What to Serve with Asian Meatballs (9 Easy Sides)

I’ve been really into Asian meatballs lately.

They’re so good, and they’re so easy to make.

But what to serve with them?

Well, that’s where I come in.

Related: 25 Delicious Asian Eggplant Recipes You Have to Try

I’m not a professional chef or anything, but I’ve done some research on what to serve with Asian-style meatballs, and I’m here to share it with you!

What to Serve with Asian Meatballs?

When it comes to Asian Meatballs, you’ll want to serve them with something that will contrast with their flavors. One option is to serve them with white rice, which will be able to soak up all of the delicious sauce from the meatballs. You can also try serving them with steamed bok choy, which will also help to balance out their flavors.

They are a delicious addition to any meal, but they’re often served with rice or noodles.

What if you want something else?

The good news is that there are tons of easy side dishes that go well with Asian meatballs.

Here are 9 ideas:

1. Thai Asian Slaw

This is a super simple side that goes with any number of meals, but I especially love it with Asian meatballs.

The flavors complement each other perfectly: the bright, vinegary dressing and the crunchy cabbage make an ideal foil for the rich, savory meatballs.

You can make this salad in just 30 minutes, and serve it as a complete meal or as a side dish.

I like to serve this on top of rice noodles or with rice as a side dish for an Asian-themed feast!

2. Sesame Noodle Salad

This recipe will give you a little bit of everything: it’s easy to make, delicious, and nutritious.

It’s also super versatile.

You can do any number of things with it—serve it as is, or add some chicken or shrimp to turn it into a full meal.

I like to make the salad in advance by mixing together all the ingredients for the dressing and then tossing them with the noodles.

The sesame oil gives the salad its distinct flavor, so don’t skip that step!

Just before serving, I add in my meatballs (which have been browned in a skillet) and toss everything together so they’re evenly distributed throughout the salad.

If you want something more substantial than just salad, try adding some grilled chicken or shrimp as well.

3. Quick Pickled Cucumbers

Asian meatballs are a staple in my home, and they’re one of my favorite go-to meals when I need something fast.

But if you’re looking to make your meal even faster and more delicious, a great way to do that is by pairing it with quick pickled cucumbers!

First, you’ll need:

• 1 English cucumber
• 2 tbsp rice wine vinegar
• 2 tbsp water
• 1 tsp sugar (or honey)
• 1 tsp salt (I like pink Himalayan sea salt)

1. Then, just make sure your cuke is properly cleaned and cut into thin slices.
2. Make sure to remove any seeds or other parts of the cucumbers that might cause them to go soft or brown too quickly.
3. Then place your cucumbers in a bowl and add the rest of the ingredients.
4. Let them sit for at least 15 minutes so they can soak up all that delicious flavor!

4. Sesame Ginger Carrot Salad

I love this salad because it makes a complete meal. It’s light, fresh, and flavorful, which is exactly what you need after a big serving of meatballs.

If you want to turn this into a full-on feast, try adding some grilled chicken or steak!

You can also add some tofu if you’re vegetarian/vegan—just make sure you cook it first so that it’s not raw when you put it in your salad (and make sure not everyone in your party is vegetarian/vegan).

5. Fresh Herb Salsa Verde

It’s time to take your meatball game to the next level, and that means throwing on the salsa verde.

This fresh herb salsa is perfect for pairing with Asian-style meatballs—it adds just enough acidity, umami, and brightness to make your meal sing.

You can serve it alongside the meatballs as a sauce or dip, or you can use it as a base for an entire Mexican-Asian fusion feast!

1. Once you’ve got your homemade herb salsa verde ready to go (or if you’re using store-bought), add some chopped cilantro, lime juice, and garlic powder to a bowl of cooked rice noodles and toss together until combined.
2. Then add boiled shrimp and cooked chicken breast chunks to taste for extra protein!
3. Top with more cilantro leaves before serving.

6. Asian Green Bean Salad

If you’re looking for a quick, easy way to add some variety to your mealtime routine, this recipe is for you.

It’s also perfect if you’re hosting a party and want to impress your guests with something unique.

1. When I make it, I start by throwing some green beans into a pan on the stovetop with some olive oil and salt.
2. Then I add some chopped garlic and let them cook for about five minutes until they’re nice and tender.
3. Once they are, I pour in some balsamic vinegar and let it reduce down so that it coats all of the veggies beautifully.
4. Then, once they’re ready and seasoned just right, I serve them over rice noodles or brown rice—or both! If you have any leftover meatballs (or if you make extra), they go really well with this dish as well!

You can also use this salad as an appetizer or side dish if you leave out the noodles or rice altogether—it’s delicious either way!

7. Spicy Garlic Edamame

I love serving spicy garlic edamame with my Asian meatballs.

It makes a great appetizer, and it’s easy to prepare and serve in less than 30 minutes.

Here is how I prepare and serve this:

1. Boil water. Add the frozen edamame pods, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. While the edamame is cooking, heat your grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add oil and cook meatballs for 5 minutes on each side until browned on both sides and cooked through (165°F internal temperature). Remove from heat and set aside.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sriracha sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, garlic powder and cornstarch until smooth; pour into a shallow dish or large bowl along with cooked meatballs. Toss meatballs to coat completely with sauce mixture (about 2 minutes).
4. Serve immediately over hot rice or noodles with prepared edamame on top!

7. Steamed Broccoli

When I’m making Asian meatballs, I love serving steamed broccoli on the side.

It’s a great way to get some greens into your life, and it’s delicious with the spicy meatballs!

I often serve my Asian meatballs over rice, so I’ll steam the broccoli right in the same pot.

Here’s how:

1. Fill your wok or pot with water and bring it to a boil.

2. Add the broccoli and cover with a lid until they turn bright green (about 3 minutes).

3. Drain them in a colander and serve!

8. Asian Rice Pilaf

I love asian rice pilaf. It’s a great way to make a complete meal out of your meatballs and really get your money’s worth.

I cook my rice pilaf in the microwave, but if you want to use a stovetop method, that’s fine too.

1. Just cook it according to package instructions until it’s nice and fluffy.
2. Once your rice is ready, add in some fresh vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers and let them cook for about 5 minutes on medium heat until they’re nice and soft.
3. Now add some soy sauce and sesame oil, season with salt and pepper, and mix it all together!
4. Top with asian meatballs for an easy-to-prepare meal that tastes like heaven!

9. Sauteed Mushrooms and Onions

Sauteed mushrooms and onions are a great way to add flavor to your Thai meatballs.

They’re easy to make and pair perfectly with the meatballs.

Here’s what you do:

1. Heat up some olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat, then add the mushrooms and onions.
2. Cook them until they’re soft and browned on both sides, then remove them from the pan and set aside while you prepare the rest of your meal!

FAQ

What to Serve with Asian Pork Meatballs?

The most common sides to serve with Asian pork meatballs are rice and steamed vegetables.

If you want to make things a little more interesting, try serving them with fried rice or stir-fried noodles.

You can also throw in some pickled ginger and cucumber slices for a fresh, light touch.

What to Serve with Asian Chicken Meatballs?

The best thing to serve with Asian chicken meatballs is a side of rice.

You can either go the traditional route and serve it alongside the meatballs, or you can mix them together for a tasty and filling meal.

If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some vegetables to your rice for an even more delicious meal!