Oi Muchim is also known as Cucumber Salad, and it is a staple in Korean cuisine.
This crunchy Banchan recipe pairs perfectly with meat, rice, fish, and anything in between. It only takes 5 minutes to toss the ingredients together, and the results are absolutely sensational.
If you are new to Korean cuisine, or you just don’t have much time to make a side dish, Oi Muchim is the perfect recipe to make.
Also known as Korean Sweet Soy-Glazed Potatoes, Gamja Bookeum is easy to make and full of flavor- you won’t be able to get enough of this one.
Using Yukon Gold potatoes, you will be shallow-frying them until they are golden brown in color.
Once you have done that, you will then be simmering the potatoes in a mouthwatering mixture of soy sauce, water, fish sauce, finely grated garlic, and sugar.
The result is a tasty side dish that is absolutely bursting with flavor.
Serve with any meat dishes or tofu for a well-rounded meal.
Hobak Bokkeum is also known as Stir-fried Zucchini, and it is a simple, but delicious Banchan recipe you will absolutely love.
Like Kkaennip Jjim, it is typically served as a summer side dish, but you can enjoy it regardless of what time of year it is.
This recipe uses Korean zucchini called aehobak, but if you can’t get hold of this particular variety, you can use any other zucchini, and it will still taste just as delicious.
Serve with main courses such as bulgogi, galbi, jeyuk bokkeum, or in bibimbap.
Meat Banchan Recipes
While vegetable Banchan is more popular, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t meat alternatives.
From pan-fried Wanja Jeon all the way to hearty JangJoRim, there are plenty of choices that you can sink your teeth into.
If you are in the mood for some meat banchan recipes, take a look below.
Wanja Jeon combines pan-fried meat with tofu to create a soft and juicy Banchan you will want to make again and again.
This is a simple recipe to make and doesn’t require too many ingredients, but it is still bursting with flavor. They are similar to Korean pancakes in texture and can be made in a variety of different ways.
In Korea, Wanja Jeon is often made for special occasions, but you can make them at any time of the year.
Serve with soy sauce or Korean chili paste to turn this Banchan into a midday snack.
Also known as Sauteed Dried Shrimp, Maleun Saewoo Bokkeum is a delicious shrimp dish that usually accompanies rice.
With this recipe, you will not only be cooking and eating the shrimp meat but also the shrimp shell.
The trickiest part of this recipe is removing the shrimp heads, but this can be made easier by sautéing the shrimp first in a pan without oil for a couple of minutes.
The extra effort for this Banchan is worth it for a delicious dish that you won’t be able to get enough of.
Kimchi Banchan Recipes
Kimchi is one of the most popular ingredients in Korea, so it is featured in plenty of different recipes, including side dishes.
Knowing how to make your own kimchi can also save a lot of time, and it keeps for a while, so why not use it?
If you want to try some kimchi Banchan recipes, take a look below.
Known more commonly as Cubed Radish Kimchi, Kkakdugi is an alternative type of Kimchi made using cubed radish instead of Napa cabbage.
It is used as a side dish alongside many main courses in Korea, and it is incredibly easy to make.
Kkakdugi is spicy, salty, and incredibly crunchy, making it the perfect Banchan recipe if you need something quick and delicious to accompany your main meal.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are plenty of Banchan recipes out there, and the options we have included here are some of the best.
The beauty of Banchan is that it pairs beautifully with so many main courses, and you can serve multiple side dishes in one go.
Try making some of the options we have included today and see which ones you enjoy the most.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Korean Side Dishes Healthy?
Generally yes, Banchan is considered to be healthy. This is because most Korean Banchan dishes are made using health-promoting ingredients such as fermented vegetables.
How Many Side Dishes In A Korean Meal?
There is no set amount of Banchan you need to include in a Korean meal, but you can expect quite a few at the table. It is not uncommon to have 10, 15, or even 20 different Banchan to accompany your main meal.
Why Do Koreans Love Side Dishes?
In Korean culture, it is quite important to share food. Banchan makes the sharing process a lot easier and more accessible, allowing everyone at the table to share and enjoy food together. Meal times are communal times, and this is one of many reasons why side dishes are so popular.
I'm Barbara Hunt, the founder of WomenChefs.org. Being a mom of two, I understand the challenges of meal planning and the monotony it can bring.
That's why I created WomenChefs.org, a platform dedicated to showcasing the skills and delicious dishes crafted by amazing women. My goal is to provide a space where women can find delectable recipes that tantalize their taste buds and ignite their senses.
I hope you'll join me in exploring WomenChefs.org and discovering your next favorite recipe. Let's embrace culinary diversity and try something new together!
