What to Eat With Sushi: 7 Easy Pairings in 2025
Sushi is a beloved favorite around the world. It’s fresh, flavorful, and endlessly customizable. Sushi isn’t just about raw fish. It’s a whole style of cooking that’s centered around seasoned rice, rolled or layered with a variety of ingredients. From crisp veggies and creamy avocado to tofu, egg, or, yes, fresh seafood, sushi is really versatile.
Pairing sushi with the right side dish can turn a simple meal into something extra special. Whether you’re planning a sushi night at home or just want to round out your takeout, a few thoughtful pairings can add balance, texture, and a little fun to your plate.
You don’t need to be a pro chef to whip up the perfect side. All the recipes and ideas in this guide are easy, accessible, and made with simple ingredients you can find at most grocery stores. From warm soups to crunchy salads, there’s something here for every kind of sushi lover.
All the recipes on this page are carefully crafted by our team, including our in-house nutritionist, who also calculates the nutritional information provided. While we strive for accuracy, please note that actual values may vary based on ingredient brands, portion sizes, and preparation methods.
Short on Time? Here’s What to Eat With Sushi
Soup – Miso Soup With Tofu
Edamame – Spicy Edamame Bowl
Gyoza – Ginger Chicken Gyoza
Tempura – Fried Shrimp Tempura
Noodles – Pork Udon Noodles With Bell Pepper
1. Miso Soup With Tofu
🥇 Best for | Starter, light lunch, balanced meal | |
🍽️ Servings | 2 | |
⏲️ Time to cook | 15 minutes | |
📃 Ingredients |
| |
📊 Nutritional information (per serving) | Calories 🔥 | 70 kcal |
Carbs 🍞 | 6 g | |
Protein 🍗 | 6 g | |
Fat 🥑 | 2 g | |
Method 🧑🍳
In a small pot, bring the water to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
Stir in the dashi powder (or veggie broth) until dissolved.
In a small bowl, mix the miso paste with a few spoonfuls of the hot broth until smooth, then stir it into the pot.
Add the tofu cubes and wakame (if using). Simmer for 2-3 minutes. Don’t boil, or the miso’s flavor will flatten.
Remove from heat. Stir in chopped green onions just before serving.
Overview 🔍
A classic starter, miso soup adds warmth and umami to any sushi meal. The savory broth and gentle tofu cubes offer a comforting contrast to cool sushi bites, while the seaweed and scallions bring brightness and a hint of the ocean.
You can easily make this soup plant-based by using vegetable broth and checking that your miso is vegan. Want to boost it? Try adding sliced mushrooms or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition. It also doubles as a light lunch on its own when served with rice or noodles.