5 Classic Side Dishes To Pair With Shoyu Chicken

Shoyu chicken is one of the most favorite comfort foods in Hawaiian cuisine.

In this post, we will figure out some local side dishes that this dish has been served with for centuries.

So read on for some inspiration!

What is shoyu chicken?

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Shoyu chicken is a dish that has its roots in Japanese cuisine but is also widely consumed in Hawaii.

It can be made from chicken breasts or chicken thighs, either boneless or bone-in but the latter option will be more ideal because you can get all the flavor from the bones.

The chicken is braised in a mixture of shoyu soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and brown sugar until the outside gets a nice caramel color and all the flavors penetrate into the meat.

Shoyu chicken is a flavorful dish that is sure to please everyone at your dinner table.

What to consider when choosing a side dish to serve with shoyu chicken?

So what should you keep in mind to make sure that the dish you have chosen will be a perfect side for shoyu chicken?

Let’s take a look:

A starchy side will soak up all the delicious sauce of shoyu chicken

The first thing to consider is that a starchy side dish will be really helpful.

Some popular options are grains and potatoes.

They will not only satisfy your hunger but the starchy texture of these ingredients when cooked will also absorb the delicious sauce.

Shoyu chicken also pairs well with a crunchy companion

Another tip for a good side dish to serve with shoyu chicken is something with a crunchy texture.

A salad that is made from raw vegetables or fruits is often packed with a crunchy texture and refreshing flavor, and it will be sure to balance all the greasiness and richness of the meat-based entree.

5 best side dishes to serve with shoyu chicken

The following five side dishes will help make your shoyu chicken taste even better.

So try out to find out the recipe you like the most:

1.     Steamed white rice

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Shoyu chicken is traditionally served over steamed white rice for a hearty meal.

Shoyu chicken comes with a sticky and flavorful sauce, and rice will absorb all the sauce perfectly, making your meal much more delicious and tempting.

Although there are different types of rice or other grain out there, we find white rice the most suitable in this case.

2.     Sauteed bok choy

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Sauteed bok choy is a healthy and delicious accompaniment for shoyu chicken that you should try.

Bok choy is often sauteed with some garlic and soy sauce to enhance the flavor of the dish.

The green color of this vegetable will create a visually balanced look when served with shoyu chicken.

3.     Buttered corn

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You can also serve your shoyu chicken with buttered corn.

Buttered corn can be made from scratch or bought in a can that is sold in many grocery stores.

This dish is easy and quick to make.

But the sweet and buttery flavor of the result will surely satisfy your taste buds.

4.     Hawaiian mac salad 

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Another traditional side dish of shoyu chicken is Hawaiian mac salad.

So how is it different from the classic macaroni salad?

This local version also contains carrot, salt, pepper, and apple cider vinegar, sometimes celery and brown sugar.

You will never get a bland salad, but a flavorful and colorful salad that is easy to make and pairs well with shoyu chicken.

5.     Coleslaw

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The last suggestion from us is to serve your shoyu chicken with coleslaw, a classic American salad that has its root in the Netherlands.

Coleslaw is simply made with shredded cabbage and carrots mixed with a creamy dressing (mayonnaise) or a citrusy one (vinegar).

The refreshing flavor and crunchy texture of coleslaw will balance out all the richness of the main course and make your meal more palatable.

The bottom line

As you can see, shoyu chicken is a mouth-watering dish that pairs well with different types of dishes like white rice, bok choy, or coleslaw.

All these side dish options are not only preferred in Hawaiian cuisine but also well-known all over the world.

Therefore, it is not a hassle to find a good accompaniment to complement your delicious shoyu chicken.

Good luck and enjoy your meal!