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What to Serve with Xiao Long Bao? (12 Best Sides)

Xiao long bao, also known as soup dumplings, are a type of Chinese steamed bun.

They are traditionally filled with pork and broth, but can also be made with other fillings like chicken or shrimp.

If you’re looking for something to serve with your xiao long bao, I’ve got you covered.

From rice and noodles to vegetables and soup, there are plenty of delicious options.

What to Serve with Xiao Long Bao

In this article, I’ll go over 12 of my favorite side dishes to serve with xiao long bao!

What to Serve with Xiao Long Bao?

There are many options for what to serve with xiao long bao. Some common sides include soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili oil, and shredded ginger. You can also add a variety of dipping sauces, such as soy sauce with chili flakes or sesame paste.

For a more complete meal, you can serve xiao long bao with other dishes such as stir-fried vegetables or noodles.

Xiao Long Bao
Source: thewoksoflife.com

Keep scrolling for even more options!

1. Fried Rice

Fried Rice with Peas and Carrots
Source: therecipecritic.com

There are few things in life as delicious as a well-made xiao long bao, and in my opinion, they are best enjoyed with a side of fried rice.

Not only is the contrast in textures and flavors a delight for the senses, but the rice also helps to soak up any soup that may spill out of the dumplings.

Plus, it’s a great way to stretch a meal if you’re feeding a group.

Here are a few tips for making the perfect fried rice to accompany your xiao long bao:

  • Use day-old rice for the best results. Freshly cooked rice will be too moist and clumpy.
  • If you don’t have any day-old rice on hand, cook the rice according to package directions, then spread it out on a baking sheet and place it in the freezer for about 15 minutes. This will help to dry it out.
  • Be generous with the oil. It may seem like a lot, but you need it to ensure that the rice doesn’t stick to the pan and gets nice and crispy.
  • Don’t be afraid to get creative with your ingredients. Fried rice is a great way to use up any leftover vegetables or meat you have on hand. Just make sure to chop them into small pieces so they cook evenly.

2. Egg Rolls

Homemade Egg Rolls
Source: www.dinneratthezoo.com

I love to serve egg rolls with xiao long bao because they are both delicious and easy to make.

Plus, they are a great way to get your daily dose of veggies!

Here are some tips for making the perfect egg rolls:

  • Make sure the filling is evenly distributed. This will help to ensure that each bite is packed with flavor.
  • When rolling the egg rolls, be sure to tuck in the ends so that the filling doesn’t spill out.
  • Fry the egg rolls in batches so that they are evenly cooked.
  • Serve the egg rolls with a dipping sauce of your choice. I like to use a mixture of soy sauce and rice vinegar.

3. Spring Rolls

Spring Rolls
Source: thewoksoflife.com

There are so many things I love about spring rolls!

I love how they are light and refreshing, and I love how they can be made with so many different fillings.

I also love how they are a perfect finger food for parties and gatherings.

To make them even more enjoyable, I love dipping them in a variety of sauces.

Whether it’s a sweet and sour sauce, a peanut sauce, or even just a simple soy sauce, I always enjoy my spring rolls with a delicious dipping sauce.

4. Chicken Wings

Crispy Buffalo Chicken Wings
Source: cafedelites.com

One of my personal favorite accompaniments for xiao long bao is chicken wings.

The two dishes complement each other perfectly, with the something sweet, savory, and spicy all in one bite.

The soup from the xiao long bao also helps to moisten the chicken wings, making them even more flavorful.

In addition to chicken wings, I also enjoy eating xiao long bao with rice and a variety of dipping sauces.

This meal is perfect for sharing with friends or family, and I guarantee that everyone will enjoy it!

5. Beef and Broccoli

Beef and Broccoli

There’s nothing quite like a delicious bowl of Beef and Broccoli.

The tender beef, paired with the fresh broccoli and savory sauce, is a match made in heaven.

But what if I told you that there’s a way to make this dish even better?

By adding xiao long bao (Chinese soup dumplings).

Xiao long bao are small, steamed Dumplings that are typically filled with soup and meat.

They’re the perfect addition to any dish, and they go especially well with Beef and Broccoli.

The soup dumplings add a touch of sweetness to the dish, while the meat filling pairs perfectly with the tender beef.

Not to mention, the contrast in textures is simply amazing.

So next time you’re making Beef and Broccoli, be sure to add some xiao long bao to the mix.

Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.

And who knows, you might just find yourself making this tasty combination again and again.

6. Kung Pao Chicken

Kung Pao Chicken
Source: cafedelites.com

I love Kung Pao Chicken because it’s the perfect balance of sweet and spicy.

The dish is traditionally made with chicken, peanuts, and a variety of spices, but I also like to add vegetables like bell peppers and onions.

The dish is typically stir-fried, so it’s nice and crispy.

And the sauce is just amazing – it’s a little sweet, a little spicy, and a little salty.

It’s the perfect combination of flavors.

I could eat Kung Pao Chicken every day and never get sick of it!

7. Orange Chicken

Orange Chicken

There are a lot of things I like about orange chicken.

  1. First, it is a dish that is packed with flavor. The orange sauce is both sweet and savory, and it pairs perfectly with the chicken.
  2. Second, it is a dish that is versatile. I have served it over rice, noodles, and even vegetables.
  3. Third, orange chicken is a dish that is easy to make. I can usually have it on the table in less than 30 minutes.
  4. And lastly, it is a dish that always seems to please my family and friends. Whether we are having a casual get-together or a formal dinner party, orange chicken is always a hit.

8. General Tso’s Chicken

General Tso's Chicken
Source: recipetineats.com

When I eat these two dishes together, I feel like I’m getting the best of both worlds.

The General Tso’s chicken is a great contrast to the xiao long bao, and the soup in the dumplings really enhances the flavors of the chicken.

Plus, I love how the different textures of the two dishes play off of each other.

The crispy chicken skin and the soft dumpling dough are both wonderful in their own ways, and I can’t imagine eating one without the other.

9. Vegetable Fried Rice

Vegetable Fried Rice
Source: simplyrecipes.com

I love Vegetable Fried Rice because it’s a delicious and easy way to get my veggies in.

Plus, it’s a dish that I can make entirely from scratch using whatever vegetables I have on hand.

  1. To make Vegetable Fried Rice, I start by sautéing some onions and garlic in a bit of oil.
  2. Then, I add in the rice and cook it until it’s nice and crispy.
  3. Next, I add in my veggies – typically whichever ones I have on hand – and sauté them until they’re soft.
  4. Finally, I stir in some soy sauce and serve the Fried Rice hot.

Delicious!

Plus, it’s always a hit with my family and friends.

10. Crab Rangoon (Crab & Cream Cheese filled Wontons)

Crab Rangoon
Source: spendwithpennies.com

Crab rangoon is one of my favorite appetizers.

I love the combination of crab meat and cream cheese, and the fried wonton wrapper provides the perfect amount of crunch.

See Also: 46 Best Wonton Wrapper Recipes

The dish is also relatively simple to make.

  1. I start by mixing together crab meat, cream cheese, and a variety of seasonings.
  2. Then, I spoon the mixture into wonton wrappers and fold them into triangles.
  3. Next, I fry the wontons until they are golden brown.
  4. Finally, I serve them with sweet and sour sauce for dipping.

Every time I make crab rangoon, it disappears quickly!

My family and friends can’t get enough of it.

11. Potstickers

Potstickers
Source: damndelicious.net

I love serving potstickers with xiao long bao.

They are both bite-sized and easy to eat, and they go so well together.

The potstickers are nice and crispy, and the xiao long bao are so delicately flavored.

I always start with the potstickers, dipping them in the vinegar-soy sauce mixture.

Then I move on to the xiao long bao, sipping the soup carefully before biting into the soft dough.

The potstickers help to cleanse my palette, and the xiao long bao are the perfect finishing touch.

I feel like I’ve been transported to a different world when I eat them together.

It’s just so tranquil and peaceful.

12. Wonton Soup

Wonton Soup
Source: recipetineats.com

There’s something about the combination of wonton soup and xiao long bao that just works.

The soup is light and delicate, while the dumplings are hearty and satisfying.

Plus, the soup provides a perfect contrast to the richness of the dumplings.

When I’m looking for a quick and easy meal, this is always my go-to.

Not only is it delicious, but it’s also pretty healthy.

The soup is packed with vegetables, and the dumplings are made with lean ground pork.

So I can feel good about eating it, even if I’m eating it on a weeknight.

Plus, it’s easy to make ahead of time.

I always have a batch of soup in my freezer, and I can make the dumplings in advance and freeze them too.

So when I’m short on time, I can just heat everything up and have a delicious meal in minutes.

I think that’s why I love this dish so much. It’s simple, but it’s still really flavorful.

And it feels like a luxury, even though it’s actually pretty affordable.

If you’ve never tried it before, I highly recommend it.

You won’t be disappointed.

What Sauce Goes with Xiao Long Bao?

Dipping Sauces

There are endless possibilities when it comes to pairing sauces with xiao long bao, but here are three of my personal favorites.

The first is a classic black vinegar and ginger sauce.

The tartness of the vinegar helps to cut through the richness of the soup, while the ginger provides a pleasant zing.

The second is a soy-based sauce, which helps to bring out the savory flavors of the filling.

And last but not least, my personal favorite: a chili-oil based sauce.

This fiery condiment adds a touch of heat to the delicate dumplings, making for a truly memorable experience.

Whether you prefer your xiao long bao plain or dripping with sauce, there’s no doubt that these delectable dumplings are best enjoyed with good company.

So grab some friends and dig in!

Fried Daikon Balls

What to Serve with Xiao Long Bao? (12 Best Sides)

Xiao long bao is one of my favorite dishes. It's a soup dumpling, and it's traditionally served with a vinegar-based dipping sauce. I love the combination of the flavorful soup, the tender dough, and the zing of the vinegar.
However, I've found that xiao long bao is also great with other types of dipping sauces.
One of my favorites is a soy-based sauce with a bit of ginger. The sweetness of the soy complements the savory soup perfectly. I also like to experiment with different types of chili oil. A few drops of chili oil can add a lot of heat and depth of flavor to the dish.
So next time you're in the mood for xiao long bao, don't be afraid to experiment with different side dishes. You might just find a new favorite way to enjoy this delicious dish.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Chinese
Servings 4 people
Calories 377 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • Fried Rice
  • Egg Rolls
  • Spring Rolls
  • Chicken Wings
  • Beef and Broccoli
  • Kung Pao Chicken
  • Orange Chicken
  • General Tso's Chicken
  • Vegetable Fried Rice
  • Crab Rangoon (Crab & Cream Cheese filled Wontons)
  • Potstickers
  • Wonton Soup

Instructions
 

  • Pick your favorite recipe from this list to serve with your Xiao Long Bao.
  • Prepare the ingredients according to the recipe.
  • Enjoy in no time!
Keyword What to Serve with Xiao Long Bao
CEO at Happy Muncher | benjamin@happymuncher.com | Website | + posts

Hi, I'm Benjamin. I love cooking, long walks, and my girlfriend! Here you’ll find simple and delicious recipes that you can make in 30 minutes or less.