When it comes to deciding what to serve with potstickers for dinner, it’s easy to get stuck in a rut. But fear not! In many Asian cuisines, potstickers are just one part of a larger meal ensemble that typically includes a soup, rice dish, protein, vegetable, and dessert. The key to creating this variety is to focus on dishes that are both flavorful and easy to prepare.
Fried Green Beans with Garlic Sichuan Sauce
While I’m not typically enthralled by green beans on their own, I’ve learned to appreciate them when infused with the bold flavors of Sichuan sauce. This condiment masterfully blends sweet and salty notes, elevating the humble legume into a mouthwatering side dish. The magic begins with a combination of garlic, ginger, red pepper, chili garlic sauce, sugar, and soy sauce in a pan, brought to a near boil.
Meanwhile, cornstarch is dissolved in water, then stirred into the mixture until it thickens, resulting in a rich and velvety texture. When paired with crispy fried green beans, the harmony of flavors is nothing short of remarkable – simply coat the beans in the sauce and you’re ready to serve.
Fresh Spring Rolls
Spring rolls are an exemplary representation of Asian cuisine’s ability to pack a punch when it comes to flavors. This delightful dish consists of minced meat, carrots, cucumbers, and other vegetables skillfully wrapped in rice paper, creating a harmonious balance of textures. To take it to the next level, simply dip them into a rich and creamy peanut sauce, infusing every bite with an explosion of flavor.
When paired with potstickers, this duo makes for a sublime meal that will leave you craving more.
Hot and Sour Soup
In Asian cuisine, soup plays a significant role in many meals, particularly among the Chinese. In fact, hot and sour soup is a staple in traditional Chinese cooking. This thin broth-based dish is characterized by its bold flavors, which strike a perfect balance between spicy and sour notes.
But what really sets it apart is the delightful combination of textures that each spoonful brings – tender tofu, crunchy vegetables, and chewy dried shiitake mushrooms all working together to create a truly satisfying eating experience.
Egg Drop Soup
Egg drop soup is another beloved Chinese culinary staple, with the humble egg taking center stage. The rich flavor profile is elevated by an aromatic blend of cloves, star anise, ginger, sesame oil, and other distinctive Asian spices. But what makes this dish truly unique is the iconic process of ‘dropping’ raw eggs into the simmering broth, just before serving.
As you stir the soup, the eggs break apart, creating a visually striking pattern of white and yellow swirls that add both texture and visual appeal to the dish.
Potsticker Rice Noodle Bowl
Transforming potstickers into a mouth-watering noodle bowl is a game-changer. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity – use store-bought frozen potstickers to save time and effort.
In under 30 minutes, you can create a satisfying meal by combining the usual potsticker ingredients with eggs, rice noodles, tamari or soy sauce, rice vinegar, ginger, and red chili pepper flakes. This dish checks all the boxes: it’s easy to make, bursting with flavor, and provides a complete meal experience.
Chinese Broccoli
While Gai Lan, also known as Chinese broccoli, may not resemble its Western counterpart in appearance, it’s undeniable that this Asian green packs a flavorful punch.
Its thick, flat leaves and stems boast a unique combination of mild bitterness and sweetness, making it a delightful addition to any dish. The stems, in particular, offer a satisfying crunch and juiciness when paired with the savory flavors of oyster sauce and soy sauce.
Kimchi
In the realm of Korean cuisine, Mandu – a type of meat-filled dumpling – takes center stage. These delectable morsels can be steamed, boiled, or deep-fried, making them a versatile and delicious addition to any meal. But what truly elevates the Mandu experience is its pairing with kimchi, a staple side dish that never fails to impress. Kimchi’s bold flavors, born from the fermentation of cabbage and radish, provide a thrilling contrast to the savory, comforting taste of the dumplings.
The harmonious union of these two Korean favorites results in a culinary experience that is nothing short of extraordinary.
Mochi
The grand finale: dessert! Mochi is a beloved Japanese treat that consists of bite-sized balls of glutinous rice filled with an assortment of sweet fillings, including red bean paste, strawberry creme, matcha, and ice cream.
The combination of textures – soft and chewy on the outside, and creamy or crunchy on the inside – makes for a delightful conclusion to your meal.
Ube
A traditional Filipino treat, ube is a rich and decadent dessert made by mashing together sweet potatoes or yams.
The real magic happens when you add in a trio of milks – coconut milk, condensed milk, and evaporated milk – which gives the ube its signature creamy texture and deep purple color.
As a result, the finished product is a sumptuous delight that’s equal parts sweet and indulgent.
Fried Sesame Balls
In many Vietnamese and Chinese households, sesame balls have become an integral part of the snack culture. The process of creating these bite-sized treats begins with a mixture of glutinous rice and sweet fillings such as mung bean paste, which is then carefully wrapped to form a compact shape. A deep-frying step follows, where the balls are cooked until crispy and golden brown.
Finally, a light coating of sesame seeds adds a nutty flavor and satisfying crunch, making these tasty treats a favorite among locals.
Vegetable Stir Fry
Elevate your dumpling experience by pairing them with a vibrant vegetable stir-fry. This straightforward dish brings together an assortment of colorful vegetables, expertly seasoned with the trifecta of flavors: garlic, ginger, and soy sauce. To create this mouthwatering combination, begin by heating some oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Next, cook onions and carrots for 2 minutes to soften their texture.
Then, add broccoli, bell peppers, and sugar snap peas, allowing them to sauté for 5-7 minutes until they’re tender-crisp. To finish the dish, stir in the soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, ensuring everything is harmoniously combined. Garnish with sesame seeds for added texture and visual appeal. For an extra boost of nutrition and flavor, consider adding some leafy greens like bok choy or spinach to your stir-fry.