Looking for ideas about what to serve with sushi? From traditional Japanese side dishes to quick and easy Asian fusion recipes we have some of the best side dishes for sushi to share with you.
Whether you want to create a Japanese sharing platter, a bento box or you just want to add a healthy side to your sushi dinner, we have the dish for you.
We are big lovers of sushi and Japanese food in general. A platter filled with different types of sushi like maki rolls, nigiri or sashimi is always a big hit in our house. And adding a variety of side dishes can really take your sushi meal to the next level.
Our how to make sushi guide is always popular, so if you want to master the art of homemade sushi head over there and check out our top chef tips first. And don't miss our homemade sushi vinegar recipe. Used in lots of Japanese rice dishes, it is easy and cheap to make at home.
Once you can whip up sushi like a pro, spoil your family and friends with a delicious Japanese feast. You won't be short of ideas with our collection of sushi side dishes!
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Traditionally in sushi restaurants, sushi rolls are served with pickled ginger (gari), wasabi and soy sauce. These little accompaniments add additional flavour and texture to the sushi. In Japan, sushi is also often paired with green tea or sake.
But, for a more substantial main dish, sushi can also be served with miso soup, pickled vegetables, salads, tempura and other traditional Japanese dishes.
Hungry now? We certainly are! Let's get creating a feast!
Japanese vegetable side dishes for sushi
Add an array of colours and textures to your sushi with these delicious vegetable side dishes. From common Japanese ingredients like bok choy, aubergine, sweet potato and shishito peppers, to more Western vegetables with a Japanese twist.
These recipes use a mix of traditional Japanese cooking methods and flavours, adding another layer to your sushi dishes and taste buds!
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Japanese soup
A small bowl of soup is a great side dish for sushi. Miso soup is the traditional Japanese soup that is often served with sushi. A simple side dish that can be made using miso paste and dashi stock. But other delicious Japanese soups work amazingly with sushi too, so switch it up and try a flavoursome ramen, beautiful suimono clear soup or a corn potage (Japanese corn soup).
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Rice side dishes
These Japanese rice dishes will help you create a real feast. Try serving your sushi with some salmon onigiri, a bowl of Japanese fried rice or try making some sweet rice and red bean cake.
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Pickled vegetables
The burst of flavor and crunchy texture make pickled vegetables a great side for sushi. The acidity of the pickles acts as a great palate cleanser in-between bites of sushi. Pickled daikon radish and pickled cucumber are popular Japanese classics and simple to make at home.
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Japanese Salads
If you want to add some fresh flavours and textures to your Japanese dinner then a salad is a great option. From traditional Japanese dishes like sunomono (a cucumber sesame salad) or edamame salads to delicious soba noodles and Japanese-inspired potato salad, these recipes are the perfect side dishes for sushi.
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Seafood and fish
Seafood and fish are popular ingredients in Japanese cuisine and create the perfect side dish for sushi.
Spoil your guests by creating a restaurant-inspired sushi bar loaded with a variety of sushi and delicious seafood like oysters, salmon, shrimp/ prawns, slices of raw fish or crab meat. The perfect way for hosting a sushi party!
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Japanese tofu side dishes
There are so many delicious tofu dishes in Japanese cuisine and a variety of ways to prepare it. From crispy fried agedashi to hiyayakko (cold silken tofu in a savoury sauce), tofu is a great addition to your sushi table.
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Tempeh is similar to tofu but made from fermented soya beans like tofu it is a great carrier of flavour. And this delicious teriyaki tempeh recipe definitely deserves to be on the list.
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Dumplings
Gyoza, Japanese dumplings are a personal favourite in our household and the perfect pairing with sushi.
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Chicken dishes
Classic Japanese dishes like yakitori, teriyaki or chicken karaage are the perfect bites to serve with a sushi platter.
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Edamame
Another favourite for us, edamame is a great go-to Japanese side dish.
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Tempura
Deep-fried crispy goodness, we think a tempura dish should be included with every Japanese feast (We have already included a few tempura recipes above but you can never have enough!).
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Noodles
Adding a noodle side dish is a great way of making sushi a more substantial meal.
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Ramen egg
If you haven't tried a ramen egg yet, now is the time. Great for more than just ramen these eggs are a great protein packed side dish.
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Seriously, 45 side dishes for sushi that's a lot of inspiration to turn your next sushi night into a feast, enjoy!
We hope you have your chopsticks at the ready.
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