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What to Serve With Katsu Chicken: 15 Best Side Dishes

Serving katsu chicken with the right sides can transform your meal into an unforgettable dining experience. Miso soup adds depth and warmth, while steamed rice acts as a perfect neutral base. Tangy pickled vegetables like daikon radish offer a delightful zing, and Japanese coleslaw provides a fresh, crunchy contrast. Nutritious edamame complements the dish with its subtly sweet flavor. Other great options include Japanese potato salad, sesame spinach, and daikon radish salad. Each side dish brings its unique flavor and texture, making your katsu chicken meal well-rounded and satisfying. Discover more delicious ideas to elevate your dining experience ahead.

Miso Soup

traditional japanese comfort food

Miso soup, a traditional Japanese dish, pairs exceptionally well with katsu chicken, providing a balanced and savory complement to the meal.

The fermented flavors of the miso paste create a rich, umami taste, while the broth variations, including options like adding tofu or seaweed, offer flexibility.

This combination enhances the dining experience, delivering both depth and warmth, making it a perfect side dish.

Steamed Rice

perfectly cooked fluffy grains

Steamed rice is an essential accompaniment to katsu chicken, offering a neutral base that balances the dish's rich flavors.

With various rice varieties such as jasmine, basmati, or sushi rice, you can explore different textures and tastes.

Simple cooking techniques like using a rice cooker or steaming on the stovetop guarantee fluffy, perfectly cooked rice every time, enhancing your katsu experience.

Pickled Vegetables

crunchy tangy colorful delicious

Pickled vegetables provide a tangy contrast that elevates the savory flavors of katsu chicken. These fermented foods act as perfect tangy accompaniments, adding a delightful zing to your meal.

Traditional options like pickled daikon radish and cucumber enhance the dish's complexity. Their bright acidity cuts through the richness of the fried chicken, creating a balanced and satisfying dining experience.

Japanese Coleslaw

colorful crunchy cabbage salad

Japanese coleslaw guarantees a fresh, crunchy complement to katsu chicken with its finely shredded cabbage and light, tangy dressing.

Mastery of cutting techniques guarantees uniform texture, while flavor variations like adding carrots, radishes, or a hint of sesame oil create a delightful twist.

The balance of crisp vegetables and zesty dressing enhances the overall dining experience, making it an ideal side dish.

Edamame

healthy soybean snack option

Edamame, with its vibrant green color and subtly sweet flavor, offers a nutritious and satisfying side dish that pairs well with katsu chicken. Known for its high protein and fiber content, edamame provides numerous nutritional benefits.

Simple cooking methods like boiling or steaming maintain its nutrients and flavor. This delightful dish complements katsu chicken, adding both taste and health benefits to your meal.

Seaweed Salad

colorful and nutritious dish

Another excellent accompaniment to katsu chicken is seaweed salad, a revitalizing and nutrient-dense dish that brings a unique texture and flavor to the meal.

Seaweed salad offers numerous nutritional benefits, including essential vitamins and minerals.

The dressing varieties, from tangy sesame to mild soy, can be adjusted to suit your palate, making this side dish both versatile and delicious.

Cucumber Sunomono

refreshing japanese cucumber salad

Cucumber sunomono, a light and invigorating pickled cucumber salad, serves as an excellent palate cleanser when paired with katsu chicken. This quick recipe offers numerous health benefits, such as hydration and vitamins, making it an ideal accompaniment.

The crisp, tangy flavors balance the richness of katsu, providing a rejuvenating contrast. Easy to prepare, it complements the meal perfectly while enhancing the dining experience.

Tamagoyaki

japanese rolled omelette dish

Shifting from the invigorating flavors of cucumber sunomono, tamagoyaki introduces a hint of sweetness and savory depth to the katsu chicken meal. This Japanese omelette, a breakfast staple, is made by layering slightly sweetened egg mixtures. Its fluffy texture and balanced taste complement the crispy katsu perfectly, offering a delightful contrast that enhances the overall dining experience.

Gyoza

japanese dumplings with filling

Gyoza, with their savory filling and crispy exterior, provide a delectable accompaniment to katsu chicken, enhancing the meal with their rich and satisfying flavors.

Skillful pan frying techniques create the perfect texture, making each bite a delight.

Complement these dumplings with a variety of dipping sauces, adding an extra layer of taste that harmonizes beautifully with the katsu chicken.

Tempura Vegetables

crispy fried vegetable dish

Tempura vegetables, with their light and crispy batter, bring a delightful contrast to the tender katsu chicken, creating a well-rounded and satisfying meal.

Achieving the optimal batter consistency guarantees the vegetables remain airy and crunchy.

Paired with a savory dipping sauce, tempura vegetables elevate the dining experience, providing both texture and flavor that complement the rich and flavorful katsu chicken.

Udon Noodles

delicious japanese noodle dish

Complementing the crispiness of tempura vegetables, udon noodles offer a hearty and satisfying addition to the meal with their chewy texture and ability to absorb flavorful broths.

Their versatile flavor profile pairs well with various cooking techniques, making them an excellent side dish.

Whether served in a hot, savory broth or stir-fried with vegetables, udon enhances the overall dining experience.

Japanese Potato Salad

delicious and creamy side dish

A delightful side dish that brings a creamy and tangy contrast to the crisp katsu chicken, Japanese potato salad is a must-try accompaniment.

With its creamy texture and potential for flavor variations, this salad often includes ingredients like carrots, cucumbers, and boiled eggs.

It balances the meal perfectly, providing a rich, satisfying experience that complements the crunchy, savory katsu chicken.

Sesame Spinach

healthy green vegetable dish

Sesame spinach, a simple yet flavorful side dish, enhances the meal with its nutty aroma and tender texture.

This dish offers a delightful nutty flavor from the sesame seeds, making it a perfect complement to katsu chicken.

Plus, it's packed with health benefits, including vitamins and minerals, adding a nutritious touch to your plate while keeping the meal light and invigorating.

Tsukemono

japanese pickled vegetables delicacy

Another excellent accompaniment to katsu chicken is tsukemono, the traditional Japanese pickled vegetables that provide an exhilarating contrast to the dish.

These tangy delights, including pickled plums and fermented pickles, add a burst of flavor that enhances the meal.

Tsukemono not only brings a revitalizing crunch but also balances the rich, savory taste of katsu chicken, making each bite more satisfying.

Are the Same Side Dishes Suitable for Both Katsu Chicken and Chicken Scallopini?

When deciding on the best side dishes for chicken scallopini, it’s important to consider the flavors and textures of the main dish. While katsu chicken and chicken scallopini come from different culinary traditions, some versatile options like roasted vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad can complement both dishes beautifully.

Daikon Radish Salad

refreshing japanese daikon salad

Daikon radish salad offers an invigorating and crisp complement to katsu chicken, enhancing the meal with its light and zesty flavor profile.

This side dish is rich in nutritional benefits, including vitamin C and fiber.

For preparation tips, simply julienne the daikon, then toss it with a tangy dressing of rice vinegar, sugar, and a pinch of salt for an exhilarating taste.