We need something epic alongside our bulgogi beef. You know that juicy, flavorful Korean BBQ (bulgogi - thinly sliced, marinated beef from Korean cuisine)?
Yeah, it deserves something special on the table with it.
We've tried it all-crispy, crunchy, sweet, and savory.
Ever had bulgogi with garlic butter rice? Holy moly.
It's a match made in heaven.
Or how about kimchi? Tangy, spicy, and perfect with that savory beef.
T1We're talking about sides that turn your meal into a feast.
Bulgogi might be the star, but the sides bring the magic. Get ready to improve your Korean BBQ game with the best pairings.
We promise these sides will make your palate dance and your stomachs happy.
Top 12 Side Dishes for Bulgogi Beef
Here are some of the best side dishes to serve with bulgogi beef:
1 - Kimchi Fried Rice
Kimchi fried rice is our jam! This side dish combines fermented cabbage (Napa cabbage fermented with gochugaru chili flakes) with rice for a tangy and spicy experience.
It's savory, a bit sour, and totally addictive - a flavor that also pairs nicely with crispy Korean fried chicken sides.
We often add a lightly fried egg on top. It's a useful for texture.
2 - Korean Cucumber Salad
Ever heard of Korean cucumber salad? We love its crispiness and zing.
Thinly sliced cucumbers (often using English or Korean 'oi' cucumbers), rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a touch of sugar create the perfect combo. The flavor?
It's a fantastic palate cleanser and a bright counterpoint to Korean tacos side ideas for flavor balance.
Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a kick.
This side dish is easy and refreshing.
3 - Japchae
Japchae is a wonder. Sweet potato noodles (dangmyeon made from sweet potato starch), veggies, and slices of beef.
T1Tossed with soy sauce and sesame oil.
The texture's unbeatable: chewy noodles, crisp veggies. The flavor?
Sweet, savory, and a hint of garlic. We love the bits of spinach and mushroom.
Pro-tip: Add some chili flakes. It kicks things up a notch.
4 - Korean Spinach Salad
Ok, picture this: a bowl of steamed spinach (Spinacia oleracea), seasoned with soy sauce, garlic, and toasted sesame seeds.
It's soft but crunchy, savory with a hint of nuttiness. We can't get over how simple yet satisfying it is.
This is a dish you won't forget and it pairs well with spinach stuffed chicken side pairings.
5 - Sautéed Mushrooms with Soy Sauce
Hey, let's talk about mushrooms. We sauté them with soy sauce for a umami bomb you won't forget.
Mushrooms (shiitake or cremini) soak up the soy, giving them a savory goodness.
Ingredients? Simple: Mushrooms, soy sauce, garlic, and a touch of sesame oil - flavors that contrast nicely with Béarnaise sauce side complements for steak.
We love them for their rich, meaty texture.
6 - Roasted Sweet Potato Wedges
Sweet potatoes (a root vegetable, sweet and starchy, often orange-fleshed) are a side dish we can't get enough of. Cut into wedges, tossed with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Roast until crispy and golden, making them a tasty match for roasted vegetables side pairings for meals.
These wedges offer a crunchy exterior with a soft inside. We often add a sprinkle of smoked paprika or cinnamon for an extra kick.
7 - Korean Potato Salad
Korean potato salad is a different kind of comfort food we adore.
It has mashed and cubed potatoes (commonly Yukon Gold or russet), mayo, and a touch of sugar. This gives it a creamy, slightly sweet flavor.
Sometimes we mix in apples or even cucumbers for crunch. It's both creamy and refreshing.
Try adding boiled eggs for extra richness. Just yum.
8 - Garlic Sautéed Broccoli
While simple, garlic sautéed broccoli has us hooked. The flavor is garlicky, salty, and a bit nutty from the toasted sesame oil.
Ingredients? Broccoli, garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
We love how the garlic enhances the broccoli's natural sweetness, making each bite satisfying.
Pro-tip: Add a dash of chili flakes if you like some heat.
With its crisp texture and bold flavor, it's a standout side dish for any meal.
9 - Sesame Soy Glazed Eggplant
We love eggplant, especially when it's glazed in a savory sesame soy sauce. It's tender, slightly sweet, and packed with umami from roasted Japanese eggplant.
No complications here-just simple ingredients: eggplant, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and a little honey.
This side dish is rich and flavorful. It's perfect with any meal.
Trust us, you'll keep coming back for more.
10 - Miso Glazed Carrots
Carrots get a major upgrade with this miso glaze. We take fresh carrots and cook them until they're tender but still have a bit of snap.
Then, we toss them with miso (typically white shiro miso), honey, and a touch of soy sauce for that killer umami flavor.
Each bite is sweet, savory, and a little salty. Simple ingredients, beautiful taste.
11 - Korean Scallion Pancakes
We are obsessed with Korean scallion pancakes! Crispy, golden outside, soft inside.
Bursting with fresh scallions (Allium fistulosum), it's simplicity at its finest.
Ingredients? Flour, water, egg, scallions, and soy sauce.
That's it. Fry on a hot pan until golden perfection.
Perfect balance of savory and slight sweetness. Dip them in soy sauce and relish in each bite.
We've tried adding shrimp too-so good!
12 - Steamed Edamame
Simply boil fresh, young soybeans (immature soybeans harvested before they ripen) and sprinkle with sea salt.
Quick, easy and healthy. The flavor is clean and slightly nutty.
For a twist, we sometimes add a dash of chili flakes or garlic powder. The texture is both tender and slightly firm.
Perfect for munching while waiting for the bulgogi to cook.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.
