23 Side Dishes for Korean BBQ

Korean barbeque is an incredible and fascinating cuisine that I just cannot live without.

It’s like if you’re consuming food from another planet. It’s rich and satisfying, yet also light and nutritious.

Everything works together well, with a great mix of savory and sweet, spicy and sour, salty and sweet!

But what if you’re throwing a Korean barbeque party?

What can you serve with this delicious meal?

Well, thats what Im going to talk about today.

I’ve compiled a list of 23 side dishes that would be ideal for your next Korean BBQ gathering. These sides are tasty and simple to prepare.

You may make these the night before and keep them in the refrigerator. So you won’t have to worry about last-minute preparations when your visitors come.

You will be able to enjoy your Korean BBQ without having to worry about what to serve it with. Enjoy!

Also see: Best Wines for Korean BBQ

But first

Why Consider Serving Side Dishes for Korean BBQ?

Theres nothing like a traditional Korean BBQ.

Korean BBQ is a classic cuisine that is popular all over the world.

It’s a recipe that requires marinating and cooking meat, veggies, and other components to perfection.

While the main course is the star of the show, side dishes are often employed to round out the dinner.

Serving side dishes is a terrific way to add diversity and interest to the dinner.

Anything that contrasts with the main course is one of the greatest side dishes for Korean BBQ.

This means pairing it with a spicy or sweet dish.

Spices are also beneficial since they enhance the meat.

5 Tips for Serving Side Dishes for Korean BBQ

Korean BBQ is a popular kind of Korean cuisine. It is one of the few foods that Koreans like eating outside of Korea.

However, there are a few things you should know before producing your own kalbi.

1. Pick Your Sauces Carefully

When presenting Korean BBQ side dishes, be sure to choose your sauces wisely. If you choose a thick sauce, it will dominate the food you’re serving. As a consequence, you will miss out on the complete taste experience.

So seek for a mild sauce that will go well with the item you’re serving. The idea is to choose something with a natural flavor profile that isn’t too sweet or spicy. You may also use a tangy or sour sauce, but make sure it isn’t very salty.

For example, if you have a sweet and spicy meal, you may use a barbecue sauce with a sweet flavor and a moderate spice flavor. You want to make sure the sauce complements the tastes of your main course.

2. Choose Something Simple

If you want to make your side dishes simple, don’t let the items you have on hand restrict you. Serve something basic, such as rice, spaghetti, or salad.

This works well if you’re presenting a flavorful meal that doesn’t have too many ingredients. If you’re providing a food that is really hot or has a strong taste profile, you should offer something lighter.

This might be as easy as offering a green salad with your dinner, or it can be more unusual. The trick here is to avoid having the side dish dominate the main entrée.

3. Go for Something Different

If you’re feeling daring, try offering something out of the ordinary. For example, if you have a strong taste profile in your main meal, you may select a side dish with a similar flavor profile.

If you’re providing a meat-based meal, a vegetarian option might be appropriate. If your event includes a dessert buffet, you should consider offering a dessert. These are just a few suggestions for making an intriguing supper.

So, when it comes to Korean BBQ side dishes, don’t be scared to try something a bit off of the usual.

4. Pick a Good Dish

It is essential to choose a decent dish to offer if you want to ensure that your visitors like their cuisine. You want to avoid selecting anything that is dull or unpleasant.

If you’re picking a side dish for your own dinner, make sure it’s something you like. If you’re going to prepare your own meals, it’s a good idea to start with something you like. It will enhance the dining experience.

5. Think Outside the Box

When it comes to Korean BBQ, you don’t necessarily have to adhere to the traditional side dishes. Don’t worry if you don’t have a side dish that goes with the meal you’re serving. You can still be innovative and creative.

Make a meal that is unique to you. If you’re presenting a hot, salty dinner, try for something light and refreshing. And, if you’re presenting a milder-flavored dinner, you may opt for something robust and unique. When it comes to Korean BBQ, you don’t have to be a purist.

23 Side Dishes for Korean BBQ

One of the nicest parts about eating Korean BBQ is the variety of sides available. There are several foods to select from, including fried rice, bulgogi, kimchi, and others.

So here are 23 side dishes that are ideal for serving with Korean BBQ:

1. Korean Potato Salad

Korean potato salad is a classic side dish eaten with Korean barbeque. It consists of boiling, shredded potatoes served with a spicy vinaigrette dressing. It’s a really easy meal that you may create at home for your next dinner gathering.

I like to make this on a Sunday afternoon when the home is empty so we can have a good laugh at our own (or other people’s!) expense when we’re asked for the recipe. There is no need to hurry since we have the whole day to prepare it!

2. Egg Rolls

Many people adore this Korean classic. Egg rolls are delectable small pieces of steamed rice packed with an egg or two and wrapped in a crisp, thin fried dough wrapper.

You may prepare these ahead of time and freeze them, but if you want them to remain fresh and warm, serve them right from the oven.

3. Stir-Fried Cabbage

If you intend on having Korean BBQ at home, you may want to consider purchasing a package of cabbage to go with your dinner.

They are really inexpensive and will save you the hassle of preparing your own! Simply place some cabbage in a pan with a little water, add some chopped garlic, chili, and soy sauce, and stir for about five minutes, or until the cabbage is soft.

4. Spicy Cucumbers

This is a fast and simple side dish to make, but it goes well with Korean barbeque. Simply slice up a couple of cucumbers, drizzle with olive oil, and bake for around 10 minutes.

With a squeeze of lemon juice and a dash of soy sauce, you’re ready to dine! To maximize the spicy flavor, use English cucumbers that have been cultivated particularly for their heat levels.

They’re also high in vitamins and minerals, so you’ll receive a lot of nutrition from this easy side dish.

5. Vegan Kimchi

There is an abundance of options for Korean barbeque. If you’re looking for something unusual to offer with your lunch, vegan kimchi is a terrific alternative. Kimchi is a classic fermented Korean food that is high in probiotics.

I like the flavor, however you may find it a touch too intense for your taste. If you want something softer, seek for a vegan variant.

To make my kimchi more aesthetically attractive, I’ve been known to add a few bits of cucumber. You may also purchase ready-made vegan kimchi, which is often available in supermarkets and convenience shops.

6. Seasoned Spinach Salad

If you don’t want to be concerned about what to offer with your Korean BBQ, start with a nutritious, full side dish. A basic seasoned spinach salad is ideal for this since it can be created with whatever ingredients are on hand.

I prefer to pick up a package of ready-made Asian sesame dressing since the flavor combination is great. If you want to go a little more adventurous, top the spinach with some chopped carrot, cucumber, and spring onions, or perhaps a few additional bok choy leaves.

Give it a nice squeeze of lime juice to bring out all the flavors, and you’ve got yourself a tasty, easy side dish!

7. Korean-Style Spicy Cucumber Salad

Try this for a side dish that will truly hit the spot while you’re enjoying Korean barbeque! It has all of the freshness and crunchiness of a cucumber salad without the effort of slicing it yourself, and it’s also loaded with plenty of flavor.

I like to add some shredded green papaya to give it a more Asian flavor, but you may use whatever soft fruit you choose.

8. Seasoned Bean Sprouts

Bean sprouts are so fast and simple to create, yet many people neglect them because they believe they can’t be eaten.

Bean sprouts, in fact, are high in vitamins, minerals, and protein, making them a very healthy side dish! Serve with salads, soups, or stir-fries.

9. Stir-Fried Zucchini

Because Korean BBQ is generally served with rice, a side of stir-fried zucchini is a necessary addition. This is also a very nutritious alternative, since zucchini is high in vitamins and minerals.

To add some flavor, slice it up into little pieces, mix it with some seasoned rice noodles, and put it in a wok or frying pan.

10. Spicy Radish Salad

Salads are a simple way to increase your vegetable consumption during your next BBQ. This salad will satisfy your hunger without weighing you down.

The fiery radish adds a punch of flavor to the meal, while the crisp veggies provide freshness and texture. If you don’t like spicy meals, just leave out the chili paste.

11. Korean Candied Sweet Potatoes

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/364510163601322928/

I would suggest cooking candied sweet potatoes for a typical Korean dinner. This is an extremely tasty side dish that goes well with anything from Korean fried chicken to barbecued ribs.

It’s quite simple to create, and the final result is a delectable, sweet, sticky delicacy that will have your dinner guests raving.

12. Korean Coleslaw

Korean slaws, in addition to providing a lot of fresh veggies, also have a lot of flavor. But just because it’s coleslaw doesn’t mean it has to be dull! I prefer to include a mix of crunchy and tangy flavors in this dish, such as sesame seeds, garlic, ginger, and chilli.

To give them a kick, you may always add some chilli oil or paste. If you have time, you may buy a ready-made cabbage slaw mix at your local Asian grocery or make your own by following this recipe.

13. Korean Broccoli Salad

Korean foods are incredibly healthful, therefore I usually add plenty of green vegetables as side dishes. Broccoli is an excellent option since it is high in minerals and vitamins.

The edamame, water chestnuts, and carrot offer a nice fresh crunch to this salad. It’s also quite simple to prepare if you’re going to be on the run! Simply combine a huge bag of broccoli florets with a tiny handful of edamame, a few slivers of water chestnut, and some carrot sticks in a mild dressing.

14. Korean Tofu with Spicy Ketchup

Korean tofu is often manufactured from soya beans and is somewhat harder, denser, and more nutty in flavor than normal tofu. It is available in most Asian supermarkets.

I suggest increasing the proportions in this recipe since the spicy ketchup adds a lot of flavor. The spiciness is really rather light, so if you have a particularly delicate taste, start with half the number of chilli flakes.

15. Korean Green Salad

This side dish works nicely as an appetizer or as a main dinner. The flavors here are more traditional than those found at a restaurant.

Use whatever fresh ingredients you have on hand, and it’s so simple to create that you can enjoy it anytime you want a break from the regular meat and rice recipes.

I prefer to mix up chopped romaine lettuce, shredded iceberg lettuce, shredded cabbage, spring onions, and radishes with my greens. It’s a terrific method to get a lot of nutrients into your body while still being high in fiber.

16. Tuna Pancakes

If you serve Korean BBQ at home, you know that the wonderful side dishes that accompany your main course are an important part of the experience. These delectable tuna pancakes are a crowd favourite since they have a crispy texture on top of the protein.

I like to top them with sesame seeds before serving. Serve as many or as few as you prefer, and remember to keep some for the following day’s lunch!

17. Korean Braised Potatoes

Potatoes are a popular side dish in Korean cooking and may be served in a number of ways.

Try this: heating up a small bag of ready-made potato chips in the microwave for 10 seconds, then add a couple tablespoons of soy sauce. Serve alongside your Korean barbeque dinner.

18. Sweet and Sour Radish Salad

If you’re searching for something light and refreshing to offer with a Korean barbeque, this sweet and sour radish salad is a great option.

It’s a simple side dish to create, and the ingredients are so good and healthful that it’s ideal for summer entertaining.

Simply chop up a few handfuls of radishes and toss them with a substantial amount of sugar, balsamic vinegar, sesame oil, and garlic. Allow them to marinade for a few hours before serving!

19. Korean Crispy Mushrooms

Korean crispy mushrooms are an excellent alternative for a quick vegetarian side dish! They’re incredibly simple to cook, so they’re a terrific alternative if you want to give your visitors something fast and tasty.

Simply cut up a handful of dried mushrooms, put them in some oil and seasonings, and cook them for about 5 minutes in a hot skillet. Don’t worry about leaving them uncooked; they’ll continue to cook off after you remove them from the pan. Serve right away.

20. Korean Sesame Broccoli

If you want something more substantial than potato chips to go with your Korean BBQ, this Korean sesame broccoli salad is for you. The meal is brimming with savory, somewhat sweet Asian flavors and is really simple to prepare.

Purchase a bag of broccoli and boil it for a few minutes, or until the stems are soft. After that, drain the water and put the broccoli aside to chill.

The dressing must then be prepared. In a small mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sesame oil, garlic, and soy sauce. Mix in some black pepper to taste.

Finally, toss all of the ingredients together in a big salad bowl and serve immediately. This is a fast and tasty side dish that will wow your visitors.

21. Korean Macaroni Salad

A pot of macaroni salad is another wonderful choice if you’re searching for something unique. It’s really flexible and goes well with a wide range of dishes. Toss in some cooked pasta, sesame oil, salt, and a variety of your favorite veggies.

22. Steamed Eggplant

Steamed eggplant is an excellent accompaniment to Korean BBQ foods, and it is also one of the simplest dishes to create in the kitchen.

Begin by slicing the eggplants lengthwise into 2cm thick slices.

Then, place them flat on a big baking dish, sprinkle with salt, cover with foil, and let aside for 30 minutes. After that, remove the eggplants from the oven, remove the foil, and return them to the oven.

Repeat this procedure once more, then use a paper towel to drain the excess liquid and transfer to a serving dish. It may be tempting to apply a sauce here, but avoid anything too sweet and heavy, such as ketchup or soy sauce.

Serve your steamed eggplants plain or with a drizzle of sesame oil and a sprinkling of sesame seeds.

23. Spicy Korean Rice Cakes

These rice cakes are an integral feature of a Korean BBQ dinner. They’re light and crispy, with a little spicy flavor. You may serve them plain or dipped in a dipping sauce for a little more spice.

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