What to Serve With Korean Chicken Wings: 15 Best Side Dishes

Korean chicken wings pair beautifully with a variety of side dishes that enhance their savory and spicy flavors. Kimchi, with its tangy, spicy kick, complements the wings perfectly. Japchae offers a savory, slightly sweet flavor and chewy texture, while pickled radishes provide a revitalizing contrast. Steamed rice, a neutral base, balances the boldness of the wings. Korean potato salad, with its creamy texture and slight sweetness, is another excellent choice. For an extra touch, consider serving spicy slaw, garlic edamame, miso soup, or sweet potato fries. Want to boost your Korean meal to the next level? Explore further for more tips.

Kimchi

fermented cabbage and spices

Kimchi, a staple in Korean cuisine, is an ideal accompaniment to Korean chicken wings due to its tangy and spicy flavors. Made from fermented vegetables like cabbage and radishes, kimchi offers probiotic benefits that aid digestion and boost gut health.

Its bold taste complements the savory chicken wings, providing an invigorating contrast that enhances the overall dining experience.

Japchae

korean glass noodle dish

Japchae is a classic Korean dish made from stir-fried glass noodles and vegetables. It pairs wonderfully with Korean chicken wings due to its savory and slightly sweet flavor profile. The chewy texture of the glass noodles complements the crispy wings, while the vibrant, stir-fried vegetables add a delightful crunch.

This harmonious blend of flavors and textures makes Japchae an excellent side dish choice for your meal.

Pickled Radishes

delicious and tangy snack

To balance the rich flavors of Korean chicken wings, pickled radishes offer an invigorating and tangy contrast. These crunchy delights not only cleanse the palate but also come with health benefits such as aiding digestion.

For the best results, slice radishes thinly and pickle them with vinegar, sugar, and a pinch of salt. This simple preparation will elevate your meal experience.

Steamed Rice

steamed rice for lunch

Steamed rice serves as a quintessential side dish that complements the bold flavors of Korean chicken wings by providing a neutral and comforting base.

Various rice varieties, such as jasmine or short-grain, can be chosen based on personal preference.

Mastering simple cooking techniques, like rinsing the rice thoroughly and using the correct water-to-rice ratio, guarantees perfect, fluffy results every time.

Korean Potato Salad

korean twist on classic

Korean potato salad, known for its creamy texture and slight sweetness, makes an excellent companion to the spicy and savory notes of Korean chicken wings. This dish provides a delightful flavor profile that balances the heat of the wings.

The texture contrast between the soft potatoes and the crispy wings enhances the overall dining experience, making it a perfect pairing.

Seaweed Salad

healthy ocean dish option

Seaweed salad offers an invigorating and umami-rich complement to the bold flavors of Korean chicken wings. Packed with nutritional benefits like vitamins and minerals, it adds a healthy twist to your meal.

Preparation tips include soaking dried seaweed until tender, then tossing it with sesame oil, rice vinegar, and a touch of soy sauce. This simple yet flavorful side dish elevates the dining experience.

Scallion Pancakes

delicious flaky chinese dish

To further enhance your culinary experience, Scallion Pancakes serve as a savory and crispy accompaniment to Korean chicken wings. Thanks to scallion cultivation, these pancakes are rich in flavor.

There are various pancake variations, allowing for creativity in preparation. Whether you prefer them extra crispy or soft, these pancakes add a delightful, contrasting texture to the spicy and tangy wings.

Cucumber Salad

refreshing summer cucumber salad

A revitalizing cucumber salad provides a cool and crisp contrast to the bold flavors of Korean chicken wings. With rejuvenating flavors and easy preparation, this dish is a perfect side.

Simply slice fresh cucumbers, toss with a light dressing of rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a touch of sugar. Garnish with sesame seeds and fresh herbs for an added burst of flavor.

Tteokbokki

spicy korean rice cakes

Tteokbokki, a beloved Korean street food made from chewy rice cakes simmered in a spicy-sweet sauce, pairs effortlessly with the robust flavors of Korean chicken wings.

The soft texture of the rice cakes complements the crispy wings, while the spicy sauce brings a delightful kick.

This combination creates a harmonious balance of textures and flavors, making your meal both satisfying and exciting.

Sesame Spinach

nutritious leafy green

Incorporating a nutrient-rich side dish, sesame spinach offers an invigorating contrast to the bold flavors of Korean chicken wings.

Rich in iron and vitamins, the nutritional benefits are substantial.

For preparation tips, blanch the spinach, then toss with sesame oil, soy sauce, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

This easy-to-make dish enhances the overall dining experience with its light and revitalizing taste.

Fried Dumplings

tasty asian street food

Fried dumplings provide a crispy and savory accompaniment to the spicy and tangy flavors of Korean chicken wings. These delightful bites are typically made using a pan-frying cooking method, which gives them a golden, crunchy exterior.

Paired with various dipping sauces like soy or chili, fried dumplings add an extra layer of texture and taste, making your meal even more enjoyable.

Spicy Slaw

tangy and crunchy slaw

A vibrant spicy slaw can provide an invigorating and zesty contrast to the rich flavors of Korean chicken wings. This side dish offers an excellent flavor balance, combining the crunch of fresh vegetables with a touch of heat.

Besides enhancing taste, spicy slaw brings health benefits through its high fiber content and vitamins, making it both a delicious and nutritious addition to your meal.

Garlic Edamame

savory garlic flavored edamame beans

Infusing edamame with garlic delivers a savory and aromatic side dish that pairs perfectly with the bold flavors of Korean chicken wings. The combination enhances the flavor profile, offering a delightful contrast.

Not only is garlic edamame delicious, but it also boasts impressive health benefits, including high protein and fiber content. This makes it both a tasty and nutritious addition to your meal.

Miso Soup

umami rich comforting japanese staple

Miso soup, with its rich umami flavor and comforting warmth, serves as an excellent accompaniment to Korean chicken wings.

The savory dashi broth, combined with soft tofu cubes, creates a soothing contrast to the spicy wings.

This traditional Japanese soup adds depth to your meal, enhancing the overall dining experience while balancing the bold flavors of the chicken wings perfectly.

What Side Dishes Complement Both Korean Chicken Wings and Smothered Chicken?

Looking for the best side dishes for smothered chicken and Korean chicken wings? Opt for classic choices like macaroni and cheese, coleslaw, or cornbread. These comfort foods pair well with both dishes, adding complementary flavors and textures to your meal.

Sweet Potato Fries

tasty and crispy treat

Sweet potato fries, with their natural sweetness and crispy texture, make an ideal side dish to complement the spicy and savory flavors of Korean chicken wings.

Originating from Central and South America, sweet potatoes offer numerous health benefits, including high levels of vitamins A and C.

These fries provide a nutritious yet delicious option, adding a delightful balance to your meal.