Crab rangoon is a popular appetizer that is enjoyed all around the world. The tasty deep-fried bites are filled with cream cheese and crab meat, which makes it an excellent appetizer.
While this dish can be served on its own, it is always better when paired with a side dish.
The perfect side dish will complement the flavors of the crab rangoon, balance out the richness, and add some excitement to the dish.
In this blog, I will explore some creative side dishes that can be served with crab rangoon to take your dining experience to the next level.
So, hurry! Go to the kitchen to bound to leave your taste buds begging for more!
A Quick solution for what to serve with crab rangoon – Green Salad with Ginger Dressing, Stir-Fried Vegetables, Crispy Fried Rice, Noodle Salad, Sweet and Sour Stir-Fry, Fried Rice, Cucumber Salad, Steamed Dumplings, Green Beans with Garlic, Khao Soi, Cashew Chicken Stir Fry, Char Siu Pork, Coconut Rice, Kimchi Jjigae, Peking Duck Wraps, Sesame Noodles, Spring Rolls, Salt & Pepper Squid, Dim Sum Selection, Egg Foo Yung and many more.
What is crab rangoon? What does crab rangoon taste like?
Crab rangoon is a type of fried wonton filled with a combination of cream cheese, crab meat, scallions, and other seasonings.
The texture of the filling is creamy and slightly chewy. The flavor of crab rangoon is predominantly sweet and savory, with subtle hints of garlic and onion.
It pairs well with a variety of dipping sauces, such as soy sauce or sweet-and-sour sauce. While some restaurants offer variations on the traditional recipe, most feature the same delicious taste that makes it so popular.
Try some today and discover what you’ve been missing!
Crab Rangoon can be served as an appetizer or enjoyed as a snack at any time of day. For a fun twist, try baking or grilling your crab rangoon instead of frying.
This will make it slightly healthier while still retaining the same delicious flavor.
It is an excellent dish to serve at parties or family gatherings, as everyone can create their own custom rangoon with different seasonings and dipping sauces.
Whether you are looking for a quick snack or want something special to impress guests, give crab rangoon a try! You won’t be disappointed.
Best foods to go with crab rangoon
1. Green Salad with Ginger Dressing
Eating sushi or Japanese-inspired cuisine is absolutely refreshing salads with a gingery dressing to cleanse your palate.
Add a side salad to your meal to balance the richness of Crab Rangoon. Toss in some crispy romaine lettuce, sliced cucumbers, and grated carrots.
Top it off with a homemade ginger dressing to give your greens a pop of flavor. This light and fresh salad is an excellent compliment to any meal.
2. Stir-Fried Vegetables
Crab Rangoon can be a heavy dish, so adding some lightly stir-fried vegetables can help balance the meal.
You can choose a mix of vegetables like snap peas, broccoli, and bell peppers, all diced into small-sized pieces.
Then, stir-fry them together, adding some soy sauce, ginger, and garlic sauce to ensure that the veggies are full of flavor.
3. Crispy Fried Rice
If you perfectly cook fried rice and combine it with Crab Rangoon, then it makes a fantastic meal. The crispy fried rice complements the creamy goodness and texture of the Crab Rangoon.
You can add some diced vegetables, like onions, peas, or carrots, to the fried rice to give it an extra pop of color and flavor.
4. Noodle Salad
Crab Rangoon and noodle salads are a match made in heaven. This side dish is perfect for those who prefer cold and light meals.
Mix cooked, chilled noodles with cucumber, carrots, and chopped herbs like cilantro or green onions, and toss them with a vinegar-based dressing that has a little kick to it.
The acidity of the dressing balances the richness of the Crab Rangoon, making it a perfect match.
5. Sweet and Sour Stir-Fry
Sweet and sour is a beloved flavor profile that can taste well with Crab Rangoon. Stir-fry garlic, carrots, and pineapple chunks, and then toss them with a sweet and sour sauce to coat.
This mix of savory, tangy, and sweet flavors makes for a perfect chopstick-pleasing side dish.
6. Fried Rice
I just love to eat Fried rice as a complete side dish that is easy to make and can be customized to complement any type of dish.
To pair it with crab rangoon, you can use jasmine rice and mix it with eggs, peas, carrots, and scallions.
The vegetables will add texture and color to the dish, while the rice will provide a nice contrast to the creaminess of the crab rangoon.
7. Cucumber Salad
Cucumber salad is a refreshing side dish that gives a burst of flavor to any meal. It is easy to make, and all you need is sliced cucumbers, red onions, and a simple dressing of vinegar, sugar, and salt.
You can also add some fresh herbs like dill or parsley to give it an extra flavor profile.
The combination of the cool and refreshing cucumber salad with the warm and creamy crab rangoon will be a match made in heaven.
8. Steamed Dumplings
Steamed dumplings are another popular appetizer that is enjoyed all over the world. They are small and compact, making them a perfect side dish to serve with crab rangoon.
You can choose to make vegetable dumplings, chicken dumplings, or any other type of dumplings you like.
The soft texture of the dumplings will complement the crunchy texture of the crab rangoon.
9. Green Beans with Garlic
Green beans with garlic are a simple yet flavorful side dish that you can prepare in no time. To make it, you need fresh green beans, garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
Heat a wok with oil, add the garlic, stir-fry the green beans until they’re crispy, and then add your soy sauce and sesame oil.
This dish is healthy, flavorful, and easy to make, making it a perfect side dish to serve with crab rangoon.
10. Khao Soi
A traditional Northern Thai curry noodle soup, Khao Soi is a tasty partner to crab rangoon, as the rich and creamy broth provides a great contrast to the crisp fried wonton wrappers.
11. Cashew Chicken Stir Fry
With its mix of juicy chicken, crunchy cashews, and veggies cooked in a flavorful garlic-soy sauce, this is an excellent side for crab rangoon.
12. Char Siu Pork
This sweet and savory Chinese barbecue pork is rich enough to balance the delicate flavor of crab rangoon while adding some extra sweetness to the meal.
13. Coconut Rice
The mild flavor and aroma of coconut rice are the perfect foil for the more intense flavors of crab rangoon, making it an ideal side dish for this classic appetizer.
14. Kimchi Jjigae
This spicy Korean stew made with kimchi and vegetables is incredibly flavorful and goes perfectly with crab rangoon’s delicate flavors.
15. Peking Duck Wraps
These crispy pancakes stuffed with tender slices of roasted duck are a great way to give your dinner guests something special when serving up some tasty crab rangoon starters.
16. Sesame Noodles
The nutty flavor of sesame oil makes these noodles irresistible when you serve them next to some freshly fried crab rangoon appetizers.
17. Spring Rolls
One of my favorite crunchy rolls is filled with vegetables or meat mixtures and makes for a great side dish when matched with some delicious homemade crab rangoon starters!
18. Sweet & Sour Pork/Chicken/Fish
The tangy taste of sweet & sour dishes tastes perfectly alongside the delicate flavor of fried crab rangoons, making it an ideal couple for any Chinese banquet or dinner party menu!
19. Salt & Pepper Squid
It may sound unusual, but this salty-spicy combination tastes amazingly well with deep-fried wonton skins filled with cream cheese – perfect if you want something that packs a punch alongside your Crab Rangoons!
20. Dim Sum Selection
No Chinese banquet would be complete without dim sum – bite-sized morsels served in steamer baskets or plates – which can be ordered along with your Crab Rangoons for added variety on your dinner table!
21. Egg Foo Yung
You should try this savory Chinese omelet that’s packed full of shrimp, mushrooms, onion, and other ingredients makes for another fantastic side dish when teamed up with deep-fried wontons filled with cream cheese – what more could you ask for?
22. Gyoza (Japanese Potstickers)
Japanese potstickers filled with pork or vegetables offer a nice change from simple wontons – serve them on their own or as part of an Asian-style buffet alongside your Crab Rangoons!
23. Cha Sui Bao (Chinese Barbecued Pork Buns)
If you’re looking to add something different to your Crab Rangoon feast, then why not give Cha Sui Bao buns a try?
They’re soft steamed buns filled with savory barbecued pork, which will take your meal to new heights!
16. Moo Shu Pork: Thinly sliced pork, shredded vegetables, and scrambled eggs all wrapped up in thin pancakes – what better way to accompany your fried cream cheese wontons than with this delightful Chinese creation?
24. Bird’s Nest Soup
Rich and savory bird’s nest soup is a delightful starter dish that goes exceptionally well with crab rangoon.
The unique texture of the bird’s nests contrasts nicely with the flaky wonton wrappers for a truly unforgettable culinary experience.
25. Egg Drop Soup
For an easy side dish, nothing beats egg drop soup. Its subtle flavor won’t overpower the flavors of crab rangoon but will still provide enough warmth to make it a great match to your meal.
26. Hot and Sour Soup
Another great way to add some heat to your meal is with hot and sour soup. Its classic combination of sour, spicy, and savory flavors pairs perfectly with the delicate cream cheese wontons for a truly delicious dish.
27. Chinese Broccoli (Gai Lan)
This simple green veggie side dish can be quickly cooked in a wok or sautéed in oil with garlic and oyster sauce. Its mild flavor makes it the perfect balance for creamy crab rangoon starters!
What are the best flavors to go with crab rangoon?
Some of the best flavors to go with crab rangoon include sweet and sour sauce, ginger garlic sauce, spicy teriyaki sauce, honey mustard sauce, Sriracha mayo, mango salsa, and soy-ginger dipping sauce.
For a bit of sweetness and tanginess, you can also try adding some pineapple chunks to the mix.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try experimenting with different Asian sauces, such as chili vinegar or black bean paste.
You could even add some chopped fresh herbs, such as cilantro or mint, for an extra zing!
How do you jazz up a crab rangoon?
If you’re looking to jazz up your crab rangoon, there are a few simple tricks that can help transform your snack.
For starters, consider adding some different seasonings to the cream cheese filling, such as hot sauce or chili powder, for an added kick.
You can also top the crab rangoons with grated Parmesan cheese or any other type of shredded cheese for extra flavor and texture.
If you’re in the mindset for something sweet, try drizzling a bit of honey over the top before you bake them.
Finally, for an even more festive look, mix together mayonnaise and sweet Thai chili sauce before dipping each crab rangoon in it before cooking! Enjoy!
How do you display crab rangoon on a platter?
One way to display crab rangoon on a platter is to arrange them in a circular pattern. Start with the larger pieces in the center of the plate and work your way outwards, leaving some space between each one.
If you are using smaller pieces, stack two or three together and place them around the edge of the plate.
You can also arrange them in rows, with alternating sizes for visual appeal.
For a more creative presentation, use toothpicks or skewers to form an arch over a stack of rangoon pieces.
Finally, garnish your platter with fresh herbs or edible flowers for an extra special touch!
Wrap up on what to serve with crab rangoon
In conclusion, crab rangoon is a tasty appetizer that can go with a wide range of side dishes to balance out the rich and creamy flavor.
The above five side dishes are just a few options that you can try to impress your guests or elevate your dining experience.
Experiment with different combinations, and you’ll find the perfect match in no time. Remember, the perfect side dish will complement the flavors, provide texture, and add a pop of flavor to your crab rangoon.
So, next time you’re wondering about what to serve with your crab rangoon, try one of these creative side dishes and enjoy an unforgettable dining experience.
FAQs on what to serve with crab rangoon
Q1. How much crab rangoon per person?
The amount of crab rangoon per person will depend on the size and appetite of your guests. Generally, it is recommended that each person should have two to three pieces.
However, you may want to adjust this amount depending on the other dishes that you are serving. If it’s a buffet-style meal, for example, consider providing a larger portion per person so everyone can enjoy their fair share.
Additionally, if there are children present, they may only require one or two pieces of crab rangoon each. It is best to plan accordingly based on the number of people attending your gathering and the variety of other dishes available. Enjoy!
Q2. Are crab Rangoons a dessert?
No, crab Rangoons are not a dessert. Crab Rangoons are an appetizer or snack dish typically served at Chinese restaurants in the United States. They consist of a deep-fried wonton wrapper filled with cream cheese and imitation crab meat, then served with sweet and sour sauce.
The dish originated from a combination of traditional Chinese cooking styles brought to America by immigrants. Though they may seem like a dessert given their sweet flavor, they are usually consumed as part of a main course meal rather than at the end of one.
Q3. What’s the difference between crab rangoons and Crab Wontons?
Crab Rangoons and Crab Wontons are two Chinese-American appetizers that are very similar in appearance and preparation. The main dissimilarity between the two is the filling. Crab Rangoons typically have a cream cheese-based filling, while Crab Wontons generally contain a mixture of ground pork and chopped crab meat.
Both dishes are usually deep-fried until they are golden brown, but some people may also steam their wontons or bake them in order to make them healthier.
In terms of taste, both dishes offer a delicious combination of sweet, savory, and crunchy flavors, but Crab Wontons tend to be more flavorful due to the pork seasoning used in the filling. Overall, it’s up to you whether you prefer one over the other; both dishes make great party appetizers!
Q4. Do you eat crab rangoons hot or cold?
It depends on the individual’s preference. Some people like to enjoy their crab rangoons hot, while others prefer them cold. The main thing to remember is that they should always be eaten fresh, as they can become soggy and rubbery if left out for too long.
Additionally, some people like to dip their crab rangoons in sweet chili sauce or soy sauce for added flavor. Enjoy!
