It is very likely that when Korean BBQ is a topic of discussion, Korean food lovers imagine beautiful meat, grilled right at the table. While this is one of the highlights of Korean BBQ, it does not encapsulate its entirety.
The famed Korean BBQ grill is garnished with almost endless sides that are equally delicious and these are known as banchan. These rotations of side dishes are carefully curated to be both appetizing and colorful, hence every platter is a feast for the desires of each and every food lover.
Let us assume you happen to be in Dalgopchang, the premier-rated Korean BBQ restaurant located right in the heart of Carrollton, Texas. You are in for a surprise as besides their renowned signature grilled intestines dishes, which in Korean are known as gopchang, Dalgopchang has an endless catalog of banchans that will take your meal to the next level. My goal in writing this article is to educate you on the finest of side dishes served with Korean BBQ and how they capture your attention to every detail that is served on your plate.
What are Banchan?
Banchan is a collection of small, flavorful side dishes served with the main dish of a Korean meal. Here, we will be focusing on Korean Barbeque (Korean BBQ) – an experience that is made deliciously complete with these small dishes. The side dishes come in various flavors and textures; these include spicy Korean dishes and refreshing Thai salads. The beauty of banchan is can be served family-style, which emphasizes the delightful experience of savoring the myriad of side dishes together.
Furthermore, banchan goes deeper; every banchan serves to complement the grilled meat, invigorating the taste with refreshing, lighter flavors while balancing the smokiness and richness of the meat. A well-known banchan dish are the cold side dishes; the very ones that make the experience of Korean BBQ a deeper and multi-layered( ротте) journey. These types of dishes are not only masterfully seasoned, but also served with skill, which is what makes Korean BBQ an unforgettable experience.
You can expect to find an extensive selection of banchan dishes alongside delightful grilled meats at Dalgopchang. Don’t worry if you can decide on which of the many Korean BBQ side dishes you should order first – we will explore the must-try options during your visit to this fantastic restaurant.
1. Kimchi: The Classic Korean Side Dish
In discussing the vital ingredients of Korean BBQ, it’s easy to forget to mention kimchi. Whether red or white, kimchi is a vital part of Korean culture, being served with almost every meal There are numerous dishes and styles of kimchi, an often fermented dish of vegetables which captures a rich landscape of flavors from taste buds.
Kimchi highly aids digestion for its rich probiotic content and also provides a good amount of vitamins. With a slightly spicy and sour taste, this fermented and seasoned dish is perfectly fits in between mouthfuls of juicy grilled meats. We at Dalgopchang take extra pride in our homemade, fresh kimchi that will surely vibrate your taste buds and rejuvenate your senses, giving you a tasty kick with every bite.
2. Pickled Radish (Danmuji): Sweet and Refreshing
Korean BBQ is often times served with refreshing Pickled Radish or popularly known as Danmuji which can be a sweet side dish with a delightful touch of sourness. The resistant and crunchy texture of treated radish pickles paired with their stunning bright yellow color is enough to add some cheer to your dinner plate.
Pickled radish (danmuji) is often enjoyed alongside savory meats like samgyeopsal or galbi, as it is tangy and light and can be effortlessly served in bite-sized pieces. Its flavor balances both cuts of meat while providing a refreshing break from their richer taste.
3. Korean Steamed Eggs (Gyeran Jjim): Soft and Savory
Korean steam eggs, or gyeran jjim, is a savory and heartwarming dish made out of beaten eggs that are cooked over low heat with seasonings like soy sauce and garnished with oil. A sprinkle of sesame oil or green onions is often added for garnish alongside serving the dish hot.
At Dalgopchang, you’ll be able to enjoy it served warm alongside your BBQ. The flavor pair well, serving a silky texture that adds a satisfying depth to the grilled meats. Served hot, it has the option to be enjoyed as a dish on its own or alongside the flavorful meats. With having a rich layer of savory taste, it complements perfectly with the grilled meats. Traditional Korean cuisine often serves the eggs with grilled meat, as the two blend together wonderfully when gyeran jjim is consumed all together with the juicy grilled meat.
4. Stir-Fried Spinach (Sigeumchi Namul): Nutritious and Flavorful
A wholesome side dish, runter sigeumchi namul is composed of sautéed spinach seasoned with garlic, sesame oil, and sesame oil. It is a healthy nutritious dish, as well as, pleasing to the taste buds. The combination of tender, slightly garlicky spinach and nutty, rich sesame oil gives the dish its signature taste.
It provides a light yet satisfying addition that compliments the grilled meats, banchan, and even barbecues. This delectable dish is nutritious and aids in balancing the heaviness of the meat dishes.
5. Korean Potato Salad: Creamy and Comforting
Korean potato salad is a creamy and delicious side dish featuring boiled potatoes, onions, as well as mayonnaise, and cucumbers or carrots optional. It is identified by being sweeter, creamier, and thus ideal compared to a regular western potato salad.
The potato salad blends exceptionally well with grilled meats, providing a comfortable balance to the BBQ’s savory smokiness. The vegetables added offer a refreshing bite, enhancing the overall salad while beautifully balancing the richness of the meal. It’s an exquisite side dish that definitely makes an impression.
6. Bean Sprout Salad (Kongnamul Muchim): Crisp and Refreshing
Kongnamul muchim is a common dish served on the side of Korean barbeque which is made from boiled bean sprouts, garlic, sesame oil, and soy sauce. The bean sprouts are mixed with other ingredients to make a deliciously flavorful salad. The texture of the bean sprouts is crisp and fresh which makes them mildly flavorful and great for balancing the stronger flavors of grilled meat.
This dish is tasty, but most importantly, it is light. With its refreshing and crunchy texture, kongnamul muchim goes perfectly with the grilled meat served at Dalgopchang. Not only does this salad go well with barbeque meat, but it also serves to clean your palate and refresh your taste buds after every bite.
7. Korean Pancakes (Jeon): Crispy and Savory
Jeon, or Korean pancakes, are an additional form of savory jeon that is deep-fried until crispy and golden brown. These pancakes may contain kimchi, vegetables, or even seafood. Jeon is served hot with Korean barbeque as a side dish, along with other ingredients that are part of the banchan spread.
Jeon is a nice touch to the Korean BBQ experience because it adds a crispy, savory flavor that balances well with grilled meat. Diners tend to enjoy a jeon pancake, whether it is a kimchi jeon or a vegetable jeon, because of its crispy outer surface and fluffy inner side.
8. Spicy Cucumber Salad (Oi Muchim): Tangy and Refreshing
Oi muchim sets itself apart from other salads with its tangy and spicy flavor. When enjoyed alone, this light salad acts as a palate cleanser to the rich taste of grilled meats. Unlike most salads, this one combines the refreshing cucumber with a spicy sauce made of gochujang, vinegar, and sesame oil. This salad is a cooling relief for the palate and a wonderful way to shift focus from the richness of Korean BBQ.
The salad is unique in that it is cold but the sesame oil makes it spicy. Combined with the richness of the BBQ meat, the salad offers a perfect balance. The unreal salad is a side dish that cleanses one’s palette while still being delicious to enjoy on its own.
9. Sweet Potato Mash: Smooth and Comforting
For a slightly sweet and comforting side, sweet potato mash hits the spot. This side dish consists of boiled sweet potatoes that are mashed and sometimes sweetened with sugar or honey. The creamy sweet mash balances out the savory smoked grilled meats and soothes the taste buds alongside the other side dishes.
The sweet buttery flavor of the sweet potato mash balances the smoky flavor coming from the grilled meat. It truly is an amazing side to have for a BBQ since it does bring a fair amount of balance and satisfies the taste buds.
Conclusion: Why Dalgopchang’s Banchan Will Elevate Your BBQ Experience
Dalgopchang BBQ is a unique experience from Korea and in Korean culture, side dishes, also known as banchan, are vital as they are equal in value to the meat itself. These colorful sides with different flavors and textures are very delicious and help create a balanced sight that is very pleasing to the eye. While you enjoy the meat, you can have authentic sides such as kimchi, a spicy fermented side dish, or refreshing tastes from pickled radish and even steamed Korean eggs.
Regardless of whether it is your first time or your 20th time enjoying Korean BBQ, the selection of Dalgopchang’s banchan is sure to elevate your meal and make your visit memorable. Make the most of your next visit to Dalgopchang and be sure to try out these delightful sides.
