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What to Serve With Kimchi: 15 Best Side Dishes

Pairing kimchi with complementary side dishes can guarantee an elevated meal experience. Steamed rice, especially short-grain or jasmine, beautifully complements kimchi's tangy flavors. Korean BBQ, including marinated short ribs and spicy pork, offers a rich, smoky taste. Japchae, with stir-fried glass noodles and vegetables, provides a delightful textural contrast. Bibimbap, a mixed rice bowl with seasoned vegetables and proteins, enhances kimchi's spice with its vibrant flavors. For a crispy, savory option, try Korean fried chicken with a spicy glaze. These combinations promise a harmonious and satisfying dining experience. Discover even more irresistible pairings ahead!

Steamed Rice

cooked rice in pot

Steamed rice is frequently the most common and complementary side dish to serve with kimchi.

Different rice varieties, such as short-grain or jasmine, each offer unique textures and flavors.

Mastering cooking techniques, like rinsing rice thoroughly before steaming, guarantees a perfect, fluffy consistency.

This simple yet essential pairing highlights kimchi's tangy, spicy notes, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.

Korean BBQ

flavorful grilled meat option

Complementing the simplicity of steamed rice, Korean BBQ offers a robust and savory pairing with kimchi, enhancing the meal with its rich, smoky flavors.

The marinated short ribs, known as galbi, bring a tender, sweet taste, while the spicy pork adds a fiery kick.

Together, these dishes create a harmonious blend of tastes, making Korean BBQ an ideal side for kimchi.

Japchae

korean sweet potato noodles

Japchae, a popular Korean dish made from stir-fried glass noodles and vegetables, offers a delightful textural contrast when paired with kimchi.

This noodles recipe blends sweet potato noodles with a vegetable stir fry, featuring ingredients like spinach, carrots, and mushrooms.

The savory-sweet flavor of japchae complements the tangy, spicy kick of kimchi, creating a harmonious and satisfying dining experience.

Bibimbap

korean mixed rice dish

Another quintessential Korean dish that pairs beautifully with kimchi is bibimbap, a vibrant mixed rice bowl adorned with an array of seasoned vegetables, proteins, and a spicy gochujang sauce.

This dish features mixed vegetables like spinach, carrots, and mushrooms, all enhanced by the chili paste.

Bibimbap offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it an ideal companion to the tangy kimchi.

Korean Fried Chicken

crispy spicy delicious chicken

Known for its crispy exterior and succulent meat, Korean fried chicken is a delightful dish that pairs exceptionally well with the bold flavors of kimchi.

The secret lies in double frying, which guarantees a crunchy texture, while a spicy glaze adds a flavorful kick.

This combination creates a perfect balance, making it an irresistible addition to any meal featuring kimchi.

Scallion Pancakes

flaky savory scallion filled delight

A staple in Korean cuisine, scallion pancakes offer a savory and slightly crispy complement to the tangy and spicy notes of kimchi. Serve them with various dipping sauces such as soy sauce mixed with vinegar and sesame oil.

For those with dietary restrictions, gluten free options can be made using rice flour or other alternatives, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delightful dish.

Soft Tofu Stew

delicious korean comfort food

Soft tofu stew, a hearty and comforting dish, pairs excellently with kimchi due to its rich flavors and smooth texture. The spicy broth enhances the fermented tang of kimchi, creating a delightful balance.

The soft, silky tofu texture provides a soothing contrast to the heat, making each bite a pleasure. This combination is both satisfying and delicious, perfect for any meal.

Dumplings

delicious asian comfort food

Dumplings, with their delicate wrappers and savory fillings, make an excellent accompaniment to kimchi, complementing its bold flavors. Pork dumplings provide a rich, meaty contrast, while vegetarian dumplings offer a lighter, yet equally satisfying option.

Both types pair beautifully with the spicy, tangy notes of kimchi, creating a harmonious blend of tastes that enhances your dining experience.

Grilled Mackerel

intriguing seafood dish option

Grilled mackerel, with its rich, smoky flavor, pairs seamlessly with the bold and tangy notes of kimchi. This combination offers numerous health benefits, such as omega-3 fatty acids from the mackerel and probiotics from the kimchi.

For best results, marinate the mackerel in a mix of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger before grilling. This enhances the flavors and guarantees a delicious meal.

Bulgogi

korean marinated beef dish

Bulgogi is a quintessential Korean dish made from marinated beef that harmonizes beautifully with the robust flavors of kimchi. The marinade ingredients—soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and sesame oil—infuse the meat with a sweet and savory taste.

Cooking techniques involve grilling or pan-frying, which enhances the beef's tenderness. This combination of flavors and textures creates a delightful pairing with the tangy, spicy notes of kimchi.

Seaweed Soup

healthy and flavorful dish

Complementing the rich flavors of bulgogi, seaweed soup offers a lighter, yet equally flavorful, counterpart to kimchi.

This traditional recipe, known as 'miyeok-guk' in Korean, is celebrated for its health benefits, including aiding digestion and providing essential nutrients.

The delicate broth, featuring seaweed's natural umami, harmonizes beautifully with the tangy spice of kimchi, creating a balanced and nourishing meal.

Ramen

delicious noodle soup meal

Ramen, with its rich broth and variety of toppings, provides a hearty and comforting contrast to the sharp flavors of kimchi.

The spicy broth of ramen enhances the dish's warmth, while the noodle texture offers a satisfying chew.

Together, these elements create a balanced and flavorful meal, making ramen an excellent companion to the bold and tangy taste of kimchi.

Egg Rolls

egg roll recipe details

Egg rolls, with their crispy exterior and savory filling, provide a delightful textural contrast to the tangy and spicy kimchi. These versatile appetizers can be made with various wrapper variations, from wheat to rice paper.

Pair them with homemade sauces like soy-ginger or spicy mayo for an added layer of flavor. This combination makes for a satisfying and well-rounded meal experience.

Pickled Vegetables

fermented vegetable preservation method

Alongside the crispiness of egg rolls, pickled vegetables add an invigorating acidity that enhances the complex flavors of kimchi.

Fermented radishes and pickled cucumbers are excellent choices, offering a rejuvenating contrast.

These tangy bites not only cleanse the palate but also complement the spicy, umami-rich taste of kimchi, creating a harmonious balance that delights the senses.

Are the Best Side Dishes to Serve with Kibbeh Similar to Those for Kimchi?

When considering the best side dishes for kibbeh, it’s important to note that they may differ from those for kimchi. While kimchi pairs well with rice or noodles, kibbeh is often served with tabbouleh, hummus, or grilled vegetables. Each dish has its own unique set of complementary sides.

Sesame Spinach

vibrant green leafy vegetables

Sesame spinach introduces a nutty, aromatic dimension that perfectly complements the robust flavors of kimchi. This side dish offers health benefits, being rich in vitamins and minerals.

The simple recipe involves lightly blanching spinach, then tossing it with sesame oil, seeds, and a touch of garlic. This easy-to-make dish adds a delightful, nutritious balance to your meal.