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The best meals are always shared. For Koreans, the array of Banchan dishes for everyone around the table, is a testament to this ideal. Although the term means ‘side dishes’, and they’re usually served before the main course, these little goodies are more than appetizers, but essential complements that balance out the richly flavoured mains. In fact, no authentic Korean meal is complete without a set of Banchan.
The most well-known among them is of course, Kimchi, and there are actually over thousands of Banchan yummies to savour; served in odd-numbered sets of three, five, seven or nine dishes for good luck. They have a common history with Kimchi too. It was born during the same historical period when Korean kingdoms adopted Buddhist veganism, which led to a flourish of plant-based dishes focused on health properties, and modest but diverse tastes. Hence, the small-portioned Banchan—to ensure every shared meal is filling, nutritious and packed with manifold flavours. Although later dynasties returned to meat-eating, by then, Banchan had already become an inseparable tradition of Korean cuisine. To this day, they are must-haves in royal banquets and homely meals alike. Some restaurants have a whole Banchan buffet, with a wide selection for you to mix and match.
A common Banchan set includes stir-fried, steamed, pickled, and seasoned dishes; with flavours ranging from sweet, sour, and spicy to savoury and umami. All placed at the table’s middle to be shared and refilled as needed. Start your meal with Banchan, and pair them with the main dish and rice, to experience the full-bodied and robust flavours of Korean cuisine.
Besides Kimchi, here are 9 delicious Banchan you can make and savour at home!
Sauteed Zucchini Side Dish (Ae-Hobak Namul)
Savoury and piquant with a tender crunch, and nutty sesame aroma. Banchan-style sautéed zucchini with red chilli brings an appetizing boost to the table, and goes great with meaty dishes.
Spicy Cucumber Salad Side Dish (Oi Muchim)
Among the more common Banchan you’ll find in Korean restaurants, this cool and spicy cucumber salad gets your mouth watering, and preps your taste-buds for heartier dishes to come!
Korean Seasoned Beansprouts Side Dish
Temper the spiciness with the natural mild sweet taste of blanched bean sprouts. Seasoned with garlic, sesame seeds and sesame oil. Garnished with finely chopped spring onion for a light refreshing aroma.
Korean Spinach Side Dish (Sigeumchi Namul)
Blanched spinach flavoured with soy sauce, garlic, sugar and gochujang chilli soybean paste; enriched with sesame fragrance. This Banchan adds a soft green crunch and light savoury-spicy sensation to pair with bold Korean flavours.
Steamed Eggplant Side Dish (Gaji Namul)
Tender, succulent steamed eggplant; made savoury with a blend of soy sauce, fish sauce, garlic, and sugar, plus nutty sesame oil and piquant gochugaru chilli flakes. Topped with fragrant spring onion and roasted sesame seeds. A Banchan to whet your appetite.
Spicy Korean Radish Side Dish (Mu Saengchae Namul)
Zest up with crunchy Korean radish; salted and seasoned into a spicy, savoury delight with fish sauce, garlic, salted shrimp and gochugaru chilli flakes. Yummy with rice and other Banchan, as well as meaty main dishes.
Braised Tofu Side Dish (Dubu Jorim)
Pan fried tofu and sweet snowbeans, lathered in a rich umami blend of sweet soy sauce, rice wine vinegar and garlic. Topped with sesame seeds and red chillies for an alluring fragrance. Add this awesome Banchan to your set with our award-winning recipe!
Stir-Fried Anchovies Side Dish (Myulchi Bokkeum)
Besides vegetables, small-sized seafood makes yummy Banchan too; like this savoury anchovies treat. Stir-fried to crispy perfection, and glazed with soy sauce, rice wine, sugar and garlic powder. Delightfully delish!
Fish, Prawns and Zucchini Pan-fried in Egg Batter Side Dish (Modeumjean)
Similar to Japanese tempura, this Banchan is a combo of white fish fillet, prawns and zucchini; floured and dipped in rich egg batter, then pan-fried to golden crispy yumminess. A scrumptious match with other veggie-based Banchan.
More Korean Special Banchan
The above is but a small sample of Banchan dishes you can cook. Korean pancakes are considered Banchan too – just make your favourite in a smaller portion for your meal-set. Also come discover why Korean cuisine is ideal for home-cooked enjoyment, and the gastronomic traditional wonders that are sure to excite and satisfy your taste-buds!
