Korean Side Dishes For BBQ

Are you ready to know about Korean side dishes for BBQ?

It’s Gazi here. I have been living in Korea since September 6, 2023. I love exploring Korea and their culture. Let’s deep dive to know about Korea’s side dishes for BBQ.

South Korea is the only country where you can find more side dishes than the main one, which makes Korea’s food culture unique. BBQ in Korea is often accompanied by a variety of delicious side dishes, known as Banchan. Here are some popular Korean side dishes that complement BBQ perfectly.

Kimchi (김치)

Kimchi is one of the famous side dishes in Korea. It goes with everything you eat in Korea. You are having food in Korea without Kanchi is unimaginable. The most popular kimchi consists of baechu kimchi – made with napa cabbage, Kkakdugi – made with Radish. Oi kimchi – made with cucumber.

Fermented spicy cabbage, radish, or other vegetables.
Adds a tangy, spicy, and umami flavor to the meal.

PICKLED RADISH PAPER (Ssam-mu (쌈무)

Ssam-mu, or pickled radish paper, is a Korean side dish that is easy to make and pairs well with Korean BBQ for a sweet, tangy, and crunchy bite.

I love to eat BBQ with Ssam-mu. It is a beautiful combination with BBQ.

Korean Green Salad (Sangchu-geotjeori - 상추겉절이)

Korean Green Salad is also known Sangchu-geotjeori. It is a fresh and vibrant salad commonly served as a side dish (banchan) in Korean cuisine. It’s perfectly suit alongside grilled meats at Korean BBQ restaurants.

Lettuce is Commonly used types include red leaf lettuce, green leaf lettuce, or romaine. The lettuce is usually torn into bite-sized pieces

KOREAN MACARONI SALAD

Korean Macaroni Salad is one of the favorite side dishes. I think, you should not leave Korea without trying this.

EASY DONGCHIMI (RADISH WATER KIMCHI)

Dongchimi (동치미) is a type of water kimchi made with radishes, known for its refreshing and mildly tangy flavor. Unlike traditional kimchi, it is not spicy and is often enjoyed as a palate cleanser or refreshing side dish

SPICY KOREAN COLESLAW - Yangbaechu Muchim (양배추 무침)

Spicy Korean coleslaw, also known as “Baechu Salad” or “Yangbaechu Muchim” (양배추 무침), is a vibrant and tangy side dish that features cabbage mixed with a spicy, flavorful dressing. It’s a fantastic accompaniment to Korean BBQ or any meal that could use a fresh, spicy kick.

Spicy Korean coleslaw is a delicious and versatile side dish that adds a burst of flavor and heat to any meal. Enjoy it with grilled meats, in wraps, or as a refreshing salad on its own!

CORN CHEESE (konchijeu 콘치즈)

Corn cheese, known as “콘치즈” (konchijeu) in Korean, is a popular dish often served as an appetizer or side dish in Korean BBQ restaurants and bars. It’s a delightful combination of sweet corn, creamy mayonnaise, and melted cheese, resulting in a gooey, savory treat that’s hard to resist.

Ssamjang (쌈장)

Ssamjang (쌈장) is a popular Korean dipping sauce that’s typically served with grilled meats and vegetables, particularly in Korean BBQ. It’s a savory, slightly spicy, and flavorful paste that adds a perfect punch to lettuce wraps (ssam)

KOREAN STYLE PINK RADISH PICKLES

Korean-style pink radish pickles, often referred to as “pink pickled radishes,” are a vibrant and tangy side dish that’s both visually appealing and delicious. They are commonly enjoyed with Korean fried chicken, BBQ, or as a refreshing accompaniment to various Korean meals

THREE ULTIMATE KOREAN BBQ DIPPING SAUCES

Korean BBQ is renowned for its interactive and flavorful dining experience, and a big part of that is the variety of dipping sauces that accompany the grilled meats and vegetables. Here are three ultimate Korean BBQ dipping sauces that will elevate your BBQ experience: Ssamjang, Sesame Oil and Salt Dip, and Sweet and Tangy Soy Sauce.

Ssamjang (쌈장) – Ssamjang is a robust, savory dipping sauce commonly used in Korean BBQ. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats wrapped in lettuce or perilla leaves.
Sesame Oil and Salt Dip (기름장) – This simple yet flavorful dip is perfect for enhancing the natural taste of grilled meats.
Sweet and Tangy Soy Sauce (간장 소스) – This dipping sauce is a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors, making it a versatile choice for a variety of grilled meats and vegetables.

KOREAN CUCUMBER SALAD (OI MUCHIM)

Korean Cucumber Salad, known as “Oi Muchim” (오이무침), is a refreshing and flavorful side dish that is quick and easy to prepare. It features crisp cucumbers dressed in a spicy, tangy, and slightly sweet sauce, making it a perfect accompaniment to grilled meats, rice dishes, or even as a standalone salad.

KOREAN SPICY GREEN ONION SALAD

Korean Spicy Green Onion Salad, known as “Pa Muchim” (파무침), is a flavorful and vibrant side dish often served with grilled meats in Korean BBQ. It’s made with thinly sliced green onions dressed in a spicy, tangy, and slightly sweet sauce

KOREAN PICKLED RADISH (SSAM-MU)

This sweet and tangy cabbage salad is perfect as a side dish for grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a refreshing addition to any meal. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and crunchiness of the vegetables!

SWEET AND TANGY CABBAGE SALAD

This sweet and tangy cabbage salad is perfect as a side dish for grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a refreshing addition to any meal. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and crunchiness of the vegetables!

QUICK PICKLED CARROTS AND DAIKON RADISH

Quick pickled carrots and daikon radish is also called Do Chua. Quick pickled carrots and daikon radish add a burst of flavor and texture to various dishes, making them a versatile and tasty condiment to have on hand. Enjoy experimenting with different combinations of vegetables and spices to suit your taste!

NON-SPICY WHITE KIMCHI (BAEK KIMCHI)

Non-spicy white kimchi, known as “Baek Kimchi” (백김치) in Korean, is a mild and refreshing variation of kimchi that doesn’t use chili pepper flakes (gochugaru) as its main seasoning. Instead, it relies on a blend of aromatics and a slightly sweet and tangy brine to pickle the vegetables.

CORN CHEESE

Corn cheese is a popular Korean dish that combines sweet corn kernels with melted cheese, creating a creamy and savory side dish or snack. It’s easy to make and incredibly satisfying

SPICY KOREAN COLESLAW

Spicy Korean coleslaw is a delightful twist on the classic coleslaw, incorporating Korean flavors like gochujang (Korean red chili paste) and sesame oil for a spicy and savory kick