What To Serve With Bulgogi: 15 Best Side Dishes

Bulgogi is a popular Korean dish made with thinly sliced marinated beef, cooked to perfection and bursting with flavor.

It's often served with a variety of side dishes, known as banchan, that complement and enhance the overall taste experience.

To help you create the perfect Korean Beef meal, we've compiled a list of 15 fantastic side dishes that pair beautifully with this delectable dish.

Looking for a quick answer?

The best side dishes to serve with Bulgogi are kimchi, steamed rice, japchae, pickled radish, brown rice, radish chips, fried tofu, seaweed salad, stir-fried zucchini, spicy cucumber salad, Korean potato salad, soybean sprout salad, and grilled vegetables.

Now, let's get cooking!

1. Kimchi

Kimchi is a traditional Korean fermented side dish made from cabbage, radish, or cucumber, and seasoned with various spices. Its tangy, spicy, and slightly sour taste adds a delightful contrast to the savory flavors of Bulgogi. Kimchi is not only delicious but also packed with probiotics and essential nutrients.

2. Steamed Rice

Steamed rice is a staple in Korean cuisine and serves as a neutral base that complements the rich flavors of the Korean beef. The fluffy and slightly sticky texture of the rice helps to balance the bold taste of the marinated beef, creating a harmonious and satisfying meal.

3. Japchae

Japchae is a Korean noodle dish made with sweet potato noodles, vegetables, and a savory-sweet sauce. Its delightful combination of textures and flavors make it an excellent side dish to serve with Bulgogi. The chewy noodles and fresh vegetables provide a pleasant contrast to the tender meat.

4. Pickled Radish

Pickled radish is a light and refreshing side dish that pairs well with the rich flavors of Bulgogi. Its tangy, slightly sweet taste and crunchy texture add a delightful contrast to the savory beef. Pickled radish also helps cleanse the palate, enhancing the overall dining experience.

5. Radish Chips

Radish chips are a unique and tasty side dish that pairs well with Bulgogi. Made by thinly slicing radishes and baking or frying them until crispy, they add a delightful crunch to your meal. The slightly peppery taste of the radish chips complements the savory flavors of the marinated beef, offering an interesting and enjoyable contrast.

6. Korean Potato Salad

Korean potato salad is a creamy and delicious side dish that works well with Korean beef. Made with boiled potatoes, vegetables, and a slightly sweet mayonnaise-based dressing, it adds a comforting and satisfying element to your meal. The smooth texture of the potato salad provides a nice contrast to the tender beef.

7. Soybean Sprout Salad

Soybean sprout salad is a healthy and refreshing side dish that pairs perfectly with Bulgogi. Made with blanched soybean sprouts, sesame oil, and seasonings, it adds a light, earthy taste to your meal. The crunchy texture of the sprouts provides an enjoyable contrast to the marinated beef.

8. Grilled Vegetables

Grilled vegetables are a simple and versatile side dish that can be easily paired with Bulgogi. The smoky, charred flavors of the vegetables enhance the taste of the marinated beef, while the variety of textures creates a satisfying meal. Popular choices include bell peppers, zucchini, onions, and mushrooms.

9. Brown Rice

Brown rice is a nutritious and wholesome option that pairs well with Bulgogi. Its nutty flavor and chewy texture add a hearty element to your meal, while still balancing the savory flavors of the beef. Brown rice is also packed with fiber, making it a healthy choice for a side dish.

10. Fried Tofu

Fried tofu is a delicious and protein-rich side dish that complements Bulgogi beautifully. The crispy exterior and soft interior of the tofu provide a pleasant contrast to the tender beef. You can serve it with a dipping sauce or season it with soy sauce and sesame oil for added flavor.

11. Seaweed Salad

Seaweed salad is a light and refreshing side dish that pairs well with Bulgogi. Made with various types of seaweed, sesame oil, and seasonings, it adds a unique texture and earthy taste to your meal. The subtle flavors of the seaweed salad help to balance the bold taste of the marinated beef.

12. Stir-Fried Zucchini

Stir-fried zucchini is a simple and flavorful side dish that works well with Bulgogi. The tender-crisp texture of the zucchini and the light seasoning of garlic and sesame oil complement the rich flavors of the beef. This easy-to-make side dish adds a touch of freshness to your meal.

13. Korean Pancakes

Korean pancakes, or Pajeon, are a savory and satisfying side dish that can be served with Bulgogi. Made with a variety of ingredients such as green onions, seafood, or kimchi, these pancakes offer a crispy and chewy texture that pairs well with the tender marinated beef.

14. Marinated Bean Sprouts

Marinated bean sprouts, or Kongnamul, is a popular Korean side dish that goes perfectly with Bulgogi. Made with blanched bean sprouts, garlic, green onions, and seasonings, it adds a light and crunchy element to your meal. The refreshing taste of Kongnamul balances the rich flavors of the Bulgogi.

15. Spicy Cucumber Salad

Spicy cucumber salad is a simple yet flavorful side dish that complements Bulgogi beautifully. Made with thinly sliced cucumber, spicy chili paste, garlic, and a touch of sugar, this salad adds a burst of freshness and heat to your meal. The crisp cucumber and bold flavors make it a great addition to any Bulgogi feast.

More Recipes

What To Serve With Grilled Salmon

What To Serve With Stir Fry

What To Serve With Coconut Shrimp

What To Serve With Dumplings