20+ Best Sushi Sides You’ll Find Delicious

When it comes to sushi, there are endless possibilities for what you can create. But no matter what sushi rolls you make, there are always great sides that will compliment them perfectly.

In this article, we’ll explore some delicious and easy-to-make sushi sides that will elevate your meal to a new level! So roll up your sleeves and let’s get cooking!

Sushi Sides

1. Miso Soup
2. Edamame
3. Gyoza
4. Soy Sauce
5. Pickled Ginger
6. Kani Salad
7. Eggplant
8. Tamagoyaki
9. Seaweed Salad
10. Wasabi

Miso Soup

Miso soup is a traditional Japanese side dish that is often served with sushi. The soup is made with a fermented soybean paste, and it is typically very salty and slightly sweet.

Miso soup can be a great way to add flavor to your sushi, and it can also help to fill you up.

In addition, the soup is full of antioxidants and other nutrients that can be beneficial for your health. Moreover, while the soup is typically served as a side dish, it can also be enjoyed on its own.

Quick Recipe: Miso Soup with Shiitake and Tofu

• Ingredients: Miso paste, dashi stock, shiitake mushrooms, tofu, green onions
• Average Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Instructions:
  1. Prepare dashi stock and bring to a simmer.
  2. Add sliced shiitake mushrooms and cubed tofu.
  3. Stir in miso paste until dissolved.
  4. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

Edamame

Edamame is a delicious side dish that can be used in many different recipes. This versatile ingredient can be used in soups, salads, stir-fries, and noodle dishes.

Edamame is a great source of protein and fiber, and it is also low in fat and calories. This healthy side dish is a perfect accompaniment to sushi. The salty, savory flavor of edamame pairs well with the delicate flavors of sushi.

It can also be used as a dipping sauce for sushi as the nutty flavor of this sauce complements the taste of sushi rolls.

Quick Recipe: Spicy Garlic Edamame

• Ingredients: Edamame, garlic, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, soy sauce
• Average Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Instructions:
  1. Steam edamame until tender.
  2. Sauté garlic in sesame oil until golden.
  3. Add edamame, red pepper flakes, and a splash of soy sauce.
  4. Toss to coat and serve.

Gyoza

Gyoza is a Japanese dumpling that is typically served as a side dish for sushi. While it can be enjoyed on its own, gyoza is commonly paired with sushi because the two dishes complement each other nicely.

The salty, savory taste of gyoza contrasts well with the subtle flavors of sushi, and the gyoza’s rice-based wrapper provides a nice contrast in texture.

Additionally, the small size of gyoza makes it easy to eat in one bite, which is convenient when enjoying sushi as well.

Quick Recipe: Gyoza with Ginger Dipping Sauce

• Ingredients: Gyoza wrappers, ground pork, cabbage, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, rice vinegar
• Average Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Instructions:
  1. Mix ground pork, finely chopped cabbage, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
  2. Spoon mixture into gyoza wrappers and seal edges.
  3. Pan-fry until bottoms are crispy.
  4. For sauce, mix soy sauce and rice vinegar with a dash of grated ginger.

Soy Sauce

There are many different types of sushi, and each one is typically served with a side dish of soy sauce. Soy sauce is a fermented sauce made from soybeans, wheat, and salt. It has a dark brown color and a salty, umami flavor.

Soy sauce is a traditional condiment in East Asian cuisine, and it is also used as a dip for sushi.

Soy sauce can help to enhance the flavor of the sushi. It is often used as a dipping sauce for nigiri sushi, which are pieces of fish or seafood served on top of rice. The salty flavor of soy sauce also helps to bring out the flavors of the fish.

Soy sauce can also be used as a marinade for fish or seafood before it is made into sushi. This helps to tenderize the meat and give it a more robust flavor. It can be used to make a simple vinaigrette by mixing it with rice vinegar, sesame oil, and sugar.

Quick Recipe: Soy-Based Sushi Sauce with Ginger and Garlic

• Ingredients: 1/2 cup soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, 1 clove garlic, minced, 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated, 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup, Optional: 1/2 teaspoon wasabi paste for heat
• Average Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Instructions:
  1. In a saucepan over low heat, combine the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
  2. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan.
  3. Allow mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes.
  4. Remove from heat and stir in the honey or maple syrup for a touch of sweetness.
  5. Add wasabi paste at this stage and allow sauce to cool down.
  6. Strain to remove the garlic and ginger pieces and transfer the sauce to a small dipping bowl

Pickled Ginger

Pickled ginger, also known as pink ginger, is a popular side dish for sushi. The slightly sweet, slightly sour flavor of pickled ginger pairs well with the richness of sushi, and the bright pink color adds visual contrast to the dish.

Pickled ginger is also believed to have health benefits, such as aiding in digestion and helping to reduce inflammation. When choosing pickled ginger as a side dish for sushi, be sure to look for brands that are free of artificial colors and flavors.

Some brands of pickled ginger can be very salty, so taste a piece before adding it to your dish. To avoid overwhelming the flavor of your sushi, start with a small amount of pickled ginger and add more to the taste.

Quick Recipe: Pickled Ginger with Beet Juice

• Ingredients: Ginger, rice vinegar, sugar, salt, beet juice
• Average Cook Time: 30 minutes (plus marinating)
• Instructions:
  1. Thinly slice ginger and blanch in boiling water.
  2. Mix rice vinegar, sugar, salt, and a splash of beet juice for color.
  3. Combine with ginger and let marinate for at least an hour.

Kani Salad

Kani salad is a Japanese dish that typically consists of seafood and vegetables. It is often served as a side dish for sushi, but can also be used as a topping for rice or noodles.

Kani salad is a healthy and versatile dish that can be customized to suit your taste. The seafood and vegetables in Kani salad are a good source of nutrients and fiber, and the dish is low in calories.

Kani salad is also relatively easy to make and can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for later.

Quick Recipe: Kani Salad with Avocado and Mango

• Ingredients: Crab sticks, cucumber, avocado, mango, mayonnaise, soy sauce
• Average Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Instructions:
  1. Shred crab sticks and chop cucumber, avocado, and mango.
  2. Mix with a dressing of mayonnaise and a splash of soy sauce.

Eggplant

One of my current favorite side dishes to serve with sushi is eggplant. Some other great sides to serve are cucumber, avocado, pickled ginger, and wasabi. I love the way that the eggplant compliments the sushi without overpowering it.

The eggplant provides a great texture and a slight sweetness that brings out the flavor of the sushi. It is also a very healthy side dish option, full of vitamins and minerals.

Quick Recipe: Miso-Glazed Eggplant

• Ingredients: Eggplant, miso paste, sake, mirin, sesame seeds
• Average Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Instructions:
  1. Slice eggplant and brush with a mixture of miso paste, sake, and mirin.
  2. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes.
  3. Sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving.

Tamagoyaki

Tamagoyaki is a type of Japanese omelet that is often served as a side dish for sushi. The egg is cooked in a special rectangular pan and then rolled up to create a cylindrical shape. Tamagoyaki can be made with different fillings, such as vegetables, seafood, or cheese.

There are many benefits to using tamagoyaki as a side dish for sushi. First, it provides a contrast in texture. The softness of the egg pairs well with the firmness of the sushi rice.

Second, it adds a touch of sweetness to the dish. This helps to balance out the salty flavors of the sushi rolls. Finally, tamagoyaki is visually appealing and can help to make your sushi platter look more attractive.

Tamagoyaki is an excellent choice for those who are looking for an easy and delicious way to upgrade their sushi rolls. It is also a good option for those who are looking for a lighter side dish.

Quick Recipe: Tamagoyaki with Nori and Cheese

• Ingredients: Eggs, soy sauce, sugar, nori sheets, cheese
• Average Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Instructions:
  1. Beat eggs with soy sauce and sugar.
  2. Pour a layer into a hot pan and place a nori sheet on top.
  3. Add a layer of cheese and roll up.
  4. Continue layering and rolling until all ingredients are used.

Seaweed Salad

Seaweed salad is a common side dish served with sushi. The salad is made with various types of seaweed, such as wakame, hijiki, and arame, and typically includes ingredients like cucumber, carrots, and sesame seeds.

Seaweed salad is a healthy option because it is low in calories and fat, and it is a good source of Vitamins A and C, as well as iron. The salad is also a good way to add texture and flavor to sushi rolls.

When choosing a seaweed salad to serve with sushi, look for one that has a light dressing of vinegar or soy sauce, as opposed to a creamy dressing, which can be too heavy. Seaweed salad can also be served as a healthier alternative to potato salad or coleslaw.

Quick Recipe: Seaweed Salad with Sesame and Orange

• Ingredients: Seaweed, sesame oil, sesame seeds, orange zest, soy sauce
• Average Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Instructions:
  1. Rehydrate seaweed and drain.
  2. Toss with sesame oil, sesame seeds, orange zest, and a splash of soy sauce.

Wasabi

One of the key components of sushi is wasabi, a spicy root vegetable that adds a unique flavor to the dish. While wasabi is commonly served as a side dish, there are many other ways to enjoy it.

For example, wasabi can be used as a condiment for grilled meats or fish. It can also be added to stir-fries or soups for an extra kick of flavor. In addition, wasabi makes an excellent dipping sauce for tempura and other fried foods.

There are many benefits to using wasabi as a side dish. First, it helps to cleanse the palate and prepare the tastebuds for the sushi ahead.

Secondly, wasabi has powerful antibacterial properties, which can protect against foodborne illnesses. Finally, the spiciness of wasabi can help to boost metabolism and aid in digestion.

When choosing a wasabi-based side dish, it is important to select one that complements the flavors of the sushi. For example, milder wasabi may be paired with tuna sushi, while a more intense variety could be used with salmon or eel sushi.

Wasabi can also be enjoyed as a dipping sauce, in which case it is important to select a sushi roll that has a milder flavor.

Quick Recipe: Wasabi Aioli

• Ingredients: Wasabi paste, mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic, salt
• Average Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Instructions:
  1. Mix wasabi paste with mayonnaise.
  2. Add a squeeze of lemon juice, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt.
  3. Stir well and serve as a dipping sauce.

Commonly Asked Questions When Choosing Sushi Sides

What are some other options when choosing sushi sides?

1. Matcha Ice Cream
2. Dango
3. Ohitashi
4. Osuimono soup
5. Beer
6. Tempura
7. Green Tea
8. Karaage
9. Agedashi Tofu
10. Katsudon
11. Beef Udon

What are some common mistakes when choosing sushi sides?

There are several common mistakes that people make when choosing sushi sides. First, they often choose side dishes that are too heavy or filling. This can make it difficult to enjoy the sushi rolls.

Second, they may select side dishes that are not complementary to the flavors of the sushi. Finally, they may not take into account the different textures and colors of the sushi when choosing sides.

What are some tips when choosing sushi sides?

When selecting sushi sides, it is important to consider the overall balance of the meal. The side dishes should be complementary to the sushi rolls in terms of flavor, texture, and color.

It is also important to choose side dishes that will not fill you up too much so that you can enjoy the sushi rolls. Finally, remember to have fun and experiment with different sushi sides to find what you like best!

Conclusion

Sushi is a delicious and healthy meal option that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Wasabi, seaweed salad, and matcha ice cream are all excellent choices for sushi sides.

So go ahead and try out some of these sushi sides the next time you’re in the mood for sushi!