Now, if you’re makin’ teriyaki chicken, ya need somethin’ to go with it, don’t ya? Can’t just eat the chicken alone, that’s like eatin’ soup without the bread! So, let me tell ya about some good side dishes that’ll make your meal just perfect. I ain’t talkin’ about no fancy stuff, just simple, tasty things that will fill you up and make that teriyaki chicken even better.
First off, y’all gotta think about rice. Rice is always a good side with chicken, and you can’t go wrong with plain white rice. It’s simple, easy, and it soaks up that teriyaki sauce real good. Now, if you want somethin’ a bit different, you might wanna try coconut rice. It’s got a nice little sweetness to it, and that flavor will match right up with the teriyaki. It’s not too strong, just enough to make the meal feel a little more special.
If you ain’t feelin’ rice, or if you’re lookin’ for somethin’ low-carb, I got somethin’ for ya too. Ever try cauliflower rice? It ain’t the same as the real thing, but it’s close enough and still gets the job done. Just chop up that cauliflower small, and it’ll have a little nutty flavor that pairs real nice with chicken. You won’t even miss the carbs, I swear!
Next thing, don’t forget your vegetables! I’m talkin’ about roasted broccoli or snap peas. You roast ‘em up good in the oven with a little bit of oil and seasoning, and they’ll taste like a whole different thing. Teriyaki sauce and roasted veggies? Perfect match. The sauce soaks into them vegetables, and it brings out all the good flavors. Broccoli’s got that crunch, and snap peas have a nice sweetness to ‘em.
Now, some folks like a bit of crunch on the side too. A good Asian salad will do the trick. Just take some celery, red pepper, and carrots, and toss ‘em with a sesame ginger dressing. It’s fresh and crunchy, and that little bit of ginger will balance out the sweetness of the teriyaki chicken. You can even add a few sesame seeds on top to make it look fancy, though we ain’t tryin’ to be fancy, are we?
If you want somethin’ real cool and refreshing, you might try a cucumber salad. Just slice up a cucumber, maybe throw in a little red onion, and dress it with a bit of vinegar and sugar. Simple, but it’s got a nice zing to it that’ll cut through the sweetness of the teriyaki chicken.
For a little extra flavor, you could make some sesame noodles. They’re easy to whip up, and the sesame oil gives ‘em a rich flavor that’s perfect with chicken teriyaki. You don’t want ‘em too heavy though, just enough to add somethin’ extra to the plate. And if you’re lookin’ for something even heartier, fried rice can always do the job. You can throw in a bunch of veggies, or even some leftover chicken if ya got it. Fried rice is a quick and tasty way to fill up the plate.
And if you like to drink something with your meal, ginger ale or ginger beer goes real nice with teriyaki chicken. The ginger’s got a little kick to it, and it pairs real well with the sweet and savory flavors of the chicken. You can sip it by itself or mix it into a cocktail, like a ginger highball or a Moscow mule. But if you ain’t into alcohol, that ginger ale will still do just fine!
Lastly, let me say, don’t go overboard with the sauce. Teriyaki sauce is great, but if you drown the chicken in it, it might make the whole thing too sweet. Keep it balanced, so the chicken still shines through, and the side dishes don’t get lost in all that sauce.
So there ya go, folks! You got rice, veggies, a little salad, and maybe a nice drink on the side. These simple, easy sides will make your teriyaki chicken taste just right. Try ‘em all, and see what fits your fancy best!
Tags:[side dishes, teriyaki chicken, rice, roasted vegetables, Asian salad, cucumber salad, sesame noodles, ginger ale, low-carb alternatives, cauliflower rice, coconut rice]