Looking for something to serve with ramen? This yummy Japanese dish has transformed the budget-friendly table with its comfort food style and easy-to-work-with ingredients.
The basis of ramen is the combination of noodles and a hot broth. You can add a variety of toppings, which all make the dish very tasty. But what truly elevates ramen is what you serve on the side. Simply follow the package instructions for the ramen and then add whatever you want for the best results. The packages usually include the noodles and a little flavor packet.
Whether you’re enjoying a traditional Japanese restaurant serving or whipping up instant ramen at home, pairing your ramen with the right side dishes or main dishes can transform your meal into an unforgettable dining experience.
Best Dishes to Serve with Ramen Noodle Soup
All of the tasty recipes listed below are tried and true. Feel free to use any of these ideas along with some of your own.
Chicken Thighs
Splash a little teriyaki on these delicious chicken thighs to make teriyaki chicken. Add your favorite garnish, and you now have some wonderful teriyaki chicken!
Boiled Eggs
One of the most economical forms of protein is an egg. Soft-boiled eggs marinated in a mix of soy sauce and a bit of sugar add just the perfect touch and a rich layer to the meal as it enhances the overall taste of ramen.
Fried Chicken Strips
For those who appreciate a little bit of crunch, oven-fry some chicken tenders, add a little soy sauce, and dip into the broth of your bowl of ramen. Yum!
Asian Lettuce Wraps
If you’ve never tried these Asian lettuce wraps from Call Me PMc, it’s time to change that. Next time you serve ramen, give your taste buds a treat and make these. They’re a great addition to any Asian meal!
Potato Salad
This creamy, slightly tangy side dish made with diced or mashed potatoes adds so much to your ramen dish. You can add carrots, cucumbers, eggs, and sometimes ham, dressed in mayonnaise and seasoned with a little bit of rice vinegar. It’s a great way to introduce a different texture and cooling element, perfect for cleansing the palate between spicy bites of ramen.
Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
Cook the ramen noodles and top with this delicious beef and broccoli stir fry. You can add even more vegetables if you like. If you’re adventurous, try adding strips of bell peppers, snow peas, green beans, and even some tofu. Season it even more with soy sauce, sesame oil, and some chili oil. This makes for a deliciously hearty and flavorful complement to your bowl of ramen.
Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry
If you enjoy stir fry, you can make it with chicken. Serve it alongside your bowl of ramen, and your meal is complete!
Watermelon Cucumber Salad
For a lighter side dish, serve your ramen alongside this delicious combo of fruit and vegetables. You can even add soy sauce, sesame oil, or rice vinegar for even more flavor.
Broccoli Slaw
Broccoli is clearly a favorite ingredient in Asian cuisine. So make this deliciously crunchy, oh-so-satisfying, and delightfully nutritious salad. It has all kinds of wonderful flavors that will put smiles on the faces of everyone at the dinner table!
Apple Spinach Salad
This salad delivers the wonderful flavor of apples along with the crunch and texture of leafy greens. The best part about this dish is that you can feel good about serving a nutritious side dish to your family.
Pork Belly Bites
Cut up some pork belly and pop it in the air fryer or oven. The result is a batch of crispy and delicious pork belly bites that are so yummy when served with ramen!
Condiments and Extras
Whenever I serve ramen, I like to offer a variety of condiments and extras that enhance Japanese cuisine. The best thing you can do is learn what your family enjoys and offer that.
Here are some of our favorites:
- Small bowls of soy sauce
- Raw ginger
- Raw egg or fried egg
- Extra chicken broth
- Olive oil
- Brown sugar
- Bamboo shoots
- Shredded carrots
Fresh vegetables cut into bite-size pieces
Enhancing Your Ramen Experience
To truly appreciate the diversity of ramen, consider experimenting with different types of ramen. Each type offers unique flavors and textures that go with various side dishes. If you think something would be good with ramen, such as sautéed vegetables or shredded meat, give it a try. Chances are, the entire family will agree with you.
Also don’t forget to sprinkle your ramen and sides with garnishes like sesame seeds, green onions, chili peppers, chives, or red pepper flakes to add an extra layer of flavor and texture. A drizzle of chili oil or sesame oil can also add a new dimension of taste to your meal.
It’s All About What You Like
Ramen, with its basic flavor and comforting warmth, offers a foundation for culinary creativity. By pairing your bowl of ramen with the right side dishes, you have created a meal that the family will want again.