Korean BBQ is a popular cuisine that has taken the world by storm. It’s an interactive and fun dining experience that involves grilling meat and enjoying it with a variety of side dishes called banchan. These side dishes are an essential part of the Korean BBQ experience, as they provide a balance of flavors and textures that complement the rich, savory meat.
In this article, we’ll explore 15 of the best side dishes for Korean BBQ that you should try. From traditional favorites like kimchi to lesser-known dishes like acorn jelly, we’ll cover a range of options that will appeal to all tastes. So, let’s get started!
List of 15 Best Side Dishes for Korean BBQ
Kimchi
Kimchi is perhaps the most well-known side dish in Korean cuisine, and it’s a staple of Korean BBQ. It’s a spicy, fermented cabbage that’s flavored with garlic, ginger, and chili flakes. Kimchi is packed with probiotics, vitamins, and minerals, making it a healthy addition to any meal.
Japchae
Japchae is a stir-fried noodle dish that’s made with sweet potato noodles, vegetables, and meat. It’s often served as a side dish at Korean BBQ restaurants and adds a delicious and colorful element to the meal.
Bean Sprout Salad
Bean sprout salad is a refreshing and healthy side dish that’s perfect for balancing out the richness of the meat. It’s made with blanched bean sprouts, green onions, sesame oil, and soy sauce, and is a great source of vitamins and minerals.
Steamed Egg Custard
Steamed egg custard, or gyeran jjim, is a light and fluffy egg dish that’s steamed until it’s set. It’s often served in small individual cups and is seasoned with soy sauce and sesame oil. This dish adds a creamy and savory element to the meal.
Korean Pancakes
Korean pancakes, or jeon, are a crispy and savory side dish that’s made with a batter of flour, eggs, and water. The batter is mixed with various ingredients like seafood, meat, and vegetables and is fried until golden brown.
Spinach Namul
Spinach namul is a simple and flavorful side dish that’s made with blanched spinach and seasoned with soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic. It’s a great source of vitamins and minerals and is a healthy addition to any meal.
Grilled Mushrooms
Grilled mushrooms are a simple and delicious side dish that’s easy to make on the grill. Button mushrooms are brushed with a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil and grilled until tender and juicy.
Korean Cucumber Salad
Korean cucumber salad, or oi muchim, is a refreshing and spicy side dish that’s made with sliced cucumbers, garlic, chili flakes, and vinegar. It’s a great palate cleanser and adds a crunchy and tangy element to the meal.
Fried Mandu
Fried mandu, or Korean dumplings, are a popular side dish that’s often served at Korean BBQ restaurants. They’re stuffed with a mixture of meat and vegetables and are fried until golden brown and crispy.
Acorn Jelly
Acorn jelly, or dotorimuk, is a jelly-like side dish that’s made from acorn flour. It’s often served in small cubes and is flavored with soy sauce and sesame oil. It’s a unique and interesting addition to the meal.
Potato Salad
Potato salad is a Western-style side dish that’s become popular in Korean BBQ restaurants. It’s made with boiled potatoes, mayonnaise, and various vegetables like carrots and onions. It’s a creamy and comforting addition to the meal.
Radish Kimchi
Radish kimchi, or kkakdugi, is a type of kimchi that’s made with cubed radish that’s been fermented with garlic, ginger, and chili flakes. It has a crunchier texture than traditional kimchi and is a great source of vitamins and minerals.
Tteokbokki
Tteokbokki is a popular Korean street food that’s often served as a side dish at Korean BBQ restaurants. It’s made with chewy rice cakes that are cooked in a spicy sauce made with gochujang, soy sauce, and sugar.
Grilled Vegetables
Grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and onions are a healthy and delicious side dish that’s easy to make on the grill. They’re brushed with a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil and grilled until they’re tender and caramelized.
Seaweed Salad
Seaweed salad is a refreshing and nutritious side dish that’s made with various types of seaweed, sesame oil, soy sauce, and vinegar. It’s a great source of iodine, which is important for thyroid health and adds a briny and savory element to the meal.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Korean BBQ is not just about meat. The banchan – the small side dishes that accompany the meal – is an integral part of the dining experience. From the iconic kimchi to the lesser-known japchae, the side dishes bring a range of flavors, textures, and colors to the table.
By trying out the five side dishes we’ve highlighted in this article, you’ll be able to take your Korean BBQ game to the next level. So, the next time you’re at a Korean BBQ restaurant or grilling at home, be sure to add these side dishes to your plate and enjoy a truly authentic and delicious meal.
