Summarize this article with:
Egg rolls are great on their own. But serving them solo? That’s a missed opportunity.
Figuring out what side dish goes with egg rolls can turn a simple appetizer into a full dinner. The right pairing balances out the crispy, deep-fried wrapper with something fresh, saucy, or light enough to keep your plate interesting.
I’ve been cooking Asian food at home for over 15 years, and egg roll pairings are something I’ve tested more times than I can count. Fried rice, chow mein, hot and sour soup, cucumber salad, stir fried vegetables. Some combinations just click.
This guide covers the best side dishes for egg rolls, from quick weeknight options to full Chinese food spreads. You’ll find recipes, prep times, and tips on how to match flavors and textures so everything on your plate works together.
Best Side Dishes for Egg Rolls
Fried Rice
Why It Pairs Well with Egg Rolls
Fried rice and egg rolls are basically the power couple of Chinese food. The soft, savory grains balance out the crunch of a deep-fried egg roll wrapper in a way that just works.
You get carbs on carbs, sure. But the textures are so different that nobody cares.
Key Ingredients
- Day-old jasmine rice (cold rice fries better, period)
- Soy sauce and sesame oil
- Scrambled eggs, peas, carrots, green onions
- Optional: shrimp, chicken, or pork
How to Make It
Cook your rice a day ahead and refrigerate it. Cold rice separates better in the wok and doesn’t turn mushy.
Heat oil in a wok until it smokes. Scramble your eggs first, push them aside, then toss in veggies. Add the rice, break up clumps, and season with soy sauce and sesame oil along the edges of the pan. The whole thing takes about 10 minutes.
Flavor and Texture Balance
Soft and slightly chewy rice against crispy egg roll wrappers. The umami from soy sauce ties both dishes together since egg rolls already use similar seasonings.
Serving Tips
Serve the fried rice as a bed underneath your egg rolls, or pile it on the side. Drizzle some sweet and sour sauce over both for a full takeout-style spread.
Prep Time and Difficulty
10 minutes active cooking. Beginner-friendly as long as you use cold rice.
Chow Mein
Why It Pairs Well with Egg Rolls
Chow mein is one of those Asian dinner sides that shows up on basically every Chinese restaurant combo plate for a reason. Stir fried noodles with vegetables bring a chewy, saucy contrast to crispy egg rolls.
Both dishes share garlic, ginger, and soy sauce as common ground. So the flavors feel connected without being repetitive.
Key Ingredients
- Chow mein noodles or yakisoba noodles
- Cabbage, carrots, bean sprouts, celery
- Hoisin sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil
- Garlic and ginger
How to Make It
Boil the noodles according to the package, drain, and rinse. Stir fry your vegetables in a hot wok for 2 to 3 minutes. Toss in the noodles and sauce, then cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
The sauce is just hoisin, soy sauce, sesame oil, a little chicken broth, cornstarch, and sugar whisked together. Done in under 30 minutes.
Flavor and Texture Balance
Chewy noodles against crunchy egg roll wrappers. The savory, slightly sweet sauce on the chow mein gives you a different flavor angle than the filling inside the egg rolls.
Serving Tips
Plate the noodles next to your egg rolls and set out dipping sauces. If you want to go all out, this combo pairs well with sides for orange chicken too.
Prep Time and Difficulty
25 to 30 minutes. Easy enough for a weeknight dinner.
Hot and Sour Soup
Why It Pairs Well with Egg Rolls
This is a classic Chinese food combination. The tangy, spicy broth cuts right through the grease of fried egg rolls. Took me years to figure out that dipping egg rolls directly into hot and sour soup is actually the move.
The longer you let them soak, the better they taste. Trust me on this one.
Key Ingredients
- Chicken or vegetable broth
- Shiitake mushrooms, bamboo shoots, firm tofu
- White pepper (the “hot”) and rice vinegar (the “sour”)
- Eggs for silky ribbons, cornstarch for thickening
- Soy sauce, sesame oil, dried chilies
How to Make It
Bring your broth to a boil with mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and seasonings. Simmer for 5 minutes. Stir in a cornstarch slurry to thicken, then slowly drizzle beaten eggs while stirring in a circular motion to create ribbons. Add vinegar and white pepper at the very end so they don’t lose their punch.
Flavor and Texture Balance
Warm, tangy, and spicy soup against hot, crispy egg rolls. The soup adds moisture and acidity that the fried rolls don’t have on their own.
Serving Tips
Serve as a starter before your egg roll dinner, or eat them together. This soup also works great alongside dumplings if you’re building out a full spread.
Prep Time and Difficulty
20 to 25 minutes. Moderate, mostly because timing the egg ribbons takes a little practice.
Egg Drop Soup
Why It Pairs Well with Egg Rolls
Lighter than hot and sour soup but still deeply satisfying. Egg drop soup is the kind of side that doesn’t compete with your egg rolls. It just… supports them.
The mild, savory broth with those wispy egg ribbons is comfort food at its simplest.
Key Ingredients
- Chicken broth
- Eggs (beaten)
- Cornstarch for slight thickening
- Green onions, ground ginger, sesame oil
How to Make It
Bring chicken broth to a simmer with ginger. Stir in a cornstarch slurry. While the soup is gently bubbling, slowly pour in beaten eggs in a thin stream while stirring. That’s it. Maybe 15 minutes from start to finish.
Flavor and Texture Balance
Silky, warm, and subtle. It won’t overpower your egg rolls at all, which is the whole point. The delicate egg ribbons add protein without heaviness.
Serving Tips
Great as an appetizer course. Some people like to dip their egg rolls directly into the soup for added moisture.
Prep Time and Difficulty
15 minutes. About as easy as soup gets.
Asian Slaw
Why It Pairs Well with Egg Rolls
A cold, crunchy slaw is probably the best way to balance out deep fried anything. The freshness cuts the grease, and the raw vegetables add a completely different texture from the cooked filling inside your egg rolls.
Key Ingredients
- Shredded cabbage (green, purple, or napa)
- Carrots, radishes, green onions
- Rice vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce dressing
- Sesame seeds and optional crushed peanuts
How to Make It
Shred your cabbage and vegetables. Whisk together rice vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, a touch of sugar, and lime juice. Toss it all together and top with sesame seeds.
Some people toss in crushed ramen noodles for extra crunch. Sounds odd but it works really well.
Flavor and Texture Balance
Cold and crisp against hot and fried. The tangy dressing provides acidity that egg rolls lack. This is your “reset button” between bites.
Serving Tips
Make it ahead. It actually gets better after sitting in the fridge for an hour or two. This slaw also pairs nicely as a side for pulled pork sandwiches if you have leftovers.
Prep Time and Difficulty
10 minutes. No cooking required.
Stir Fried Vegetables
Why It Pairs Well with Egg Rolls
Look, egg rolls aren’t exactly health food. A quick vegetable stir fry gives you something green on the plate without sacrificing any of the Asian-inspired flavors you’re already working with.
Key Ingredients
- Bell peppers, snap peas, bok choy, broccoli, carrots
- Garlic and ginger
- Soy sauce and sesame oil
- Optional: oyster sauce or hoisin sauce
How to Make It
Cut everything into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly. Heat oil in a wok until it’s screaming hot. Toss in the harder vegetables first (carrots, broccoli), then add the softer ones (snap peas, bell peppers) a minute later. Season and stir fry for about 3 to 4 minutes total.
The vegetables should still have crunch. Overcooked stir fry is a sad thing.
Flavor and Texture Balance
Tender-crisp vegetables bring freshness and color. The garlic and ginger connect directly to the flavors inside your egg rolls.
Serving Tips
This is one of those healthy sides with egg rolls that actually tastes good enough that you won’t miss the extra carbs. Serve alongside steamed rice for a more complete meal.
Prep Time and Difficulty
15 minutes including prep. Easy.
Dumplings and Potstickers
Why It Pairs Well with Egg Rolls
Dumplings and egg rolls on the same table? That’s basically a dim sum spread at home. The chewy, pan-seared wrappers of potstickers are a totally different experience from the shatteringly crisp shell of an egg roll.
Key Ingredients
- Ground pork or chicken
- Cabbage, ginger, garlic, green onions
- Dumpling wrappers
- Soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil for dipping
How to Make It
Mix your filling, wrap it in dumpling skins, and pan-fry in a skillet with a splash of water (cover with a lid to steam). The bottoms get golden and crispy while the tops stay tender.
Or just buy frozen potstickers. No judgment here. I do it all the time on busy nights.
Flavor and Texture Balance
Chewy meets crunchy. Both are savory and satisfying, but the textures are different enough to keep things interesting.
Serving Tips
Set out a dipping sauce made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili oil, and sliced green onions. Works for both the dumplings and the egg rolls.
Prep Time and Difficulty
30 to 40 minutes if making from scratch. 10 minutes with frozen.
Fried Wontons
Why It Pairs Well with Egg Rolls
Yes, this is more fried food with your fried food. But fried wontons are smaller, crispier, and often have a cream cheese or crab filling that’s completely different from the cabbage and pork inside egg rolls.
Think of it as a snack platter situation. Crab rangoon and egg rolls side by side is basically the appetizer section of every Chinese restaurant menu.
Key Ingredients
- Wonton wrappers
- Cream cheese, crab meat (for crab rangoon style)
- Or ground pork with garlic and ginger
- Oil for deep frying
How to Make It
Mix your filling, place a small spoonful in the center of each wrapper, fold into triangles, and seal the edges with water. Deep fry at 350 degrees F until golden. Drain on a wire rack, not paper towels, so they stay crispy.
Flavor and Texture Balance
Creamy filling inside a crispy shell alongside the more savory, vegetable-heavy egg roll. The contrast between the two fillings is what makes this combination work.
Serving Tips
Serve with sweet and sour sauce or sweet chili sauce. If you’re planning a bigger spread, these also pair well with sides for shrimp dishes.
Prep Time and Difficulty
25 minutes. Moderate, mainly the wrapping part.
Cucumber Salad
Why It Pairs Well with Egg Rolls
A cold cucumber salad is the palate cleanser you didn’t know you needed. After a few bites of greasy, crunchy egg rolls, something cool and tangy just hits different.
Key Ingredients
- English or Persian cucumbers
- Rice vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce
- Garlic, red pepper flakes
- Sesame seeds and green onions
How to Make It
Smash or thinly slice your cucumbers. Toss with rice vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, minced garlic, and a pinch of sugar. Let it marinate in the fridge for at least 15 minutes before serving. Garnish with sesame seeds.
Flavor and Texture Balance
Cool, crunchy, and acidic against hot and savory. This is your lightest option on the list and probably the most refreshing.
Serving Tips
Serve chilled. Makes a great side dish for an egg roll dinner menu when you want something that won’t weigh you down. Also works great next to teriyaki chicken.
Prep Time and Difficulty
5 minutes active, plus 15 minutes marinating. Basically effortless.
Sweet and Sour Chicken
Why It Pairs Well with Egg Rolls
If you want to turn your egg rolls into a full Chinese food dinner, sweet and sour chicken is the main course that makes the most sense. The tangy, sticky sauce on the chicken gives you a big punch of flavor that the relatively mild egg rolls benefit from.
Key Ingredients
- Chicken breast or thigh, cut into chunks
- Cornstarch and egg for battering
- Pineapple chunks, bell peppers, onions
- Ketchup, rice vinegar, sugar, soy sauce for the sauce
How to Make It
Coat chicken pieces in a cornstarch and egg batter, then deep fry until golden. In a separate pan, cook your sauce ingredients until thick and glossy. Toss in the fried chicken and vegetables. Coat everything evenly.
The trick is frying the chicken separately so it stays crispy even after the sauce goes on.
Flavor and Texture Balance
Sweet, tangy, and saucy against crispy and savory. This is a complete Chinese food spread when you add steamed rice to the plate. The pineapple adds a bright note that cuts through the richness of both dishes.
Serving Tips
Pile the sweet and sour chicken over steamed rice, place egg rolls on the side, and add a small bowl of wonton soup or egg drop soup to round things out. You can also use the leftover sauce as a dipping sauce for the egg rolls themselves.
Prep Time and Difficulty
35 to 40 minutes. Moderate, since you’re managing two frying tasks at once.
FAQ on What Side Dish Goes With Egg Rolls
What is the best side dish for egg rolls?
Fried rice is the most popular choice. The soft, savory grains contrast perfectly with crispy egg roll wrappers. Add soy sauce and sesame oil for a classic Chinese food pairing that works every time.
What vegetables go well with egg rolls?
Stir fried vegetables like bok choy, snap peas, broccoli, and carrots are ideal. A quick stir fry with garlic and ginger keeps things light while matching the Asian-inspired flavors inside the egg rolls.
What soup pairs best with egg rolls?
Hot and sour soup and egg drop soup are the two classics. Both are light enough to avoid heaviness, and dipping your egg rolls directly into the broth adds moisture and extra flavor.
Can you serve egg rolls as a main dish?
Yes. Pair them with chow mein or fried rice and a protein like sweet and sour chicken. Add a cucumber salad on the side and you have a complete dinner spread.
What dipping sauce goes with egg rolls?
Sweet and sour sauce is the go-to. Soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and sweet chili sauce all work well too. Some people mix soy sauce with rice vinegar and a drop of sesame oil.
What are healthy sides for egg rolls?
Asian slaw, cucumber salad, and steamed edamame are your best options. They add crunch and freshness without the extra oil. A light stir fry with minimal sauce also works.
What rice goes best with egg rolls?
Jasmine rice or steamed white rice are the simplest choices. Fried rice adds more flavor. Sticky rice works too if you want something with a chewier texture alongside your crispy rolls.
What noodle dishes pair with egg rolls?
Chow mein and lo mein are the top picks. Sesame noodles work great for a cold option. Any stir fried noodle dish with soy sauce and vegetables will complement egg rolls nicely.
Can you serve egg rolls with non-Asian food?
Absolutely. Coleslaw, mac and cheese, and even french fries show up alongside egg rolls at casual dinners. The crispy, savory profile of egg rolls is flexible enough to cross cuisine boundaries.
What should you serve with egg rolls for a party?
Build a platter with egg rolls, fried wontons, and potstickers. Add dipping sauces, an Asian slaw, and edamame. This gives guests variety without requiring a full sit-down dinner setup.
Conclusion
Picking what side dish goes with egg rolls doesn’t need to be complicated. You just need to think about texture, temperature, and flavor balance.
Something cool like a cucumber salad or Asian slaw offsets the deep fried crunch. A warm bowl of wonton soup or egg drop soup adds comfort without competing.
If you want a full meal, go with lo mein noodles or steamed jasmine rice and a protein like teriyaki chicken or General Tso chicken. That’s a complete Chinese dinner right there.
The best egg roll accompaniments are the ones that feel natural on the same plate. Don’t overthink it.
Start with one or two sides from this list, build your egg roll dinner menu around what sounds good, and adjust from there.
