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If you’re wondering what to serve with your sweet and sour pork, you’ve come to the right place.

In this article, I list 11 of the most popular side dishes for sweet and sour pork.

In a rush? Here’s the short answer.

The best side dishes to serve with sweet and sour pork are scallion rice, vegetable dumplings, Chinese broccoli with garlic sauce, and smashed cucumber salad. Try roasted bok choy or hot and sour soup for lighter options. You can also serve scallion pancakes, chow mein, or shrimp egg rolls.

Ready? Let’s jump right in.

Scallion rice

Fried rice is a classic side dish for sweet and sour pork in takeouts.

But if you’re looking for something new, make this scallion rice instead.

The rice has a slightly spicy, peppery flavor courtesy of the scallions and the peppercorn-infused oil.

And its bright green hue means it looks super delicious next to your red and yellow pork.

Give your Chinese feast an upgrade by serving this flavorful scallion rice.

Chinese broccoli with garlic sauce

Need something simple, healthy, and flavorsome to go with your sweet and sour pork?

It may be a tall order, but not for this Chinese broccoli dish.

The leafy greens pack a nutrient-filled punch – they’re high in beta carotene, Vitamin E, and fiber.

Want to give it a try? Check out the Pickled Plum’s recipe.

And if you can’t find Chinese broccoli, broccolini is a great substitute.

Smashed cucumber salad

I can’t recommend this cucumber salad enough if you’re looking for something crisp and refreshing.

It’s a straightforward dish with sliced cucumbers, tons of garlic and ginger, and some nutty sesame oil.

The tangy flavors will cut right through the richness of your sweet and sour pork.

Pro-Tip: Japanese cucumbers are best for this dish, but Persian and English varieties would do in a pinch.

Steamed vegetable dumplings

Looking for ways to sneak more vegetables into your meal?

Take Joscelyn’s lead and whip up some dumplings.

They’re filled with a delectable meat-free filling made with mushrooms, carrots, cabbage, soy sauce, and sesame oil.

You can serve these steamed vegetable dumplings as a starter before you pork, or alongside it. It’s up to you.

Scallion pancakes

Don’t feel like having the traditional rice with your sweet and sour pork?

Whip up some scallion pancakes instead.

They’re typically served for breakfast, but their savory, mild flavor makes them ideal for soaking up that mouthwatering sweet and sour sauce – yum!

Rasa Malaysia has a classic, no-fail scallion pancakes recipe.

Chow-mein

You can’t have a Chinese-takeout-inspired feast without some chow mein.

There’s a long ingredient list for this recipe, but trust me… making your own chow mein sauce is so much better than using store-bought stuff.

And it only takes 30 minutes!

You won’t want takeout noodles again when you taste this made-from-scratch chow mein.

Sichuan stir-fried potatoes

These Sichuan stir-fried potatoes are not something you’ll usually see in your favorite Chinese restaurant.

But it’s a really popular dish in China.

This dish has a crunchy texture with a (very) fiery kick, thanks to the Sichuan peppers, ginger, dried chilies, and hot peppers.

Want a taste? The Woks of Life has a fantastic Sichuan stir-fried potatoes recipe you can try out.

P.s I know the picture doesn’t look like potatoes – but it is!

Roasted baby bok choy

One of my favorite vegetables is bok choy.

And it goes so well with Chinese food because it’s light and fresh, so it helps stop the meal from getting too heavy.

It’s usually sauteed or steamed, but roasting it crisps up the leaves and leaves you with juicy stems.

Pair this roasted baby bok choy with steamed rice and sweet and sour pork for a filling and nourishing meal.

Shrimp egg rolls

Want to add some crunch to your meal?

You can’t go wrong with these shrimp egg rolls.

Use the egg rolls so mop up some of the sticky sweet and sour sauce and you’ll have one tasty bite.

Whether you bake or fry these shrimp egg rolls, they’re guaranteed to be a massive hit.

Hot and sour soup

Hot and sour soup is low-carb, chock-full of healthy ingredients, and has a nice balance between spicy and tangy.

It’s perfect to pair with something as indulgent as sweet and sour pork.

You just need 30 minutes to make a family-sized serving of this hot and sour soup.

Psst… don’t like spicy food? Try egg drop soup instead.

Vegetable stir fry

This side dish is a great way to use up any leftover vegetables you have in the fridge.

This version has a mix of broccoli, mushrooms, and bell peppers. But any veggies work.

And the umami-loaded sauce really seals the deal.

Get the recipe here.

The best side dishes to serve with sweet and sour pork

Scallion rice
Chinese broccoli with garlic sauce
Smashed cucumber salad
Steamed vegetable dumplings
Scallion pancakes
Chow-mein
Sichuan stir-fried potatoes
Roasted baby bok choy
Shrimp egg rolls
Hot and sour soup
Vegetable stir fry