Sushi is often the most popular choice at any Japanese restaurant, and if you’re a fan of Japanese cuisine, exploring different types of sushi can be a delightful adventure for your taste buds. But what should you pair with your sushi to enhance the experience?
Selecting the right sides to accompany your sushi is crucial. The perfect sides can complement the flavours, add nutritional value, and make your meal more satisfying. Traditional Japanese accompaniments such as pickled vegetables, miso soup, and other dishes can elevate your sushi dining experience.
This article will introduce you to some of the best sides to complement your Japanese sushi meal, ensuring a well-rounded and delicious dining experience.
Miso Soup
Miso soup is a traditional Japanese soup commonly served with sushi. It is made from fermented soybeans called miso paste and is typically blended with dashi, a Japanese stock.
Ingredients like seaweed, tofu, and green onions are often added. Miso soup is not only delicious but also packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals, making it a nutritious addition to any sushi meal. The miso's umami flavour enhances the sushi taste, making it the perfect side dish.
Edamame
Edamame is a beloved Japanese appetiser, often enjoyed before the main meal. These are young soybeans picked before they mature and harden. Typically, they are boiled or steamed and then sprinkled with a touch of salt.
Packed with protein and fibre, edamame is both healthy and filling. It also provides essential minerals like iron and calcium, along with vitamins A and C. Its mild flavour and delightful crunch make it a perfect match for the subtle tastes of sushi.
Sunomono
Sunomono is a traditional Japanese salad often served alongside sushi. This light and refreshing dish perfectly complements the rich flavours of sushi. It typically includes thinly sliced vegetables like cucumber, radish, and carrot, all dressed in a delicate vinegar-based dressing.
Some variations also feature seafood such as shrimp or octopus. Sunomono is delicious and offers a good source of fibre, vitamins, and minerals. Adding it to your sushi meal is a great way to enjoy a healthy and flavorful side dish.
Tempura
Tempura is a beloved Japanese dish featuring deep-fried seafood, vegetables, and meat in a light, crispy batter. This batter, made from cold water and flour, is quickly fried to achieve its signature crunch. Tempura adds delightful variety and texture to any sushi meal.
Common ingredients include shrimp, squid, mushrooms, eggplant, sweet potato, and green beans. It’s typically served with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, dashi, and mirin. Adding tempura to your sushi meal is a great way to elevate the dining experience and introduce new flavours to your palate.
Gyoza
Gyoza is a popular side dish that pairs perfectly with a Japanese sushi meal. These savoury dumplings are filled with minced meat, vegetables, and seasonings, all wrapped in a thin dough. They can be pan-fried for a crispy texture or steamed for a softer bite.
The flavourful gyoza complements the delicate taste of sushi. They are usually served with a dipping sauce made of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chilli oil, enhancing the dish's taste. Gyoza not only adds variety to your meal but also provides a satisfying and filling experience.
Yakitori
Yakitori is a tasty grilled dish that pairs perfectly with Japanese sushi. It features bite-sized pieces of chicken marinated in a sauce of soy sauce, sake, and mirin, then skewered and grilled over charcoal.
This cooking method gives yakitori a smoky, savoury flavour that complements the delicate taste of sushi. Besides being delicious, yakitori is a great source of protein and relatively low in calories, making it a healthy and satisfying side dish.
Green Tea
Green tea is a popular beverage in Japanese cuisine that is used to accompany sushi. Its refreshing taste and health benefits make it an excellent choice. Green tea contains catechins, antioxidants that help reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease, and stroke. It also has caffeine, which can improve cognitive function and alertness.
When paired with sushi, green tea enhances the flavours of the dish and cleanses the palate between bites. It aids digestion and prevents the feeling of being overly full. Some sushi restaurants offer different types of green tea, such as Sencha for lighter fish and matcha for stronger flavours. Adding green tea to your sushi meal provides health benefits while helping you enjoy your meal.
Wrapping Up
Enhancing your Japanese sushi meal with complementary sides can elevate your dining experience. Consider adding miso soup, edamame, sunomono, gyoza, yakitori, tempura, and green tea. Each of these sides offers unique flavours and textures that perfectly complement sushi.
Whether you want a refreshing salad or a grilled treat, there’s a side dish to suit every taste. So, next time you enjoy sushi, remember to order a few of these sides to make your meal even better.
