Savory, zesty, crispy, and fresh! That’s what Korean appetizers (or banchan) are all about. These are a key part of any Korean meal, but unless you’re a big Korean food fan, you might not be familiar with them.
That said, some of them will definitely look familiar—like Korean macaroni salad or fried zucchini! They’re packed with classic Asian ingredients like sesame oil, soy sauce, and ginger.
If you want to try something with that special flair, you’ve got to try one of these ten recipes.
1. Korean Macaroni Salad
This Korean macaroni salad tastes just like the kind you’d get anywhere, and I am here for it. It’s got that tender macaroni, a couple of veggies, and a sauce that is both creamy and zesty. It takes just fifteen minutes! Seriously.
The only “cooking” is boiling the pasta. After that, you just mix it all up and let it chill in the fridge. This is an amazing appetizer, a perfect side for your Fourth of July, or just a super-fast lunch when you’re busy.
2. Korean Oven Baked Chicken Wings
I mean, who can say no to a plate of saucy chicken wings? This is exactly that, but the sauce has this incredible sweet and spicy Korean vibe. The chicken itself is crispy, but also so tender it basically falls right off the bone.
Yes, the sauce is messy, but trust me, it tastes so good you just will not care. I’m not sure if I can say “finger-licking good” without getting in trouble, but if I could, that’s what I’d be calling this.
3. Gamjajeon (Korean Potato Pancakes)
It’s probably no surprise that our last one is another famous Korean pancake, the gamjajeon. If you’ve ever had potato latkes, you’ll know what these are about. They are just crispy, crunchy, savory little bites of happiness.
You can make them with only four ingredients: russet potatoes, onions, salt, and avocado oil. You can whip up the dipping sauce for that real Korean flavor, or just use your own favorite sauce. Either way, you’re going to love them.
I like to put a crispy fried egg on top for a truly satisfying Korean breakfast!
4. Korean Beef Tacos
If you’re hunting for a dish that has a ton of different flavors, you will totally fall for these Korean beef tacos. You’ll be using Sriracha, soy sauce, red pepper flakes, ginger, brown sugar, garlic, and more.
That should give you a hint of all the complex, big tastes that are about to hit your palate.
To build the tacos, you just need flour tortillas, that amazing seasoned beef, onions, cilantro, sesame seeds, Kimchi, and a drizzle of Sriracha mayonnaise.
5. Korean Air Fryer BBQ Chickpeas
Looking for a healthy snack? One that’s packed with protein and fiber? You just can’t do better than BBQ chickpeas. And if you have an Air Fryer, they are ridiculously easy to pull together.
You’ll make a quick marinade from Korean BBQ sauce, Korean hot pepper paste, and honey. Then, just toss the chickpeas in that sauce, throw them in the fryer, and let the machine work its magic!
In only 30 minutes, you’ll be snacking on these sweet, spicy, and super crunchy little treats. They totally put mixed nuts to shame. Vegetarian food has never been this awesome!
6. Kimchi Pancakes
Kimchi pancakes might not be exactly like the pancakes you’re thinking of. For one, they are way crispier and so much more savory. You’ll make them with total pantry staples like flour, water, sea salt, eggs, and all that.
The only things you might have to hunt for are the Kimchi and Kimchi liquid. The chilis aren’t hard to find, but you might be surprised to see them in a pancake recipe!
These pancakes, though, are savory, spicy, and just a little bit sour. They are the perfect starter for a Korean barbecue.
7. Korean Fried Zucchini
If you’ve ever been to the south, you’ve probably had fried zucchini. I always thought it was a southern thing. But it turns out, it’s a super popular Korean appetizer, too! You’ll bread your zucchini slices in a simple mix of salt, flour, and egg.
After that, just fry them up in olive oil. The whole thing takes 20 minutes, maybe even less, and you can easily make enough for four people.
Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce, or just eat these crunchy little snacks all by themselves. Either way, they are so good.
8. Korean Lettuce Salad
Korean lettuce salad might just sound like… well, salad. But it’s actually way simpler than a traditional salad. All you need is lettuce, onions (both white and green), and some toasted sesame seeds.
Most of the real effort is making the dressing. You’ll prepare that with garlic, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, sugar, Gochugaru, and sesame seed oil.
If you like cool appetizers that have a ton of zestiness, you have to give this simple lettuce salad a try. You will not be disappointed.
9. Tuna Pancakes
Okay, tuna pancakes might sound a little weird, but just think of them like salmon patties, only made with tuna. Then they don’t sound so bad, right? These are a super fast appetizer you can get on the table in 20 minutes or less.
You just need tuna, eggs, green onions, onions, bell peppers, mayo, flour, salt, pepper, and oil. They are crispy and packed with umami flavor. They taste amazing, especially when you dip them in the homemade sweet and sour sauce.
10. Pajeon (Korean Savory Pancakes)
Pajeon is another fantastic choice if you’re wanting to try Korean-style pancakes. They aren’t quite as crispy as the Kimchi pancakes. Instead, they have a texture that’s kind of like pizza dough.
The edges and bottoms get a little crunchy, but there’s a nice light fluffiness to them, too. These are a great dinner idea you can make in just 35 minutes, or you can serve them as a yummy Korean side.
They are mostly savory, with lots of herb, garlic, and earthy flavors. There is a little sweetness to them, though, and that gets even stronger if you make the dipping sauce. They’re vegetarian-friendly and so easy to make.
You might just find yourself adding them to your regular rotation.
