I'm so excited to share this roundup of 14 easy, bright Korean banchan you can recreate at home. Whether you're setting up a Korean BBQ spread or just looking to liven up your weeknight dinner, these simple recipes bring a burst of flavor without any fuss.
1. Korean Macaroni Salad
With main ingredients such as pasta and mayonnaise, one can infer that macaroni salad has roots in Italy and France. So, this dish is definitely not Korean.
Surprisingly, you’ll see this creamy, slightly sweet side dish served in most Korean restaurants. The Korean version seems to have fewer ingredients than other variations. These include macaroni pasta, shredded carrots, and salad dressing.
2. Korean Sesame Broccoli
Because broccoli is always in season, you can make this quick and easy side dish all-year-round, whenever you want to. Broccoli isn’t something the kids would eat right off the bat. But if you blanch it and dress it up with sesame oil, sesame seeds, and salt, you’ll have a yummy, nutty, and crunchy side dish.
3. Spicy, Chewy Korean Rice Cakes
When I need something to warm me right up, I reach for these spicy rice cakes with that perfectly chewy texture. They hit that sweet and spicy balance that makes Korean street food so ridiculously good.
At my house, they disappear in minutes. I love piling them next to something crispy and fried or spooning them alongside a steaming bowl of soup. So, so yummy.
4. Tuna Pancakes
If you like your pancakes savory, this recipe is a must-try. Tuna pancakes are seasoned to perfection, with flavors coming from cayenne chili, green onions, bell peppers, and much, much more. This side dish also doubles as patties for a classic sandwich.
5. Crisp Sweet and Sour Radish Salad
Thin strips of radish get tossed with simple seasonings for a salad that's refreshingly sweet and tangy. It shares a lot of the same flavors as kimchi, but adding a little sugar and vinegar takes it even deeper.
The key is choosing a radish that's super crisp with a subtle peppery bite. Every forkful pops with fresh, bright flavor.
6. Korean Crispy Mushrooms
Dried shiitake mushrooms are fried until crispy and coated with a flavorful sticky syrup. This is what Korean crispy mushrooms are all about.
Gochujang (Korean red chili pepper paste) lends its spicy flavor to the dish and is a perfect complement to the sweet and sour sauce. Add some garlic if you like for a more flavorful impact. For the garnish, chopped nuts or seeds are perfect!
7. Oi Muchim: Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad
I'm telling you, this cucumber salad deserves center stage at your next summer BBQ. It's bright and cool, with just enough fiery heat to wake up every bite of grilled meat.
Known as oi muchim in Korean, oi means cucumber and muchim refers to the way it's tossed with seasonings. All you need are crisp cucumbers, a handful of bold seasonings, and a generous sprinkle of gochugaru for that irresistible spicy kick.
8. Korean Braised Potatoes
As a potato lover, this one goes into my (long) list of go-to side dishes. This recipe yields soft, chewy baby potatoes glazed with slightly sweet soy sauce-based sauce.
It can even be a stand-alone meal, served with a bowl of rice. It’s also a versatile recipe, wherein you can add other veggies. You can also include red chili pepper paste to add some heat to the dish.
9. Kimchi
I always have a jar of kimchi in the fridge, and once you taste that spicy, tangy fermented cabbage with its salty depth, you'll understand why. The magic is in the paste, a
10. Sigeumchi Namul (Sesame Garlic Spinach)
I could eat this garlicky sesame spinach every single day. It starts with tender blanched spinach, gets tossed with soy sauce and toasted sesame oil, and finished with fresh garlic.
In Korean homes, sigeumchi namul shows up at the table constantly, whether it's a casual dinner or a big family gathering. I love how it adds a bright, savory note to bibimbap and japchae, too. Honestly, it's so simple and delicious.
11. Korean Zucchini Fritters
These zucchini fritters are my go-to when I want a side dish that pairs with absolutely everything. Thin slices of zucchini get a light coat of egg and flour batter, then fried until irresistibly crisp.
A little salt is all you need, but honestly, they really shine when you dip them into something tangy or spicy. So simple and so addictive.
12. Korean Coleslaw
This is another salad that tastes quite similar to kimchi. The difference?
It’s more refreshing and is crunchier. Sweet, spicy, and tangy, this coleslaw recipe is a fantastic side dish for grilled beef, chicken, or fish. Use it as a topping for your burgers to bring a unique Asian flavor to your protein.
13. Gaji Namul (Steamed Eggplant)
Summer means eggplant season, and that's my cue to make this steamed gaji namul. It's a Korean staple that's shockingly easy. Just steam the whole eggplants, slice them into
14. Nutty Korean Soybean Sprouts
When I want a little break from heat, I make soybean sprouts. This banchan staple also finds its way into bibimbap, adding a mild, nutty note.
Garlic, sesame oil, scallions, and salt keep things simple, letting that earthy flavor shine. The yellow heads bring a gentle nuttiness, and the long white stems give you that perfect crunch.
