What to Eat With Dumplings: 10 Best Side Dishes

Dumplings are more than a meal—they're a moment. Whether steamed, pan-fried, or bursting with soup, dumplings bring comfort, warmth, and joy to every bite. But even the most perfect dumpling shines brighter when surrounded by thoughtfully chosen sides. At United Dumplings, each pairing is designed not just to complement the main dish, but to elevate the entire dining experience. If you're wondering what to eat with dumplings to turn a simple meal into a full feast, this guide offers the 10 best side dishes to round out your table.

Read More: Cooking Pork Soup Dumplings: 5 Common Mistakes to Avoid

Why Sides Matter: The Art of Dumpling Pairings

A great dumpling is soft or crisp, savory or spicy—but always satisfying. Still, even the most beloved dumplings benefit from the right support. The best dumpling pairings bring contrast and harmony: something cool to counter heat, something crisp to match soft textures, something green to add freshness. These small plates and sides don’t compete with dumplings—they complete them.

Whether you're enjoying a single steamer basket or hosting a full family-style meal, knowing what to serve with dumplings creates a beautifully balanced spread.

What Goes With Dumplings?

Here are 10 favorites from our United Dumplings menu that pair perfectly with everything from potstickers to xiao long bao. 

1. Happy Family Cucumber

A dumpling’s best friend? Something cold, crisp, and refreshing. Our Happy Family Cucumber is just that. Sliced cucumbers are lightly dressed with sesame oil and white pepper—subtle but flavorful. This chilled salad balances out the warmth of any dumpling and acts as a refreshing palate cleanser between bites. It’s especially ideal when you’re enjoying richer dumplings like Korean BBQ Beef or our Five Treasure Soup Dumplings. Wondering what to eat with dumplings to keep things light? Start here.

2. Vegetarian Spring Rolls

These crispy rolls are filled with finely shredded celery, carrots, napa cabbage, and bamboo shoots. Deep-fried to golden perfection, they bring crunch and lightness to the table. They’re especially lovely alongside steamed dumplings or soup dumplings, offering contrast in both texture and preparation. If you're still asking yourself what to eat with dumplings, this classic option is a simple and satisfying place to start.

3. Crispy Golden Calamari

Bold and flavorful, this appetizer offers a great contrast to delicate dumplings. The squid is lightly battered and seasoned with garlic, then fried until golden and crisp. Its satisfying crunch and umami flavor make it a standout companion for softer dumplings like Pork Soup Dumplings or Shrimp Dumplings. In fact, it's one of our favorite answers to what to eat with dumplings when you crave texture.

4. Fried Mushroom Tempura

Mushroom lovers will appreciate the earthy, satisfying flavor of this side. We lightly batter oyster mushrooms and fry them until golden. The result is crisp on the outside, tender inside, with deep umami notes that pair especially well with vegetarian or tofu-based dumplings. These bites are hearty without being heavy.

5. Five-Spice Crispy Silken Tofu

If you're craving something with both softness and spice, this is your pick. Silken tofu is gently fried until crisp on the outside, then served with a tangy chili-lime-ginger sauce. The tofu melts in your mouth, while the sauce adds brightness and a subtle kick. It's an excellent complement to soup dumplings or pork potstickers, offering richness with a twist. Still thinking about what to eat with dumplings for extra depth? This one delivers.

6. Sauteed Green String Bean

Sometimes, simplicity wins. These green beans are stir-fried with garlic until they’re just tender. The result? A fresh, mildly savory dish that balances any dumpling's richness. They’re light, flavorful, and add a beautiful pop of green to your table. If you’re asking yourself what to eat with dumplings that keeps the meal grounded, these beans are a clean choice.

7. Chinese Broccoli With Garlic Sauce

Another green favorite, this side features tender stalks of Chinese broccoli tossed in a savory garlic sauce. The slight bitterness of the greens balances the umami depth of dumplings, especially pork or beef varieties. The garlic glaze ties it all together, creating a clean, flavorful bite that complements without overpowering. Also, if you need something fresh to round out your plate, this dish answers what to eat with dumplings perfectly.

8. Sweet and Spicy Chicken Wings

Crispy chicken wings coated in a sweet-and-spicy glaze bring heat, crunch, and a bold contrast to any dumpling dish. These wings shine when served alongside more mild dumplings like Chicken Mushroom Truffle or Vegetarian Soup Dumplings. They’re also great for sharing, making them ideal for group meals or family-style dining. Looking for what to eat with dumplings that adds a little fire? These wings hit the mark.

9. Sauteed Pea Shoots with Garlic

Delicate, tender, and full of flavor, these pea shoots are sautéed with garlic and a touch of oil. Their soft, leafy texture and mild sweetness offer a perfect foil to fried or pan-crisped dumplings. They don’t steal the spotlight—they gently support it. Thinking about what to eat with dumplings that brings both elegance and ease? This is it.

10. Vegetarian Stir-Fried Noodles

While noodles might seem like a second main dish, these light, wok-tossed noodles make a fitting companion to dumplings. With mixed vegetables and a savory sauce, they round out the meal while keeping the spotlight on dumplings. They’re ideal for larger gatherings where variety and comfort are key. 

Dumpling Side Dishes That Complete the Meal

When building your perfect dumpling experience, variety is key. A combination of hot and cold, crispy and soft, bold and mild creates a table that feels abundant and thoughtfully composed. The dishes above aren’t just dumpling side dishes—they’re carefully chosen partners, each enhancing the flavor and experience of the dumplings they accompany.

No matter which you choose, every side on this list is designed to bring out the best in your meal and satisfy the question: what to eat with dumplings when you want something special, complete, and utterly delicious.

Read More: How To Eat Soup Dumplings – The United Dumplings Way

The Full Flavor Experience – Even at Home

Dining at United Dumplings means enjoying a table filled with intention—each dumpling and every side crafted to bring comfort, flavor, and joy. But the experience doesn’t end there. With our frozen collection, you can also recreate the same thoughtful combinations from the comfort of your kitchen. Stock your freezer with Pork Soup Dumplings, Vegetarian Soup Dumplings, or Sichuan Wontons in Red Oil, and pair them with your favorite sides from our dine-in menu.

Whether you’re dining in or staying in, knowing what to eat with dumplings means every meal is more than satisfying—it’s unforgettable.