A Simple Start to Korean Cuisine
Korean food can feel intimidating at first: bold flavors, colorful presentations, and a table overflowing with dishes. But what if I told you that you only need three small dishes to get started?
This post will introduce you to three easy Korean side dishes (banchan) that anyone can make. Whether you're new to Korean food or just looking to try something fresh, these recipes are simple, quick, and guaranteed to bring authentic Korean flavors to your kitchen.
Three Essential Korean Side Dishes
- Soy Sauce-Seasoned Spinach (시금치나물, Sigeumchi Namul)
A light, nutty vegetable dish that complements any main course.
- How to make it:
- Blanch fresh spinach in boiling water for 30 seconds. Rinse in cold water and squeeze out excess moisture.
- Season with soy sauce (1 tbsp), sesame oil (1 tsp), minced garlic (1/2 tsp), and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
- Why You'll Love It:
The nutty sesame oil paired with tender spinach creates a comforting, earthy flavor. Perfect for balancing heavier dishes.
- Sweet and Savory Stir-Fried Anchovies (멸치볶음, Myeolchi Bokkeum)
A crunchy, protein-packed dish with a perfect balance of sweet and salty.
- How to make it:
- Stir-fry dried anchovies in a lightly oiled pan until crispy.
- Add a sauce made of soy sauce (1 tbsp), sugar (1 tbsp), and honey (1 tsp). Mix well and let it cool for extra crunch.
- Why You'll Love it:
A little sweet, a little salty, and undenialbly addictive. It's a great introduction to anchovies, even for skeptics.
- Spicy Cucumber Salad (오이무침, Oi Muchim)
Crisp cucumbers in a vibrant, tangy, and spicy dressing.
- How to make it:
- Slice cucumbers thinly, sprinkle with salt, and let sit for 10 minutes. Rinse and pat dry.
- Toss with a dressing made from Korean chili flakes (1 tbsp), rice vinegar (1 tbsp), soy sauce (1 tsp), sesam oil (1 tsp), sugar (1/2 tsp), and minced garlic (1/2 tsp).
- Why You'll Love it:
Bright, spicy, and refreshing, this dish adds a zing to and meal.
Bring Korea to Your Table
Mastering these three side dishes is like unlocking the gateway to Korean cuisine. They're simple, flavorful, and versatile-perfect for pairing with a bowl of rice or experimenting with your favorite proteins.
So, grab your ingredients, and let your journey into the world of Korean food begin. These small bites are just the start of something delicious!