This article was updated on the 5th of September 2023 for clarity and freshness.
If you’re wondering what to serve with your chicken katsu, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, I list 17 of the most popular side dishes for chicken katsu.
In a rush? Here’s the short answer.
The best dishes to serve with chicken katsu are seasoned Japanese rice, Japanese coleslaw, sesame soba noodles, and miso soup. For more light options, try cucumber salad, pickled carrots and radish, or spaghetti squash yakisoba. For less traditional sides, try mashed potato or macaroni gratin.
For each side dish, I’ve provided alternative options to cater to various diets and lifestyles, including vegan, quick and easy, and health-conscious options.
Traditional Japanese Sides
Keep your chicken katsu meal traditional with a serving of these classic Japanese dishes on the side!
Seasoned Japanese Rice
4.7 ⭐️ (6 ratings) | 20 mins
You can’t have chicken katsu without a big bowl of rice.
Steamed rice is fine, but if you want to go the extra mile, make this yummy seasoned Japanese rice instead. It boasts multiple layers of savory, umami goodness thanks to the addition of ingredients such as rice wine vinegar, scallions, sesame oil, and furikake.
Sylvia from Feasting at Home uses short-grain brown rice for this recipe, which adds a nutty kick. But I’ve tried this with the short-grain white rice and it still turned out fabulous.
What readers are saying…
“I’m giving this rice 5 stars. The furikake, seasame oil, and rice vinegar were wonderful with the brown rice. This was easy to prepare, too.“
“Excellent, only had medium grain rice so followed the bag for water ratio, also used Trader Joe’s Everything seasoning as did not have furikake. Will be a new staple side.“
Deliciously different alternatives…
Japanese Coleslaw
5.0 ⭐️ (2 ratings) | 5 mins
A bright slaw is a perfect summer partner for crispy chicken katsu.
Unlike the traditional mayo-based recipe, this Japanese version features a lighter dressing made with vinegar, light soy sauce, and a dash of sugar. The combination of salty and acidic flavors helps cut through the greasiness of your katsu, making for a more balanced bite.
Pickled Plum uses pre-shredded coleslaw mix to get this slaw done in five minutes, but you can also start from scratch.
What readers are saying…
“Instead of using pre-shredded coleslaw mix, I used pre-packaged Japanese cabbage salad. My guest loved it and I didn’t need any of the other ingredients.“
“I make this recipe and it tastes good.”
“Bought some coleslaw mix today and made the sauce. Very good.“
Deliciously different alternatives…
Japanese Potato Salad
4.7 ⭐️ (224 ratings) | 1 hr 20 mins
Fun fact: potato salad has been popular in Japan for over 125 years.
This version features carrots, corn, hard-boiled eggs, cucumber, and ham. Then everything is coated with a creamy dressing made from kewpie mayo (psst… don’t try to substitute this for normal mayonnaise).
This specific mayo is a must-have because it adds a rich, tangy flavor no other mayo can replicate. You have to taste it to see the difference!
You might never want regular potato salad once you taste this Japanese potato salad.
What readers are saying…
“Follow the basic recipe closely, but add more veg/ham/egg based on my mood. Always comes out crazy crazy good.“
“Excellent! Thank you for the great recipe. My three-year old ate it with great appetite and took a second serving. It worked well with vegan mayo as I wanted to avoid the raw eggs…”
“My only regret is not making this sooner! I will have to try some different mayo as mine isn’t that ‘eggy’ but it was still delicious.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Miso Soup
5.0 ⭐️ (22 ratings) | 15 mins
Miso soup is one of the first dishes that comes to mind when I think of Japanese food. It’s cozy, comforting, and tasty, making it the ideal starter before a heavy meal of katsu chicken.
If you’ve never tried making it yourself – you’re missing out. It’s way easier than you think, especially since you can easily buy ingredients like dashi granules and miso paste in the International aisle of most big-name brand grocery stores nowadays.
I also like tossing in leafy greens like spinach or kale in this soup for extra nutrition.
What readers are saying…
“I’ve made this delicious soup at least 7 times already. It’s super easy to make and it tastes great.”
“This really is the best recipe, once you have the ingredients it’s pretty easy. The whole family thinks it tastes better than the miso soup from our favorite sushi restaurant.”
“I cooked miso soup for the first time today and it was delish! The pot was wiped clean! Fantastic recipe!!“
Deliciously different alternatives…
🍄 Shiitake Mushroom Miso Soup
🍤 Miso Soup with Prawns and Udon Noodles
Spinach Salad Gomae
4.7 ⭐️ (227 ratings) | 15 mins
This is one of those small side dishes served in Japanese restaurants that I just can’t get enough of — I always end up having 2nd and 3rd helpings of it!
The nutty sauce is so moreish that you wouldn’t believe you only need three ingredients for it: toasted white sesame seeds, soy sauce, and sugar!
And you don’t have to stick to spinach, it works really well with green beans and even broccoli too.
Enjoy this simple salad alongside your chicken katsu for a deliciously nourishing meal.
What readers are saying…
“We make this about once a month. The flavor is divine and the dish is so easy to prepare that squeezing in some extra greens is a breeze.“
“So simple and delicious! My husband loved this dish! He was sneaking tastings before dinner. Thank you for the recipe!“
“We eat this SO often. I’ve made it several times as written with great results.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Sesame Miso Ramen
4.3 ⭐️ (227 ratings) | 30 mins
Looking for something warm and cozy? Why not try this quick and creamy miso ramen? Just a heads up, though — this is not a traditional recipe.
But by using umami-filled ingredients like miso and porcini mushrooms, you can get a deeply flavored broth in just 30 minutes.
And if that’s not enough, Half Baked Harvest adds tahini, which brings a delectable creaminess to the broth. Yum!
What readers are saying…
“This dish is ridiculous! The best ramen ever. So simple to make. The mushrooms are beyond divine! Excellent recipe.”
“I’ve made this at least 5 times now in the last two months. It never disappoints and easily gets better and better.”
“Very tasty, a crowd-pleaser! I’ve made this recipe twice. It has lots of flavors and uses many pantry staples.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Japanese Curry
4.9 ⭐️ (67 ratings) | 25 mins
You’ve probably already thought of this so I won’t say much… but just in case you forgot.
Katsu chicken is DELICIOUS with a massive bowl of comforting Japanese curry. So well in fact, this curry has come to be known as ‘katsu curry’.
And it’s much easier to make than other Asian curries, since all you need for the sauce is a curry roux, which you can buy in most Asian stores. My go-to brand is Vermont Curry!
What readers are saying…
“This was absolutely delicious! My whole family enjoyed it (me, hubby, and our 12, 10 and 6 year olds) – an incredibly rare occurrence! This will be on our regular rotation.”
.”..this was absolutely amazing, your instructions were so easy to follow and as a result the meal turned out great.”
“Fabulous recipe with easy-to-follow instructions and tastes restaurant quality!“
Deliciously different alternatives…
Fresh and Light Sides
Perfect for those who prefer a balanced meal, these sides introduce a refreshing contrast to the deep-fried richness of chicken katsu. They add a burst of freshness and lightness, ensuring the meal remains satisfying without being overly heavy.
Shredded Brussels Sprouts and Kale Salad
5.0 ⭐️ (5 ratings) | 20 mins
Sprout and kale are probably two of the most hated vegetables on the planet, but don’t let that put you off this vibrant salad.
Shredded cabbage is a traditional side for katsu dishes, so this salad draws inspiration from that.
It’s got a lemon dressing, which adds a hint of brightness to the otherwise earth vegetables. Plus it’s jam-packed with nutrients (everyone should eat more kale!).
What readers are saying…
“Wonderful salad! Will be making this for future dinners, parties! Love the fresh lemon and kick of Dijon.“
“I’ve made this several times and love it. I’ve added pomegranates a few times for some color, but it tastes delicious without, too.“
“Delicious salad! The dressing is fabulous. Thank you for getting me out of my usual salad rut!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
🥬 Arugula, Radicchio, and Parmesan Salad
🥗 Arugula Endive Salad
Quick Pickled Carrots and Radish
5.0 ⭐️ (22 ratings) | 10 mins
A serving of pickled carrots and radish is an excellent accompaniment to your fried chicken katsu.
They add a vibrant pop of color to your dish, and their sweet and tangy combination provides a nice contrast to the milder chicken.
The caveat is you’ll need to plan a few hours ahead for this dish since the veggies need to rest for a couple of hours to soak up all the flavors from the brine, but it’s worth the wait!
And what I like to do is make a big batch because these pickles will last a while in the fridge.
What readers are saying…
“I love these pickles and have made them for a couple of years now! Hot-tip: add sliced Korean peppers (if you can find them) or sliced fresh jalapenos. It really ups the flavor.”
“Excellent, easy recipe and perfect proportions. I’ve made it with both daikon and substituted thinly sliced sweet onion when I didn’t have daikon.”
“Really enjoyed the crunchy taste of vegetables in a slightly sweet brine... So easy to make will try other of your recipes.“
Deliciously different alternatives…
🥒 Quick Pickled Cucumber with Ginger
🌶 Quick Pickled Jalapenos
Sesame Spiced Edamame
5.0 ⭐️ (2 ratings) | 7 mins
Edamame is a simple dish, but it can pack a flavorful punch depending on the seasonings you use.
You could stick with a classic like salt or soy sauce, or be a little more inventive with sesame oil and togarashi, like with this recipe. The heat from the spice blend pairs nicely with chicken katsu.
And another flavor option I really like is garlic and chili!
What readers are saying…
“These were delicious! I made a batch for dinner and will be making them again this weekend. Thanks!“
“Amazing! My wife and I loved this and will now be our go to for Edamame. Very easy to make.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Miso Butter Mushrooms
4.8 ⭐️ (29 ratings) | 30 mins
Jazz up your chicken katsu with a generous helping of these miso butter mushrooms.
Mushrooms are naturally loaded with tons of umami goodness, so adding the miso butter takes them to another level! It also makes them unbelievably juicy, a great contrast to your chicken katsu’s crunch.
Psst… Drizzle some of that melted miso butter over your katsu for extra flavor!
What readers are saying…
“Fabulous! So tasty. You will be instantly transported to a Japanese restaurant!“
“I have made these 3 times already. They are delicious!”
“These are the best mushrooms ever! And I don’t say that lightly. Made the recipe exactly as is and they’re seriously like crack.“
Deliciously different alternatives…
🍷 Red Wine and Garlic Mushrooms
🍋 Garlic Mushrooms with Lemon & Thyme
Cucumber Salad
5.0 ⭐️ (38 ratings) | 10 mins
Light, refreshing, and vibrant. This cucumber salad (also known as sunomono salad) is all three.
The acidic dressing means you can use the cucumber as a palate cleanser between bites of your chicken katsu.
And the best part? You can whip it up in 10 minutes and you likely already have the ingredients on hand.
What readers are saying…
“Delicious recipe! I added some toasted sesame oil and it was perfect.”
“This is so good!!! I grew my own Japanese cucumbers and made this exactly as instructed. I will be making it several times a week until the cukes are all gone.“
“Easy instructions, simple ingredients.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
🍅 Tomato and Cucumber Salad
🍋 Grilled Zucchini Salad with Lemon-Herb Vinaigrette
Spaghetti Squash Yakisoba
4.9 ⭐️ (13 ratings) | 26 mins
Want a light and healthy pairing for your chicken katsu? Ditch the noodles and use roasted spaghetti squash instead.
Spaghetti squash absorbs any flavor you put on it so well, so this faux yakisoba is guaranteed to be extra tasty. Plus, the spaghetti squash strands have an almost al dente-like texture that will remind you of the usual noodles.
Enjoy this guilt-free yakisoba spaghetti squash for your next Japanese-themed meal.
What readers are saying…
“I made this tonight. I was a little worried about this being too salty with both the dark soy sauce and the low sodium soy sauce, but it was absolutely delicious; not salty at all.“
“This recipe was fantastic! Instead of a bag of cole slaw mix I used a half head of cabbage and a couple of shredded carrots. Also added a bit of sesame oil to the sauce.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
🌿 Pesto Spaghetti Squash
🍅 Spaghetti Squash with Tomato Basil Sauce
Vegetable Tempura
4.7 ⭐️ (87 ratings) | 1 hr 10 mins
Vegetable tempura is a great way to add another crispy element to your katsu meal. They’re also a fun way to sneak hidden veggies onto the plate.
There are no rules on what vegetables you can use for these — I especially like using sweet potatoes and leafy greens! But there are a few rules for the batter. You must keep it cold, use sparkling water, and most importantly: don’t overmix the batter.
Psst… whip up a quick ginger ponzu dipping sauce to complete the tempura platter.
What readers are saying…
“Great recipe with awesome results on the first try.”
“Thank you so much for this recipe. I have made tempura before and never really thought it matched what I had in top rated restaurants but this came out perfectly first time.“
Deliciously different alternatives…
Rich and Hearty Sides
Feeling indulgent? Enjoy your chicken katsu with a side of these decadent dishes! They’re a bit heavy on the stomach, though, so indulge responsibly.
Sesame Soba Noodles
4.8 ⭐️ (280 ratings) | 20 mins
Aside from rice, noodles are a classic side dish for katsu, and these soba noodles are my favorite.
They have a slightly nutty taste because they’re made with buckwheat, and this recipe amplifies this flavor further, courtesy of the homemade sauce and sesame seeds.
Another thing I love about this noodle dish is you can enjoy it warm or cold. Plus, leftovers make for a great packed lunch for the next day.
What readers are saying…
“Such a simple recipe and delicious!! I added garlic & sriracha sauce.“
“Thank you for sharing the recipe. I appreciate the delicious and healthy meal option. Can’t wait to try it out!“
“Was looking for something easy to cook after a long day. This was just the ticket. Simple and delicious, thanks for a great recipe!“
Deliciously different alternatives…
Macaroni Gratin
4.8 ⭐️ (33 ratings) | 1 hr 10 mins
I’m all for a bit of culinary creative license, but believe it or not, this is actually a yoshoku (Western-style Japanese cuisine).
It features pasta, chicken, and shrimp smothered in white sauce and baked with a Gruyere cheese topping. But I usually swap out the chicken and shrimp for vegetables when serving this gratin with katsu. I especially love using broccoli!
Psst… save the last bite of your chicken katsu and use it to mop up that deliciously cheesy white sauce.
What readers are saying…
“I made this with extra chicken sans the shrimp since my wife doesn’t eat it and it came out amazing. This is very simple but oh so good. Brought back memories of my time in Japan.“
“This was delicious! So rich and comforting. Made it exactly as written.“
“This was AMAZING! We didn’t have onions or shrimp so we went without those, but this is definitely mine and my husband’s new favorite dish.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Mashed Potatoes
5.0 ⭐️ (5 ratings) | 20 mins
Pair your chicken katsu with creamy mashed potatoes for a delicious American-Japanese fusion.
The mashed potatoes’ velvety texture will contrast perfectly with your crispy, juicy chicken katsu. Plus, just think about smothering the creamy spuds with the addicting katsu sauce — it’s heaven on a plate!
There are loads of different recipes for mash, but XO & SO’s recipe goes the extra mile by adding heavy cream and sour cream, making the spuds extra creamy.
What readers are saying…
“These are some of the best mashed potatoes I’ve ever had, absolutely perfect and so creamy. I’ll never make them another way again!”
“These mashed potatoes were super creamy and absolutely perfect as a side dish for our dinner last night.”
“Love the addition of the sour cream! It gives them a nice tang! Definitely comfort food!“
Deliciously different alternatives…
What To Serve With Chicken Katsu – 17 Best Side Dishes
Ingredients
- 1 portion seasoned Japanese rice
- 1 portion miso butter mushrooms
- 1 portion sesame miso ramen
- 1 portion cucumber salad
- 1 portion spaghetti squash yakisoba
- 1 portion japanese potato salad … and more
Instructions
- Prepare your chicken katsu according to your favorite recipe.
- In the meantime, choose one of the following sides to serve alongside it.
- Side dishes include: seasoned Japanese rice, Japanese coleslaw, sesame soba noodles, miso soup, shredded brussel sprout and kale salad, quick pickled carrots and daikon radish, Japanese potato salad, mac and cheese gratin, sesame spiced edamame, miso butter mushrooms, creamy mashed potatoes, cucumber salad, spinach salad gomae, sesame miso ramen, Japanese curry, spaghetti squash yakisoba, and vegetable tempura.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
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