Sushi is one of them dishes that just makes your mouth water, don’t it? But, you know, it ain’t just about them little fish rolls on that plate. No sir, there’s all them side dishes that really make a sushi meal what it is. Now, I ain’t a fancy chef or nothin’, but I can tell you, the right sides can make your sushi taste even better. You don’t wanna just be munchin’ on sushi and feelin’ like somethin’ is missin’. So let me share with ya some of them good ol’ side dishes you should pair with your sushi next time you get a hankerin’ for it.
1. Miso Soup
Now, first thing first, y’all gotta have miso soup. It’s like the base of every Japanese meal, you hear me? It ain’t no fancy thing neither, just some simple broth made from miso paste. The warm soup with a lil’ tofu and seaweed in it—well, it’s just perfect to start off your meal. That warmth will make you feel right cozy and ready to dive into that sushi.
2. Pickled Ginger (Gari)
Another thing you always see with sushi is pickled ginger, or what they call ‘gari.’ Now, I don’t know if you’re supposed to eat it in between the sushi or just nibble on it with your rolls, but let me tell ya, that ginger does wonders. Not only does it help clean your palate between different types of sushi, but it also helps with digestion and keeps ya from gettin’ no upset stomach from eatin’ all that raw fish. It’s a good little trick they got, and you won’t regret it.
3. Tempura
Y’all ever had tempura? It’s them crispy, fried-up veggies and shrimp. Mmm, I tell ya, they go so good with sushi. The light batter gives a crunchy texture that balances out all that soft fish. You can get tempura with shrimp, sweet potato, zucchini, or even green beans. All that crispiness with a lil’ dipping sauce? It’s just the right side dish to go with sushi.
4. Edamame Beans
And then there’s edamame. Them little green soybean pods you pop in your mouth. You can steam ‘em or boil ‘em and sprinkle some salt on top. It’s easy as pie and really good for ya. A lotta folks enjoy ‘em while they wait for their sushi to arrive. Just make sure you don’t eat the pods, just the beans inside. Ain’t nobody got time for eatin’ them tough pods!
5. Pickled Vegetables
Now, if you want somethin’ that’s a bit more refreshing, how ‘bout some pickled veggies? I’m talkin’ ‘bout things like pickled cucumbers, carrots, or daikon radish. They got that nice crunch and sour flavor that cuts through all the richness of the sushi. It’s a nice lil’ tangy bite to balance out all them savory flavors on your plate.
6. Gyoza (Dumplings)
Let’s not forget ‘bout gyoza, them lil’ dumplings. You know, them tasty ones filled with pork or vegetables? Fried crispy on one side and soft on the other. Dip ‘em in a lil’ soy sauce, and bam, you got yourself a side dish that’ll make your sushi even better. Some folks like ‘em steamed, but I say, go for the fried ones if you want that crunch to go with the sushi.
7. Sesame Noodle Salad
If you’re lookin’ for somethin’ light but tasty, try makin’ yourself a sesame noodle salad. It’s them thin noodles tossed with a sesame dressing, and you can add cucumbers, carrots, or even some shredded cabbage if you feel fancy. The sesame dressing gives it a nice nutty flavor that pairs real well with sushi, trust me.
8. Spicy Edamame
And for those of you who like a lil’ kick, try spicy edamame! It’s just like the regular edamame, but with some chili flakes or a bit of hot sauce added. Mix that up with garlic, and you’ve got yourself a fiery side dish that goes perfect with sushi. It’s a good way to get your tastebuds goin’ if you’re feelin’ brave.
9. Lettuce Salad with Asian Dressing
If you want somethin’ simple, you can’t go wrong with a lettuce salad. Just grab some lettuce, toss it with a lil’ sesame oil, soy sauce, and vinegar to make a quick dressing. It ain’t complicated, but it’s light, fresh, and it pairs perfectly with sushi. A lotta times, that crunchy lettuce can help cleanse your palate too.
10. Wasabi
And last but not least, you can’t forget the wasabi! Now, I know some of y’all might be a little scared of it, but trust me, it’s a good little zing for your sushi. You just need a tiny bit, and it’ll give you that sharp heat that adds some excitement to every bite. But don’t overdo it, unless you want your eyes to water like you’ve been chopping onions all day!
So there ya go, folks! Them’s the best side dishes to go with your sushi. Whether you’re munchin’ on some crispy tempura, slurpin’ up a warm bowl of miso soup, or nibblin’ on a pickle or two, these sides will take your sushi meal to the next level. You won’t be disappointed, I promise ya!
Tags：[sushi side dishes, miso soup, tempura, edamame, pickled ginger, gyoza, sesame noodle salad, spicy edamame, lettuce salad, wasabi, sushi accompaniments]
