When you’re in the mood for Asian food, you probably have a list of go-to favorites—whether it’s dinner at a hibachi restaurant or poke bowl takeout. But don’t forget all the side dishes you can use to supplement or accent your main course when you’re sharing a meal with friends and family. Broaden your horizons and surprise your palate by sampling one of these four famous treats.

4 Delicious Asian Food Sides

1. Edamame

This healthy yet satisfying side dish is perfect for getting your greens in. Edamame are essentially soy beans left in their pods, and similar to shrimp or peanuts, you don’t eat the outer portion—you gently bite down on the pods to release the beans. Served hot or cold and sprinkled with salt, this veggie side dish is rich in fiber and antioxidants—the perfect solution for health-conscious diners.

2. Fried Rice

If you’re not used to eating meat-heavy meals, you might want to pair your hibachi steak or poke bowl with a side of fried rice. This delicious dish features rice fried in a wok with vegetables, soy sauce, and sometimes eggs. While you can add shrimp, chicken, and other proteins to the mixture, fried rice works best meatless if you’re ordering it as a side.

3. Spring Rolls

Unlike egg rolls, which are wrapped in a crispy, fried coating, spring rolls are swaddled in transparent rice paper. This allows diners to see the colorful ingredients inside, including shredded carrots, cabbage, rice noodles, and various greens. Spring rolls are often served with a thick dipping sauce, such as Thai peanut or sweet chili.

4. Fried Dumplings

Seared in oil then steamed, pan-fried dumplings offer the perfect mix of soft and crispy. These savory treats can be filled with anything from cabbage and bok choy to pork, and they’re all wrapped up in a pinched, doughy package. If you’re a fan of ravioli, you’ll love this Asian food original.

The next time you’re craving poke bowls, hibachi, or one of these tantalizing sides, head to Sakura Grill in Mebane, NC. This Japanese restaurant offers high-quality Asian food at affordable prices, and they can even wrap your dishes up for carryout. To place a to-go order, call (919) 563-8889 today.