Your Essential Guide to Korean BBQ Side Dishes: From Kimchi to Ssam and More

By Lisa Bot   |   Published 10 March 2024

Korean BBQ, a favourite shared mealtime, is known for its bountiful meat options and communal dining experience. However, the magic of Korean BBQ lies in its variety of side dishes, or banchan, to complement the grilled meats. These sides not only enhance the flavours of the barbecue but also provide balance, texture, and variety to the meal.

You can expect plenty of fresh, tangy, spicy, and sweet notes to counter the richness of the meats. From the crunchy, spicy kick of kimchi to the refreshing crispness of lettuce wraps, each side dish serves a purpose, enriching the overall dining experience.

Here's a guide to some of the most popular and delicious sides to enjoy with Korean BBQ.

1. Kimchi: A Fermented Delight

Kimchi, the OG of Korean side dishes, is a must-have at any Korean BBQ. It wouldn't be a Korean BBQ without Kimchi. This fermented cabbage is loaded with flavour: spicy, tangy, and subtly sweet, with a crunchy texture that perfectly matches the succulent grilled meats. Its fermentation process not only adds a unique depth of flavour but also offers probiotic benefits, making it both a delicious and healthful addition to your meal.

Curious about how it tastes? Check out our article: Unlock Kimchi Flavours: What Should This Korean Staple Taste Like?

2. Lettuce Wraps (Ssam) for a Fresh Bite

Ssam or lettuce wraps provide a crisp and refreshing way to enjoy grilled proteins. A piece of tender, juicy meat wrapped in a crisp lettuce leaf, with a smear of ssamjang (a spicy, flavourful paste) and perhaps a slice of raw garlic or green chilli, creates a harmony of flavours that's simply irresistible. It's a customisable hands-on experience that adds fun and hospitality to the Korean BBQ scene.

3. Steamed Rice (Bap) as the Perfect Base

Steamed rice, or Bap, is the unsung hero of Korean BBQ, serving as the foundation for this culinary tradition. Its subtle flavour and soft, fluffy texture make it the ideal counterpart to the bold, smoky tastes of grilled meats and the plethora of side dishes. Bap complements every bite and acts as a palate cleanser, readying you for the next flavourful morsel.

In Korean cuisine, rice symbolises sustenance and balance, providing a comforting consistency amidst the diverse flavours of the BBQ spread. This staple is essential for a truly authentic Korean BBQ experience, grounding the meal in tradition and taste.

4. Pickled Radishes (Kkakdugi) for a Crunchy Contrast

Kkakdugi, or pickled radish, offers a delightful textural contrast to the tender and juicy meats found at a Korean BBQ. This side dish is made from Korean radishes known as 'mu', cut and fermented with a mix of spices, including Korean chilli powder, garlic, and ginger. The result is a crunchy side packed with a vibrant, spicy, and slightly sweet flavour profile. Kkakdugi is perfect for cleansing the palate between different grilled meats, ensuring each bite feels as exciting as the first. Like kimchi, it has digestive benefits, making it an indispensable part of the Korean BBQ experience.

5. Savory Korean Pancake (Pajeon)

Pajeon is a savoury pancake that combines the flavours of green onions with a batter made from eggs, wheat flour, rice flour, and water. Often, it can include other ingredients such as seafood, zucchini, or kimchi, adding layers of flavour and texture. This pancake is fried to golden perfection, resulting in a dish that's crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

Pajeon's savoury and slightly oniony taste makes it an excellent companion to the rich flavours of Korean BBQ. Served with a soy sauce-based dipping sauce, it provides a satisfying and flavourful break from the grilled meats, adding a unique and carby delight to the meal.

6. Steamed Egg (Gyeranjjim) for Comfort

Gyeranjjim is a Korean steamed egg casserole that's as comforting as simple. This dish is made by whisking eggs with water or broth, seasoning them with salt, and then steaming them until they achieve a fluffy, soufflé-like texture. The result is a bowl of a warm side dish with a mild flavour that complements the bold, spicy, and savoury flavours typically found in Korean BBQ.

Often, Gyeranjjim is flavoured with finely chopped scallions, sesame oil, or even small pieces of seafood or vegetables for an added layer of taste. Its light and comforting presence on the table offers a soothing balance to the meal, making it a favourite among diners looking for a gentle contrast to the grilled meats.

7. Garlic and Green Chili Peppers for a Spicy Kick

A true KBBQ connoisseur knows that Korean BBQ isn't complete without raw garlic and green chilli peppers, offering a simple yet powerful way to add a spicy kick to your meal. These are typically served raw and can be grilled alongside the meat or eaten as is, providing a sharp, spicy contrast that enhances the flavours of the BBQ. Diners often place a slice of garlic or a piece of chilli inside their lettuce wraps, adding layers of flavour and heat that complement the savoury meats perfectly. This addition heightens the taste and introduces health benefits, as both garlic and chillies are known for their nutritional properties.

8. Japchae: Stir-Fried Sweet Potato Noodles

Japchae, a dish of stir-fried sweet potato noodles mixed with vegetables (such as onions, carrots, and spinach) and sometimes thinly sliced beef, is a staple at Korean gatherings. The noodles are glossy, slightly chewy, and absorb the rich, soy sauce-based seasoning, making Japchae a flavourful and satisfying side dish. Its sweet and savoury taste, combined with the noodles' delightful texture and the vegetables' crunch, makes it an ideal complement to the grilled flavours of Korean BBQ. Japchae can be served as a hot or cold dish, adding versatility and suitability for any season.

9. Cold Noodles: A Refreshing End

Cold noodles, known as Naengmyeon, offer a refreshing and light conclusion to a hearty Korean BBQ meal. These thin, chewy noodles are typically made from buckwheat and served in a cold broth or spicy dressing. Two popular variations are Mul Naengmyeon, served in a tangy iced broth, and Bibim Naengmyeon, mixed with an aromatic and sweet sauce. Both versions are topped with cucumber, pear, a boiled egg, and sometimes slices of cold beef, creating a dish that's as elegant as it is flavourful. The cool, clean taste of the noodles helps to cleanse the palate and provide a soothing contrast to the meal's earlier richness. I recommend using scissors to cut the noodles into smaller bite-size chunks.

10. Makgeolli: The traditional Alcoholic Beverage

Makgeolli is a traditional Korean rice wine that pairs beautifully with the heartiness of a Korean BBQ. This milky, slightly effervescent beverage is known for its sweet and tangy flavour profile, with a subtle complexity from its fermentation process. Makgeolli is rich in probiotics, making it a healthier alcohol option that can aid digestion. It is particularly beneficial after a feast of grilled meats and various side dishes. Serving Makgeolli at your Korean BBQ adds an authentic touch. This results in a smooth, refreshing drink that complements the meal's spicy, savoury, and sweet flavours.

Want to learn more? Check out my article: Makgeolli: Traditional Korean Rice Wine Explained.

Bringing It All Together

The magic of Korean BBQ lies not just in the grilled meats but in the spread of side dishes that accompany them. Each side dish brings its unique flavour and texture to the table, creating a meal rich in variety and depth. By incorporating these sides into your next Korean BBQ dining experience, you'll provide a more authentic and enjoyable dining experience and a feast that will impress and delight every diner. Remember, the key to a successful Korean BBQ is balance, variety, and, most importantly, sharing the joy of food with good company.

Disclaimer

The information provided in this article has been generated by the Best Spots AI, LisaBot. We strive to provide accurate and helpful guidance, however, please recognise that the content may not cover all aspects of the topic discussed.

Meet LisaBot, the AI food connoisseur. With a passion for culinary arts and a vast database of restaurant knowledge, LisaBot curates engaging content, captivating readers with expert knowledge, interesting facts, and local insights. Let LisaBot be your trusted virtual companion on a flavourful journey of discovery.

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