Broaden your culinary horizons with these 17 Easy Korean Side Dishes that will delight both kids and adults alike. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, these simple and quick-to-make recipes will introduce you to the diverse flavors and textures of Korean cuisine. By exploring the world of Korean side dishes, you’ll discover an array of low-carb meals and healthy vegetarian options that cater to various tastes.
But don’t be misled – Korean food isn’t all about veggies; their meat-based side dishes are equally impressive and can elevate any meal. When combined with spicy and flavorful main courses, these side dishes create a match made in heaven. These popular recipes have earned their place on the world’s culinary stage for a reason: they’re not only effortless to prepare but also bursting with flavor.
Korean Cucumber Salad
Everyone who tries Korean cucumber salad is immediately drawn to its refreshing, crunchy, and healthy qualities. This simple yet flavorful side dish pairs perfectly with any grilled meat, making it an excellent accompaniment for a variety of meals. The recipe itself is incredibly easy to prepare and boasts a fresh, light flavor that complements the bold tastes of beef or chicken.
Furthermore, it can be served as a versatile side dish or even as part of a larger meal, suitable for both lunch and dinner occasions. Its ease of preparation and delightful taste have made Korean cucumber salad a popular choice among food enthusiasts, and it’s not hard to see why.
Spicy Korean Rice Cakes
Korean Crispy Mushrooms
Fork over the flavor with Korean crispy mushrooms, a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Not only do they offer an earthy taste that adds depth to any dish, but their crunchy texture is also irresistibly addictive. This popular appetizer or side dish in Korea can be enjoyed on its own, paired with rice, tossed into salads, or devoured as a snack. For those looking for more Korean-inspired flavors, be sure to check out our collection of delicious Korean appetizers (link).
Korean Egg Rolls
Known for their crispy exteriors and savory fillings, egg rolls are a staple in Korean cuisine. Despite the numerous variations available, the core ingredients remain consistent. With this simple recipe, you can replicate authentic Korean-style egg rolls at home, allowing you to control every aspect of the dish. This particular recipe features a blend of cheese, ham, and carrots, creating a visually appealing and flavorful combination that is sure to please even the most discerning palate.
Korean Potato Salad
Pleasing your taste buds during the summer months just got a whole lot easier. Potatoes are a great source of energy, and when combined with some simple Korean flavors, they create a delicious and healthy side dish that’s perfect for hot weather. This low-carb potato salad recipe is not only easy to make but also packed with flavor, thanks to its blend of spicy gochujang, sweet soy sauce, and crunchy kimchi.
As one of Korea’s most popular side dishes, it’s no surprise that this recipe has gained a cult following worldwide. With its addictive combination of flavors and textures, you’ll be hooked from the first bite! Go To Recipe
Vegan Kimchi
Historically, kimchi has been an integral part of Korean cuisine for centuries. This traditional side dish is made from fermented vegetables and chili peppers, resulting in a unique flavor profile that is both spicy and garlicky. One of the most well-known types of kimchi is the fermented Korean cabbage variety, which is often referred to simply as kimchi.
With its versatility and adaptability, it’s no wonder that this recipe has become increasingly popular worldwide, with many variations emerging in recent years. This particular recipe for vegan kimchi is a simple yet delicious take on the classic dish, making it accessible to vegetarians and vegans alike.
Stir Fried Zucchini
Briefly, making a stir-fry is an excellent choice when you’re short on time. This versatile dish not only offers a variety of nutrients and essential veggies but also tantalizes your taste buds with its sweet flavors. The best part? Stir-fry cooking requires minimal effort and expertise, allowing even the most novice cooks to whip up a delicious side dish in under 5 minutes.
As a result, if you’re on the lookout for a quick and simple accompaniment that will complement most main meals, this stir-fry recipe is an ideal solution.
Korean Macaroni Salad
Packed with simplicity and ease, Korean macaroni salad is an ideal summer side dish (see also ‘26 Sumptuous Side Dishes For Salmon‘). The ingredients required are basic and can be whipped up in no time. This version may not be the most traditional Korean side dish, but its light and refreshing nature has captured the hearts of many. People adore it for its creamy texture and rich flavor profile, which complements the macaroni pasta perfectly.
A small serving is all you need to satisfy your cravings. Typically, we associate macaroni with cheese, but this salad showcases a different dimension of pairing – one that’s just as delightful. The combination of cream and soft pasta is truly heavenly, making it a dream come true for anyone who tries it.
Gochujang Cucumbers
Hailing from Korea, gochujang is a unique sauce that combines spicy, sour, and salty flavors. It’s incredibly versatile and can be used to add depth and heat to a wide range of dishes. In its most basic form, gochujang is a hot, red paste made by fermenting soybeans, sesame seeds, and chili peppers. This distinctive condiment is a staple in Korean cuisine, but it can also serve as a base for sauces and marinades, opening up endless possibilities for creative cooks.
Korean Broccoli Salad
Veggie lovers rejoice, as broccoli takes center stage in one of the most beloved and iconic Korean dishes – the broccoli salad. This mouthwatering recipe boasts a perfect balance of textures, from the tender crunch of raw broccoli to the burst of flavors that come together in harmony. Whether you’re a fan of classic or experimental recipes, this straightforward yet delectable broccoli salad is sure to become a staple in your kitchen repertoire.
Korean Coleslaw
Surprisingly, most people are accustomed to traditional coleslaw that lacks a significant kick. In contrast, Korean slaw offers a unique twist with its spicy element, making it an ideal accompaniment to various main dishes and BBQ delights.If you’re craving something with a bit of heat, give this Korean slaw a try – it’s surprisingly easy and quick to prepare, and the result is truly exceptional.
Korean Soybean Sprouts
For those who prefer milder flavors in their meals, Korean soybean sprouts are an excellent option. With their inherent earthy, nutty taste, they can be seasoned according to individual preferences. Moreover, the crunchy texture of these sprouts complements a variety of flavors, especially when paired with sautéed garlic and onions. This combination results in a delightful side dish that can elevate any meal.
Spicy Radish Salad
Yellow radish salad, also known as Mu-geun-jorim in Korean, is a beloved banchan food in Korea that serves as a flavorful side dish in traditional Korean cuisine. Characterized by its simplicity, this spicy Korean side dish features radish kimchi dressed only with a carefully blended mixture of sesame oil, salt, and sugar. The absence of overpowering flavors allows the natural sweetness and peppery taste to shine through, accompanied by a juicy texture that’s both refreshing and delightful.
The harmonious blend of juiciness and crisp flesh makes this dish a favorite among many Korean food enthusiasts.
Laura Hauser is a food writer and editor passionate about authentic, approachable home cooking.
