What is in the Chicken Salad Chick secret seasoning?

While the official recipe is a secret, the 'secret' in most successful copycat recipes is often replicated using a small amount of dry Ranch dressing mix. Alternatively, a combination of garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper achieves a very similar and authentic flavor profile for the classic chicken salad base.

Does Chicken Salad Chick really use Duke's mayo?

Yes, it is widely reported and confirmed by many sources that Chicken Salad Chick uses Duke's Real Mayonnaise. This specific brand is key to achieving the signature tangy and creamy flavor of their salads, as it contains no added sugar and has a distinct taste from other popular mayonnaise brands.

Can I use rotisserie chicken for these copycat recipes?

Absolutely! Using a store-bought rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saving hack for these recipes. Simply remove the skin and bones, and then shred the meat using a stand mixer, hand mixer, or two forks. It provides moist, flavorful chicken that works perfectly as the base for any of the copycat versions.

9 Irresistible Asian Side Dishes Ready In Minutes

Are you stuck in a weeknight dinner rut, serving the same steamed broccoli or boring garden salad alongside every meal? It’s a common challenge. You put all your effort into the main course, and the side dish becomes a bland, uninspired afterthought.

We’ve all been there. Life gets busy, and it’s easy to fall back on what’s familiar, even if it’s unexciting. You crave more flavor and variety, but you don’t have hours to spend on complicated recipes. You need something fast, fresh, and flavorful that can transform your dinner from mundane to memorable.

Here’s the secret weapon you’ve been looking for. Asian side dishes offer a fantastic way to add vibrant flavor, exciting texture, and fresh vegetables to any meal. Many are naturally healthy and can be prepared in under 20 minutes using simple techniques like stir-frying and quick marinades, making them absolutely perfect for busy weeknights.

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Tired of the Same Old Sides? Unlock a World of Flavor in Minutes

Asian side dishes offer a fast, easy, and incredibly flavorful solution to break the monotony of repetitive weeknight meals. They introduce a world of savory, sweet, tangy, and spicy notes that can complement almost any main course, from grilled chicken to baked fish.

As a passionate home cook who believes no main dish is complete without a stellar side, I’ve spent years perfecting these quick recipes that bring authentic Asian flavors to my table without the fuss. The beauty of these dishes lies in their simplicity and speed. You don’t need to be a professional chef or have a pantry stocked with dozens of specialty ingredients.

This guide is your ticket out of the side dish doldrums. I’m sharing my go-to list of 9 vibrant, easy Asian side dishes that will completely transform your dinner routine. Get ready to discover just how simple it is to add a punch of excitement to your plate, any night of the week.

9 Irresistible Asian Side Dishes Ready In Minutes (Updated for 2024)

The best easy Asian side dishes for dinner include a diverse mix of spicy salads, savory stir-fries, quick noodles, and comforting soups that cater to a variety of tastes and can be made in minutes. Here are nine irresistible options:
1. Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad
2. Garlic Baby Bok Choy Stir Fry
3. 10-Minute Soy Sauce Fried Rice
4. Quick Garlic Noodles
5. Edamame with Spicy Garlic Sauce
6. 15-Minute Chinese Egg Drop Soup
7. Honey Soy Brussels Sprouts
8. Sichuan Dry-Fried Green Beans
9. Garlic Spinach in Chicken Broth

This curated list is based on the most popular, time-tested, and flavor-packed side dishes from various Asian cuisines, simplified for the modern home cook. Each recipe is designed to be straightforward, using accessible ingredients and clear instructions perfect for any skill level. Let’s dive in!

1. Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad (Oi Muchim)

Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad, also known by its Korean name Oi Muchim, is a refreshing, no-cook side dish that provides a crunchy, cool counterpoint to rich or savory main courses. It comes together in about 10 minutes and is bursting with a tangy, spicy, and savory flavor profile.

Ingredients: 1 large English cucumber, 2 cloves garlic (minced), 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp sesame oil, 1 tsp chili oil (or to taste), 1 tsp sugar, toasted sesame seeds for garnish.
Instructions:
1. Slice the cucumber thinly. For a crunchier texture, gently smash the cucumber with the side of a knife before slicing.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, chili oil, and sugar until the sugar dissolves.
3. Add the sliced cucumbers to the bowl and toss well to coat.
4. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes for the flavors to meld. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds before serving.

Pro-Tip: Salt the cucumber slices and let them sit for 15 minutes, then drain the excess water. This prevents the salad from becoming watery and keeps the cucumbers extra crunchy.

Pin this refreshing salad for your next BBQ or weeknight dinner!

2. Garlic Baby Bok Choy Stir Fry

This Garlic Baby Bok Choy Stir Fry is a simple, healthy vegetable side dish that cooks in under 10 minutes. The bok choy becomes tender-crisp with beautifully seared edges, all coated in a light, savory garlic sauce that enhances its natural sweetness.

Ingredients: 4-5 heads of baby bok choy, 3 cloves garlic (sliced), 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp sesame oil, 1 tbsp avocado or vegetable oil.
Instructions:
1. Wash and dry the baby bok choy. Slice them in half lengthwise.
2. Heat the oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Place the bok choy cut-side down in the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes until lightly browned.
4. Flip the bok choy, drizzle with soy sauce and sesame oil, and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the stems are tender-crisp. Serve immediately.

Lesson Learned: Don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure the bok choy gets a nice sear rather than just steaming.

Save this 15-minute vegetable side dish to your “Healthy Dinners” board!

3. 10-Minute Soy Sauce Fried Rice

Soy Sauce Fried Rice is the ultimate solution for using leftover rice, transforming it into a delicious and satisfying side dish in just 10 minutes. It’s a simple, umami-packed classic that relies on just a handful of pantry staples.

Ingredients: 2 cups cold, cooked rice, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp vegetable oil, 1 egg (lightly beaten), 2 green onions (sliced).
Instructions:
1. Break up the cold rice with your hands or a fork to separate the grains.
2. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the beaten egg and scramble quickly for about 30 seconds.
3. Add the rice to the skillet and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, mixing it with the egg.
4. Drizzle the soy sauce over the rice and continue to stir-fry until everything is evenly coated and heated through.
5. Stir in the sliced green onions and serve immediately.

Pro-Tip: Day-old, refrigerated rice is essential. Freshly cooked rice is too moist and will result in mushy fried rice. This is the single most important tip for success.

Never waste leftover rice again! Pin this quick recipe now.

4. Quick Garlic Noodles

These Quick Garlic Noodles are an addictively savory and buttery noodle dish that comes together in the time it takes to boil pasta. The simple sauce of butter, garlic, and soy sauce creates a flavor that is far greater than the sum of its parts.

Ingredients: 8 oz spaghettini or angel hair pasta, 4 tbsp unsalted butter, 6-8 cloves garlic (finely minced), 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, optional: chopped parsley or red pepper flakes.
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water before draining.
2. While pasta is cooking, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
3. Stir in the soy sauce and brown sugar until the sugar dissolves.
4. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the garlic sauce. Toss to coat, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water to help the sauce cling to the noodles.
5. Serve immediately, garnished with parsley or red pepper flakes if desired.

@cj.eats
If you can’t tell, I LOVE Korean side dishes – especially this spicy Korean cucumber salad but it’s tough to get right and there’s nothing worse than a watery cucumber salad! Here’s how I get it perfect every time for a refreshing side that comes together in about 10 minutes! Find the full recipe with all my key tips on the blog – link in my profile! #easyrecipe #koreanfood #banchan #vegetarian #cjeatsrecipes #vegetable #sidedish

♬ original sound – Chris Joe

Pro-Tip: For an even richer, umami flavor, find black garlic paste and add a teaspoon to the butter sauce along with the regular garlic. It completely transforms the dish.

Your new favorite 10-minute meal! Pin it for later.

5. Edamame with Spicy Garlic Sauce

Spicy Garlic Edamame is a healthy, protein-packed appetizer or side dish that takes plain steamed edamame to the next level. The pods are tossed in a zesty, garlicky sauce that makes them completely irresistible and fun to eat.

Ingredients: 1 lb frozen edamame in pods, 1 tbsp avocado oil, 4 cloves garlic (minced), 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1-2 tsp sriracha or chili garlic sauce, 1 tsp sesame oil, flaky sea salt.
Instructions:
1. Cook the edamame according to package directions (usually boiling or steaming for 5 minutes). Drain well.
2. While edamame cooks, heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in the soy sauce and sriracha.
4. Add the cooked and drained edamame to the skillet. Toss everything together for 1-2 minutes until the pods are well-coated in the sauce.
5. Transfer to a serving bowl, drizzle with sesame oil, and sprinkle with flaky sea salt.

Lesson Learned: Make sure the edamame is well-drained after boiling. Any excess water will dilute the sauce and prevent it from clinging to the pods properly.

Upgrade your appetizer game! Pin this easy edamame recipe.

6. 15-Minute Chinese Egg Drop Soup

Chinese Egg Drop Soup is a light, comforting, and savory soup that can be made from scratch in just 15 minutes. It’s the perfect simple starter or light side dish, featuring silky egg ribbons suspended in a flavorful chicken broth.

Ingredients: 4 cups chicken broth, 2 large eggs (beaten), 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water (slurry), 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp sesame oil, sliced green onions for garnish.
Instructions:
1. In a pot, bring the chicken broth and soy sauce to a gentle boil.
2. While whisking the broth, slowly pour in the cornstarch slurry. Continue to simmer for 1 minute until the soup thickens slightly.
3. Reduce heat to low. Slowly pour the beaten eggs into the simmering broth in a thin stream while gently stirring the soup in one direction with a fork or chopsticks. This creates the signature egg ribbons.
4. Remove from heat and stir in the sesame oil. Garnish with green onions before serving.

Pro-Tip: The key to perfect ribbons is a slow pour and gentle, constant stirring. Don’t dump the eggs in all at once, and don’t stir vigorously, or you’ll get scrambled egg bits instead of silky ribbons.

Pin this comforting 15-minute soup for a chilly day!

7. Honey Soy Brussels Sprouts

These Honey Soy Brussels Sprouts are a game-changing vegetable side dish that balances sweet, salty, and savory flavors perfectly. The sprouts are pan-fried until caramelized and tender, then coated in a sticky glaze that will convert even the biggest Brussels sprout skeptics.

Ingredients: 1 lb Brussels sprouts (trimmed and halved), 1 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp honey, 1 clove garlic (minced).
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add Brussels sprouts cut-side down and cook without moving for 4-5 minutes, until deeply browned and caramelized.
2. Stir the sprouts and continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes until tender.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, and minced garlic.
4. Reduce the heat to low, pour the sauce over the sprouts, and toss continuously for 1 minute until the glaze thickens and coats every sprout. Serve immediately.

Lesson Learned: Don’t add the glaze too early, especially the honey. It can burn quickly over high heat. Wait until the sprouts are fully cooked before adding the sauce to glaze them at the end.

The Brussels sprouts recipe that will change your mind! Save it now.

8. Sichuan Dry-Fried Green Beans

Sichuan Dry-Fried Green Beans are a classic restaurant-style dish you can easily make at home. The “dry-fry” technique blisters the green beans in hot oil until they’re wrinkled and tender, then they’re tossed in a savory, slightly spicy garlic and ginger sauce.

Ingredients: 1 lb green beans (trimmed), 2 tbsp vegetable oil, 3 cloves garlic (minced), 1 tsp ginger (minced), 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp chili garlic sauce.
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat until it shimmers.
2. Add the green beans and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, until they are tender and the skins are blistered and slightly wrinkled.
3. Push the green beans to the side of the wok. Add the garlic and ginger to the empty space and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Stir everything together. Add the soy sauce and chili garlic sauce, and toss to coat the beans completely. Cook for one more minute and serve hot.

Pro-Tip: Ensure your green beans are completely dry before adding them to the hot oil. This is crucial for getting the “dry-fry” blistered effect instead of just steaming them.

Make your favorite takeout dish at home! Pin this recipe.

9. Garlic Spinach in Chicken Broth

This Garlic Spinach in Chicken Broth is arguably the easiest and most flavorful way to cook a large amount of spinach. The spinach is gently wilted in a savory, garlicky broth, making it incredibly tender, nutritious, and delicious.

Ingredients: 1 lb fresh spinach, 1 tbsp olive oil, 3 cloves garlic (thinly sliced), 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth, salt and pepper to taste.
Instructions:
1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden and fragrant.
2. Add the fresh spinach to the pot in batches, allowing it to wilt down before adding more.
3. Pour in the broth and bring to a simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spinach is fully tender.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the spinach with some of the garlicky broth.

Lesson Learned: It looks like a mountain of spinach, but it cooks down to a fraction of its size. Don’t be afraid to use a whole bag or bunch; trust the process! Using a pot with high sides helps contain it all.

The easiest, most delicious way to eat your greens! Save this idea.

Key Takeaways: Your Essential Asian Pantry for Quick Sides

Having a few key ingredients on hand is the secret to whipping up these flavorful Asian side dishes on a whim. You don’t need a lot; these versatile staples form the flavor base for countless quick recipes. Stocking your pantry with these items empowers you to move beyond recipes and start improvising.

Soy Sauce (or Tamari): The backbone of savory, umami flavor.
Sesame Oil: For a nutty, aromatic finish. A little goes a long way.
Rice Vinegar: Adds a clean, mild tang to dressings and sauces.
Garlic & Ginger: Fresh is best for the most potent, aromatic flavor base.
Chili Oil / Chili Garlic Sauce: Your go-to for adding customizable heat and flavor.
Honey or Sugar: To balance the salt and acid in sauces and glazes.

Final Thoughts

Making flavorful, exciting Asian side dishes doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. As you can see, a few simple ingredients and less than 20 minutes are all you need to completely elevate your dinner plate. You can break free from the boring side dish cycle for good.

I encourage you to pick just one recipe from this list to try this week. See for yourself how a simple, vibrant side can transform an ordinary meal into something special. You have the power to make every dinner more delicious.

Which of these side dishes are you most excited to try first? Let us know in the comments below

9 Irresistible Asian Side Dishes Ready In Minutes

Tired of the Same Old Sides? Unlock a World of Flavor in Minutes

9 Irresistible Asian Side Dishes Ready In Minutes (Updated for 2024)