Potstickers¹, by its very name, makes a foodie salivate. Or, to the uninitiated, arouses curiosity and even a daring statement: “I want to try this dish!”. Potstickers is a savory Chinese food that is traditionally eaten with almost anything! 

If you want to binge eat the delicious potstickers just by themselves, try these tastefully curated dipping sauces to dunk in your potstickers. 

Or, choose from an array of delicious side dishes that pair excellently with potstickers and turn them into a main dish or incorporate them into a flavorful meal. There is something delicious for every mood and occasion!

1. The Saga of Potstickers

Potstickers are famous in the Western world for their deliciously crispy skin and savory filling. But don’t mistake it for a Western dish. They are, in fact, a traditional variation of Chinese dumplings. No wonder potstickers got their name from ‘Guotie’ in Mandarin (Chinese: 锅贴).

Curiously enough, unverified history has rumors that potstickers are the accidental outcome of forgotten dumplings in a hot wok in the kitchen of the Imperial Court in China. We are sure that the chef was greatly rewarded for their fluky creation! 

1.1. How are Potstickers Prepared?

Potstickers are none other than fried dumplings that are made to stick to the pot while cooking. As with all Chinese dumplings, traditional potsticker filling contains ground pork. It is combined with chopped vegetables like cabbage, green onions, and ginger and moistened with sesame oil and Chinese rice wine.

These dumplings are then fried in a pan till they are golden brown. This gives the potstickers their deliciously crispy and chewy skin.

Potstickers may have a savory flavor or even a sweet taste, depending on the filling. Try this delicious potsticker recipe if you are making potstickers at home.

1.2. The Art of Pleating Potstickers

Potsticker wrappers are made by mixing wheat flour and water and may contain eggs for binding; however, for potstickers to withstand potential tearing while frying, the potsticker wrappers are thicker than other dumpling wrappers.

Pleating potstickers is an art in itself. In traditional Chinese cuisine, each type of pleating pattern has cultural significance and values. Check out this video to learn 24 ways of pleating potstickers and dumplings:

2. What to Eat with Potstickers

Savory potstickers are indeed a deliciously versatile dish. You can eat potstickers as is. Otherwise, you can eat them with other Asian-style side dishes.

Think of a party platter! Pair potstickers with complimentary main Asian dishes to make a complete meal. 

Did we excite you yet left you drooling over what to eat with potstickers? Let’s start picking your favorite dishes!

2.1. Eat Potstickers as a Single Main Dish

By themselves, potstickers are not nutritionally dense and are mainly served as appetizers. However, you can easily incorporate potstickers into Asian food for a simple, comforting, delicious meal. Here are some foolproof ideas:

• Toss potstickers in noodles: Add potstickers to lo mein noodles prepared with this stir fry sauce recipe for a Chinese-inspired comfort food. Try Japanese-style gyoza on udon or soba noodles prepared with teriyaki sauce if you crave a more robust flavor, t
• Make that ramen bowl even more interesting: Add fried potstickers to your ramen bowl. The warmth and softness of ramen complement well with crispy potstickers.
• Serve potstickers with dipping sauces: If you just want to eat those yummy potstickers by themselves, dunk them in chili oil for a fiery Chinese twist. For a light dipping, whisk soy sauce and sesame seeds. Zesty and refreshing ginger sauce recipe complements both Chinese-style potstickers. If you are serving gyoza potstickers, serve with this gyoza dipping sauce.
• Add nutrition with stir-fried veggies: Even the kids will stop complaining when these vegetable stir fries are served alongside potstickers! Toss in some juicy potstickers and see them disappear.

2.2. Serve Potstickers in a Flavorful Meal

We are sure that by now, you are daydreaming about all the dumpling side dishes you can serve with potstickers! Read on for various versatile vegan and meat dishes, which you can alter to your taste and dietary requirements.

To simplify your dinner planning, we have categorized these mouth-watering dishes. Think of Asian rice and noodles dishes, soups, stir fry, and other crunchy veggie preparations. If there’s anything else, we will cover that too! There’s plenty to choose from. 

Let your cravings rule!

2.2.1. Rice to Serve with Potstickers

These dishes are traditional staples with potstickers. Families would serve simple steamed white rice or a noodle side dish in a homely setting. But, if you are serving potstickers as a fancy meal or eating out at a restaurant, you can easily jazz up these dishes. 

2.2.1.1. Fried Rice

You can serve meat-based traditional fried rice like chicken fried rice. Alternatively, try this colorful and nutritious veggie fried rice made with Asian-style vegetables like snow peas and mung sprouts. 

Eating healthy yet never compromising on flavor is our motto. If that’s your goal, try this cauliflower fried rice recipe.

Go bolder with this spicy red sriracha quinoa to pack tons of protein. Instant pot is ideal for cooking fried rice. Alternatively, use a rice cooker that makes fluffy, hassle-free rice dishes.

2.2.1.2. Mildly Flavored Rice

Alternatively, if you want subtle-flavored carbs to serve alongside potstickers, try this instant pot rice recipe. You may serve white rice, jasmine, brown, or wild rice. Drizzle sesame oil and sprinkle toasted seeds before serving for an aroma and flavor that blends well with potstickers.

Fresh and mildly tangy Thai dishes pair surprisingly well with potstickers. Try this delicious Thai coconut rice recipe. Coconut rice is made with creamy and nutty coconut milk and generously sprinkled with unsweetened coconut flakes.

The coconut rice is so versatile that you may swap traditional sticky white rice with brown rice, making your coconut rice even healthier.

2.2.2. Noodles to Serve with Potstickers

Asian-style noodles are a ‘well-known secret’ for dishes you can serve with potstickers.

2.2.2.1. Thai Noodles

Choose from fragrant Thai-inspired sweet and spicy noodles made with rice noodles, (oh so hot) sriracha, and umami²-rich hoisin sauce, all balanced by earthy peanuts and brown sugar.

2.2.2.2. Sesame Ginger Noodles

This is another lo mein-based classic takeout dish for which your taste buds will happily tingle. It features noodles tossed with a good splash of sesame oil, toasted sesame seeds, and spicy sesame ginger sauce made from scratch! The subtle heat in the sesame ginger noodles cut deliciously into the fatty crunch of potstickers.

Noodles are also great as soup-based dishes. This brings us to the next round of serving side dishes with potstickers. Soups!

2.2.3. Soups to Serve with Potstickers

Soups are a no-hassle, delicious side dish staple in Asian cuisine. Although there are traditional favorites for soups, you can undoubtedly create your version crowd-pleaser! You can quickly stir up these soups in an instant pot or traditional stovetop. 

2.2.3.1. Chicken Noodle Soup

With a dish as versatile as soups, you can make them with carbs like noodles and ramen as in chicken noodle soup. You can also serve noodles as a hearty soup-based dish, as in this umami-rich classic chicken noodle soup with cilantro and bok choy.

2.2.3.2. Wonton Soup

You may serve a dumpling side dish with soup alongside potstickers. Try hearty wonton soups in chicken broth stewed with bok choy and roughly chopped scallions.

2.2.3.3. Hot and Sour Soup

Apart from classic Asian soups like chicken noodle soup, hot and sour soup has become a part of global cuisine. This soup has light and crunchy vegetables like green beans and bean sprouts, juicy and earthy shiitake mushrooms, and protein-rich tofu in a tangy slurry. Traditional hot and sour soup has pork and desiccated lily flowers, which you can skip.

2.2.3.4. Egg Drop Soup

Another delicious variation in the hot and sour soup category is tomato egg drop soup. This soup is based on another classic takeout, the egg drop soup. Top the tomato egg drop soup bowls with deep-fried crispy tofu and chopped scallions.

Moreover, egg drop soup and its tomato variants are incredibly easy to make instantly! Egg drop soup is as simple as adding beaten raw eggs into hot soup once it is cooked. 

2.2.3.5. Thai Coconut Soup

If you are more into wider Asian-style soups, try this Thai coconut soup recipe locally called the ‘tom kha gai’ soup. Thai coconut soup is also sour but spiced with Thai herbs, and fresh vegetables simmered in a coconut milk base. 

2.2.3.6. Miso Soup

If you are serving Japanese-style gyoza potstickers, cook up some miso soup to serve alongside potstickers. Miso soup is made from miso paste, tofu, and seaweed. It is incredibly fresh and delicious. We recommend including miso soup with gyozas for a high-end dining experience.

2.2.4. Vegetable Sides to Serve with Potstickers

Cooking vegetables in the Asian way makes vegetables so much more flavorful and exciting. You have a truckload of options here, from a side dish of stir fry or steamed veggies, each one different in texture and taste. 

2.2.4.1. Roasted Mixed Vegetables

This simple dish is low in fat yet bursting with flavor. Try any veggies, preferably root, cruciferous, and alliums, and cut them into chunks. Add tofu or chicken tenders, olive oil, sesame seeds, some red pepper flakes, salt, and bake. 

2.2.4.2. Roasted Single Vegetables

Feature vegetables as a single dish that lets you appreciate each flavor and texture, like roasted eggplant coated in a mildly spicy, tangy soy sauce-based glaze. You may also stir-fry the eggplants with the glaze. Another way to make roasted eggplant is by coating the eggplant slices in a sauce made from sweet-spicy hoisin sauce and umami-rich oyster sauce. 

The earthy and sweet goodness of roasted eggplants in smoky, flavorful sauces is a great side with potstickers. For a Japanese twist on roasted eggplant, try this miso eggplant recipe instead.

You have plenty of choices as a side dish with one single vegetable. Try Chinese broccoli with oyster sauce, green beans, bell peppers, and carrots. 

As you would notice, these are all earthy veggies that match the flavor and crunchiness of the potstickers. Use this marinade made with soy sauce and ginger sauce to baste crunchy veggies before roasting.

2.2.4.3. Vegetable Stir Fry

Cook delicate vegetables as a quick stir fry (rather than roasting). Stir fry some delicate yet crunchy snow peas, bok choy, or bean sprouts. Add a light splash of soy sauce or any creamy spicy sauce you choose. Chinese-style fried vegetables like bamboo shoots or tender lotus roots give an authentic experience. 

Asian green beans cook fast and are versatile when used with different stir-fry sauces. For a garlicky kick, stir fry with Szechuan sauce made with soy sauce loaded with garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, and brown sugar. 

You can also stir in some crispy tofu and mix it with the veggie stir fry. Be creative and give this delicious Szechuan mapo tofu recipe a try.

2.2.4.4. Crunchy Fresh Vegetables

Vegetable stir fry is a typical side dish for potstickers. But for a refreshing change, try raw vegetables instead and make salads like Asian green bean salad by blanching beans and tossing them with Asian dressing.

For a mildly sour and smooth side dish with grated vegetables, serve oil and vinegar coleslaw made with coleslaw mix tossed in soy sauce and ginger sauce. You can toss in some fried minced meat or crumbled pork sausage for a protein-filled side of egg rolls in vinegar coleslaw.

For a salad with sour and salty flavor, try this Thai cucumber salad. Another popular, really-out-there veggie side to serve with potstickers is Kimchi. It is tangy, spicy, and flagrantly fermented cabbage and tubers. For an authentic Korean platter, serve Korean-style potstickers called mandu, made with minced meat filling.

Like many traditional preparations, it takes time to make kimchi. But if your mind is rioting to have some right now, this instant (read emergency) kimchi recipe is at your aid.

2.3. Potstickers for Party Platter

Potstickers are a great dish to serve as grazing platters for informal gatherings at home or in restaurants. Pick from these delicious finger foods and quick nibbles.

2.3.1. Spring Rolls

Spring rolls³ make a tremendous succulent and crunchy dish to serve with potstickers. 

2.3.1.1. Fresh Spring Rolls

You can serve colorful and fragrant Vietnamese-style fresh spring rolls with potstickers. These are made with rice paper and loaded with rice noodles and strips of raw veggies. 

The dipping sauce for fresh spring rolls is a thick and mildly sweet peanut and soy sauce blend. Swap rice paper for lightly blanched lettuce as wraps for a healthier take on these fresh spring rolls. 

2.3.1.2. Fried Spring Rolls

For a meat nibbler, serve deep-fried traditional fried shrimp rolls or meat spring rolls made with minced pork filling. Serve with sweet and sour dipping sauce, which tastes excellent with potstickers.

2.3.2. Fried Wontons

Can one have enough dumplings? You guessed the answer! So, here’s another avatar with deep-fried wontons. For a healthier version, now is the time to use that air fryer you got!

Want an absolute hit on your party platter? Include Trinidad wontons as a to-go seafood party food to serve with potstickers. The crowd-pleasing will shoot through the roof with these crab rangoons, fried wontons made with cream cheese, and crab filling. The name itself sounds delicious, isn’t it?!

2.3.3. Meat Appetizers

There are quite a few variations of proteins that can be served with potstickers. These are stir-fried or deep-fried and are best served as toothpick appetizers.

2.3.3.1. Sesame Chicken

Stir fry sesame chicken is a fusion Chinese dish made with sesame oil, garlic, and honey in cornstarch slurry. Another close variation is chicken tenders stir-fried- with hoisin sauce. 

2.3.3.2. Seafood or Meatballs

Alternatively, fry up some shrimp balls or bake crispy breadcrumb-coated bang-bang shrimp. Another similar dish and a restaurant favorite are sweet and sour chicken balls made with chicken meat served with spicy sauce.

We are sure you would try these carefully chosen fabulous dishes to serve with potstickers. What’s more, eat healthier with these lean Chinese recipes that do not compromise traditional flavors.

3. How to Store Potstickers

Did you excitedly make more potstickers than you can eat? You don’t have to stuff yourself or throw that delicious filling away! Thankfully, you can store uncooked potstickers by freezing them. This is a perfect way to reduce cooking time while feeding a crowd.

Got Frozen Potstickers? Worry not, you can freeze. Worried about whether the potstickers will taste as delicious as if it was fresh? Don’t think twice; try these tested methods to wake those frozen dumplings! Can this get any easier and yummier?!

4. Take Away

Potstickers are an all-time favorite in all their shapes and forms! Potstickers are so famous as a stand-alone appetizer star because of their delicious flavor and blend of textures. Meanwhile, its flavorful versatility to fit in with a whole spread of Asian cuisine⁴ makes people reach out for it over the dinner table every time!

In this article, we have presented outstanding dishes for you to select to eat with potstickers. While you can enjoy potstickers as an appetizer or side dish, this assortment of dishes and accompanying recipes can easily create a flavorful meal featuring potstickers.

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2. Yamaguchi, Shizuko, and Kumiko Ninomiya. “What is umami?.” Food Reviews International 14.2-3 (1998): 123-138. ↩︎
3. Zhang, Rui, et al. “Spring roll dielectric elastomer actuators for a portable force feedback glove.” Smart Structures and Materials 2006: Electroactive Polymer Actuators and Devices (EAPAD). Vol. 6168. SPIE, 2006. ↩︎
4. Galopin, Christophe C., Stefan M. Furrer, and Andreas Goeke. “Pungent and tingling compounds in Asian cuisine.” 2003. 139-152. ↩︎

Last Updated on August 17, 2024 by Sathi