Korean fried chicken is a game changer—crisp, savory and topped with a delicious sauce. But, let’s be honest, even the best main meals can benefit from some excellent Korean fried chicken sides.
So, what should you serve alongside this delicious chicken to round out the meal? Check out these 26 delicious Korean fried chicken sides.
Why Korean Fried Chicken Sides Matter
We all know that the star of the show is Korean fried chicken. However, without a strong supporting cast of side dishes, the meal may fall flat.
An excellent side dish should add a complementary flavor, improve texture, and balance the main meal without being overbearing. Hence, getting the appropriate sides is vital!
Without further ado, here is a tasty selection of side dishes that will pair perfectly with your wonderful Korean fried chicken:
Korean Fried Chicken Sides
1. Fried Rice
A timeless option that never disappoints. Fried rice is an excellent way to complete your Korean Fried Chicken dinner.
It’s adaptable, simple to prepare and can be customized with whatever vegetables or proteins you have on hand. Whether you choose basic veggie fried rice or something more complicated, it will be a hit.
2. Korean Corndogs
Take your dinner to the next level with Korean Corn Dogs. These aren’t your typical corn dogs; they’re coated in panko breadcrumbs and frequently feature bits of potato on the outside.
Dip them in ketchup or gochujang for an added kick of flavor. It’s a pleasant, kid-friendly aspect that grownups also enjoy.
3. Springrolls
Spring rolls are an excellent choice for a light meal. They’re a crunchy and refreshing contrast to the heavy fried chicken, packed with fresh vegetables and frequently include shrimp or pig. Don’t forget the dipping sauce—a tangy or spicy dip takes them to a new level.
4. Kimchi Pancakes
What goes better with Korean Fried Chicken than another Korean favorite? Kimchi pancakes are crunchy and somewhat acidic, providing a unique flavor profile to your meal. They’re simple to make and may be prepared while the chicken is frying.
5. Egg Rolls in a Bowl
Imagine all of the deliciousness of an egg roll without the wrapper. That is precisely what you get with an egg roll in a bowl. It’s a deconstructed version that’s full of taste but lighter than the typical deep-fried egg roll.
6. Steamed dumplings
Who doesn’t love dumplings? Steamed dumplings, whether meat-filled or vegetarian, are always popular. Serve them with a side of soy sauce or a homemade dipping sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
7. Garlic Butter Mushroom
Mushrooms sautéed in garlic butter are not only delicious but also an appealing side dish. They add a dimension of umami and richness that pairs wonderfully with the chicken.
8. Seaweed Salad
A seaweed salad provides a rush of ocean flavor while being light enough to offset a substantial meal. Its distinct texture and flavor make it an unusual side dish that is not only tasty but also high in nutrients.
9. Sweet & Sour Radish Salad
This salad, made with thin radish strips and simple ingredients, has a pleasantly sweet and tart flavor profile.
This radish salad is often made with the same flavors as kimchi, but you can add sugar and vinegar for a more intense flavor.
Make sure you use a good radish to provide crispness and a spicy flavor to each bite.
10. Cucumber Salad
Cucumber salad is an excellent palette cleanser. You only need sliced cucumber, a dash of vinegar and some seasonings.
It’s a refreshing and crisp side dish that balances off the fried chicken’s heavy flavor.
11. Hong Kong Noodles
To complete the list, Hong Kong Noodles serves a satisfying and savory side dish that is a little different. These noodles, stir-fried with a variety of veggies and a savory sauce, add texture and flavor to your Korean Fried Chicken dish.
12. Ramen
A cup of ramen is usually a nice idea, and it goes especially well with Korean Fried Chicken. Choose a lighter broth to balance the meal, or go all out with a heavy, pork-based soup. Make it your own by adding your favorite toppings, such as bamboo shoots, scallions and a soft-boiled egg.
13. Cold soba noodles
Cold soba noodles with dipping sauce provide a welcome change of pace. The nuttiness of the buckwheat noodles, along with a tangy dipping sauce, provides a fresh, crisp contrast to the fried chicken.
14. Korean Sesame Broccoli
Because broccoli is always in season, you can enjoy this quick and easy side dish at any time of year.
Broccoli is not something the kids would eat right away. However, if you blanch it and season it with sesame oil, sesame seeds and salt, you’ll have a delicious, nutty and crunchy side dish. This meal will delight the entire family!
15. Jasmine Rice
Jasmine rice, a staple in many Asian cuisines, is both easy and tasty. Its fragrant aroma and fluffy texture make it an ideal medium for soaking up the flavors of Korean fried chicken.
It’s also simple to make, whether in a rice cooker or on the stovetop, making supper preparation a breeze.
16. Pickled Radish
Pickled radish is an effective palate cleanser. It’s acidic, slightly sweet, and has a crunchy texture that goes great with fried meals.
17. Zucchini fritters
Zucchini fritters are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, adding another layer of fried pleasure to your meal with a vegetable twist. Serve with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt sauce to balance out the flavor.
18. Spicy Tofu Stir-Fry
If you want to add some spice to your dish, try a spicy tofu stir-fry. Tofu cubes are stir-fried with vegetables and a spicy sauce, which adds protein and flavor to your meal.
19. Korean Potato Salad
Korean potato salad, a variant of the classic, uses apples and cucumbers for a distinct texture and flavor. It’s creamy, slightly sweet and pairs well with spicy or fried dishes.
20. Edamame
Sometimes simplicity is best. Steamed edamame sprinkled with sea salt is a nutritious and delicious side dish that both children and adults alike enjoy. It’s a great, light counterpoint to the richness of the fried chicken.
21. Korean Soybean sprouts
Take a respite from the heat by making some soybean sprouts. This meal is not only a popular banchan, but it is also used in bibimbap recipes.
Its mild flavor comes from the combination of garlic, sesame oil, scallions, and salt.
The yellow section of the sprouts imparts a nutty flavor, while the long white stem provides a satisfying crunch.
Soybean sprouts aren’t just a side dish. As previously stated, they are an excellent complement to bibimbap. You may also use them in Asian stir-fries or noodle soups.
22. Steamed Eggplants
Summer will bring eggplants into the season. Isn’t it a great time to make some steamed eggplants?
This meal, also known as gaji namul in Korea, is a popular side dish that is extremely simple to prepare.
All you need to do is steam the eggplants, cut them into thin strips, and season. In just 15 minutes, you’ll have a great everyday Korean side dish!
23. Korean Braised Potatoes
As a potato enthusiast, this is on my (big) list of go-to side dishes.
This recipe produces soft, chewy baby potatoes coated with a somewhat sweet soy sauce-based sauce. It can even be eaten as a meal on its own, accompanied by rice.
It’s also a versatile recipe that allows you to incorporate various vegetables. To add spice to the dish, you can also use red chili pepper paste.
24. Korean Crispy Mushrooms
Dried shiitake mushrooms are fried till crispy and then coated in a delicious sticky syrup. This is exactly what Korean crispy mushrooms are about.
Gochujang (Korean red chili pepper paste) adds a fiery flavor to the dish and pairs well with the sweet and sour sauce.
If you want to enhance the flavor, add some garlic. Chopped nuts or seeds make an excellent garnish!
25. Korean Coleslaw
This is another salad that tastes very similar to kimchi. What’s the difference? It’s more refreshing and crunchier.
This sweet, spicy, and tangy coleslaw recipe is an excellent side dish for grilled beef, chicken, or fish.
Use it as a burger topper to add a distinct Asian taste to your protein.
Aside from its particular flavor, coleslaw is a nutritionally packed ingredient.
It is high in vitamin C, potassium, and fiber.
26. Korean Macaroni Salad
Macaroni salad’s key ingredients, pasta and mayonnaise, suggest that it originated in Italy or France. So, the dish is not Korean.
Surprisingly, most Korean eateries provide this creamy, somewhat sweet side dish.
The Korean version appears to contain fewer ingredients than the other varieties. These include macaroni, shredded carrots, and salad dressing.
Apples, cabbage, and capsicums are gourmet salad toppings.
Conclusion
If you can master the art of mixing these side dishes with your fried chicken, the result will be a flavor harmony that your entire family will be grateful for.
So, throw on your apron and whip up some of these Korean fried chicken sides the next time you’re serving some Korean fried chicken to make your supper unforgettable.
Enjoy!
