Bulgogi beef, also known as Korean barbecued beef, is a delicious dish that deserves equally tasty side dishes. With its sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavor profile, bulgogi beef pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides that complement and enhance its complex flavors.
In this article, we will explore 12 delicious side dish options to serve with bulgogi beef. From classics like kimchi and japchae noodles to creative twists like miso glazed carrots and garlic butter rice these sides will take your bulgogi meal to the next level.
For those unfamiliar, bulgogi beef consists of thin slices of beef marinated in a sweet and savory sauce The marinade typically contains soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, pear, and other ingredients that tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor
The thin slices of marinated beef are then grilled or broiled so they caramelize and develop a wonderfully charred texture. The end result is succulent, juicy beef bursting with sweet, salty and gingery flavors. It’s easy to see why bulgogi beef is so popular!
Now let’s explore what sides to serve with this Korean barbecue classic:
1. Kimchi
Kimchi is the quintessential Korean side dish, so it’s only natural to pair it with bulgogi beef. The sour, spicy, funky flavors of fermented cabbage provide the perfect contrast to the sweet marinated beef. They balance each other out wonderfully.
Kimchi also delivers great texture alongside tender bulgogi beef, thanks to its satisfying crunch. An added bonus is that kimchi is packed with healthy probiotics too! For the ideal kimchi side, look for fresh, homemade varieties at your local Korean grocery.
2. Steamed Rice
A bowl of fluffy white rice is another classic accompaniment for bulgogi beef. Short grain varieties like jasmine or calrose rice suit it best. The mild flavor and soft, starchy texture of the rice soaks up the bulgogi juices and balances the beef’s intense marinade.
For extra flavor, try making Korean-style ginger garlic rice. Simply sauté some minced garlic and ginger in sesame oil before cooking the rice. The aromatic rice pairs beautifully with bulgogi.
3. Japchae Noodles
Japchae are clear potato noodles tossed in a savory soy sauce mixture with beef and veggies. Their sweet potato starch base gives them an irresistible chewy-tender texture. Japchae noodles complement bulgogi beef wonderfully since they feature similar flavors.
The sweet potato noodles also provide a satisfying contrast to the texture of the grilled beef. For the best combo, look for japchae that contains mushrooms, spinach, carrots, and beef. The mix of noodles, veggies and meat is fantastic with bulgogi.
4. Korean Potato Salad
Cool, creamy potato salad is a perfect match for fiery grilled bulgogi beef. Unlike American-style potato salads loaded with mayo, Korean versions feature a light dressing of rice vinegar, sugar, and sesame oil. The potatoes are smooth and creamy while the dressing provides a tangy, slightly sweet flavor.
The creaminess offsets the charred edges of the bulgogi beautifully. Korean potato salad is also sprinkled with scallions, cucumber, and carrots for extra crunch and flavor. It’s a refreshing, satisfying accompaniment for bulgogi.
5. Korean Spinach Salad
For another light, healthy side, try Korean style spinach salad. It consists of blanched spinach dressed with sesame oil, garlic, and soy sauce. Toasted sesame seeds add nutty crunch.
The fresh, salty spinach is delicious with sweet and savory bulgogi beef. The salad also provides moisture and bitterness to balance the rich meat. The contrasting textures of tender spinach and crispy sesame seeds make this side a wonderful pairing.
6. Cucumber Kimchi
Unlike cabbage kimchi, cucumber kimchi offers a refreshingly crisp texture and brighter, cleaner flavors. It provides the essence of kimchi (sour, spicy, and umami) in a lighter format that pairs perfectly with bulgogi beef.
The cool crunch of the cucumbers balances the tender meat beautifully. For an easy homemade version, simply marinate sliced cucumbers in a blend of rice vinegar, chili, garlic, and scallions. Enjoy it as a lighter kimchi option with bulgogi.
7. Sautéed Mushrooms
Meaty, umami-rich sautéed mushrooms make a fantastic accompaniment for bulgogi beef. Their deep, savory flavor enhances the sweet marinade of the beef. Shiitake, cremini, and button mushrooms all work well, especially when sautéed with garlic and soy sauce.
The mix of textures and earthiness is very satisfying. You can also add sesame oil or sesame seeds to tie in Korean flavors. Sautéed mushrooms absorb and complement bulgogi’s flavors beautifully.
8. Korean Scallion Pancakes
These aromatic pancakes spiked with green onions offer great texture and flavor contrasts to bulgogi beef. Crispy and pan-fried on the outside while tender within, they’re also brushed with soy sauce for deep umami flavor.
The savory scallion pancakes soak up the bulgogi juices delightfully. Their crispy edges also provide a nice textural balance to the tender beef. Served warm right off the pan, they’re irresistible alongside bulgogi.
9. Roasted Sweet Potatoes
A sweet, healthy carb, roasted sweet potatoes are fantastic with Korean barbecue. Their natural sweetness enhances the sweet soy marinade of bulgogi beef. Especially when spiked with aromatic cinnamon, five spice powder, or gochugaru flakes, they take on hints of Korean flavor too.
The creamy potato interior and crispy edges also contrast beautifully with juicy grilled beef. Roasted sweet potatoes infuse your meal with extra flavor and nutrition.
10. Garlic Soy Green Beans
For a lighter veggie side, try garlic soy green beans. Fresh green beans are quickly sautéed with minced garlic and soy sauce. The bright green beans retain their crispness while absorbing deep savory flavor.
Their freshness and crunch balances tender bulgogi beautifully. Sprinkle on some toasted sesame seeds for added texture and nuttiness. The garlic soy beans make a healthy, tasty accompaniment.
11. Edamame
Edamame offers a nutritious and satisfying side to bulgogi beef. These immature soybeans are simply boiled or steamed and sprinkled with sea salt. They have a delightful nutty, earthy flavor and a tender-firm texture.
Edamame provides protein as well as contrasting texture to balance the rich beef. They also make fantastic snacks while grilling the bulgogi. Boil up a batch of edamame and enjoy this healthy, hearty side.
12. Fried Eggs
For extra protein and richness, serve bulgogi beef with fried eggs like many Korean barbecue restaurants do. The luscious golden egg yolks provide a decadent element that pairs wonderfully with the umami beef.
Fried eggs also supply great texture contrasts, from the tender yolk to the crispy fried edges of the whites. A simple fried egg can really take your bulgogi meal to the next level!
Perfectly Paired Sides for Bulgogi Beef
Bulgogi beef boasts a complex medley of sweet, salty, spicy and umami flavors. It deserves equally delightful side dishes that can complement and enhance it. Ranging from Korean classics to creative twists, sides like kimchi, spinach salads, roasted veggies and more create fantastic pairings.
With this arsenal of 12 tasty side dish ideas, you can take your bulgogi meals to new heights of flavor. Experiment with different combinations to find your perfect matches! Any of these sides would make excellent additions to a bulgogi beef dinner.
Tools to make this dish
(affiliate link) I made this on my Le Creuset Cast Iron Grill Pan which works really well (note an outdoor grill would need to be lined to save the this pieces of meat from falling through).
How to change up this dish
While there’s a suggested combination below, here are a few ideas to change things up:
- Try noodles, quinoa or couscous instead of rice;
- Add some gochujang sauce or other hot sauce if you like it a bit spicier;
- Switch up the sides – try some kimchi or wilted greens, sauteed eggplant or softened beansprouts seasoned with a little sesame oil.
Beef bulgogi is a great way to eat a healthy, tasty meal. You’ll want to enjoy this recipe again and again.
How to Make Bulgogi with Jet Tila | Ready Jet Cook | Food Network
FAQ
What is traditionally served with bulgogi?
-
Damn Delicioushttps://damndelicious.netKorean Beef Bulgogi – Damn DeliciousApr 21, 2019 — Bulgogi is commonly served with rice and a side of kimchi, cucumbers, perilla leaves and ssamjang.
What vegetables go well with bulgogi beef?
I also like to add carrots to my bulgogi, I feel the flavor and texture go well with the beef. Other vegetables common in Korean side dishes are bok choy and zucchini. You could easily substitute or add these vegetables to the bulgogi as it sautes.
What is the accompaniment for Korean beef?
If you are going Korean – the beef bowl over rice is a good additive to the beef – rice can be filling… Also – Suggest some pickled sliced thin cucumbers and ginger or kimchee or some sauteed green beans with garlic.
What to eat with beef bulgogi reddit?
Roasted/pan toasted green onion chopped and put on top take the bulgogi to another level. Serve with broccoli or green beans that have been lightly steamed then hit on hot pan, dash of tamari or coconut aminos to flavor, and sesame seeds on top of everything. Rice or cauliflower rice with sauteed garlic.