flavors of bulgogi complement the noodles, adding a rich and delicious twist to your meal.

12. Sesame Chicken

Sesame chicken is a popular dish that pairs wonderfully with Chow Mein. The chicken pieces are battered and fried, then coated in a sweet and tangy sauce made from soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil. The toasted sesame seeds add a nutty flavor and crunch, complementing the savory noodles perfectly.

13. Potstickers

Potstickers are a classic side dish that goes great with Chow Mein. These dumplings are filled with a mix of ground meat and vegetables, then pan-fried until the bottoms are crispy and the tops are steamed. The combination of textures and the flavorful filling make potstickers a delicious accompaniment to the noodles.

14. Stir-Fried Mushrooms

Stir-fried mushrooms are a simple yet flavorful side dish that goes well with Chow Mein. Mushrooms are sautéed with garlic, soy sauce, and a touch of sesame oil until tender and aromatic. The earthy flavors of the mushrooms add depth to the meal and pair perfectly with the rich, savory noodles.

15. Kung Pao Chicken

Kung Pao chicken is a spicy and flavorful dish that pairs well with Chow Mein. This dish features tender chicken pieces, peanuts, and vegetables stir-fried in a spicy and tangy sauce. The bold flavors and crunchy peanuts complement the savory noodles, adding a delightful contrast to your meal.

16. Sweet and Sour Pork

Sweet and sour pork is a classic Chinese dish that goes well with Chow Mein. The pork pieces are battered and fried, then tossed in a tangy sauce made from vinegar, ketchup, and sugar. The sweet and tangy flavors of the sauce enhance the taste of the noodles, creating a delicious combination.

17. Garlic Green Beans

Garlic green beans are a simple and tasty side dish that pairs nicely with Chow Mein. Fresh green beans are stir-fried with minced garlic and a splash of soy sauce until tender-crisp. The garlic adds a savory depth that complements the noodles, making this dish a flavorful and healthy addition to your meal.

18. Fried Rice

Fried rice is a classic side that goes perfectly with Chow Mein. Made with cooked rice, vegetables, and a mix of soy sauce and sesame oil, this dish is flavorful and satisfying. The combination of rice and noodles adds variety to your meal, making it even more enjoyable and filling.