20 Tasty Korean Fried Chicken Sides You Must Try

Do you love Korean Fried Chicken? If so, then you know that the fun doesn’t stop at the main dish. There are endless possibilities for delicious side dishes that will compliment your favorite recipe perfectly!

In this article, I will outline some of my favorite Korean fried chicken sides. Whether you’re looking for something simple and classic or something a little more exotic, I’ve got you covered!

Korean Fried Chicken Sides

1. Bao Buns
2. Tofu Muchim
3. Tempura Courgettes
4. Steamed Aubergine
5. Kimchi Pancakes
6. Spicy Stir-Fried Squid
7. Crispy Seaweed Kale
8. Spicy Stir-Fried Rice Cakes
9. Seasoned Spinach
10. Pickled Radishes

Bao Buns

Bao buns are a popular Chinese side dish that can also be used as a delicious side for Korean fried chicken. There are many benefits to using bao buns as a side, including the fact that they are relatively low in calories and fat. Bao buns are also a good source of fiber and protein, making them a filling and nutritious option.

In addition, bao buns can help to absorb some of the excess greases from fried chicken, making it a healthier option than other side dishes such as French fries or potato chips.

When pairing bao buns with Korean fried chicken, it is important to choose a recipe that includes plenty of vegetables and sauce to avoid overwhelming the delicate flavor of the buns.

Quick Recipe: Bao Buns with Hoisin and Scallions

• Ingredients: Pre-made bao buns, hoisin sauce, scallions, sesame seeds, sriracha
• Average Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Instructions:
  1. Steam bao buns according to package instructions.
  2. Spread hoisin sauce inside each bun.
  3. Sprinkle chopped scallions and sesame seeds.
  4. Add a dash of sriracha for heat.

Tofu Muchim

Tofu muchim is also a healthy option, as it is low in calories and fat but high in protein and fiber. Additionally, it is suitable for those on a vegetarian or vegan diet.

To make tofu muchim, simply combine all of the ingredients in a bowl and mix until combined. Then, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. When ready to serve, simply spoon the tofu muchim onto a plate or platter and enjoy!

Quick Recipe: Tofu Muchim with Sesame and Garlic

• Ingredients: Firm tofu, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, green onions
• Average Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Instructions:
  1. Cube tofu and pan-fry until golden.
  2. Mix soy sauce, sesame oil, and minced garlic.
  3. Toss tofu in sauce and top with chopped green onions.

Tempura Courgettes

Tempura courgettes make a delicious and healthy side dish for Korean fried chicken. This dish is packed with nutrients and can help to boost your immune system.

Courgettes are also a good source of fiber, which can aid in digestion. Additionally, tempura courgettes are low in calories and fat, making them a great choice for those watching their weight.

This side dish is also relatively easy to prepare. Simply slice the courgettes into thin strips and coat with a tempura batter. Then, fry in hot oil until golden brown. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!

Quick Recipe: Tempura Courgettes with Ponzu Dip

• Ingredients: Courgettes, tempura batter, ponzu sauce, sesame seeds, lemon zest
• Average Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Instructions:
  1. Slice courgettes and dip in tempura batter.
  2. Fry until crispy.
  3. Serve with ponzu sauce, sprinkled with sesame seeds and lemon zest.

Steamed Aubergine

Steamed aubergine is a delicious and healthy side dish that can be used as a side for Korean fried chicken. When steamed, aubergine retains all of its nutrients and flavor, making it a great choice for those looking for a healthy option.

Additionally, the aubergine’s subtle flavor won’t compete with the flavors of the chicken, making it an ideal pairing. Finally, the aubergine’s texture pairs well with the crispy chicken skin, providing a nice contrast in textures.

Quick Recipe: Steamed Aubergine with Miso Glaze

• Ingredients: Aubergine, miso paste, mirin, sesame oil, chives
• Average Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Instructions:
  1. Steam sliced aubergine until tender.
  2. Mix miso paste with mirin and sesame oil.
  3. Brush aubergine with miso glaze and garnish with chives.

Kimchi Pancakes

Kimchi pancakes make a great side dish for Korean Fried Chicken. They are light and fluffy, with a hint of spice from the kimchi. The pancakes can help to cut through the richness of the chicken, and they pair well with the sweet and sticky sauce that is often served with Korean Fried Chicken.

Kimchi pancakes are also a good option if you are looking for a gluten-free side dish, as they are made with rice flour instead of wheat flour. In terms of nutrition, kimchi pancakes are a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as iron and fiber.

Quick Recipe: Kimchi Pancakes with Soy Dipping Sauce

• Ingredients: Kimchi, pancake mix, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil
• Average Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Instructions:
  1. Mix chopped kimchi into pancake batter.
  2. Fry pancakes until golden.
  3. Serve with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, vinegar, and sesame oil.

Spicy Stir-Fried Squid

Spicy squid is a fantastic side dish for Korean fried chicken. There are a few reasons why this is the case.

• First, the spice level of the dish can help to offset the richness of the chicken.
• Second, the texture of the squid pairs well with the crunchiness of the chicken.
• And finally, the dish can help to round out a meal by providing a contrasting flavor profile.

In terms of recipes, spicy squid is most commonly served with fried chicken, but it can also be used as a dipping sauce or as a topping on rice or noodles.

When compared to other side dishes, spicy squid stands out for its ability to add both flavor and spice to a meal. And when it comes to changes, this dish can be easily customized to suit your personal preferences.

Quick Recipe: Spicy Stir-Fried Squid with Gochujang

• Ingredients: Squid, gochujang, garlic, soy sauce, sesame seeds
• Average Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Instructions:
  1. Stir-fry squid with minced garlic.
  2. Add gochujang and soy sauce.
  3. Garnish with sesame seeds.

Crispy Seaweed Kale

Crispy seaweed kale is an excellent side dish for Korean fried chicken. There are several reasons why this is the case.

• First, the seaweed provides a crunchy texture that contrasts well with the chicken.
• Second, the seaweed is packed with nutrients that can help to offset the greasiness of the chicken.
• Third, the seaweed pairs well with the spicy flavors of Korean fried chicken.
• Fourth, the seaweed can help to absorb any excess oil from the chicken.
• Finally, seaweed is a low-calorie food that will not add too many calories to your meal.

Quick Recipe: Crispy Seaweed Kale with Sea Salt

• Ingredients: Kale, olive oil, sea salt, sesame seeds, garlic powder
• Average Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Instructions:
  1. Toss kale in olive oil and sea salt.
  2. Bake until crispy.
  3. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and garlic powder.

Spicy Stir-Fried Rice Cakes

Spicy stir-fried rice cakes are a delicious and easy way to add some flair to your next meal. They can be used as a side dish for Korean fried chicken, or as an accompaniment to any number of other recipes.

The benefits of using a stir-fry rice cake as a side dish are many. For one, they are quick and easy to prepare. Simply combine cooked rice with your favorite vegetables and spices, and you’re good to go.

Additionally, they are highly versatile and can be customized to suit your taste. Lastly, they are a great way to add some extra protein and nutrients to your meal.

Quick Recipe: Spicy Stir-Fried Rice Cakes with Vegetables

• Ingredients: Rice cakes, gochujang, soy sauce, vegetables (carrots, bell peppers), sesame oil
• Average Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Instructions:
  1. Stir-fry rice cakes and vegetables.
  2. Add gochujang and soy sauce.
  3. Drizzle with sesame oil before serving.

Seasoned Spinach

While many people think of spinach as a healthy leafy green vegetable, it can be quite versatile. One way to use it is as a side dish for Korean fried chicken.

The benefits of using spinach as a side dish are that it is low in calories and fat, and it is a good source of vitamins A and C, iron, and calcium. Additionally, spinach has a mild flavor that will not overpower the taste of the chicken.

When choosing a recipe for Korean fried chicken, look for one that calls for a marinade made with soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and honey as the spinach can be boiled or steamed until it is tender, then thinly sliced and added to the marinade.

Quick Recipe: Seasoned Spinach with Garlic and Sesame

• Ingredients: Spinach, garlic, sesame oil, soy sauce, sesame seeds
• Average Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Instructions:
  1. Sauté spinach and minced garlic.
  2. Add soy sauce and sesame oil.
  3. Garnish with sesame seeds.

Pickled Radishes

Pickled radishes are a great side dish for Korean fried chicken. Their crunchy texture and slightly sweet flavor helps to balance out the spiciness of the chicken, and their bright color adds a bit of visual interest to the dish.

Plus, pickled radishes are super easy to make at home. Simply slice some radishes thinly, then soak them in a mixture of vinegar, sugar, and salt for about an hour.

Once they’re pickled, they’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to a week, making them a great make-ahead option for busy weeknights.

Quick Recipe: Pickled Radishes with Rice Vinegar

• Ingredients: Radishes, rice vinegar, sugar, salt, red pepper flakes
• Average Cook Time: 10 minutes (plus chilling time)
• Instructions:
  1. Slice radishes thinly.
  2. Mix rice vinegar, sugar, salt, and red pepper flakes.
  3. Pour over radishes and chill before serving.

Commonly Asked Questions When Choosing Korean Fried Chicken Sides

What are other options when choosing Korean fried chicken sides?

1. Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread
2. Egg Roll Omelette
3. Braised Potatoes (Gamja Jorim)
4. Noodle Stir Fry (Japchae)
5. Korea Fried Rice
6. Spicy Cucumber Salad
7. Creamy Garlic Bread
8. Sweet And Sour Radish Salad
9. Pickled Onions
10. Spicy Gochujang Mayo

What are some tips when choosing Korean fried chicken sides?

When choosing Korean fried chicken sides, it is important to consider the overall flavor profile of the dish. For example, if you are making a spicy Korean fried chicken, you may want to choose a side dish that will help to balance out the heat.

Additionally, it is important to think about texture when choosing sides. A crunchy vegetable such as seaweed kale or pickled radishes can help to offset the greasiness of the chicken, while a creamy side such as braised potatoes can help to mellow out the flavors.

Finally, consider how easy the side dish is to prepare. Korean fried chicken is usually best when it is served immediately, so you’ll want to choose a side dish that can be easily cooked ahead of time or that can be quickly assembled.

Conclusion

Korean fried chicken is a delicious and spicy dish that can be enjoyed with a variety of different side dishes. In this article, we have provided you with some recipes for Korean fried chicken sides that are healthy, easy to prepare, and full of flavor.

Whether you are looking for a crunchy vegetable to offset the greasiness of the chicken or a creamy potato to mellow out the flavors, we hope you have found the perfect side dish for your Korean fried chicken recipe.