Perfect Pairings: 7 BEST Side Dishes for Scallion Pancakes

Scallion pancakes are a staple in Chinese cuisine and a favorite of those that love them.

Though it takes time to prepare (and possibly sift through frying oil), they are worth the effort.

They are great for any occasion but are particularly popular on weekends and holidays.

Of course, the taste and smell of freshly fried scallion pancakes are what makes them so wonderful.

They are slightly crispy on the outside with soft doughy insides, loaded with scallions and sesame seeds.

They are best eaten hot, fresh out of the frying pan.

But what to serve with scallion pancakes? That is another question entirely.

Of course, these pancakes go well with many dishes, but they often work best when paired with a side of something plain and simple.

For example, steamed vegetables make the ideal accompaniment to scallion pancakes as they neutralize some of the oil from frying.

A good choice is julienne cut carrots or broccoli.

Steamed rice (jasmine, white, brown) can also serve well to soak up excess oil.

However, rice is often too filling to eat with scallion pancakes, which can ruin a meal.

A third option is noodles, but they are not recommended as they tend to overpower the pancake’s flavor.

In this article, we will list possible side dishes to include with scallion pancakes.

Why Consider Serving Side Dishes for Scallion Pancakes?

First, we will discuss why one might serve a side dish to go with scallion pancakes.

Many different dishes work well as side dishes for these Chinese pancakes, such as vegetables and rice.

However, sometimes it is good to avoid these foods and have something else, especially if you throw a dinner party or host guests.

Having too many dishes to clean and serve may be overwhelming.

Nevertheless, adding a small side dish before or after the main course can add variety to a meal without worrying about cooking more food.

Whether you host family dinner, throw a party, or eat with your friends, trying out new combinations is fun.

It is nice to try out different side dishes rather than eating the same thing repeatedly.

What to Serve with Scallion Pancakes? 7 BEST Side Dishes

We have compiled a list of seven suggestions for side dishes to serve with scallion pancakes.

Try out different combinations and see what you like best.

Feel free to comment on your favorite combination or any exciting food pairings.

1 – Plain Jasmine Rice

This dish is simple and delicate, so it goes well with simple flavor foods such as scallion pancakes.

Having said this, it should be noted that jasmine rice is also very bland on its own and needs to be served with a flavorful dish.

It is important to note that plain white rice does not go well with scallion pancakes; it is too bland and can be challenging to eat alongside the dish.

Therefore, jasmine rice or brown rice are preferred if you want a side dish for your meal.

You can add several other elements to the rice as well to give it flavor.

For example, you can cook your jasmine rice in chicken broth or add different sauces and seasonings.

It would also be possible to serve plain steamed vegetables with jasmine rice; however, they tend to overpower each other’s flavors and might not taste as nice as they could.

2 – Stir-Fried Vegetables

This is an easy and straightforward alternative to plain jasmine rice.

However, similarly to the rice, stir-fried vegetables need a complimentary dish with a strong flavor profile for best results.

For example, both scallion pancakes and fried eggs go well with stir-fried vegetables.

Try serving them together with a side of jasmine rice and see if you like the combination.

Again, stir-fried vegetables are best enjoyed with something flavorful.

You can add several different seasonings to the vegetables, depending on what you like.

For example, garlic, ginger, and scallions complement them nicely and various spices such as cumin or pepper.

As with any stir-fry dish, the possibilities are endless for adding anything that might taste good.

3 – Braised Beef Noodle Soup

Have noodles instead of rice or vegetables with your scallion pancakes for an extra tasty meal.

The beef broth used in braised beef noodle soup perfectly complements the flavors of scallion pancakes.

The noodles also work well together with the dish’s main ingredient, which are the scallions.

In addition, if you use homemade noodles in your soup, the scallion pancakes also go very well with those.

This is because homemade noodles tend to be softer and more delicate than dried packaged noodles that are generally hard and crunchy.

Packaged noodles have their place in the world of food; however, they do not work as well when paired with other dishes.

The noodles are a great addition to the meal, but they should not be its focus.

4 – Chinese-Style Braised Pork Belly

This is a good option for those who want to enjoy scallion pancakes with either meat or noodles.

As opposed to the beef noodle soup, the Chinese-style braised pork belly has both noodles and meat.

The flavors of the main ingredients in this dish complement each other nicely, while the scallions work well with both.

Scallions or leeks can also be added to create more variety and interest during the cooking process.

It is also possible to add different types of vegetables such as radishes.

The dish is best enjoyed with a side of jasmine rice that you can cook in chicken broth for extra flavor.

5 – Fried Fish Fillet with Chili Sauce

Scallion pancakes go well with different types of fish and seafood.

For example, you can use fried fish fillets as a side dish to your meal.

You could also add a simple chili sauce to the fish for extra flavor and interest.

Fried fish fillet is excellent for the side dish because it generally has a more robust flavor than other types of fish or seafood.

This works very well with scallion pancakes because of their unique flavors.

Again, this might not be something you would want to eat in large amounts due to the strong taste involved.

However, a small portion can work nicely with the pancakes.

You could also choose to fry your fish with salt and serve it without any sauce for a lighter meal.

There are plenty of options available to you when thinking about what to serve with scallion pancakes.

6 – Stir-Fried Sesame Beef

Stir-fried sesame beef is a meal you would eat without rice or noodles, as it has its main ingredient.

However, if you want to add something to the dish to make it even better, try using scallion pancakes.

The two flavors go very well together as the beef is relatively strong and might overshadow the pancakes otherwise.

In addition, the beef is usually fried, which makes it quite heavy.

This means you might need something lighter to eat with your meal, which scallion pancakes work perfectly.

You can also decide to add vegetables to the sesame beef if you want a more well-rounded meal.

7 – Sour and Hot Fish Soup

This is another seafood option that works well with scallion pancakes.

This dish has unique flavors that the pancakes’ taste can accentuate.

The sour and hot fish soup is not too strong, so it does not completely overwhelm the scallion pancakes as some of the other dishes might.

The two ingredients pair nicely together for a tasty meal that you will enjoy, especially if you are interested in seafood.

Again, scallion pancakes are not the main focus of the dish; they work well with it.

This is another reason why serving them together is such a great idea.

Conclusion

In conclusion, scallion pancakes have a unique taste.

They are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with a large number of layers.

These pancakes can be served with many different types of food for a side dish or appetizer.

There are even some options that you can use for the main meal.

Some dishes to consider including beef noodle soup, fried fish fillet with chili sauce, and stir-fried sesame beef.

So, the next time you make scallion pancakes, consider pairing them with one of these options.

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