Okay, so we’re diving into something awesome today—Korean fried chicken, folks! If you’ve never tried it, you’re missing out big time. Picture this: crispy, juicy chicken with a bit of sweetness and a touch of spice.
We love it so much we could eat it all day, every day. But let’s be honest, it’s even better when paired with the right side dishes. We’re here to spill the beans on the perfect companions for this crunchy delight.
From classic kimchi fried rice to sesame green beans, we’ve got you covered. Let’s make your Korean fried chicken feast something to remember! Buckle up, it’s gonna be tasty.
Top 10 Side Dishes for Korean Fried Chicken
Here are our top 10 picks for the best side dishes to serve with your Korean fried chicken:
| Side Dish | Main Ingredients | Flavor Profile | Difficulty | Time |
| Kimchi Fried Rice | Rice, kimchi, vegetables | Spicy, tangy | Medium | 25 min |
| Pickled Radishes | Radishes, vinegar, sugar | Tart, crunchy | Easy | 15 min |
| Korean Potato Salad | Potatoes, carrots, cucumber | Creamy, slightly sweet | Easy | 30 min |
| Japchae | Glass noodles, vegetables, soy sauce | Savory, sweet | Medium | 30 min |
| Scallion Pancakes | Scallions, flour, soy sauce | Savory, crispy | Medium | 20 min |
| Steamed Edamame | Edamame, sea salt | Salty, nutty | Easy | 10 min |
| Spicy Cucumber Salad | Cucumbers, gochugaru, sesame oil | Spicy, refreshing | Easy | 15 min |
| Gochujang Brussels Sprouts | Brussels sprouts, gochujang sauce | Spicy, savory | Medium | 35 min |
| Sesame Green Beans | Green beans, sesame seeds, soy sauce | Nutty, savory | Easy | 15 min |
| Korean Corn Cheese | Corn, mozzarella, mayonnaise | Sweet, cheesy | Medium | 20 min |
1 – Kimchi Fried Rice
Kimchi fried rice is fire! We have rice, spicy fermented cabbage (kimchi), and a touch of magic. The dish is spicy, tangy, and a bit sour.
Great texture too—think crunchy and chewy. Includes egg, green onion, sesame oil, and soy sauce. You’ll never get bored with this sidekick for Korean fried chicken.
2 – Pickled Radishes
We love pickled radishes for their bright, zesty crunch. They cut through rich dishes with their tangy flavor and crisp texture. Ingredients include vinegar, sugar, salt, and radishes. The sweetness balances out the acidity perfectly.
We always have these little guys at BBQs. They keep things fresh and exciting. Plus, they add a pop of color to your plate.
3 – Korean Potato Salad
This isn’t your grandma’s potato salad. It’s creamy, sweet, and just a hint of tangy.
We have potatoes, carrots, and cucumbers thrown into the mix. Mayo and sugar make it rich and slightly sweet. The kicker? It’s dusted with black pepper for a subtle spice.
We love it for its creamy texture and the way it balances the crispy chicken. Plus, it’s a fun twist on a classic dish.
4 – Japchae (Korean Glass Noodles)
Japchae: Korean glass noodles—packed with flavor and texture. We have sweet potato starch noodles. Mixed with carrots, spinach, mushrooms, and beef.
Expect a sweet and savory experience. Soy sauce and sesame oil tie it all together. Slight chewiness of the noodles is a win. Paprika and green onions add vibrancy. Japchae isn’t just a side, it’s a star.
5 – Scallion Pancakes
We’re putting the spotlight on scallion pancakes today. These crispy, savory delights are made from a dough of flour, water, and finely chopped scallions. Packed with flavor, they’re pan-fried to a perfect golden brown.
Scallion pancakes offer a satisfying crunch with a hint of oniony sweetness. We’ve always loved their chewy texture paired with a bit of dipping sauce. Simple ingredients, unforgettable taste.
6 – Steamed Edamame
Steamed edamame is our go-to for a quick, tasty snack. Pop open a pod and enjoy the crisp, nutty flavor of these green gems. Simply steamed with a sprinkle of sea salt. They’re light, refreshing, and full of protein.
We appreciate their simplicity and versatility. A healthy, mouthwatering munch perfect for any occasion.
7 – Spicy Cucumber Salad
This side dish is all about fresh, crisp cucumbers enveloped in a tangy, spicy dressing. We’ve got cucumbers, red pepper flakes, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and a pinch of sugar.
It’s bright and fiery at the same time. With each bite, you get a refreshing crunch followed by an addictive kick. We love how it balances heat with coolness.
8 – Gochujang Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts, meet spicy gochujang. These little green bites get a makeover. Think crispy sprouts with a bold, fiery kick. Ingredients: Brussels sprouts, gochujang paste, soy sauce, honey, garlic.
Flavour is sweet, spicy, and savory. We love the crispy char on sprouts. Adds texture and depth. Each bite is an adventure. Pure joy with Korean fried chicken!
9 – Sesame Green Beans
We have tender green beans that are lightly sautéed. They have a subtle crunch combined with a nutty sesame flavor.
Ingredients: green beans, sesame oil, soy sauce, garlic, sesame seeds.
The beans absorb the umami soy sauce and fragrant sesame oil.
They pair brilliantly with Korean fried chicken. We always crave that toasty, slightly sweet taste.
10 – Korean Corn Cheese
Sweet corn meets melted cheese. It’s rich, creamy, and cheesy. We throw in some mayo, sugar, and butter. That’s it, just a handful of ingredients.
The sweetness from the corn and sugar are balanced by the savory cheese. We love how the cheese melts all gooey. It’s a fun, hearty side dish we can’t resist.
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.