Whether you’re craving something light and refreshing, crispy and fried, or packed with umami, there’s a perfect pairing for every bowl of ramen.
From crunchy gyoza to tangy pickles and savory tofu skewers, these sides add texture, balance, and extra deliciousness to your meal. In this article, we’ll explore the best side dishes to serve with ramen—so you can turn your next bowl into a full-on feast!
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Light & Refreshing Ramen Sides
Ramen is rich, hearty, and packed with bold flavors, so pairing it with light and refreshing sides can create the perfect balance.
Crisp pickled vegetables, chilled salads, and simple steamed greens help cleanse the palate while adding texture and contrast to your meal. Whether you’re looking for a tangy cucumber sunomono, a delicate seaweed salad, or lightly salted edamame, these sides bring a fresh and vibrant touch to your ramen experience.
Edamame – Steamed and lightly salted, or tossed with chili flakes for a spicy kick.
Japanese Pickles (Tsukemono) – Crisp and tangy pickled cucumbers, radishes, or cabbage help balance the richness of ramen.
Seaweed Salad – A light and umami-packed dish dressed with sesame oil and rice vinegar.
Cucumber Sunomono – A refreshing vinegar-marinated cucumber salad with sesame seeds.
How to Make Seaweed Salad:
To make seaweed salad, start by soaking dried seaweed in warm water for about 5–10 minutes until it becomes tender and rehydrates. Drain it well, squeezing out any excess water, and place it in a bowl. In a separate small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, a touch of sugar, and grated ginger for a balanced dressing.
Pour the dressing over the seaweed, tossing gently to coat. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions for extra flavor. Let it chill for at least 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Crispy & Fried Ramen Sides
For those who love a bit of crunch with their ramen, crispy and fried sides are the perfect match.
From golden, flaky tempura to pan-fried gyoza and crispy agedashi tofu, these sides add texture and richness to your meal. Whether you’re craving something light and airy or savory and satisfying, these crunchy companions bring a delicious contrast to a warm, comforting bowl of ramen.
Gyoza (Dumplings) – Pan-fried or steamed dumplings filled with vegetables or tofu.
Agedashi Tofu – Crispy, deep-fried tofu served with a savory soy-based dipping sauce.
Tempura – Lightly battered and fried vegetables like sweet potato, eggplant, or zucchini.
Spring Rolls – Crispy or fresh vegetable-filled rolls with a soy or peanut dipping sauce.
How to Make Tempura Easily:
To make tempura, start by preparing your vegetables or tofu by cutting them into bite-sized pieces. Common choices include sweet potatoes, zucchini, eggplant, and mushrooms.
In a bowl, mix cold water with flour and a little cornstarch, stirring gently to create a light batter—be careful not to overmix, as a few lumps help keep it crispy. Heat oil in a deep pan to about 350°F (175°C), then dip each piece into the batter and carefully place it in the hot oil.
Fry in small batches until golden and crisp, then transfer to a paper towel to drain excess oil. Serve immediately with a light dipping sauce made of soy sauce, dashi, and a touch of mirin for extra flavor.
Savory & Umami-Rich Ramen Sides
Ramen is already packed with deep, savory flavors, but pairing it with umami-rich sides can make your meal even more satisfying. From grilled miso-glazed eggplant to marinated tofu skewers and flavorful onigiri, these sides enhance the richness of your ramen while adding variety to every bite.
Simple Ramen Additions
Steamed Vegetables – Broccoli, bok choy, or bean sprouts make a nutritious side.
Soft-Boiled Eggs (for non-vegan ramen eaters) – Marinated in soy sauce for extra flavor.
Nori (Seaweed Sheets) – A great crispy snack or an extra topping for ramen.
![Types of Ramen: Hakata Ramen. Image courtesy of [cipher] via Flickr Commons.](https://ramendatabase.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Types-of-Ramen_Hakata-Ramen-300x199.jpg)
