Elevate your sushi game with these 12 Japanese-inspired side dishes that will take your meal to the next level!

Let’s talk about sushi – I’m obsessed! Whether it’s maki rolls, temaki cones, nigiri, or a chirashi bowl, I’m here for it all. Sushi is simple at its core: vinegared rice, seaweed, and fresh toppings. But somehow, it all comes together in the most delicious way possible.

Here’s the thing: sushi is already amazing on its own (don’t get me wrong, I could eat it all day with just soy sauce and wasabi). But why stop there when there are so many tasty sides, desserts, and drinks that can make your meal even better?

When it comes to pairing sides with sushi, you want something that complements the star of the show without stealing the spotlight. That’s why I’ve rounded up some of the best options – from classics like tempura and miso soup to gyoza dumplings and even matcha ice cream. These picks will turn your sushi night into an unforgettable experience!

1.Miso Soup

Japanese meals always include soup, making it a must-have when enjoying sushi. There are two main types of Japanese soup: suimono, a clear broth, and miso soup.

Miso soup is crafted with dashi stock and miso paste, offering a rich, savory base. It features two key ingredients: soft tofu for creaminess and spring onions for a fresh, sharp flavor.

This balanced blend makes miso soup a delightful and essential part of any sushi meal.

2.Matcha Ice Cream

Last but certainly not least, we have the classic Japanese dessert, matcha ice cream.

Matcha brings a unique bitter-sweet flavor with a hint of its powdery texture, and when transformed into ice cream, it’s nothing short of delightful.

This refreshing treat is the perfect way to wrap up a Japanese-inspired meal.

3.Dango

Dive into the world of Japanese sweets with Dango, a traditional treat that’s as charming as it is delicious. These mochi-like dumplings are gently sweet, offering a refreshing change from richer desserts.

Typically served on a skewer in a trio of colors–pink, white, and green–they’re almost too cute to eat. Dango is often filled with red bean paste or matcha for a subtle, satisfying flavor.

Fun fact: you’ve probably seen these colorful dumplings before–they’re the inspiration for the popular emoji! Perfectly balanced between sweet and savory, Dango pairs beautifully with a cup of green tea.

Give this iconic Japanese dessert a try and experience its simple yet delightful charm firsthand.

4.Tamagoyaki

The Japanese egg roll, or tamagoyaki, is a must-try with its stunning sweetness, thanks to a touch of sugar and mirin.

Whether you serve it as a side or use it as a filling, this roll brings a delightful twist to any sushi spread. It’s a versatile and tasty addition that sushi lovers will adore!

5.Gari or Pickled Ginger

Fun fact: Gari, or pickled ginger, isn’t just a side dish–it’s a palate cleanser that refreshes your taste buds between sushi bites. Ever wondered why it’s that vibrant pink?

Authentic pickled ginger uses baby ginger, which has a milder flavor and softer texture than regular ginger. Those pink tips are where the color comes from!

But here’s the thing: baby ginger can be tough to find, so many restaurants use regular ginger and add a bit of food coloring to get that signature look.

6.Tempura

Tempura is a Japanese classic that’s irresistibly delicious and surprisingly easy to make at home.

Whether you’re a fan of shrimp tempura or veggie tempura, this dish is sure to hook you from the first bite.

It’s a must-order for me at any Japanese restaurant, right up there with sushi as the ultimate combo. The secret to that perfect, airy batter? It’s all about the mix.

Combine wheat flour with ice-cold water, then stir it gently in small batches with chopsticks. No panko breadcrumbs needed here! And don’t forget the dipping sauce.

It’s simple but flavorful–just mix boiled water, dashi, soy sauce, and a touch of mirin. Together, the crispy tempura and savory sauce create a match made in heaven.

Give it a try and you’ll be making tempura like a pro in no time!

7.Seaweed Salad

Looking for a refreshing side to balance the richness of sushi? Seaweed salad is the perfect choice! Plus, it’s super easy to make and packed with nutrients–talk about a win-win!

The dressing is a flavorful mix of miso, soy sauce, sesame oil, mirin, rice vinegar, yuzu sauce, sesame seeds, chili, and salt.

These ingredients might sound exotic, but trust us, they create an incredible sauce that’s savory, tangy, and slightly spicy all at once.

And don’t worry about tracking them down–everything you need is available at your local Asian market. Give it a try and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures that will elevate any sushi meal!

8.Edamame

Edamame are soybeans in their pods, adding a delightful crunch to your sushi meal. They make a fantastic side dish that complements the softness of sushi perfectly.

Preparing edamame is a breeze–just blanch them in salted water, then boil or steam until tender. This simple process brings out their natural flavor, making them a tasty and satisfying addition to your sushi experience.

9.Eggplant

Looking for a sweet and smoky twist on sushi? Try adding some teriyaki-flavored eggplant to the mix!

Thinly slice an eggplant, toss the slices in teriyaki sauce for a few minutes to let the flavors soak in, and then pan-fry them in olive oil until tender and caramelized.

It’s a quick, easy, and delicious way to elevate your sushi game with a side that’s both sweet and savory.

10.Kani Salad

Kani salad might not be a traditional Japanese dish, but it sure captures that Japanese flavor with its use of kani, or imitation crab meat. The best part? It’s a breeze to make!

Just mix together kani, crisp lettuce, refreshing cucumber, crunchy carrots, and a drizzle of creamy Japanese mayo. Want to add a touch of sweetness?

Toss in some juicy mango slices–they’ll add a burst of flavor and a vibrant pop of color. And if avocado is in season, why not throw in some slices for that rich, nutty twist?

This salad is as easy as it is delicious, making it perfect for any occasion.

11.Gyoza

Gyoza is Japanese half-moon shaped dumplings with minced pork filling. For sushi, though, I like to use vegetable filling to complement its seafood topping.

To make the filling, combine shiitake mushrooms, cabbage, carrots, onion, garlic chives, and minced ginger. Then wrap that gorgeous filling in dumpling wrappers.

To cook, you can either deep fry or boil your gyoza, just like you would with perogies.

12.Green Tea

Green tea is more than just a drink in Japan–it’s a way of life. Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or a quick afternoon pick-me-up, green tea is always on hand.

And it’s not just about the taste; this beloved beverage is cherished for its wellness benefits and health-boosting properties. In fact, it’s such a staple that Japanese restaurants often serve it–hot or iced–on the house.

So, if you’re sitting down to a sushi meal, there’s no better choice than a cup of green tea to complement the experience.