What side dish goes with teriyaki meatballs?

Teriyaki meatballs are a fun and flavorful main dish that goes great with a variety of side dishes. The sweet and salty teriyaki glaze complements both vegetables and starches. When choosing sides for teriyaki meatballs, you’ll want options that will enhance the flavors without overpowering them. Here are some of the best side dish ideas to serve along with teriyaki meatballs.

Rice

Rice is a classic pairing with teriyaki meatballs. The mild flavor and fluffy texture of rice soaks up the tasty teriyaki sauce perfectly. White rice or brown rice both work well. For extra flavor, try one of these ideas:

• Coconut rice – Made with coconut milk for a subtle tropical taste.
• Fried rice – Rice stir-fried with vegetables, eggs, soy sauce.
• Pineapple rice – Diced pineapple adds sweetness.
• Turmeric rice – Turmeric adds an earthy, vibrant yellow color.
• Garlic rice – The zing of garlic boosts the flavor.

Noodles

Noodles and teriyaki meatballs are a match made in heaven. The succulent meatballs and savory teriyaki sauce flavor each bite of noodles. Go for wheat or rice noodles to soak up the sauce. Excellent noodle options include:

• Soba noodles – Made from buckwheat, these Japanese noodles have a delicious nutty taste.
• Udon noodles – Chewy, thick wheat noodles with a mild flavor.
• Ramen – Japanese wheat noodles that are wavy and firm.
• Lo mein – Chinese egg noodles that are tender yet springy.
• Rice vermicelli – Thin rice noodles that nicely cling to the teriyaki sauce.

Steamed Vegetables

Steamed vegetables make a healthy, fresh-tasting accompaniment to saucy teriyaki meatballs. The vapor method cooks veggies gently to retain nutrients. Steaming also ensures the veggies provide an appealing crisp-tender bite. Some excellent choices include:

• Broccoli – Chopped broccoli florets add color and a pleasing crunch.
• Carrots – Sliced carrots turn tender while maintaining a hint of firmness.
• Green beans – Fresh, snappy green beans pair nicely with the teriyaki glaze.
• Asparagus – Slender spears become fork-tender and highlight the sauce.
• Zucchini – Ribbons or cubes of zucchini steam up delicately.

Stir-Fried Vegetables

For bolder vegetable flavor, stir-fry crisp-tender veggies to serve on the side. Stir-frying involves cooking vegetables over high heat while tossing and stirring constantly. The quick cooking brings out the natural sweetness. Try your hand at stir-frying these options:

• Snap peas – Retain a satisfying crunch and bright color.
• Bell peppers – Sauté multicolored strips for a pop of sweetness.
• Mushrooms – Meaty, earthy mushrooms absorb the teriyaki sauce beautifully.
• Bok choy – The crunchy stalks and tender greens stir-fry up quickly.
• Pineapple – Sautéed cubes add tangy sweetness and moisture.

Roasted Vegetables

For richer, sweeter flavor, roast vegetables in the oven to serve alongside teriyaki meatballs. Roasting caramelizes natural sugars and intensifies tastes. Toss vegetables in a bit of oil before roasting. Ideas for roasted veggies include:

• Sweet potatoes – Cube and roast until tender and lightly browned.
• Brussels sprouts – Cut in half and roast for delicious charred edges.
• Butternut squash – Diced cubes turn soft and sweet when roasted.
• Beets – Roast whole or sliced beets until fork-tender.
• Eggplant – Cubes roast up melt-in-your-mouth creamy.

Simple Salads

For lighter fare, round out the meal with a simple green salad or vegetable-based salad. The crunchy textures offset the soft, saucy meatballs. Vinaigrette or citrus dressings work well. Ideas include:

• Caesar salad – Crisp romaine lettuce with Parmesan and croutons.
• Greek salad – Tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta cheese.
• Kale salad – Shredded kale, carrots, peppers, and lemon dressing.
• Cucumber salad – Sliced cucumbers and onion tossed in rice vinegar.
• Fruit salad – Pineapple, mango, grapes for a touch of sweetness.

Crunchy Coleslaws

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Coleslaws made from shredded cabbage and crunchy vegetables make refreshing, lighter accompaniments for saucy teriyaki meatballs. The crisp texture contrasts nicely with the tender meat. Dress the coleslaw in a flavored mayonnaise or vinaigrette. Options include:

• Asian coleslaw – Shredded cabbage, carrots, green onions, almonds, and ginger dressing.
• Apple coleslaw – Thinly sliced apples add sweetness to cabbage and carrot.
• Jicama coleslaw – Shredded jicama and cabbage with a lime vinaigrette.
• Broccoli slaw – Packed with crunchy chopped broccoli florets and shredded carrots.
• Red cabbage slaw – Red cabbage with shredded radishes for a colorful crunch.

More Crunchy Vegetable Side Ideas

In addition to coleslaws and salads, these fresh vegetable sides also pair excellently with juicy teriyaki meatballs:

• Cucumber salad – Sliced cucumbers and onion in a light vinegar dressing.
• Tomato salad – Sliced tomatoes with olive oil, basil, and shredded mozzarella.
• Corn on the cob – Grilled or boiled corn slathered in butter.
• Sautéed okra – Quick sautéed okra pods have a crunchy pop.
• Edamame – Boiled and salted fresh soybeans make a protein-packed side.

Crispy Fried Side Dishes

Fried foods offer irresistible crunch next to saucy, sticky teriyaki meatballs. Keep the portions small since these are higher in calories. Delectable options include:

• French fries – The classic fried potato sticks never disappoint.
• Fried rice balls – Deep-fried arancini rice balls have a gooey cheese center.
• Fried vegetable wontons – Crispy wonton wrappers with vegetable fillings.
• Fried zucchini sticks – Sliced zucchini dipped in batter and fried golden.
• Fried jalapenos – Jalapeno halves coated in crispy batter.

Potatoes and Sweet Potatoes

Potatoes and sweet potatoes pair remarkably well with teriyaki flavors. These hearty sides soak up sauce and provide a comforting base for the meatballs. Ways to prepare them include:

• Baked potatoes – Rubbed in oil and baked until tender.
• Mashed potatoes – Cooked, smashed, and blended with butter and milk.
• Hasselback potatoes – Sliced partway through before baking for an accordion shape.
• Sweet potato fries – Wedges coated in oil and baked.
• Sweet potato mash – Mashed with maple syrup and cinnamon.

Fresh Bread

Warm bread is great for dipping in the rich teriyaki sauce drizzled over the meatballs. The starch balances the sweet and salty flavors. Ideal options include:

• Dinner rolls – Soft, pillowy rolls for soaking up sauce.
• Garlic bread – Slices spread with buttery garlic goodness.
• Naan – Tender Indian flatbread.
• Biscuits – Flaky, homemade buttermilk biscuits.
• Cornbread – Savory wedges ideal for drizzling with teriyaki glaze.

Conclusion

Teriyaki meatballs have a nice versatility that pairs well with an array of side dishes. Starchy carbs like rice, noodles, and bread complement the sauce. Fresh or cooked vegetables add color and crunch. Salads offer bright, lighter notes. Even some fried foods can round out the meal nicely. When choosing sides for teriyaki meatballs, opt for simple preparations to let the enticing Asian flavors shine.