What to Serve with Korean BBQ: Complete Guide to Side Dishes

When it comes to Korean BBQ, it’s not just the grilled meat that makes the meal special—Korean side dishes, “banchan” play a huge role in creating an unforgettable dining experience.

From spicy cucumber salads to kimchi, these small plates bring balance, flavor, and freshness to your table.

In this guide, we’ll explore the best side dishes to serve with your Korean BBQ, how to elevate your meal, and where to find these unique ingredients.

Why Side Dishes Are Essential for Korean BBQ?

1. The Role of Side Dishes in Korean BBQ

Korean BBQ isn’t just about the meat—it’s about the full experience.

When you sit down at a Korean table, you are greeted with a variety of small side dishes known as banchan.

These dishes balance out the rich flavors of grilled meat, providing freshness and spice that elevate the entire meal. Think of side dishes as the unsung heroes of your BBQ experience!

2. Enhancing the Flavors of Grilled Meat

Serving Korean BBQ sides helps break up the richness of fatty cuts like pork belly or beef.

For example, a refreshing spicy cucumber salad or tangy kimchi brings out the best in grilled meat.

The crunchy, slightly sour taste of radish salad helps cleanse your palate between bites of smoky meat.

If you’re interested in setting up the perfect Korean BBQ at home, check out our Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up a Korean BBQ!

3. Cultural Importance of Side Dishes in Korean Cuisine

Side dishes are integral to Korean culture.

In Korea, it’s common to have a spread of several side dishes that everyone shares, creating a sense of community.

The variety in flavors—from salty to spicy to sweet—provides a well-rounded meal, making it not just filling but enjoyable.

Top Korean BBQ Side Dishes to Serve

1. Kimchi: The Classic Korean Side Dish

You can’t have Korean BBQ without kimchi (김치).

Kimchi is a fermented vegetable dish, usually made with napa cabbage or radishes and flavored with garlic, ginger, and chili.
It’s spicy, tangy, and adds depth to your meal.

Why is Kimchi So Important?

• Fermented: The fermentation process gives kimchi its unique, complex flavors.
• Pairs Perfectly with Grilled Meats: The bold, spicy, and tangy flavors of kimchi complement the savory and smoky flavors of BBQ meats.
• Rich in Probiotics: Not only does it taste great, but it also supports digestion!

How to Serve Kimchi

• Traditional Style: Serve it as a side dish in a small bowl.
• Wrap It in Lettuce: Add a spoonful of kimchi to a lettuce leaf, wrap it around your grilled meat, and enjoy the flavor explosion!

2. Korean Green Onion Salad (Pa Muchim)

This fresh, zesty salad uses green onions, sesame oil, and soy sauce to create a savory and fragrant side dish.

Korean green onion salad (파 무침) is often served with a dash of chili flakes for a touch of spice, making it the perfect complement to BBQ.

Why It’s Essential for BBQ

• Balancing Richness: The green onions add a sharp, fresh flavor that balances the richness of grilled meats.
• Adds Crunch: It provides a crisp texture that’s refreshing alongside fatty cuts of pork or beef.
• Spicy Kick: The chili flakes bring a light heat that makes this dish exciting to eat.

3. Soybean Sprouts (Kongnamul)

A classic in Korean cuisine, soybean sprouts are often seasoned with soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil.
Their mild flavor and crunchy texture make them the perfect side to complement the smokiness of your grilled meats.

Why Add Soybean Sprouts?

• Healthy and Light: This dish is full of vitamins and adds a light, refreshing taste.
• Perfect for BBQ: The crunchy texture contrasts well with the rich, fatty meats.
• Quick and Easy: It only takes a few minutes to prepare.

Looking for the perfect grill for your home BBQ setup? Check out our 3 Best Korean BBQ Grills for Home Use to find the right one for you!

4. Steamed Egg (Gyeran-jjim)

Gyeran-jjim (계란찜), or steamed egg, is a classic Korean side dish that’s soft, savory, and comforting.
It’s made with eggs, soy sauce, sesame oil, and a bit of green onions, all steamed together to create a smooth and creamy texture.

Why Steamed Egg Works

• Soft and Creamy: The silky texture of gyeran-jjim perfectly complements the smoky and rich flavors of grilled meats like pork belly or beef.
• Mild and Savory: It adds a comforting balance to your meal, with just the right amount of savory flavor.
• Easy to Prepare: Simple to make, yet it brings a unique depth of flavor to your BBQ spread.

5. Soybean Paste Soup (Doenjang-jjigae)

Doenjang-jjigae (된장찌개), a soybean paste soup, is another popular side dish for Korean BBQ.

It’s made from fermented soybean paste (doenjang) and typically contains ingredients like tofu, zucchini, onions, and sometimes mushrooms.

The warm, savory broth adds a layer of complexity to the meal.

Why Soybean Paste Soup Works

• Rich and Savory: The fermented flavors of doenjang bring a deep, umami flavor that pairs wonderfully with grilled meats.
• Cleansing and Soothing: The warm broth helps balance out the richness of the BBQ and soothes your palate between bites.
• Perfect with Rice: Served alongside rice, this soup makes for a hearty, satisfying side dish.

6. Korean BBQ and Lettuce Wraps (Ssam)

One of the best ways to enjoy Korean BBQ is by wrapping your grilled meat in lettuce leaves or perilla leaves. This traditional method, known as 쌈, adds a refreshing crunch and helps balance out the rich flavors of the BBQ.

Why Lettuce Wraps Are Important

• Refreshing and Light: The crispiness of lettuce or perilla leaves provides a cool, refreshing contrast to the hot and smoky grilled meats.
• Enhances the Flavor: Wrapping your grilled meat with a variety of sides like kimchi, rice, and garlic in a lettuce leaf enhances the flavor profile, offering a complete bite in every mouthful.
• Customizable: You can add sauces, garlic, and spicy gochujang to your wrap to make it as flavorful as you like.

How to Make the Perfect Korean BBQ Wrap

• Start with the base: Lay a fresh lettuce leaf or perilla leaf on your plate.
• Add grilled meat: Place a piece of grilled pork belly, beef, or Korean short ribs in the center.
• Top with sides: Add a spoonful of kimchi, green onion salad, and a little rice.
• Wrap and enjoy: Fold the edges of the lettuce over the ingredients to create a small bundle, and enjoy!

Why Everyone Loves Ssam (쌈)

• Interactive and Fun: Wrapping your own meal is a fun experience for everyone at the table, making it a communal and social activity.
• Healthier Option: The lettuce adds a layer of freshness without adding unnecessary calories, making the meal feel lighter and healthier.

7. Rice Bowl

A simple rice bowl is essential for any Korean BBQ meal.

The soft, neutral rice helps absorb the BBQ sauces and serves as a base for your grilled meats and sides.

Check out instant rice on Amazon for a quick and easy meal!

Why You Can’t Skip Rice

• Essential for Balance: It balances out the bold flavors of BBQ and enhances the overall meal.
• Versatile: It pairs well with any side dish and adds a satisfying element to your meal.
• I believe it’s a crime to have Korean BBQ without rice 🍚 It balances the rich flavors and completes the meal!

8. Radish Salad (Ssammu)

Ssammu, or pickled radish, is a popular side dish for Korean BBQ.

It’s made from thinly sliced radish, which is pickled with vinegar, salt, and sometimes a little bit of sugar for sweetness. The result is a tangy, crisp side dish that pairs wonderfully with grilled meat.

Why Serve Ssammu?

• Crisp and Refreshing: The radish’s crunch adds a refreshing element, balancing out the richness of grilled meats.
• Cleansing Effect: The tartness of the pickled radish helps cleanse your palate between bites of BBQ.
• Quick to Prepare: Ssammu is simple to make and can be ready in a short amount of time with just a few ingredients.

9. Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad (Oi Muchim)

Oi Muchim, or spicy cucumber salad, is a fresh and vibrant side dish that brings a cooling effect to the BBQ experience.

Made with thinly sliced cucumbers, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a touch of brown sugar, this dish is simple yet bursting with flavor.

Why It’s a Must-Have

• Crisp and Refreshing: The cucumbers add a fresh, crunchy element that contrasts perfectly with grilled meats.
• Balanced Flavor: The spicy and tangy flavors brighten up the rich, fatty BBQ.
• Easy to Make: This side dish requires only a few ingredients and can be prepared in no time.

10. Potato Salad

While not traditionally Korean, potato salad has become a popular side dish in Korean BBQ places.

Korean-style potato salad often incorporates mayonnaise, sesame oil, and green onions, giving it a unique twist.

Why It’s Loved

• Creamy and Mild: It balances the spicy and savory flavors of BBQ with its creamy texture.
• Korean Twist: The addition of sesame oil adds a distinctly Korean flavor.

Conclusion: Serving the Best Korean BBQ Sides

When it comes to Korean BBQ, the right side dishes are essential to complete the experience.

From kimchi to oi muchim and green onion salad, these sides bring a balance of flavors, enhancing the taste of the grilled meats.

So next time you fire up the grill plate, don’t forget the sides! They’re the perfect companions to your Korean BBQ meal, providing freshness, spice, and texture.

Whether you’re enjoying a BBQ dinner at home or celebrating with family at a Korean BBQ restaurant, these side dishes will elevate your meal and bring a little extra Korean culture to your table.

Ready to serve the best Korean BBQ sides? Your guests will be talking about it for weeks!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What are the best side dishes to serve with Korean BBQ?

The best side dishes for Korean BBQ include kimchi, spicy cucumber salad (oi muchim), Korean green onion salad (pa muchim), and soybean sprouts. These dishes offer a perfect balance of spicy, tangy, and refreshing flavors that complement the rich and smoky grilled meats.

2. Can I make Korean BBQ side dishes at home?

Absolutely! Many of the classic Korean BBQ side dishes can easily be made at home with ingredients from Korean markets or Asian grocery stores. Dishes like kimchi, spicy cucumber salad, and green onion salad require only a few simple ingredients and can be prepared in less than 30 minutes.

3. How do I make kimchi for Korean BBQ?

Making kimchi for Korean BBQ is simple. Start with napa cabbage or radish, then mix it with garlic, ginger, fish sauce, chili flakes, and salt. Allow the mixture to ferment for a few days to develop that signature tangy, spicy flavor. You can adjust the level of spice based on your preferences!

4. What are some vegetarian Korean BBQ side dishes?

Some delicious vegetarian Korean BBQ side dishes include spicy cucumber salad, radish salad (kkakdugi), soybean sprouts, and stir-fried veggies. These side dishes are full of flavor and make great additions to your BBQ spread without the need for meat.

5. How do I serve Korean BBQ at home?

To serve Korean BBQ at home, you’ll need a grill plate or electric griddle for grilling the meat. Prepare side dishes like kimchi, potato salad, rice bowl, and green onion salad to complement the meat. Lettuce leaves or perilla leaves can be used to wrap the grilled meat, along with a drizzle of Korean BBQ sauce for extra flavor.

6. What is the role of side dishes in Korean BBQ?

Side dishes are essential in Korean BBQ as they provide balance to the rich and fatty grilled meats. These side dishes, such as kimchi, spicy cucumber salad, and radish salad, help cleanse your palate, add freshness, and enhance the overall dining experience.

7. Can I prepare Korean BBQ side dishes in advance?

Yes! Many Korean BBQ side dishes, especially kimchi, radish salad, and spicy cucumber salad, can be prepared a day or two ahead of time. This allows the flavors to meld together, making them even more delicious when served with your grilled meat.

8. How do I make a complete Korean BBQ meal?

A complete Korean BBQ meal includes a variety of side dishes, including kimchi, soybean sprouts, stir-fried vegetables, and potato salad. The main course should feature grilled meats like pork belly, Korean short ribs, or grilled beef. Pair these with a rice bowl and dipping sauces to round out the meal.

9. Can I serve Korean BBQ with other cuisines?

While Korean BBQ is traditionally enjoyed with Korean side dishes, you can certainly experiment with other side dishes from different cuisines. For example, macaroni salad or corn tortillas can add an interesting twist to your BBQ spread. Just make sure to balance the flavors to complement the richness of the grilled meats.