The Top 10 Korean Side Dishes You Want to Try this Chuseok (추석) Korean Thanksgiving

The Top 10 Korean Side Dishes You Want to Try this Chuseok (추석) Korean Thanksgiving

1. Tteokbokki (떡볶이): The Street Food Star

Tteokbokki is the ultimate Korean comfort food. Imagine chewy tteok (rice cakes) bathed in a sweet and spicy gochujang (Korean chili paste) sauce that’s so addictive, it’s hard to stop eating. Whether you’re trying the classic version, buldak tteokbokki for a spicy kick, or the trendy rose tteokbokki with a creamy twist, this dish has something for everyone. Traditionally sold as street food, tteokbokki has its roots in royal court cuisine, where it was once made with soy sauce instead of the spicy red sauce we know today. Whether you like it mild or mouth-searingly hot, tteokbokki is a must-try for anyone looking to experience the bold flavors of banchan Korean food. You can easily try making it at home with this tteokbokki recipe.

2. Japchae (잡채): The Party Pleaser

Japchae is a dish that never fails to impress at gatherings. It’s a colorful mix of glass noodles, stir-fried with an array of vegetables and sometimes meat, all tossed in a slightly sweet soy-based sauce. The japchae recipe is beloved for its delightful chewiness and the fresh crunch of the vegetables. Originally served only in royal palaces, japchae has become a beloved dish for special occasions like weddings and holidays. The noodles, made from sweet potato starch, are a signature of banchan Korean side dishes, offering a perfect balance of textures and flavors.

3. Gyeran Jjim (계란찜): The Comforting Classic

Gyeran Jjim, or Korean steamed eggs, is a light, fluffy custard that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Often served in a stone pot to keep it hot and soft, this dish is a staple in Korean households, loved for its simple, comforting flavors. For a delicious twist, try adding mentaiko (명란), seasoned pollock roe. The rich, slightly salty mentaiko pairs perfectly with the mild eggs, creating a delightful balance that enhances the dish’s comforting nature. Whether plain or with mentaiko, Gyeran Jjim is a versatile banchan Korean side dish that complements the spicier banchan on the table.

4. Myeolchi Bokkeum (멸치볶음): The Umami Bomb

Don’t let the small size of these stir-fried anchovies fool you—Myeolchi Bokkeum packs a punch! These tiny, crispy fish are coated in a sweet and savory glaze made from soy sauce, sugar, and a hint of garlic, creating an irresistible combination of flavors. This dish is a common sight in Korean lunchboxes and pairs beautifully with a bowl of warm rice. It’s the kind of banchan Korean dish that you might not think of as a favorite until you find yourself reaching for just one more bite. Want to try it? Check out this myeolchi bokkeum recipe.

5. Yeongeun Jorim (연근조림): The Sweet and Crunchy Delight

Yeongeun Jorim, or braised lotus root, is a dish that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious. The lotus root slices are cooked in a sweet soy sauce mixture until they become tender yet still retain a satisfying crunch. This dish is often served during special occasions and holidays, symbolizing health and longevity. The unique texture of lotus root, somewhere between a potato and a water chestnut, makes this dish a delightful experience for the palate and a standout in the world of banchan Korean side dishes. If you want to try it, here’s a great option.

6. Myeonginamul (명이나물): The BBQ Companion

Myeonginamul, or pickled wild garlic leaves, might not be as well-known as other banchan Korean side dishes, but it’s a hidden gem, especially when paired with Korean barbecue sides. These leaves are lightly pickled, giving them a slightly sweet and tangy flavor that cuts through the richness of grilled meats. In Korea, they’re often used as wraps, adding a burst of freshness to each bite. If you’re looking for something different to enhance your BBQ experience, try Myeonginamul, a fantastic choice.

7. Sigeumchi Namul (시금치나물): The Nutritious Favorite

Sigeumchi Namul is a simple, healthy Korean side dish spinach made from blanched spinach seasoned with soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic. Despite its simplicity, this dish is a staple in Korean households and is often one of the first banchan introduced to children. It’s light, refreshing, and packed with nutrients, making it a perfect balance to the richer dishes on the table. Korean side dish spinach is also a key component of bibimbap, adding both color and flavor to the dish.

8. Yangnyeom Gejang (양념게장): The Bold and Spicy Crab

Yangnyeom Gejang is not for the faint of heart but is a must-try for seafood lovers. This dish features raw crabs marinated in a spicy, garlicky sauce that’s bursting with flavor. The crabs are so well-marinated that every part, from the claws to the roe, is infused with the bold sauce. In Korea, this dish is considered a delicacy, often enjoyed with a bowl of hot rice to balance the intense flavors. It’s a dish that’s sure to leave a lasting impression in the realm of banchan Korean food. Want to taste it? Here’s how you can get it.

9. Oiji (오이지): The Tangy Pickle

Oiji, or cucumber Korean side dish, are crunchy and tangy additions to any Korean meal. These Korean cucumber banchan are fermented in a brine of salt, vinegar, and sometimes chili, giving them a sharp, refreshing flavor that’s perfect for cleansing the palate between bites of heavier dishes. Oiji is particularly popular in the summer when its cool, crisp texture offers a welcome contrast to the heat.

10. Dubu Jorim (두부조림): The Spicy Tofu

Dubu Jorim, or braised tofu, is a dish that transforms the humble tofu into a flavor-packed banchan Korean side dish. The tofu is simmered in a spicy soy-based sauce until it absorbs all the delicious flavors, making it both soft and savory with just the right amount of heat. It’s a great dish for those looking toadd a bit of protein to their meal without resorting to meat. The richness of the sauce makes it a perfect companion to a bowl of rice.

These top 10 banchan Korean side dishes are more than just accompaniments—they’re essential to the Korean dining experience. Each one brings its own unique flavor, texture, and story to the table, making banchan Korean food a journey of taste and tradition. Whether you’re new to Korean cuisine or a seasoned fan, these banchan are sure to add excitement and depth to your next meal. For more on Korean cuisine, check out resources like SEOULSPACE or Seoul Korea Asia for additional recipes and insights.