15+ BEST Sides for Sushi (2024)

February 7, 2024January 8, 2023 by Erin

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Below are some sides for sushi that you may or may not have tried.

Whether you’re preparing crispy rice sushi, a sushi bowl, or even a sushi bake, you’re guaranteed to find a great pairing for any type of sushi here!

Some of these, like miso soup and vegetable tempura, are traditional, while others, this Din Tai Fung Cucumber Salad and Kung Pao Brussels Sprouts, are more new-school recipes with an Asian cuisine influence. But the one thing they all have in common is that they’re super delicious and easy to prepare!

Find something everyone will love with these 15+simple side dish recipes.

PS – Don’t forget about the best sauces for sushi too! 🍣 🍣 🍣

The BEST Sushi Side Dishes

Learn how to make Udon Noodle Soup (Kake Udon) at home. It’s a traditional Japanese appetizer made with tender udon noodles and a rich, dashi-based broth. This classic soup is warm, cozy, and the perfect umami-forward canvas for flavorful toppings.

Udon Noodle Soup

This light and refreshing Kani Salad, or crab stick salad, is a Japanese-style appetizer made with julienned cucumber, crab sticks, and a tangy mayonnaise-based dressing.

Kani Salad

This simple Hamachi Crudo appetizer dresses buttery yellowtail in a bright soy and yuzu dressing before it’s finished with serrano peppers and lemon zest. Similar to sashimi, this Japanese delicacy is sure to impress at dinner parties.

Hamachi Crudo

This copycat Din Tai Fung Cucumber Salad is bursting with flavor. Beautifully marinated cucumbers drizzled in chili oil is an outstanding vegetarian appetizer you can enjoy for any special occasion!

Din Tai Fung Cucumber Salad

These Blistered Shish*to Peppers are the perfect finger food. They’re so easy to make too. Lightly seasoned and slightly smoky, you’ll find that most are mild… one out of every ten might surprise you.

Blistered Shish*to Peppers

Kung Pao Brussels Sprouts are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and covered in a sweet and spicy kung pao sauce. Toss with roasted peanuts and red chilis for a crazy delicious spin on a classic roasted vegetable.

How to Make Ahead and Store

Many of these side dishes for sushi can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for a few days or even in the freezer. Simply check the individual recipes for full storing instructions and details on how to make ahead.

MoreSide Dish Recipes

Sides for Egg Rolls
Sides for Fried Rice
Sides for Spring Rolls
Dishes to Eat with Kimchi
Sides for Burgers
Sides for Pork Chops
Sides for BBQ
Sides for Salmon
Sides for Steak
Sides for Ribs
Sides for Chicken
Asian Side Dishes

Sauces for Sushi

Wasabi
Ponzu Sauce
Sriracha Sauce
Dumpling Dipping Sauce
Sweet Soy Sauce
More → the 15+ BEST Sauces for Sushi

Did you try any of these sushi side dish recipes?

If you loved this roundup of what to serve with sushi I would appreciate it so much if you would give this recipe a star review! Also, be sure to snap a picture of your finished dish and share it with me onInstagramusing the hashtag #platingsandpairings and tagging me @platingsandpairings.

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PS – Don’t forget about my favorite Sushi Wine Pairings too! 🥂🥂🥂

What to Serve with Sushi: 15+ BEST Sides

Wondering what to serve with sushi? Looking for some tasty sushi dinner ideas? There are so many great options! From miso soup, to veggie tempura, and more! Here are 15+ of the BEST sushi side dishes. Try one of them with these Vegetarian Sushi Spicy “Tuna” Rolls. They taste just like the classic sushi roll but are loaded with plant-based goodness.

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cooling & Marinade Time: 45 minutes minutes

Total Time: 1 hour hour 15 minutes minutes

Servings: 4 rolls

Created by Platings and Pairings

Ingredients

3 roma tomatoes
1 avocado (thinly sliced)
½ cucumber (thinly sliced)
4-5 nori sheets

Marinade:

3 Tablespoons soy sauce
2 Tablespoons rice vinegar
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
1 teaspoon ginger paste (or fresh grated ginger)

Sushi Rice:

1 cup uncooked sushi rice
1/4 cup water
2 Tablespoons rice vinegar
1 Tablespoon sugar
½ teaspoon kosher salt

Spicy “Tuna Sauce:

2 Tablespoons mayonnaise (or vegenaise)
2 teaspoons sriracha (or to taste)
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon sesame oil

Instructions

Tomatoes:

Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
Using a paring knife, score a small X through the skin on the bottom of each tomato.
Add the tomatoes to the boiling water and cook until the skin starts to peel (about 3 minutes). Immediately transfer the tomatoes to a bowl of ice water to chill and stop the cooking process.
Once cool enough to handle, use your hands to peel the tomatoes then cut them in half, remove the seeds, and cut them into bite sized pieces.

Marinade:

Combine the marinade mixture in a medium bowl.
Add the tomatoes to the marinade. Toss to coat, and let marinate for at least 30 minutes.

Rice:

Bring rice and water to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, covered. Remove from heat and let rest while you prepare the remaining ingredients. Whisk vinegar, sugar and salt in a small bowl until the sugar dissolves; drizzle over the rice and stir to combine.

Spicy “Tuna” Sauce:

Stir together sauce ingredients and set aside.

To Assemble:

Lay down a sheet of nori on a sushi mat or piece of saran wrap. Spread about ⅔ cup of the sushi rice over the nori, leaving about 1-inch clean on one end.
Spread the sriracha mayo across the rice, then top with cucumber, tomatoes and 2 slices of avocado.
Roll starting at the bottom and stop when you reach the bare strip at the top. Wet your fingers and run them along the bare edge, then continue rolling until sealed.
Using a sharp knife, cut into even pieces, about ¾ inch thick. Serve with additional spicy mayo and soy sauce on the side.

Notes

Nutrition calculation is per roll.

Did you make this recipe?Mention @platingsandpairings or tag #platingsandpairings!

Equipment

Large Pot

Medium Bowl

Sushi Rolling Mat or Saran Wrap

Nutrition