15 Must-Try Korean Side Dishes for Every Meal
Korean side dishes offer a delightful mix of flavors and textures, bringing vibrant color and taste to any meal. Known for their balance of sweet, spicy, and savory, these sides complement a variety of main dishes.
Each recipe captures the essence of Korean cuisine, featuring fresh vegetables, tangy sauces, and bold seasonings. Perfect for enhancing simple meals or creating a complete spread, these sides are as nutritious as they are flavorful.
Korean side dishes add excitement and variety, turning any meal into a dynamic experience. Here’s a list of 15 Korean side dishes you will love:
Korean Green Salad
Korean green salad is a refreshing accompaniment that elevates any meal with its crisp textures and zesty flavors. This dish combines a variety of mixed greens like butterhead lettuce, baby swiss chard, oak lettuce, and even arugula to create an appealing presentation.
The magic lies in the tangy dressing made from soy sauce, which can be spiced up with Korean chili flakes for those who enjoy extra heat. Perfect alongside grilled meats or as part of a larger spread, this salad offers versatility without sacrificing flavor.
You’ll find it complements your favorite BBQ dishes beautifully while adding a burst of freshness to your plate.
Tuna Pancakes
Tuna pancakes are a Korean dish that brings a savory twist to the classic pancake format.
These thicker, satisfying morsels utilize canned tuna as their star ingredient, seasoned with garlic powder or fresh garlic, onion, kosher salt, black pepper, and aromatic sesame oil for depth of flavor.
Binding everything together is flour and an egg that create a perfect texture for frying until golden brown.
While they shine as traditional side dishes in any meal spread, serving them alongside a fresh Korean green salad transforms them into an enjoyable light dinner option.
Korean Braised Potatoes
Korean braised potatoes deliver a great experience for potato enthusiasts with their tender texture and rich flavors.
Known as gamja jorim, this dish features baby potatoes simmered in a savory sauce created from simple pantry staples, perfect for those already familiar with Korean cuisine.
The addition of green chili peppers and onion infuses the dish with depth while allowing you to customize it by incorporating other vegetables if desired.
For those who prefer an extra kick, simply mix in some red chili pepper paste to intensify the heat.
Sweet And Sour Radish Salad
Sweet and sour radish salad features a combination of crisp, thinly sliced radishes enhanced with zesty seasonings typical in kimchi. This dish shines by incorporating both daikon and Korean radishes, which contribute unique textures and flavors.
Flavorful elements like green onions and garlic elevate the overall taste profile while gochugaru adds a subtle heat that balances perfectly with coconut sugar for sweetness. The addition of vinegar introduces a tangy kick, making this side dish an exciting accompaniment to any meal on your table.
A satisfying way to experience the essence of Korean cuisine!
Korean Seasoned Spinach
Korean seasoned spinach is a side dish known as sigeumchi namul that adds an earthy touch to any meal.
The preparation involves quickly blanching fresh spinach leaves, locking in their vibrant color and flavor.
A mix of guk ganjang, minced garlic, sugar, sesame oil, and toasted sesame seeds creates a savory seasoning blend that enhances the natural taste of the greens.
For those who enjoy heat, incorporating gochujang introduces a spicy kick to this classic favorite.
Korean Macaroni Salad
Korean macaroni salad is a creamy and subtly sweet dish that embodies the comforting essence of traditional pasta salads.
Often found alongside various Korean meals, it includes familiar ingredients like mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, white sugar, salt, and honey for that signature taste.
Adding capsicums, cabbage, or even apples enhances its flavor profile while introducing delightful crunchiness.
Perfectly complementing a vibrant Korean barbecue spread or as an everyday side option creates harmony on your plate.
Korean Coleslaw
Korean coleslaw offers a refreshing twist on traditional salads, infusing the crunch of fresh vegetables with vibrant flavors. This side dish combines scallions, carrots, and perilla leaves to create a texture that’s both satisfying and invigorating.
Enhanced by a zesty sauce made from castor sugar, sesame oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, Korean fish sauce, and gochugaru, this slaw balances tanginess with just the right amount of spice. Pair it alongside grilled meats or seafood for an unforgettable meal that excites your palate while adding nutrients to your plate.
It stands out as not only delicious but also packed with wholesome ingredients you can feel good about serving at any gathering.
Kimchi
Kimchi is a staple in Korean cuisine, known for its spicy and salty profile derived from fermented radishes or cabbage. This vibrant dish carries a unique tanginess that sets it apart, thanks to a special paste crafted with ginger, chili pepper flakes, apple, and garlic.
Packed with vitamins and probiotics, kimchi not only tantalizes the taste buds but also supports gut health. Making your own kimchi takes less than half an hour of prep time; after that, nature works its magic during fermentation.
It serves as an excellent side dish to complement various meals while adding depth of flavor to your dining experience.
Korean Crispy Mushrooms
Korean crispy mushrooms feature an irresistible crunch paired with a rich, sticky sauce. This dish showcases shiitake or oyster mushrooms that are dried and fried to achieve their signature crispiness.
The incorporation of gochujang adds authentic spice, creating a mouthwatering balance with flavors from Korean chili flakes, lemongrass paste, garlic, maple syrup, tamari, fresh orange juice, and lime juice in the accompanying sauce. These delectable morsels complement noodle dishes or grilled meats seamlessly while enhancing any traditional Korean meal you prepare.
Topping them off with seeds or nuts introduces an extra layer of texture for added enjoyment.
Korean Sesame Broccoli
Korean sesame broccoli is an excellent addition to any meal, showcasing the rich flavors of Korean cuisine through simple ingredients.
Broccoli serves as the star here, enhanced by gochujang paste that adds depth and warmth while being roasted for optimal tenderness.
Seasoned with salt, pepper, and garlic, this dish also features a delightful crunch from toasted sesame seeds that complement each bite beautifully.
Pairing it over rice transforms this side into a satisfying vegan main course that's sure to impress at your dining table.
Spicy Korean Rice Cakes
Spicy Korean rice cakes deliver a bold flavor experience that ignites the taste buds with their fiery kick. Known as tteokbokki, these chewy delights are typically found at bustling street vendors in Korea, making them a beloved comfort food.
Stir-fried to perfection in a sauce made from gochujang, they beautifully balance sweetness and heat. For an effortless meal upgrade, incorporating ramen noodles or fish cakes alongside cheese or eggs transforms this dish into something heartier.
Pairing these rice cakes with hot soup enhances the enjoyment and warmth of every bite while inviting you to dive deeper into Korean cuisine culture.
Steamed Eggplant
Steamed eggplant is a delightful Korean side dish known as gaji namul, celebrated for its simple preparation and wholesome ingredients.
This recipe transforms long eggplants into tender strips seasoned with a distinctive blend of soy sauce and aromatic spices in just 15 minutes.
The addition of garlic, sesame oil, green chili peppers, sugar, gochugaru (red chili powder), and sesame seeds contributes to its savory character that complements various meals beautifully.
Often served alongside rice or other dishes at barbecues or family gatherings, this versatile treat stands out on any table while providing a nutritious option for vegetable lovers looking to enhance their dining experience.
Korean Fried Zucchini
Korean fried zucchini is a perfect addition to any meal, showcasing the versatility of this beloved vegetable.
Thinly sliced and enveloped in a crispy batter made from egg and flour, these fritters deliver satisfying texture with every bite.
A sprinkle of sea salt enhances their natural flavor, while various dipping sauces can elevate your experience further, one option being a simple blend of soy sauce and rice vinegar for added depth.
Ideal alongside grilled meats or rice dishes, you’ll find this side dish seamlessly fits into both traditional Korean meals and casual gatherings.
Korean Cucumber Salad
Korean cucumber salad, known as oi muchim, bursts with flavor that transcends its straightforward name. This refreshing dish features a harmonious blend of Korean red chili powder and rice vinegar balanced by a hint of sweetness from sugar.
With soy sauce adding depth to the taste profile, it becomes an essential part of any meal alongside various Korean dishes. Using English or Persian cucumbers enhances the texture and freshness even further.
Storing this salad in the refrigerator allows you to enjoy its crispness for several days; simply top it off daily with sesame seeds and fresh green onions for an extra touch.
Korean Soybean Sprouts
Korean soybean sprouts are a side dish known for their delightful crunch and nutty taste.
This versatile ingredient allows you to adjust the seasoning, giving you complete control over its flavor profile.
With garlic, onion, and fish sauce providing depth, these sprouts can be made mild or infused with spicy hot pepper flakes according to your preference.
Their long white stems not only add texture but also enhance dishes like noodle soups and stir-fries effortlessly.