Explore 21 Korean side dishes known as Banchan! They are the highlight of the Korean meals. Make these easy recipes, from vegetables to tofu, right in your kitchen.

21 Korean side dishes, Banchan, recipes are collected as a roundup.

Here is a collection of quick and easy Korean side dishes (Banchan). Banchan dishes are essential for any Korean meal and are key elements of Korean cuisine.

Enjoy a range of vegetable side dishes made from ingredients like soybean sprouts, cucumber, spinach, potatoes, tofu, and eggs. Many of these dishes are vegetarian or vegan-friendly.

These recipes are simple and fast, ready in 30 minutes or less. They use popular Korean cooking techniques such as blanching, steaming, braising, and pan-frying with simple seasonings.

What about kimchi? Yes, kimchi counts as a side dish in Korean cuisine, but it stands in a category all its own. Therefore, I haven’t included it in this banchan roundup. You can find numerous kimchi recipes on my site.

Easy & Quick Korean Side Dishes (Banchan)

Soybean sprouts are served as a side dish on the napkin.
1

Korean Bean Sprout Side Dish (Kongnamul Muchim)

We call this soybean sprout side dish, “a national side dish of Korea" because every household consumes this bean sprout Korean side dish at least once a week.
Spicy braised tofu slices are placed in an oval platter with a pair of chopsticks
2

Korean Braised Tofu (Dubu Jorim)

Korean braised tofu (dubu jorim) is a quick and easy dish ready in 20 minutes! Crispy tofu is braised in a savory soy sauce with gochugaru, making it perfect as a side dish or a main meal with rice or noodles.
Two Korean spinach side dishes are served with rice on a tray.
3

Korean Spinach Banchan (Two Ways)

Korean spinach banchan, also known as Sigumchi Namul, is a classic side dish in Korean cuisine. There are two delicious variations of this recipe – one made with soy sauce and the other with gochujang – that you can learn to make and choose your favorite.
Korean cucumber salad (oi-muchim) made with gocujang dressing.
4

Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad (Oi Muchim)

Korean cucumber salad (Oi Muchim) is a crunchy, refreshing side dish perfect for any meal. This quick, 10-minute recipe features a sweet, salty, spicy, and tangy sauce with a hint of gochujang.
A plate of jangjorim with quail eggs and pepper.
5

Jangjorim (Soy Braised Beef with Eggs)

Jangjorim is a Korean side dish of soy-braised beef, often with eggs and shishito peppers. The beef is tender from braising and complements any Korean meal nicely.
Korean eggplant side dish is presented in a small serving dish with chopsticks.
6

Steamed Korean Eggplant (Gaji Namul)

Gaji namul, a Korean steamed eggplant side dish, is simple to make and full of flavor. With its vibrant purple color, soft texture, and savory taste, it’s a perfect addition to any meal.
Korean style crispy pan-fried tofu with dipping sauce.
7

Crispy Pan Fried Tofu (Quick Korean Style)

Make crispy pan-fried tofu in 10 minutes! Enjoy Korean-style tofu (dubu buchim) with a golden crust and flavorful sauce, no long time pressing or cornstarch needed.
Streamed silken tofu with Korean soy chili sauce is easy to spoon up
8

5-Minute Microwave Silken Tofu (Soft Tofu)

This Korean silken tofu recipe comes together in under 5 minutes with the help of a microwave. Topped with a simple soy chili sauce, it’s an easy, flavorful side dish or light meal that’s perfect for busy days.
Korean braised lotus root is served in a white plate with chopsticks on the side.
9

Korean Braised Lotus Root (Yeongeun Jorim)

Korean braised lotus root (Yeongeun Jorim) is simmered in a sweet-savory soy glaze, creating a glossy, chewy, and slightly crisp texture. Perfect as a Korean side dish (banchan), it pairs beautifully with steamed rice.
Steaming hot volcanic Korean egg cooked in a stone pot.
10

Korean Steamed Eggs (Gyeran Jjim)

Enjoy fluffy, velvety Korean steamed eggs, also known as Gyeran Jjim. This easy recipe combines eggs and chicken stock, steamed to perfection in a small pot for a delicious, melt-in-your-mouth side dish.
Potato strips and shredded vegetables are pan fried in a pan with wooden spatula.
11

Gamja Bokkeum (Korean Stir-Fried Potatoes)

Gamja Bokkeum is a Korean stir-fried potato dish with a soft yet chewy texture. It's easy to make with simple ingredients and full of flavor!
Cubes of Korean potato side dish is on a napkin with a pair of chopsticks
12

Easy Gamja Jorim (Korean Braised Potatoes)

Gamja Jorim is a popular Korean side dish made with potatoes braised in a sweet and savory soy sauce. This easy recipe takes the flavor of regular braised potatoes to the next level.
Fish cake side dish served with rice.
13

Korean Fish Cake Side Dish (Eomuk Bokkeum)

Eomuk bokkeum, a popular Korean fish cake side dish, is quick and easy to make with soy sauce, onions, and other basic Asian pantry ingredients.
Two types of Korean anchovy side dishes are served with rice
14

Korean Dried Anchovy Side Dish (Two Recipes)

Dried anchovies make a tasty Korean side dish with the slightly sweet and salty flavor along with the crunchy texture. Here are two different Korean anchovy recipes that you can easily make at home.
Korean shredded squid side dish is on a greet plate with a pair of chopsticks.
15

Spicy Shredded Squid Side Dish

Dried shredded squid make a tasty Korean side dish. It is cooked with sweet and savory gochujang sauce. This chewy side dish is a popular item for Korean lunch box.
Steamed Chilies (Shishito Peppers)
16

Korean Steamed Shishito Peppers

Korean steamed shishito peppers are a delightful and easy-to-make side dish that pairs well with many Korean main courses.
Homemade roasted seaweed snacks made in bulk in no time.
17

Homemade Roasted Seaweed Snacks

Homemade roasted seaweed snacks are quick and easy to make in just 25 minutes. This recipe produces crispy, nutty, and delicious snacks perfect for munching. Be sure to use raw dried seaweed sheets for the best results!
Spicy potatoes braised in a skillet.
18

Spicy Braised Potatoes (Maeun Gamja Jorim)

Spicy braised potatoes, or Maeun Gamja Jorim, are a hearty Korean side dish. Potatoes are quickly braised in a gochujang and gochugaru sauce, creating tender, umami-packed bites.
Zucchini squash and dried anchovy side dish is served on a grey plate in a woven platter
19

Korean Zucchini Side Dish

This Korean zucchini side dish (hobak bokkeum) is made by a quick simmering rather than stir-frying. This is a homestyle banchan that any Korean food lover will enjoy.
Korean cabbage tossed with Korean Soybean Paste serve as a vegan side dish.
20

Korean Cabbage with Soybean Paste

A tender young spring Korean cabbage is tossed in Korean soybean paste. Any leafy vegetables can be used and perfect to serve with rice.
A seasoned and steamed perilla leaf is on a bowl of rice
21

Quick Steamed Perilla Leaves (kkaennip jjim)

This steamed perilla leaves are seasoned with Korean soy sauce and chili flakes, then cooked in a microwave. It makes a quick side dish.

And there you have it – 21+ easy & quick Korean side dishes (Banchan) that you can enjoy with your loved ones! I hope this list brought you some inspiration for your Korean cooking adventure.

Soybean sprouts are served as a side dish on the napkin.

Easy and Quick Korean Side Dishes: Korean Bean Sprout

This Korean bean sprout side dish is made with soybean sprouts. It has a crunchy texture and nutty taste. This recipe is easy and quick to make.
5 from 1 rating

Ingredients

Instructions 

  • Put sprouts in a pot and pour in 4 tablespoon of water. Close the lid tightly and let the sprouts cook over medium heat for 6 minutes. Do not open the lid. If you have a glass lid, you will see the steamed water drips down under the lid.
  • Remove the pot from the heat and open the lid. Stir and turn the sprouts so that the ones on the bottom come to the top and the ones on the top end up on the bottom, and wait for 30 seconds.
  • Drain the spouts in a colander to remove the extra water and let cool for a couple of minutes.
  • Place the warm sprouts in a large mixing bowl. Add garlic, green onion, Korean soy soy sauce, sesame oil, toasted sesame seeds, and a pinch of salt. Toss the salad with your hand or using kitchen tongs to mix well.
  • Taste the salad and add more salt if needed. Serve at room temperature or chilled.
Calories: 48kcal, Carbohydrates: 4g, Protein: 2g, Fat: 3g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 116mg, Potassium: 102mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 2g, Vitamin A: 32IU, Vitamin C: 8mg, Calcium: 23mg, Iron: 1mg
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