Korean side dishes are renowned for its diverse and flavorful array, known as “banchan.” These small, exciting dishes are typically served alongside the main meal and contribute to the overall dining experience. Here is the list of popular Korean side dishes to make your next Asian style meal loaded with flavor and style.
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Whenever I have eaten at Korean restaurants…and believe me, Korea Town in Los Angeles is one of the best in the world for incredible Korean food experiences, I love the banchan!
Just sticking my chopsticks in all the sides and having them to compliment the bbq or main dishes we are having…it’s so much fun! There is so much sense in why they are an important part of the total experience.
The banchan and good company amongst the array of beautiful Korean side dishes makes me feel blessed because when you get to eat like that, you can feel the love in the food culture.
It’s not just tasty food, it’s so much honor into the elements of every dish and how it compliments the food and draws the person into the culture in a very different way.
What is Banchan?
In Korean cuisine, banchan refers to an assortment of small, flavorful dishes served alongside the main course.
These dishes range from pickled vegetables to savory pancakes and marinated meats, meant to complement the overall dining experience.
The emphasis on variety, flavor, and balance in banchan mirrors the core principles of Korean cuisine.
When to Enjoy Banchan
In Korean cuisine, banchan is commonly enjoyed alongside the main course of a meal.
If you go out for Korean bbq or to a dinner, you can often find a larger amount of banchan selections. For a smaller or casual meal, you may just find a few or even only one side. Nonetheless, there is banchan usually offered in most meals and all mealtimes.
Purpose of Banchan
The emphasis on variety, flavor, and balance in banchan mirrors the core principles of Korean cuisine.
By offering a combination of spicy, sour, savory, and sweet flavors, banchan adds depth to the meal, enriching the enjoyment of the food and atmosphere.
List of 17 Korean Side Dishes
- Kimchi (김치): A well-known banchan, kimchi is a traditional side dish made of fermented vegetables, typically napa cabbage or Korean radishes. Kimchi includes garlic, ginger, and spicy red chili pepper. The result is a pungent, tangy, and spicy dish that adds a punch of flavor and healthy probiotics to any meal.
- Gim (김): These paper-thin sheets of roasted seaweed with light salt. They offer a satisfying crunch while imparting a distinct umami flavor. Enjoy gim as a standalone snack or used to wrap rice and other banchan.
- Japchae (잡채): Japchae is a savory and slightly sweet dish made of glass noodles stir-fried with an assortment of vegetables. The veggies typically including carrots, spinach, and mushrooms.
- Oi Muchim (오이무침): This refreshing side dish features thinly sliced cucumbers, seasoned with vinegar, sesame oil, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. The result is a crisp and tangy complement to rich main dishes.
- Kongnamul (콩나물): Boiled soybean sprouts garnished with sesame oil, garlic, and green onions. Kongnamul offers a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor in contrast to the other banchan.
- Gamja Jorim (감자조림): Potatoes braised in a subtly sweet soy-based sauce, gamja jorim features tender potatoes infused with a savory and slightly caramelized flavor.
- Kkakdugi (깍두기): Another variation of kimchi, kkakdugi consists of cubed radish fermented with a mix of spices.
- Sigeumchi Namul (시금치나물): Blanched spinach seasoned with soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic, sigeumchi namul offers a delicate texture and a harmony of nutty and savory flavors. This is a nutritious and refreshing addition to the banchan assortment.
- Hobak Jeon (호박전): Slices of zucchini coated in a light egg batter and pan-fried until golden and crisp. Delish!
…& A Few More to Try
- Bokkeum Bap (볶음밥): Fried rice stir-fried with an array of ingredients such as vegetables, meats, and often kimchi.
- Dubu Jorim (두부조림): Braised tofu marinated in a savory-sweet soy-based sauce. This is a popular vegetarian option in Korean cuisine.
- Mu Saengchae (무생채): This salad features julienned radish seasoned with vinegar, sugar, and red chili flakes. Crisp and lightly spicy.
- Buchu Kimchi (부추 김치): Made with garlic chives, giving it a unique and pungent flavor that complements the main dishes.
… & More to Love
- Yubu Chobap (유부 초밥): A delightful banchan that consists of seasoned rice and vegetables wrapped in tofu skin.
- Korean Pancakes (전): Also known as “jeon,” these savory pancakes come in various forms, including kimchi jeon (pancake with kimchi), pajeon (green onion pancake), and haemul jeon (seafood pancake). Made with a batter of flour, egg, and other ingredients like vegetables or seafood, then pan-fried to a crispy perfection.
- Eomuk Bokkeum (어묵볶음): Eomuk, known as odeng, is a processed fish cake. Eomuk bokkeum features these fish cakes stir-fried with a sweet and savory sauce, resulting in a comforting side dish.
- Kkaennip Jjim (깻잎찜): This banchan showcases perilla leaves steamed and seasoned with soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil. The fragrant and herbaceous nature of perilla leaves offers a unique and refreshing flavor to complement the array of Korean side dishes.
These additional banchan options further enhance the diverse and tantalizing array of Korean side dishes, adding more depth and excitement to the dining experience.
Korean cuisine is all about flavor, variety, and balance and these are just a few banchan to start your exploration.
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