25 Best Korean BBQ Side Dish Recipes You Have to Try

If you are looking to get into Korean BBQ, or just want to learn more about it, then this is the article for you! Korean BBQ is becoming more popular all over the world. People are starting to appreciate its unique flavors and textures of it, but it’s not just the main course that’s popular – the side dishes are amazing too!

I first tried Korean BBQ a few years ago, and I was hooked instantly. The flavors were so unique and delicious, and I loved the way the meat was cooked. But it was the side dishes that impressed me. There were so many different options, and they all tasted amazing!

I soon learned that Korean BBQ is all about the side dishes – they are just as important as the main course. So if you want to make a truly amazing Korean BBQ meal, you need to master the art of the side dishes!

Of course, I had to do a great deal of researching and experimenting before I could call myself a Korean BBQ master. But after years of trial and error, I think I’ve finally got it down!

In this article, I’m going to share some of my favorite Korean BBQ side dish recipes with you. So whether you’re a Korean BBQ novice or a seasoned pro, I hope you’ll find these recipes helpful.

Korean BBQ Side Dish Recipes

  1. Ssamjang Sauce
  2. Korean Pickled Radish
  3. Egg Rolls
  4. Korean Cucumber Salad
  5. Korean Spicy Green Onion Salad
  6. Cabbage Salad
  7. Pickled Carrots
  8. Kimchi
  9. Corn Cheese
  10. Spicy Korean Coleslaw

Ssamjang Sauce

Ssamjang sauce is a thick, spicy, and savory sauce that is often used as a dipping sauce or condiment in Korean cuisine. The sauce is made from a combination of gochujang (Korean chili paste), doenjang (fermented soybean paste), garlic, ginger, green onions, and sesame oil.

Ssamjang sauce is typically quite spicy, but the exact level of heat can vary depending on the brand or recipe. The sauce is also relatively sweet and savory, with a deep umami flavor and can also be used as a marinade for meats such as chicken or beef, or as a condiment for other Korean dishes such as bibimbap.

This sauce is traditionally served as a dipping sauce for Korean BBQ, along with other dipping sauces such as soybean paste or bean paste. The rich flavor of the sauce enhances the taste of the BBQ, and the heat helps to balance out the fat of the meat.

When using this, it is important to use it sparingly as it can be quite overwhelming. A little goes a long way in terms of flavor, so start with just a small amount and add more to taste. It is also important to remember that Ssamjang sauce contains a lot of salt, so be sure to adjust the seasoning of your dish accordingly.

Korean Pickled Radish

Korean Pickled Radish is a great side dish for Korean BBQ. It has a milder taste than other pickled radishes, and its texture is crisp and refreshing. Korean Pickled Radish enhances the taste of Korean BBQ by providing a crunchy contrast to the rich, savory flavors of the meat.

It is also a good source of vitamins A and C, and it provides a welcome boost of flavor to any meal. The only downside to Korean Pickled Radish is that it can be a little salty, so be sure to add it sparingly.

Egg Rolls

Egg rolls are the perfect side dish for Korean BBQ. They are crispy on the outside and full of flavorful filling on the inside. Egg rolls are usually made with pork or shrimp, but they can also be vegetarian.

The most important thing to remember when making egg rolls is to not overcook them. overcooked egg rolls will be dry and tough. So, make sure to cook them just until the wrapper is golden brown and crispy.

Another great tip is to serve them with a dipping sauce. A simple dipping sauce can be made by mixing soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. For an extra kick, you can add some gochujang (Korean chili paste).

Korean Cucumber Salad

Korean cucumber salad is a refreshing and crunchy side dish that is often served with Korean BBQ. The cucumbers are thinly sliced and then dressed with a sweet and sour sauce made from vinegar, sugar, and chili peppers. The salad also typically includes sesame seeds and onions for extra flavor.

Korean cucumber salad is the perfect balance of sweet, sour, and spicy, and it complements the rich flavors of Korean BBQ beautifully. It is also a relatively simple dish to prepare, which makes it ideal for busy weeknight dinners.

However, be sure to use Persian or English cucumbers, as they have thinner skins and fewer seeds than regular cucumbers. Additionally, if you want a more spicy salad, add more chili peppers to the dressing. And finally, be sure to taste the salad before serving, as the flavors will continue to develop over time.

Korean Spicy Green Onion Salad

Craving some Korean BBQ? Make sure to include a side of Korean Spicy Green Onion Salad! This dish is packed with flavor, thanks to the fresh green onions, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. The salad is also slightly spicy, making it the perfect partner for the smoky taste of Korean BBQ.

While it’s simple to make, you need to be sure to chop the green onions evenly so that they cook evenly. Also, don’t be afraid to adjust the amount of chili paste and sesame oil to taste. And, don’t forget to let the salad sit for a few minutes before serving, as this will help the flavors meld together.

Cabbage Salad

Cabbage Salad is the perfect side dish for Korean BBQ. The savory flavors of Korean BBQ are enhanced by the crisp, refreshing taste of Cabbage Salad. It is also an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy addition to any meal.

However, be sure to use fresh cabbage for the best flavor. Moreover, dress the salad lightly so that the cabbage doesn’t become soggy. And, don’t forget to add a bit of salt and pepper to taste.

Pickled Carrots

When it comes to Korean BBQ, there are a lot of different side dishes that you can choose from. One of my personal favorites is Pickled Carrots. The Carrots are thinly sliced and then marinated in a mixture of vinegar, sugar, and spices. This gives them a sweet and tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the savory meats that are typically served with Korean BBQ.

In addition to being delicious, Pickled Carrots are also very healthy. They are low in calories and fat, and they provide a good source of fiber and vitamins. The only downside to it is that they can be quite time-consuming to make.

However, if you have the time and patience, they are definitely worth the effort. Here are a few tips to help you make the perfect batch of Pickled Carrots:

  • Start with fresh, crisp carrots. Avoid carrots that are limp or mushy.
  • Cut the carrots into thin slices, about 1/4 inch thick. If they are too thick, they will be difficult to eat. If they are too thin, they will disintegrate during the pickling process.
  • Use a high-quality vinegar for the best flavor. I like to use rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
  • Be sure to taste the pickling liquid before adding the carrots. It should be slightly sweet and tangy with a hint of spice. If it needs more flavor, add more sugar or vinegar until it is to your liking.
  • Allow the carrots to pickle for at least 24 hours before serving. This will give them time to absorb all of the flavors from the pickling liquid.
  • Serve them chilled or at room temperature.

Kimchi

Kimchi is a traditional Korean dish made of fermented vegetables, typically cabbage and radishes. It is spicy, tangy, and slightly sweet, and makes an excellent side dish for Korean BBQ.

The fermentation process gives Kimchi a unique flavor that pairs well with the rich taste of grilled meats. In addition, the fermentation process also creates beneficial probiotics that can aid digestion.

However, Kimchi can also be quite pungent, so it is important to use it sparingly. A little goes a long way, and too much Kimchi can easily overwhelm the taste of the BBQ.

Corn Cheese

Corn cheese is a delicious and unique side dish that can really enhance the flavor of Korean BBQ. It’s basically a mix of corn, cream cheese, and spices, so it has a rich and creamy taste with a slight kick.

The great thing about Corn Cheese is that it pairs well with just about anything, so you can really experiment and get creative with your meal. However, it can be quite heavy, so it’s best to serve it in small portions. It can also melt quickly, so it’s important to keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to serve it.

Spicy Korean Coleslaw

Spicy Korean Coleslaw is the perfect side dish for your Korean BBQ. The coleslaw is made with a mix of cabbage, carrots, and radishes, and is tossed in a sweet and spicy dressing. The result is a refreshing and crunchy salad that pairs perfectly with the rich flavors of Korean BBQ.

This can also be made ahead of time, making it a convenient option for busy weeknight dinners. However, if you are serving Spicy Korean Coleslaw to young children or those with sensitive palates, you may want to leave out the spice.

Related Questions When Choosing Korean BBQ Side Dish Recipes

What are other options when choosing Korean BBQ side dish recipes?

  1. Korean Style Pink Radish Pickles
  2. Korean Macaroni Salad
  3. Korean Green Salad
  4. Pickled Onions
  5. Braised Potatoes
  6. Spicy Radish Salad
  7. Three Ultimate Korean BBQ Dipping Sauces
  8. Stir-Fried Radish
  9. Young Cabbage
  10. Stir-Fried Cucumbers
  11. Seasoned Bean Sprouts
  12. Steamed Eggplants
  13. Stir-Fried Zucchini
  14. Seasoned Spinach
  15. Seasoned Soybean Sprouts

Can you eat bulgogi raw?

Yes, you can eat bulgogi raw since it is made with very fresh and cold beef. Just note that it tastes like very rare (and cold) steak, so if you’re not fond of this then raw bulgogi may not be for you.

What meat is best for Korean BBQ?

Different kinds of meat such as chicken, pork belly, beef short ribs, and even beef tongue can be used in a Korean BBQ. Other than that, larger cuts such as rib-eye and sirloin steaks, pork ribs, pork butts, whole chickens, and briskets are used in the US.

Conclusion

If you’re looking to add some Korean flair to your BBQ, then be sure to try out one of these Korean BBQ side dish recipes. They’re all easy to make and taste great with grilled meats. So don’t be scared to experiment with new flavors, and Korean BBQ is a great way to do just that!

25 Best Korean BBQ Side Dish Recipes You Have to Try

Discover 25 delectable side options to spice up your meal.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Korean
Servings 4
Calories 390 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • Ssamjang Sauce
  • Korean Pickled Radish
  • Egg Rolls
  • Korean Cucumber Salad
  • Korean Spicy Green Onion Salad
  • Cabbage Salad
  • Pickled Carrots
  • Kimchi
  • Corn Cheese
  • Spicy Korean Coleslaw
  • Korean Style Pink Radish Pickles
  • Korean Macaroni Salad
  • Korean Green Salad
  • Pickled Onions
  • Braised Potatoes
  • Spicy Radish Salad
  • Three Ultimate Korean BBQ Dipping Sauces
  • Stir-Fried Radish
  • Young Cabbage
  • Stir-Fried Cucumbers
  • Seasoned Bean Sprouts
  • Steamed Eggplants
  • Stir-Fried Zucchini
  • Seasoned Spinach
  • Seasoned Soybean Sprouts

Instructions
 

  • Choose your preferred recipe
  • Prepare the ingredients needed to complete the recipe
  • Prepare your side dish.
Keyword Korean BBQ