Are you looking for an easy vegan dish to wow your friends and family?
Tempura vegetables are a great option – crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside, and delicious no matter how they’re cooked.
But what’s a meal without side dishes?
Adding different components to your plate can take it from good to tremendous.
In this blog post, we will teach you all our tips and tricks for creating amazing tempura vegetable dishes with the perfect sides.
From Japanese-style salads to simple sautéed veggies; from homemade sauce recipes to zesty spice rubs – there’s something here for everyone!
So don’t hesitate any longer: let’s start cooking up some delicious tempura vegetable culinary creations right now!
What to Serve with Tempura Vegetables? 12 Side Dishes to Try
1. Tsuyu Dipping Sauce
Tsuyu is a light, refreshing dipping sauce that is perfect for tempura vegetables.
It has a delicate flavor that won’t overwhelm the tempura and a slightly sticky texture that clings to the vegetables nicely.
Tsuyu is also very easy to make – simply mix soy sauce, mirin, and dashi together in equal parts.
If you’re looking for a dipping sauce that will elevate your tempura dish without overpowering it, tsuyu is a great option.
It’s also quick and easy to make, which makes it ideal for busy weeknight dinners.
Here are a few tips for making the perfect tsuyu:
- Use good quality soy sauce – this will make a big difference in the flavor of the sauce.
- If you can’t find dashi, you can use bonito flakes or vegetable broth instead.
- Adjust the amount of mirin to taste – if you want a sweeter sauce, add more mirin; if you prefer a saltier sauce, add more soy sauce.
- Serve tsuyu at room temperature or slightly chilled – it should not be served hot.
2. White Rice
White rice is a staple in many cuisines around the world.
It has a neutral taste and a fluffy, light texture that makes it versatile and easy to pair with other dishes.
If you’re looking for a simple side dish to round out your meal, white rice is a great option.
There are a few things to keep in mind when cooking white rice.
First, be sure to rinse the rice before cooking it.
This will remove any dirt or debris that might be on the grains.
Second, use a ratio of two parts water to one part rice.
This will ensure that the rice is cooked properly and doesn’t come out too dry or too mushy.
If you want to elevate your white rice dish, try adding some sautéed vegetables or proteins like chicken or shrimp.
You can also add herbs or spices to give the rice more flavor.
Experiment until you find a combination that you love.
3. Miso Soup
Miso soup is a traditional Japanese dish that is simple yet flavorful.
The soup is made with a miso paste, which is created by fermenting soybeans.
The paste is then combined with water or broth and other ingredients like tofu, seaweed, and vegetables.
The taste of miso soup can be described as savory and umami, with a slightly sweet flavor from the fermentation process.
The texture of the soup is smooth and creamy, with bits of tofu and seaweed throughout.
If you’re looking to try something new, miso soup is a great recipe to consider.
It’s easy to make and can be tailored to your liking by adding different ingredients.
Here are some tips on how to make the perfect bowl of miso soup:
- Start with dashi broth for a richer flavor. You can find dashi powder at most Asian grocery stores.
- Use white miso paste for a milder flavor or red miso paste for a more robust flavor.
- Add thinly sliced ginger for a bit of heat.
- Include fresh vegetables like carrots, mushrooms, or greens like spinach or kale.
- Top with green onions and sesame seeds for extra flavor and crunch.
4. Potato Salad
Looking for a classic potato salad recipe? This dish is the perfect side for any picnic or barbecue.
The potatoes are cooked until tender and then combined with a mayonnaise-based dressing.
You can also add in some chopped celery, onions, and pickles for extra flavor.
One of the best things about potato salad is that it’s so versatile.
You can really make it your own by adding different herbs and spices.
If you want a little bit of a kick, try adding in some mustard or hot sauce.
For a more savory flavor, try adding in some bacon or shredded cheese.
And if you’re looking for a lighter option, you can always use yogurt instead of mayonnaise in the dressing.
No matter how you make it, potato salad is always a crowd-pleaser.
So next time you’re planning a party or potluck, be sure to give this recipe a try.
5. Cucumber Onion Salad
Cucumber onion salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that is perfect for summertime BBQs and picnics.
This salad has a crisp texture from the cucumbers and a bit of sweetness from the onions, making it a well-rounded dish.
If you’re looking for something new to try at your next potluck or gathering, consider this cucumber onion salad recipe.
One of the best things about this salad is that it is so easy to make.
Simply chop up some cucumbers and onions, add in some seasonings, and you’re good to go.
If you want to elevate the flavors even further, consider adding in some diced tomatoes or fresh herbs.
For a more substantial salad, you could also add in some cooked chicken or shrimp.
This cucumber onion salad is the perfect side dish for any occasion.
Give it a try at your next party or gathering, and see for yourself how delicious it is.
6. Seaweed Salad
Have you ever had seaweed salad? If not, you’re missing out on a delicious and nutritious dish.
Seaweed salad is a popular Japanese dish that is made from wakame, a type of edible seaweed.
The salad has a unique taste and texture – it’s slightly salty and crunchy – and is often served as a side dish or appetizer.
There are many reasons to try seaweed salad.
First, it’s a great source of nutrients.
Seaweed is high in iodine, which is important for thyroid health.
It’s also a good source of fiber and antioxidants.
Additionally, seaweed salad is low in calories and fat, making it a healthy option for those watching their weight.
If you’re interested in trying seaweed salad, there are a few things to keep in mind.
First, be sure to purchase a wakame that has been pre-soaked.
This will make it easier to prepare the salad.
Second, don’t be afraid to experiment with the dressing.
A simple dressing of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil is traditional, but you can also add ginger, garlic, or other seasonings to suit your taste.
Finally, if you want to add some extra crunch to the salad, consider topping it with chopped peanuts or sesame seeds.
7. Fruit Salad
When it comes to fruit salad, there are endless possibilities in terms of taste and texture.
You can go sweet, savory, or somewhere in between.
And depending on the fruits you use, you can create a dish that is as unique as you are.
One of the great things about fruit salad is that it is a healthy option for those looking to cut down on calories.
But just because it’s healthy doesn’t mean it has to be boring.
There are plenty of ways to elevate this dish and make it something special.
- Use a variety of fruits to create a balance of flavors. Sweet, tart, and everything in between.
- Get creative with your dressing. A simple vinaigrette can go a long way, but don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors.
- Add some texture with nuts or seeds. This will also add some extra flavor and make the dish more filling.
- Use fresh herbs to brighten up the flavors. Mint, basil, and cilantro all work well with fruit salad.
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8. Green Salad
A green salad is a perfect way to start off a meal.
It is light and refreshing, and it can be made to suit any taste.
The most common ingredients in a green salad are lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions.
But there are endless possibilities when it comes to elevating this dish.
The key to a good green salad is in the dressing.
A simple vinaigrette made with olive oil and vinegar is always a good choice.
But you could also try something more adventurous, like a creamy dressing or even a fruit-based dressing.
One way to elevate a green salad is to add some protein.
This could be in the form of grilled chicken, hard-boiled eggs, or even just some crumbled cheese.
Adding protein will help to make the salad more filling and satisfying.
Another way to make a green salad more interesting is to add some unexpected ingredients.
This could be anything from roasted vegetables to fruits or nuts.
Get creative and experiment until you find a combination that you love.
9. Noodle Soup
Noodle soup is a dish that can be enjoyed all year round, but it’s especially delicious in the colder months.
There are endless variations of noodle soup, from hearty beef and vegetable soups to lighter chicken and rice soups.
No matter what ingredients you choose, noodle soup is always comforting and satisfying.
One of the best things about noodle soup is its versatility.
You can add whatever vegetables and protein you like, making it a great way to use up leftover ingredients.
The noodles themselves can also be swapped out for different types of pasta or even rice.
And if you’re looking for a low-calorie option, you can easily make noodle soup with broth instead of cream or milk.
If you’ve never tried making noodle soup at home, there’s no time like the present.
This easy recipe is a great place to start.
Simply cook your noodles of choice in chicken or vegetable broth, then add in any vegetables and protein you like.
Season with salt and pepper to taste, then ladle into bowls and enjoy.
- Add some spice with fresh ginger, chili peppers, or cayenne pepper.
- Swap out the noodles for won tons, dumplings, or rice.
- Use seafood instead of chicken or beef for a lighter option.
- Top with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley.
10. Vegetable Soup
When it comes to soup, there are endless possibilities.
You can make a soup with just about any type of ingredient, and it’s always going to be delicious.
But sometimes, you want something a little bit different.
That’s where vegetable soup comes in.
Vegetable soup is the perfect dish for when you’re looking for something healthy and filling.
It’s packed with all sorts of vegetables, so you know you’re getting a good dose of nutrients.
And because there are so many different vegetables in the soup, it has a really great texture.
It’s not watery like some soups can be, but it’s also not too thick.
If you’re considering trying vegetable soup, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
First, the taste is important.
You want to make sure that you choose a recipe that sounds like it will be tasty.
There are tons of recipes out there, so take your time and find one that looks good to you.
Second, the texture is important.
As mentioned before, the vegetable soup shouldn’t be too watery or too thick.
If it’s too watery, it won’t be as filling and satisfying.
And if it’s too thick, it can be difficult to eat and might not be as enjoyable.
Third, why not try adding some protein to the soup? Whether it’s cooked chicken, tofu, or beans, adding protein will help make the soup more filling and satisfying.
11. Rice Balls
Rice balls are a great way to show off your culinary skills and impress your guests.
They are simple to make yet so delicious and satisfying.
Rice balls are the perfect bite-sized snack or side dish.
And they can be made with any type of rice, so you can really get creative with them.
Rice balls have a great texture – they’re soft and fluffy on the inside, with a slight crunch on the outside.
And they have a wonderful, subtle flavor that is so addictive.
I could eat them all day long.
If you’re looking for a new recipe to try, I highly recommend making rice balls.
They’re so easy to make, and they’re sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
Trust me; once you try them, you’ll be hooked.
- Use short-grain rice for the best texture.
- Cook the rice slightly underdone – it should be soft but not mushy.
- Use your hands to form the balls – it’s the best way to get the perfect shape.
- You can also fry the rice balls in hot oil until they’re golden brown and crispy.
- Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce.
12. Onigiri
Onigiri is a Japanese rice ball that is typically made with white rice and filled with a variety of different fillings.
The most common fillings are salmon, tuna, and pickled plum, but there are endless possibilities when it comes to filling your onigiri.
Onigiri is a great dish to pack for lunch because it is easy to make and can be eaten on the go.
It is also a versatile dish that can be served as a side or main course.
Onigiri has a light and fluffy texture that is perfect for summertime.
The rice is usually seasoned with salt, which gives it a slightly salty flavor.
The fillings add a burst of flavor to the rice, making each bite interesting and delicious.
If you are looking for a new dish to try this summer, onigiri is a great option.
There are endless possibilities when it comes to filling your onigiri.
You can use cooked meats, vegetables, or even fruits as fillings.
Get creative and experiment with different flavors to find your favorite combination.
You can also elevate this dish by using sushi-grade rice and adding some furikake seasoning on top.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many delicious and easy side dishes that go great with tempura vegetables.
From rice and noodles to salads and soups, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
I hope this blog post has helped you decide what to serve with your next tempura vegetable dish.
If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below.
What to Serve with Tempura Vegetables? 12 Side Dishes to Try
Ingredients
- 1. Tsuyu Dipping Sauce
- 2. White Rice
- 3. Miso Soup
- 4. Potato Salad
- 5. Cucumber Onion Salad
- 6. Seaweed Salad
- 7. Fruit Salad
- 8. Green Salad
- 9. Noodle Soup
- 10. Vegetable Soup
- 11. Rice Balls
- 12. Onigiri
Instructions
- Select your favorite sides from the list above.
- Prepare the side dish according to the recipe instructions.
- If you’re short on time, some of these can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.
- Serve and enjoy!
Carrie is a food writer and editor with more than 15 years of experience. She has worked for some of the biggest names in the food industry, including Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, and Martha Stewart Living.
As the Editor in Chief of IntroChicago.com, Carrie oversees all of the content on the site. She also manages the team of contributing writers and editors, who help to create delicious recipes, helpful tips, and informative articles that you’ll find on the site.
A native of the Chicago area, Carrie is passionate about all things food. She loves trying new restaurants and experimenting with new recipes in her kitchen. She’s also a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, so she knows a thing or two about food!