Pad Thai is a delicious and popular Thai dish that is loved by many people around the world. It is a flavorful combination of rice noodles, shrimp, chicken, or tofu, mixed with a tangy and slightly sweet sauce.
While Pad Thai is amazing on its own, it can be even more enjoyable when paired with the right side dishes.
Here are 15 fantastic side dishes that will perfectly complement your Pad Thai and make your meal even more memorable.
Looking for a quick answer?
The best side dishes to serve with pad thai are spring rolls, green papaya salad, fried rice, satay skewers, Thai coconut soup, cucumber salad, mango sticky rice, crispy tofu and steamed dumplings.
Now, let's get cooking!
Table of Contents
1. Spring Rolls
Fresh spring rolls are a perfect side dish to serve with Pad Thai. Made with rice paper, they are filled with a variety of fresh vegetables, herbs, and sometimes shrimp or chicken. They are light, healthy, and full of flavor. The combination of the fresh ingredients and the tangy dipping sauce makes them a great match for the bold flavors of Pad Thai.
2. Mango Sticky Rice
Sticky rice with mango is a popular Thai dessert that can also be enjoyed as a side dish with Pad Thai. The combination of sweet, sticky rice and juicy, ripe mango creates a delightful and refreshing taste. This dish adds a touch of sweetness to your meal, balancing out the savory flavors of Pad Thai.
3. Green Papaya
Salad Green papaya salad, or Som Tum, is a spicy and refreshing dish that complements Pad Thai perfectly. Made with shredded unripe papaya, tomatoes, green beans, and peanuts, it is seasoned with a tangy and slightly sweet dressing. The crunchy texture and bright flavors of the salad balance the richness of the Pad Thai, making it an ideal pairing.
4. Fried Rice
Thai fried rice is a tasty and simple side dish to serve with Pad Thai. Made with jasmine rice, it is flavored with garlic, soy sauce, and oyster sauce, and can be customized with your choice of vegetables, chicken, shrimp, or tofu. This dish adds a satisfying and comforting element to your meal, while not overpowering the main dish.
5. Satay Skewers
Satay skewers are a popular Thai appetizer that pairs well with Pad Thai. These skewers feature marinated and grilled meat, such as chicken or beef, served with a rich peanut sauce. The smoky, char-grilled flavor of the skewers adds a delightful contrast to the tangy and sweet flavors of Pad Thai.
6. Steamed Dumplings
Steamed dumplings are a popular Asian side dish that pairs beautifully with Pad Thai. These delicate dumplings can be filled with a variety of ingredients, such as vegetables, chicken, or shrimp. The soft, tender texture of the dumplings complements the bold flavors of Pad Thai, providing a well-rounded dining experience.
7. Cucumber Salad
Cucumber salad is a light and refreshing side dish that goes well with Pad Thai. This simple salad consists of thinly sliced cucumbers, red onions, and fresh herbs, tossed in a tangy and slightly sweet dressing. The cool, crisp flavors of the cucumber salad help to cleanse your palate, making it a great accompaniment to the bold flavors of Pad Thai.
8. Thai Fish
Cakes Thai fish cakes are a delicious and flavorful side dish that pairs nicely with Pad Thai. Made from fish paste, red curry paste, and kaffir lime leaves, these deep-fried cakes have a unique taste and texture. Their savory flavor and crispy exterior provide a great contrast to the soft and tangy noodles in Pad Thai.
9. Coconut Soup
Thai coconut soup, or Tom Kha, is a creamy and flavorful soup that complements Pad Thai beautifully. Made with coconut milk, lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves, it has a unique and aromatic taste. The addition of chicken, shrimp, or mushrooms makes it a hearty and satisfying side dish that enhances your dining experience.
10. Crispy Tofu
Crispy tofu is a fantastic side dish that adds a delightful texture to your Pad Thai meal. Made by coating tofu cubes in cornstarch and frying them until golden and crispy, this dish offers a crunchy and satisfying element. The crispy tofu can be enjoyed on its own or dipped in a flavorful sauce, making it a versatile and delicious addition to your meal.
11. Stir-Fried Vegetables
Stir-fried vegetables are a healthy and flavorful side dish that can be customized to suit your taste. Made with a mix of colorful vegetables like bell peppers, snow peas, and broccoli, they are quickly stir-fried with garlic and soy sauce. The vibrant flavors and crunchy texture of the vegetables provide a wonderful contrast to the soft noodles in Pad Thai.
12. Grilled Shrimp
Grilled shrimp is a simple yet delicious side dish that enhances your Pad Thai meal. Marinated in a blend of Asian spices, the shrimp are grilled until they are tender and slightly charred. The smoky flavor of the grilled shrimp adds a delightful layer of complexity to the overall dining experience.
13. Spicy Thai Eggplant
Spicy Thai eggplant is a flavorful side dish that pairs well with Pad Thai. This dish features tender eggplant pieces cooked in a spicy sauce with garlic, chilies, and Thai basil. The bold flavors of the eggplant add depth and excitement to your meal, making it a memorable addition.
14. Chicken Wings
Thai chicken wings are a popular and tasty side dish to serve alongside Pad Thai. These wings are marinated in a mix of Thai spices and then either grilled or baked until crispy. The sticky, sweet, and spicy flavors of the chicken wings create a harmonious pairing with the tangy and savory flavors of Pad Thai.
15. Corn Fritters
Thai-style corn fritters are a delightful side dish that adds a touch of sweetness and crunch to your meal. Made with corn kernels, rice flour, and aromatic herbs, these fritters are deep-fried until golden and crispy. The sweet corn and fragrant herbs provide a lovely contrast to the bold flavors of Pad Thai.
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What To Serve With Pad Thai
Ingredients
- 1 Pad Thai
Instructions
- Make the best Pad Thai using your favorite recipe.
- Make a side dish from the list above. You can eat Pad Thai with spring rolls, green papaya salad, fried rice, satay skewers, Thai coconut soup, cucumber salad, mango sticky rice, crispy tofu and steamed dumplings.
- Serve and enjoy a wonderful meal 🙂