Are you ready to add a splash of flavor to your dinner table? The vibrant world of Chinese side dishes offers a delightful array of tastes that can transform any meal into a feast! Let’s explore some irresistible recipes that will have your friends and family coming back for seconds.
Garlic Sautéed Bok Choy

10 Minute Garlic Bok Choy Recipe from The Forked Spoon
Rating: 4.9. Ingredients: 10 min Total Time: 10 min.
This dish is a celebration of freshness, featuring crisp bok choy sautéed with garlic in a hot pan. The flavors are simple yet bold, with the garlic providing a punch that complements the natural sweetness of the bok choy. What makes this recipe so popular is its quick preparation and vibrant green color, making it a beautiful addition to any plate.
- Ingredients: Bok choy, garlic, soy sauce, vegetable oil, salt.
- Cooking Technique: Sautéing.
- Special Touch: Drizzling with sesame oil at the end adds a nutty aroma that elevates the dish!
Spicy Szechuan Green Beans

Spicy Szechuan Green Beans from Kalyn's Kitchen
Rating: 4.6. Ingredients: 30 min Total Time: 30 min.
If you love a little heat, these spicy green beans will quickly become a favorite! The Szechuan peppercorns create a tingling sensation, while the garlic and ginger give depth to the dish. This recipe shines at gatherings because it’s not only delicious but also a fun conversation starter—everyone loves a bit of spice!
- Ingredients: Green beans, Szechuan peppercorns, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, chili paste, sesame seeds.
- Cooking Technique: Stir-frying.
- Special Touch: Tossing in toasted sesame seeds at the end gives a delightful crunch!
Sweet and Sour Cucumber Salad

Sweet and Sour Cucumber Salad from Kalyn's Kitchen
Rating: 4.4. Ingredients: 1 h 20 min Total Time: 1 h 20 min.
This refreshing salad is a perfect palate cleanser that balances sweet and tangy flavors. Crisp cucumbers are tossed in a delightful dressing made from vinegar, sugar, and a hint of sesame oil. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s not only easy to make but also adds a refreshing crunch to any meal.
- Ingredients: Cucumbers, rice vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, garlic, chili flakes.
- Cooking Technique: Marinating.
- Special Touch: Letting it sit for a while enhances the flavors, making it even tastier!
Chinese Eggplant in Garlic Sauce

Chinese Eggplant with Garlic Sauce (红烧茄子) from Omnivore's Cookbook
Rating: 4.9. Ingredients: 40 min Total Time: 40 min.

Dad's Foolproof Eggplant with Garlic Sauce: A Chinese Chef's Secrets (Video)! from Made With Lau
Rating: 4.9. Ingredients: 45 min Total Time: 45 min.

Chinese Eggplant with Garlic Sauce from Allrecipes
Rating: 4.6. Ingredients: 25 min Total Time: 25 min.
This dish features tender eggplant that soaks up a rich, flavorful garlic sauce. The silky texture of the eggplant combined with the savory sauce creates a comforting side that pairs beautifully with rice. It’s a favorite because it’s not only scrumptious but also showcases the versatility of eggplant in Chinese cuisine!
- Ingredients: Chinese eggplant, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, chili oil, scallions.
- Cooking Technique: Stir-frying.
- Special Touch: Adding a splash of vinegar at the end brightens the flavors and makes it pop!
Chili Garlic Noodles
Fiesta Rice from Recipe Girl
Ingredients: 1 h 25 min
Simple Chow Mein from Homemade on a Weeknight
Ingredients: 40 min
Vegetarian Stir Fry from Honest Cooking
Ingredients: 20 min
These noodles are a delightful blend of heat and flavor, tossed in a spicy garlic sauce that makes them simply irresistible. With a chewy texture and a variety of toppings, they can be served warm or at room temperature, making them a versatile side. This recipe shines in its simplicity and the ability to elevate any main dish!
- Ingredients: Noodles, garlic, chili oil, soy sauce, green onions, sesame seeds.
- Cooking Technique: Boiling and tossing.
- Special Touch: Top it off with fresh herbs or chopped peanuts for an extra layer of flavor!