You have 0 items in your cart
What To Serve With Chow Mein
September 16, 2023
Leave a comment!
This post may contain affiliate sales links. Please read my disclosure policy.
Looking for the perfect dishes to round out your Chow Mein dinner? This list is packed with easy, flavorful recipes that pair beautifully with chow mein—everything from savory sides to light, fresh salads. Get inspired and build your best meal yet!
When picking the best side dishes to serve with chow mein, think about balance and variety. If your chow mein is heavy on noodles and sauce, pair it with something crisp and fresh like cucumber salad or spring rolls. Want to add protein? Try recipes like grilled shrimp, sesame beef, or Korean chicken thighs to make your meal more filling. Dishes like potstickers or crab rangoons are crowd-pleasers and work well as appetizers or snacks. Stir-fries and Asian slaw are great if you’re looking for veggie-packed options. Having a mix of textures—crunchy, saucy, and tender—makes the meal more exciting and satisfying.
Chow Mein Vs. Lo Mein
This recipe is customizable so you can switch out the Ramen Noodles and make Lo Mein Noodles instead. The main difference between Chow Mein and Lo Mein is how the noodles are prepared, so pick your preferred style of cooked noodles and make a delicious meal! Chow Mein is a Chinese stir-fried noodle dish with crispy fried noodles, while Lo Mein features soft, boiled noodles, both typically mixed with vegetables, protein, and a savory sauce.
What To Serve With Chow Mein (20+ Tasty Side Ideas!)
1
Fresh Spring Rolls Recipe with Peanut Dipping Sauce
This Fresh Spring Rolls Recipe with a Peanut Dipping Sauce is healthy, easy and yummy! Made with shrimp but could easily be made with chicken, try it today!
Check out this recipe
2
Crab Rangoons Recipe
Crab Rangoons are a popular take-out appetizer that are just as easy to make at home and taste even better! Crab, cream cheese, onion and seasonings are fried in a wonton wrapper until crispy. Add this to your next party menu!
Check out this recipe
3
The Best Fried Rice Ever
A fabulous and easy recipe for Fried Rice that is better than take-out! This is the best ever homemade version that ready in 30 minutes.
Check out this recipe
4
Cauliflower Fried Rice
Cauliflower Fried Rice is a healthy, clean take on the original fried rice recipe that comes together in 10 minutes and tastes amazing!
Check out this recipe
5
Honey Grilled Shrimp Recipe
This Honey Garlic Grilled Shrimp Recipe is super tasty, lazy aka easy meal! Pair with a salad or some rice for a complete dinner.
Check out this recipe
6
Easy Pork Potstickers
These Pork Potstickers make for an easy lunch or dinner! I love making a big batch of this potsticker recipe and freezing them for later!
Check out this recipe
7
Stir Fry Recipe with Frozen Vegetables
A quick, easy and delicious Stir Fry Recipe your family is sure to love! Serve hot and with rice or noodles.
Check out this recipe
8
Orange Chicken
Homemade Orange Chicken couldn't be more flavorful and easy to make. Move over take out menu, this is full of savory & orange citrus flavors, topped with sesame seeds & scallions.
Check out this recipe
9
Korean Beef
This Korean Beef recipe is simple, tasty and perfect for when you only have minutes to get dinner on the table. Serve with rice.
Check out this recipe
10
Grilled Asian Sweet and Spicy Chicken Skewers
Super simple finger-licking Sweet and Spicy Chicken Skewers are made with the tastiest homemade Asian BBQ sauce ever!
Check out this recipe
11
Kung Pao Chicken
This Kung Pao Chicken recipe is the perfect balance of sweet, savory and spicy, all stir-fried together in about 30 minutes.
Check out this recipe
12
Asian Lettuce Wraps
Asian Lettuce Wraps are an easy, healthy, low-carb and delicious meal that is ready to eat in about 15 minutes! Eat plain or top with peanuts, bean sprouts and cilantro!
Check out this recipe
13
Korean Chicken Thighs Recipe
This Korean Chicken Thighs recipe features a deliciously tangy marinade that infuses chicken with amazing flavor. Grilled to perfection and served over a bed of fluffy white rice, you'll love making these again and again.
Check out this recipe
14
Thai Chicken Bites
These Chicken Bites are everything you want in a Thai Chicken recipe! Crispy, salty, sweet nuggets of pure joy and the recipe is pretty simple to make too!
Check out this recipe
15
Chicken Kabobs
Chicken Kabobs are ready in less than 10 minutes and pair well with a side of rice and vegetables! Perfect for grilling or broiling.
Check out this recipe
16
Beef and Broccoli
Beef and Broccoli is tender marinated beef in a savory sauce with perfectly steamed broccoli, Serve over rice or noodles.
Check out this recipe
17
Asian Salmon Recipe
This Asian Salmon Recipe is soaked in a ginger and garlic marinade. Baked to perfection serve this dish with rice, couscous or pasta!
Check out this recipe
18
Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe
This Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe is a little sweet and a little crunchy with lots of veggies and protein. Enjoy this meal for lunch or dinner!
Check out this recipe
19
Asian Slaw Recipe with Peanuts
This Asian Slaw Recipe with Peanuts is a refreshing new Thai take on the same old coleslaw recipe. This time with a sweet, peanutty kick!
Check out this recipe
20
Fruit Salad Recipe
This Fruit Salad Recipe is filled with delicious fresh fruit and topped with a lemony vanilla simple syrup as a dressing. Enjoy!
Check out this recipe
21
Grandma’s Cucumber Salad
Grandma's Cucumber Salad recipe is cool, crunchy, refreshing, and easy to throw together on a hot summer day! Great for BBQ's or potlucks.
Check out this recipe
Complementing your Chow Mein with the right side dishes can elevate your dining experience. Mix and match recipes to suit your palate and dietary preferences, and enjoy the fun mix of flavors and textures that side dishes bring to the table. Bon appétit!
How many side dishes should I serve with chow mein?
Two to three sides work well—one protein and one lighter option like salad or spring rolls. Add a third for larger groups.
Can I prep these side dishes ahead of time?
Yes! Many can be made ahead. Salads, potstickers, and crab rangoons store well, while hot sides are best prepped in advance and cooked fresh.
What’s a good vegetarian option to serve with chow mein?
Cauliflower fried rice, Asian slaw, and cucumber salad are great picks. You can also swap meat for tofu in many of the protein dishes to keep things meat-free and flavorful.
If you make these recipes, I would really appreciate it if you would give them a star rating and leave your review in the comments! If you have a picture of your finished dish, post it on Instagram using the hashtag #laurenslatest and tagging me @laurens_latest.
