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What to Serve With Ham Fried Rice: 15 Best Side Dishes

Enhance your ham fried rice meal with a variety of delicious side dishes. Steamed vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and snap peas add vibrancy and nutritional value. Egg drop soup, with its comforting texture and flavor, complements the savory notes of the rice beautifully. For a delightful crunch, try crispy spring rolls or a invigorating cucumber salad. If you're in the mood for something warming, hot and sour soup provides a spicy, tangy contrast. Include side dishes like kimchi, seaweed salad, teriyaki chicken, and gyoza for a well-rounded meal. Discover more perfect pairings to elevate your dining experience.

Steamed Vegetables

healthy and nutritious meal

Steamed vegetables offer a nutritious and colorful complement to ham fried rice, enhancing both the visual appeal and nutritional value of the meal.

By using gentle cooking methods like steaming, vegetables retain essential vitamins and minerals. This not only enhances their nutritional benefits but also guarantees they stay vibrant and crisp.

Broccoli, carrots, and snap peas are excellent choices to pair with your dish.

Egg Drop Soup

chinese soup with eggs

In addition to steamed vegetables, Egg Drop Soup serves as a comforting and flavorful side that pairs seamlessly with ham fried rice.

With its Chinese origins, this soup offers not only a delightful taste but also nutritional benefits, such as protein and vitamins from the eggs.

The silky texture and mild flavor make it an excellent companion to the savory notes of ham fried rice.

Spring Rolls

fresh vegetables in rice wrappers

Spring rolls, with their crispy exterior and flavorful filling, provide a delightful contrast to the rich and savory ham fried rice. Different wrapper types, such as rice paper or wheat-based, can add texture and variety.

Pair them with dipping sauces like sweet chili or soy sauce for an enhanced experience. These sauce pairings elevate the spring rolls, making the meal more enjoyable.

Cucumber Salad

refreshing summer cucumber salad

How does the invigorating crispness of cucumber salad perfectly complement the savory richness of ham fried rice?

The answer lies in its revitalizing blend of fresh herbs and pickled onions.

This salad not only provides a delightful crunch but also introduces a tangy, herbaceous note that balances the flavors, creating a harmonious culinary experience.

An ideal pairing for a complete meal.

Hot and Sour Soup

chinese cuisine soup specialty

Hot and sour soup, with its vibrant contrast of flavors, serves as an excellent accompaniment to ham fried rice. The spicy broth, combined with the perfect vinegar balance, creates a delightful taste experience.

This soup's rich, warming qualities complement the savory notes of the fried rice, making it an inviting choice for those seeking a satisfying and harmonious meal pairing.

Sesame Green Beans

fresh and flavorful side

Sesame green beans, with their crisp texture and nutty flavor, offer a invigorating contrast to the savory richness of ham fried rice. Packed with nutritional benefits, these green beans are rich in vitamins and fiber.

Simple cooking techniques like blanching and sautéing with sesame oil enhance their natural flavors. This side dish is both healthy and delicious, complementing the main course beautifully.

Dumplings

savory steamed chinese delicacy

Dumplings serve as a delightful accompaniment to ham fried rice, offering a satisfying combination of textures and flavors. With numerous dumpling varieties, such as steamed, fried, or boiled, there's something for every palate.

Pair these with an array of dipping sauces, from soy-based to spicy chili, to enhance the overall dining experience. This harmonious pairing elevates any meal, blending seamlessly with ham fried rice.

Edamame

soybean snack in pods

Edamame, with its vibrant color and nutritious profile, offers an invigorating contrast to the hearty flavors of ham fried rice.

Among the many edamame varieties, each brings its unique taste and texture, enhancing the meal experience.

Edamame nutrition includes high protein, fiber, and essential vitamins, making it a healthy and delicious side dish. Serve it steamed or lightly salted for best results.

Asian Coleslaw

colorful cabbage salad dish

Asian coleslaw, with its invigorating blend of crisp vegetables and tangy dressing, complements the savory notes of ham fried rice perfectly. This vibrant side dish features a medley of cabbage, carrots, and sometimes bell peppers, enlivened with Asian sauces like soy or sesame.

Flavor variations, such as adding ginger or cilantro, can further enhance the dish, making it a delightful counterpart to your meal.

Miso Soup

soothing japanese comfort food

Miso soup, with its umami-rich broth and comforting flavors, serves as an excellent side dish to accompany ham fried rice.

Originating from Japan, miso soup is crafted using fermented soybean paste, known for its digestive health benefits.

The warm, savory broth complements the savory notes of ham fried rice, creating a balanced meal that is both nutritious and satisfying.

Shrimp Tempura

succulent shrimp tempura dish

Another delightful side dish to serve with ham fried rice is shrimp tempura, known for its light, crispy batter and succulent shrimp.

The tempura batter creates a perfect crunch, complementing the flavors of the fried rice. Pair it with a savory dipping sauce to enhance its taste.

This combination offers a satisfying contrast in textures and flavors, making your meal more enjoyable.

Kimchi

fermented cabbage with spice

Kimchi, with its tangy and spicy profile, serves as a vibrant and flavorful accompaniment to ham fried rice. The fermented benefits of kimchi, such as probiotics, aid digestion and overall health.

Its traditional flavors of garlic, chili, and ginger provide a delightful contrast to the savory and sweet notes of ham fried rice, making it an excellent side dish choice.

Seaweed Salad

healthy and refreshing dish

Complementing the tangy flavors of kimchi, seaweed salad offers an invigorating and umami-rich pairing to ham fried rice. This dish, with its distinctive flavor profile, adds a rejuvenating, slightly salty taste that balances the richness of the rice.

Additionally, seaweed salad provides numerous nutritional benefits, being rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it both a delicious and health-conscious choice.

Teriyaki Chicken

aromatic soy sauce glazed

Teriyaki chicken, with its savory and slightly sweet glaze, makes an excellent companion to ham fried rice, offering a harmonious blend of flavors.

The rich teriyaki marinade infuses the chicken with depth, while the chicken skewers provide a convenient and attractive presentation.

Together, they create a balanced meal that is both satisfying and delicious, perfect for any occasion.

Are the Best Side Dishes for Roasted Lamb Also Suitable for Ham Fried Rice?

When it comes to finding the best side dishes for roasted lamb, it’s important to consider the flavors and textures that will complement the rich, savory meat. While some side dishes like roasted vegetables and garlic mashed potatoes can also work well with ham fried rice, others like minted pea salad and couscous might not be as suitable.

Gyoza

japanese dumplings with filling

Gyoza, with their crispy exterior and succulent filling, serve as an excellent side dish to accompany ham fried rice, enhancing the meal with their savory flavors and delightful texture.

These Japanese dumplings come with various filling options, such as pork, chicken, or vegetables, catering to different tastes.

Paired with dipping sauces like soy sauce and vinegar, gyoza adds a delicious and satisfying element.