If you’ve ever sat down to a Korean meal and found yourself more excited by the array of little side dishes than the main course you’re not alone. These dishes, known as banchan, are the heart and soul of Korean cuisine. They aren’t just filler they’re flavor-packed stars in their own right. Hi, I’m Sophie Grace, the cook and curator behind Recipes in Style. In this guide, I’m sharing some of the most-loved Korean side dish recipes from my kitchen to yours dishes I’ve crafted to be simple, elegant, and bursting with flavor. Let’s explore how banchan can turn any meal into a restaurant-quality feast.
What Makes Korean Side Dishes So Special?
Banchan are more than just sides they are served with almost every Korean meal and range from savory pancakes to soy-glazed vegetables, grilled seafood, and even mini desserts. They add texture, color, and a flavor contrast that elevate even a bowl of plain rice.
Sweet & Savory: Korean Braised Potatoes (Gamja Jorim)
One of my favorite make-ahead dishes is Korean Braised Potatoes. These potatoes are simmered in a soy-based sauce until tender, then glazed to perfection with a subtle sweetness and umami punch. Perfect for meal prep, this side dish is a staple in Korean lunchboxes and it’s one your whole family will crave again and again.
Crispy & Versatile: Korean Vegetable Pancakes (Yachaejeon)
When I want something crisp and comforting, I make these Korean Vegetable Pancakes. They’re made with scallions, carrots, and whatever vegetables I have on hand. Golden and crispy, they’re a perfect companion to spicy mains or enjoyed with a dipping sauce. These pancakes are a fantastic way to use up fridge veggies while keeping your meal stylish and flavorful.
Minimal & Chewy: Korean Potato Pancakes (Gamjajeon)
Need a 2-ingredient recipe that feels gourmet? Try these Korean Potato Pancakes. With just grated potato and salt, the result is a chewy, golden pancake that’s naturally gluten-free and full of pure, rustic flavor. It’s one of those dishes that proves simple ingredients can be the most satisfying.
Bold & Smoky: Korean Grilled Squid (Ojingeo Gui)
For a banchan that packs heat and a hint of the ocean, I turn to Korean Grilled Squid. Marinated in gochujang, sesame oil, and garlic, this dish is smoky, spicy, and a true showstopper at any dinner table. It’s best served fresh off the grill, but it also makes a flavorful cold side the next day.
Fusion Favorite: Korean Short Rib Burrito
Not a traditional side dish but a deliciously creative one. My Korean Short Rib Burrito wraps sweet-and-savory bulgogi-style beef with rice, kimchi, and spicy mayo. It’s perfect for lunches or as a centerpiece in a modern Korean-themed spread, especially when served alongside classic banchan.
Sweet Finish: Korean Lunch Box Cake (Dosirak Cake)
To round out your Korean meal with a playful twist, try the adorable Korean Lunch Box Cake. While it’s more of a dessert, it often accompanies meals in Korea’s dosirak (lunch boxes). Soft, colorful, and incredibly fun to decorate it adds a sweet, modern flair to your table.
How to Build a Balanced Banchan Spread
- Balance the textures: Include something crisp (like vegetable pancakes), soft (like braised potatoes), and chewy (like grilled squid or potato pancakes).
- Mix the flavors: Aim for spicy, sweet, salty, and umami.
- Serve in small portions: Korean banchan is about variety, not volume.
- Use seasonal vegetables: Keep it fresh, vibrant, and easy.
Want to Explore More?
- Maangchi’s Korean Ingredient List
- The Spruce Eats Guide to Banchan
- Korean Bapsang’s Side Dish Recipes
- Serious Eats on Korean Pantry Staples
Final Thoughts from Sophie
There’s a reason I keep coming back to these Korean side dish recipes they bring balance, bold flavor, and creativity into everyday meals. Whether you’re preparing a weekday dinner or hosting a themed dinner night, these dishes will impress. I’d love to see how you bring Korean flair to your own table! Tag @recipesinstyle or share your photos using #RecipesInStyle. Let’s keep cooking fun, global, and delicious together 💕.