What To Serve With Ramen – 50 Tasty Side Dishes

What To Serve With Ramen – 50 Tasty Side Dishes — Ramen, the beloved Japanese noodle soup, has captured the hearts and taste buds of people worldwide.

Whether you enjoy it as a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting meal during chilly evenings, ramen is always a go-to option.

But what makes a bowl of ramen genuinely exceptional? The delicious array of dishes that accompany it!

In this culinary journey, we’ll explore 50 delectable side dishes and accompaniments to elevate your ramen experience. From fresh and vibrant salads to savory snacks and mouthwatering appetizers, these options will turn a simple bowl of ramen into a feast fit for any occasion. Whether you’re a ramen aficionado or new to the world of this flavorful dish, get ready to discover an exciting array of flavors and textures to complement your next ramen adventure. So, let’s dive in and explore the endless possibilities of what to serve with ramen!

What Flavors Go Well With Ramen

Experiment with different combinations of these flavors to create your own signature ramen bowls. Ramen is highly customizable, so feel free to adjust the seasonings and toppings to suit your taste preferences.

• Sweet: A touch of sweetness can balance the salty and savory elements in ramen. Add mirin (sweet rice wine), brown sugar, or honey for a hint of sweetness.
• Sour: A splash of acidity can brighten up the flavors of ramen. Try rice vinegar, lime juice, or black vinegar to add a tangy kick.
• Acidic Ingredients: Ingredients like pickled ginger, kimchi, and pickled vegetables provide a sour and tangy contrast to the richness of ramen broth.
• Umami: Umami-rich ingredients such as soy sauce, miso paste, bonito flakes, and fish sauce enhance the depth of flavor in ramen.
• Spicy: Spice lovers can add heat with ingredients like sriracha, red pepper flakes, or chili oil to create a spicy ramen experience.
• Savory: Ingredients like mushrooms, seaweed, and sesame oil contribute to the savory, or umami, notes in ramen.
• Bitter Greens: Bitter greens like spinach, bok choy, or mustard greens can add a layer of complexity to ramen.
• Aromatic: Aromatics such as garlic, ginger, green onions, and cilantro bring fresh and aromatic notes to your ramen.
• Creamy: A dollop of tahini, peanut butter, or coconut milk can add creaminess and a unique flavor dimension to ramen.
• Salty: Additional sources of saltiness, such as miso paste or a sprinkle of seaweed salt (furikake), can enhance the overall taste.
• Fatty: Ingredients like pork belly, butter, or toasted sesame oil contribute richness and depth to the broth.
• Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like cilantro, Thai basil, or mint can bring freshness and aroma to your ramen.
• Earthy: Earthy flavors from ingredients like shiitake mushrooms, roasted garlic, or truffle oil can add complexity to your ramen.

50 Tasty Side Dishes For Serving With Ramen

Air Fryer Gyoza:

Air Fryer Gyoza: Japanese dumplings filled with ground meat and vegetables, usually pan-fried; today, we air-fried them for perfection.

The crispy and flavorful gyoza makes a fantastic accompaniment to your ramen bowl. You can serve them on the side or float a few on your ramen for added texture and flavor.

Garnish your ramen with chopped green onions and a drizzle of soy sauce or chili oil, and you’ve got a delicious and satisfying meal that combines the comfort of ramen with the irresistible crunch of gyoza.

Agedashi Tofu Air Fryer

Agedashi Tofu is a traditional Japanese appetizer that pairs wonderfully with ramen noodles. This dish consists of cubes of tofu lightly coated in potato starch and deep-fried until they have a crispy, golden exterior. They are then served in a flavorful dashi-based broth and topped with garnishes.

To serve, place the crispy tofu cubes in a bowl, pour the hot dashi broth over them, and garnish with chopped green onions, grated daikon radish, and bonito flakes. The contrast of textures and flavors in Agedashi Tofu, along with the umami-rich broth, makes it an excellent side dish to enjoy alongside a bowl of ramen noodles.

The combination of the comforting warmth and depth of ramen with the crispy, savory goodness of Agedashi Tofu creates a harmonious dining experience that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds. Try this pairing to elevate your ramen meal to a whole new level of deliciousness.

Air Fryer Edamame

Air Fryer Edamame Edamame has a mild, nutty flavor that complements the umami-rich broth of ramen. It doesn’t overpower the dish but instead enhances the overall taste.

Overall, edamame’s textural contrast, mild flavor, nutritional benefits, and versatility make it a popular and harmonious pairing with ramen noodles. It enhances the overall dining experience and provides a satisfying balance to the meal.

Air Fryer Tempura Shrimp

Air Fryer Tempura shrimp is often seasoned with a light batter and fried to perfection, creating a delicate and savory flavor profile. This complements the umami-rich ramen broth, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.

Ramen noodles are soft and chewy, while tempura shrimp offers a crispy and crunchy texture. This textural contrast adds depth and excitement to each bite, making the meal more enjoyable.

Seaweed Salad

Seaweed Salad is perfect for a side dish. This salad is a refreshing salad made with seaweed, sesame seeds, and a tangy dressing.

Air Fryer Kimchi Pancakes

Air Fryer Kimchi Pancakes served with ramen noodles, is a delightful and flavorful combination that combines the savory and spicy notes of Korean cuisine with the comforting and satisfying qualities of Japanese ramen.

To enjoy this pairing, serve your air-fried kimchi pancakes alongside a steaming bowl of ramen noodles. The combination of flavors, textures, and cultural influences makes it a delightful and memorable meal that brings the best of both worlds to your dining table.

Japanese Pickles (Tsukemono)

These pickles are a classic side; choose Assorted pickled vegetables with various flavors.

Cucumber Salad

Cucumber Salad Whether you choose a classic cucumber salad with a simple rice vinegar dressing or a more elaborate cucumber-based salad with Asian-inspired flavors, the combination of cucumber salad and ramen noodles offers a delightful and harmonious dining experience.

It’s a classic pairing that brings together the best of both worlds in terms of taste, texture, and refreshment.

Instant Pot Miso Soup

The combination of miso soup and ramen noodles offers a complete and satisfying meal that balances flavors, textures, and nutritional elements.

It’s a classic duo that showcases the culinary artistry and thoughtful pairing of Japanese cuisine.

Whether savoring a bowl of ramen at a restaurant or preparing it at home, consider including a serving of miso soup to elevate your dining experience.

Tamago (Japanese omelet)

The combination of Tamago and ramen offers a harmonious blend of flavors, textures, and cultural significance. Whether enjoying a bowl of ramen at a restaurant or preparing it at home, consider adding Tamago to your meal for an extraordinary and satisfying dining experience.

Spinach Gomaae

the combination of Spinach Gomaae and ramen offers a harmonious blend of flavors, textures, and nutritional benefits.

Whether you’re looking to add more greens to your ramen or simply seeking a well-rounded meal, Spinach Gomaae complements ramen beautifully, making it a popular choice for many ramen enthusiasts.

Air Fryer Chicken Yakitori

Air Fryer Chicken Yakitori’s pairing of Air Fryer Chicken Yakitori and ramen offers a harmonious blend of flavors, textures, and protein-rich goodness.

It’s a versatile and customizable combination that appeals to a wide range of tastes, making it a popular choice for ramen lovers looking to elevate their meal with a delightful protein addition.

Okonomiyaki

Pairing okonomiyaki with ramen noodles offers a balanced and flavorful combination that appeals to the senses and provides a satisfying dining experience. The harmony of tastes, textures, and shared ingredients makes it a popular choice among those looking to explore the diverse world of Japanese cuisine.

Yakisoba Noodles

Serving Yakisoba noodles as a side dish with ramen adds depth and dimension to the meal. The interplay of flavors, textures, and colorful ingredients creates a visually appealing and satisfying dining experience.

It’s a delightful way to explore the diverse world of Japanese cuisine while keeping your taste buds pleasantly surprised.

Air Fryer Chicken Karaage

Pairing ramen noodles with Air Fryer Chicken Karaage is a fantastic idea that combines two delicious dishes into one satisfying meal.

Ramen noodles with Air Fryer Chicken Karaage is a delightful fusion of flavors, textures, and culinary traditions. It offers a balanced and satisfying meal with the potential for customization and a visually appealing presentation. It’s an excellent choice for anyone looking to enjoy the best of Japanese cuisine in one delicious bowl.

Takoyaki

Pairing Hijiki Salad with ramen noodles is a brilliant combination with many flavors, textures, and nutritional benefits.

Hijiki Salad with ramen noodles is flavorful, nutritious, and visually appealing. It offers a harmonious blend of flavors and textures while celebrating the culinary traditions of Japan. Whether you’re looking to boost your meal’s nutritional content or enjoy a well-rounded dining experience, this combination is a winner.

Hijiki Salad

Serving Hijiki Salad with ramen noodles enhances the dining experience by combining complementary flavors, textures, and nutritional benefits.

It’s a choice that celebrates the culinary traditions of Japan while providing a delicious and balanced meal. Whether seeking a more complete nutritional profile or simply looking to elevate your ramen experience, this pairing offers a winning combination.

Air Fryer Panko Shrimp

Air Fryer Panko Shrimp and ramen noodles combine harmoniously, offering a delightful blend of textures, flavors, and nutritional benefits.

Whether you’re seeking a comforting and satisfying meal or looking to experiment with culinary fusion, this pairing is sure to please your palate and satisfy your cravings.

Air Fryer Cabbage

Air Fryer Cabbage Air Fryer Cabbage and ramen noodles complement each other by offering a delightful mix of textures, flavors, and nutritional benefits.

This pairing allows for culinary creativity while ensuring a satisfying and balanced meal.

Whether you’re seeking a comforting bowl of noodles or a healthier twist on traditional ramen, this combination offers much.

Pickled Vegetables

Serving pickled vegetables with ramen noodles elevates the dining experience by introducing a delightful contrast of flavors, textures, and colors.

This pairing offers sensory and nutritional benefits, making it a flavorful and visually appealing addition to your ramen bowl. Whether you prefer a traditional ramen or a more adventurous twist, pickled vegetables provide versatility and excitement.

Air Fryer Corn On The Cob

Serving air-fried corn on the cob with ramen noodles offers a delightful blend of flavors, textures, and visual appeal.

This pairing combines the comfort of two beloved foods while providing nutritional balance and customization options.

Whether you prefer traditional ramen or a creative fusion, corn on the cob can be a welcome addition to your ramen bowl.

Air Fryer Ahi Tuna

Serving ramen noodles with Air Fryer Ahi Tuna offers a balanced, flavorful, and visually appealing meal that combines the best of both worlds—Japanese-inspired noodles and ahi tuna prepared with modern cooking techniques.

Whether you’re seeking a comforting bowl of ramen or a gourmet seafood experience, this pairing can deliver a memorable dining experience.

Sunomono Salad

Serving Sunomono Salad with ramen noodles can elevate your meal by providing balance, contrast, and a refreshing element. It enhances the overall dining experience, both in terms of taste and aesthetics.

Whether enjoying a homemade ramen bowl or dining at a Japanese restaurant, this pairing can add depth and variety to your meal, making it a delightful culinary adventure.

Air Fryer Tofu

Serving tofu with ramen noodles not only enhances the nutritional profile of your meal but also offers a delightful interplay of textures and flavors.

Whether you’re seeking a plant-based protein source, a customizable ingredient, or an appealing presentation, tofu and ramen make a winning combination that’s both tasty and fulfilling.

Air Fryer Tempura Vegetables

Pairing air-fried vegetable tempura with ramen noodles offers a delightful combination of textures, flavors, and visual appeal. It’s a versatile and customizable choice that adds a satisfying crunch and a burst of color to your ramen bowl, making it a memorable and enjoyable meal.

Wakame Salad

Serving Wakame Salad with ramen noodles enhances the dining experience by introducing complementary flavors, textures, and visual appeal.

It’s a healthy and refreshing addition that adds depth to your ramen bowl and showcases the versatility of Asian cuisine.

Whether you enjoy it as a side salad or incorporate it directly into your ramen, wakame salad brings a unique and satisfying element to your meal.

Yuba Salad

Yuba Salad with ramen noodles enhances the dining experience by introducing sensory elements—texture, flavor, and visual appeal. It offers nutritional benefits, protein content, and versatility to your ramen bowl.

Whether you enjoy it as a side salad or incorporate it directly into your ramen, Yuba Salad adds a unique and wholesome dimension to your meal, showcasing the fusion of culinary traditions and the artistry of Asian cuisine.

Air Fryer Broccoli

Air Fryer Broccoli with ramen noodles is a winning combination that offers a spectrum of sensory experiences, from texture and color to flavor and aroma. It boosts the nutritional value of your ramen, contributes to satiety, and aligns with health-conscious choices.

Whether you prefer your broccoli with a hint of spice, a touch of sweetness, or seasoned with salt and pepper, it harmonizes beautifully with the comforting qualities of ramen, making for a wholesome and delicious meal.

Air Fryer Fried Rice

Serving Air-Fried Fried Rice with ramen noodles is a delightful and versatile culinary choice. It offers a harmonious blend of textures, flavors, and ingredients that can turn an ordinary meal into a memorable dining experience.

Whether you’re enjoying them separately or mixing them together, this pairing adds depth and variety to your menu, making it a satisfying and flavorful combination.

Seaweed Snacks

Serving seaweed snacks really elevates the flavor; try crispy roasted seaweed sheets.

Air Fryer Crispy Spring Rolls

Serving air fryer spring rolls with ramen noodles offers a dynamic and enjoyable dining experience. Combining textures, flavors, and customization options makes it a versatile and satisfying choice for any occasion.

Whether you’re looking for a light and refreshing meal or something more hearty, this pairing provides a harmonious balance that can elevate your ramen experience.

Hiyayakko

Serving Hiyayakko with ramen noodles creates a well-rounded meal that combines contrasts and complements.

It’s a testament to the versatility of Japanese cuisine, offering both comforting warmth and refreshing coolness in a single dining experience. Whether seeking a light and revitalizing meal or a unique culinary adventure, this pairing can deliver a memorable and enjoyable eating experience.

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

Serving Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries with ramen noodles provides a combination of textures, flavors, and nutritional benefits. It allows you to enjoy a satisfying meal that marries the comfort of sweet and savory elements.

Whether you’re looking to add some crunch to your ramen or seeking a visually appealing and balanced meal, this pairing offers a delicious and fulfilling dining experience.

Rice Balls

The pairing of onigiri and ramen noodles offers a delightful blend of textures, flavors, and cultural elements.

Whether you’re looking for a textural contrast, flavor harmony, or a convenient and portable meal option, this combination allows you to savor the best of both worlds in a single dining experience. It’s a comforting and customizable choice that adds depth and enjoyment to your ramen meal.

Cilantro Lime Slaw

Serving lime slaw with ramen noodles brings together contrasting flavors, textures, and cultural influences. It offers a refreshing, vibrant, and customizable addition to your ramen dish, elevating taste and presentation.

Whether you’re seeking a zesty contrast, a textural balance, or a visually appealing bowl of ramen, lime slaw is a delightful accompaniment that enhances your dining experience.

Air Fryer Roasted Vegetables

Serving ramen noodles with air fryer roasted vegetables offers a harmonious blend of taste, texture, and visual appeal. It provides a balanced and customizable dining experience that caters to various palates and dietary choices. Whether you’re seeking a nutritious and flavorful meal or a visually stunning dish to impress guests, this pairing delivers on all fronts.

Sesame Noodles

Combining sesame noodles with ramen noodles results in a harmonious and satisfying dish that marries the nutty and creamy flavors of sesame with the savory umami notes of ramen.

Whether you enjoy it warm or cold, as a simple weekday meal or a special occasion treat, this pairing will surely delight your taste buds and provide a memorable dining experience.

Air Fryer Avocado Toast

Serving avocado with ramen noodles enhances both the taste and nutritional value of your meal. Its creamy texture, mild flavor, and versatility make it an excellent addition to various ramen styles.

Whether you’re looking for a healthier option, a fresh and vibrant twist, or a creamy indulgence, avocado pairs wonderfully with ramen, elevating your dining experience to new heights.

Air Fryer Tuna Steaks

Air Fryer Tuna Steaks –combining Air Fryer Tuna Steaks with ramen noodles offers a delightful fusion of flavors, textures, and nutritional benefits. It’s a choice that combines the best of both worlds—tuna’s protein power and the comforting satisfaction of ramen. Whether you’re a seafood enthusiast or looking for a unique twist on ramen, this pairing is a winner.

Air Fryer Pork Buns

Air Fryer Pork Buns: These succulent and crispy air-fried pork buns make a fantastic side dish for ramen. The tender, marinated pork pairs perfectly with the noodles, adding a delightful contrast in flavors and textures.

Air Fryer Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Air Fryer Sun-Dried Tomatoes Air-fried sun-dried tomatoes are a burst of concentrated flavor. They can be a zesty addition to your ramen, providing a tangy and slightly sweet element that complements the rich broth or sauce.

Air Fryer Mushrooms

Air-frying mushrooms create a delightful umami-rich side dish that pairs wonderfully with ramen. The mushrooms develop a crispy exterior while maintaining their juicy, tender interior, adding depth and earthiness to your ramen bowl.

Air Fryer Pineapple

Air Fryer Pineapple: Air-fried pineapple chunks offer a sweet and caramelized flavor that contrasts beautifully with the savory notes of ramen. This tropical twist adds a touch of brightness and freshness to your meal.

Air Fryer Caprese Salad

Air Fryer Caprese Salad: A classic Caprese salad featuring air-fried tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, is a refreshing and vibrant accompaniment to ramen. The combination of fresh ingredients complements the warm, comforting noodles.

Air Fryer Scallion Pancakes

Air Fryer Scallion Pancakes: These crispy and savory scallion pancakes from the air fryer are an ideal match for ramen. Their flaky layers and the subtle onion flavor enhance the overall dining experience.

Air fryer Zucchini Noodles

Air Fryer Zucchini Noodles: For a low-carb option, air-fried zucchini noodles, or zoodles, can be served alongside ramen. They offer a light and vegetable-packed side dish that pairs well with any ramen broth.

Air Fryer Fried Pickles

Air Fryer Fried Pickles: Crispy air-fried pickles provide a tangy and crunchy side that adds a unique twist to your ramen meal. Their bold flavor can balance the richness of the noodles.

Hummus

Hummus: Creamy and savory hummus makes a versatile side dish for ramen. It can serve as a dipping sauce for noodles or as a condiment to add depth and creaminess to your ramen bowl.

Air Fryer Garlic Bread

Air Fryer Garlic Bread: Air-fried garlic bread is a comforting and indulgent addition to ramen. The crispy, garlicky slices are perfect for soaking up every bit of broth or sauce.

Fresh Fruit

A bowl of fresh, seasonal fruit can provide a refreshing contrast to the savory flavors of ramen. Sliced citrus fruits, melons, or berries can cleanse the palate between bites, making for a well-rounded meal.

In Conclusion

These side dishes offer a variety of flavors and textures to complement your ramen noodles, allowing you to customize your meal according to your taste preferences and dietary choices. Whether you prefer something crispy, savory, or refreshing, there’s a perfect side dish to enhance your ramen experience.