If you’re planning a meal featuring Korean short ribs, you know this will be a show-stopping dish.
While the flavorful rib itself is certainly an attention-grabber, what should you serve with it?
You want to create an unforgettable meal that pairs perfectly with the star of the dinner table – without going over budget! That’s where we come in!
We’ve rounded up 10 delicious options for side dishes that perfectly complement Korean short ribs and are guaranteed to make your guests rave about your cooking.
Keep reading to discover our top picks along with some detailed tips on how best to prepare these accompaniments so they pair harmoniously with your already mouthwatering main course.
What to Serve with Korean Short Ribs? 10 BEST Options
1. Korean Bean Sprouts
Are you looking for a delicious and healthy side dish to accompany your Korean short ribs? Look no further than bean sprouts.
These little guys are not only packed with nutrients, but they also have a lovely crunch and fresh flavor that will help balance out the rich taste of the ribs.
Bean sprouts are very versatile, so there are many different ways you can prepare them.
The most common way is to simply blanch them in boiling water for a few minutes until they’re tender but still crisp.
You can also fry them, stir-fry them, or even eat them raw in a salad.
If you want to elevate your bean sprouts dish, try adding some shredded carrots, green onions, and sesame seeds.
This will give the dish a bit of sweetness, spice, and crunch that will take it from good to great.
Serve your bean sprouts with Korean short ribs and enjoy.
2. Grilled Spring Onions
Grilled spring onions are a delicious and easy side dish that pairs well with Korean short ribs.
The sweet, slightly charred flavor of the onions is a perfect complement to the rich, savory flavors of the ribs.
And the texture of the onions adds a nice contrast to the tenderness of the meat.
To make grilled spring onions, simply slice some onions thinly, brush with oil, and grill over medium-high heat until they are nicely charred.
You can also add some salt and pepper to taste.
For an extra touch of flavor, try grilling your onions with some fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme.
If you want to elevate this dish even further, you can drizzle the grilled onions with a balsamic glaze or top with crumbled goat cheese.
Either way, you’re sure to have a winning side dish that will perfectly complement your Korean short ribs.
3. Asian Chopped Salad
An Asian chopped salad is a perfect side dish to Korean short ribs.
It is light and refreshing, yet has enough substance to stand up to the hearty meat.
The salad is packed with fresh vegetables, crispy wonton strips, and a zesty dressing.
The contrast of textures and flavors makes it an incredibly interesting and delicious dish.
The key to a great Asian chopped salad is in the balance of flavors and textures.
You want a mix of crunchy and soft ingredients, as well as sweet, savory, and acidic elements.
The dressing should be bold and flavorful, but not so overpowering that it overshadows the other ingredients.
To elevate this dish even further, consider adding some grilled chicken or shrimp.
The protein will make it a more filling meal, and the smoky flavor will complement the other elements of the salad perfectly.
4. Kimchi
Kimchi is a traditional Korean dish that is made of fermented vegetables.
It is usually made with cabbage, radishes, and scallions, but other vegetables can be used as well.
The vegetables are fermented in a brine made of water, salt, and spices.
Kimchi can be eaten fresh or aged, and it is often served as a side dish or condiment.
The taste of kimchi is slightly sour and salty, with a spicy kick from the fermentation process.
The texture of kimchi is crunchy from the vegetables and slightly chewy from the fermentation.
There are many ways to elevate a dish with kimchi.
The most common way is to use it as a topping or condiment.
Kimchi can also be used in soups or stews for extra flavor, or it can be stir-fried with meats or vegetables.
5. Spicy Pickled Cucumbers
If you’re looking for a delicious and easy side dish to accompany your Korean short ribs, look no further than pickled cucumbers.
These cucumbers are refreshing and have a slightly spicy kick that pairs perfectly with the savory flavors of the short ribs.
Plus, they’re super easy to make.
Pickled cucumbers are usually made with vinegar, water, sugar, salt, and spices.
The cucumbers are then soaked in this mixture for several hours or overnight.
This process allows the cucumbers to absorb all of the flavors from the pickling liquid, resulting in a delicious and tangy side dish.
One of the best things about pickled cucumbers is that they are extremely versatile.
You can enjoy them as-is, or use them as toppings for burgers, sandwiches, or salads.
If you want to elevate your dish even further, try serving the pickled cucumbers with a dipping sauce made from equal parts soy sauce and rice vinegar.
6. Egg Fried Rice
Egg fried rice is a delicious and easy dish to make at home.
It’s a great way to use up leftover rice, and you can customize it with your favorite vegetables or proteins.
The key to making a good egg fried rice is to get the rice nice and crispy.
Here are some tips on how to do that:
- Use day-old rice: This will help the rice grains stay separate and prevent them from getting mushy.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: If you overcrowd the pan, the rice will steam instead of fry.
- Use a hot pan: A hot pan will help the rice get crispy.
- Don’t over stir: Stirring the rice too much will make it mushy. Stir just enough to evenly distribute the eggs and vegetables.
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These tips will help you make a delicious and crispy egg fried rice that your whole family will enjoy.
7. Sticky White Rice
Korean short ribs are a delicious and hearty dish, perfect for a winter meal.
They are usually made with beef, but pork or lamb ribs can also be used.
The ribs are marinated in a sweet and savory sauce, then grilled or roasted until they are tender and caramelized.
Sticky white rice is the perfect accompaniment to Korean short ribs.
The rice is sticky and chewy, with a slightly sweet flavor.
It pairs well with the savory and slightly sweet flavors of the ribs.
There are a few things you can do to elevate your dish of sticky white rice and Korean short ribs.
First, try using sushi rice or basmati rice instead of white rice for a more flavorful dish.
You can also add some vegetables to the rice, such as peas, carrots, or corn.
Finally, top your dish with a fried egg or some kimchi for extra flavor and texture.
8. Easy Korean Spicy Noodles
These easy Korean spicy noodles are the perfect weeknight meal – they’re quick to make, packed with flavor, and can be easily customized to your taste.
I love them because they’re so versatile – you can add whatever vegetables you have on hand, and they always taste great.
The best part about these noodles is that they’re really easy to make, and they only require a few simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
The taste and texture of these noodles is amazing – they’re slightly chewy, with a little bit of bite, and the sauce is the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and spice.
I like to add a lot of veggies to my noodles, so I usually add mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, and carrots.
But you can really add whatever you like – broccoli, zucchini, bean sprouts, etc.
would all be great additions.
If you want to elevate this dish even further, you could add some protein such as grilled chicken or tofu.
You could also top it with an egg for some extra richness.
9. Creamy Cucumber Salad
Creamy cucumber salad is a refreshing and flavorful side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses.
This salad is made with thin slices of cucumber, red onion, dill, and a creamy dressing.
The dressing is typically made with mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, and sugar.
This salad is best served chilled or at room temperature.
Creamy cucumber salad is a great option for those looking for a light yet flavorful side dish.
The thin slices of cucumber provide a refreshing crunch, while the red onion adds a mild sweetness and the dill provides a touch of earthiness.
The creamy dressing ties all of the flavors together perfectly.
This salad can be easily elevated by adding chopped hard-boiled eggs, crumbled bacon, or shredded cheese.
10. Korean Spinach (sigeumchi Namul)
Korean spinach, or sigeumchi namul, is a common side dish in Korean cuisine.
It is made of blanched spinach that is then seasoned with soy sauce, garlic, sesame oil, and often other ingredients like chili peppers or vinegar.
The dish is simple to make and can be served either cold or hot.
One of the best things about Korean spinach is its versatility.
The dish can be served as a side to a main meal or on its own as a light meal or snack.
It is also very easy to customize the flavor of Korean spinach to suit your taste.
If you want it to be more savory, add more soy sauce or garlic.
If you prefer it to be more spicy, add more chili peppers.
And if you want it to be more acidic, add more vinegar.
There are also many different ways to elevate the dish and make it more special.
One way is to top it with a fried egg before serving.
This adds a delicious richness and creaminess to the dish.
Another way is to mix in some cooked rice before serving.
This makes the dish into a complete meal that is perfect for lunch or dinner.
Conclusion
One of the best things about Korean short ribs is that they are extremely versatile.
They can be served with rice, noodles, or even just a simple salad.
And, of course, they are always best when enjoyed with a cold beer.
If you are looking for some inspiration on what to serve with your Korean short ribs, above are 10 best options you should consider.
What to Serve with Korean Short Ribs? 10 BEST Options
Ingredients
- 1. Korean Bean Sprouts
- 2. Grilled Spring Onions
- 3. Asian Chopped Salad
- 4. Kimchi
- 5. Spicy Pickled Cucumbers
- 6. Egg Fried Rice
- 7. Sticky White Rice
- 8. Easy Korean Spicy Noodles
- 9. Creamy Cucumber Salad
- 10. Korean Spinach sigeumchi Namul
Instructions
- Select your favorite sides from the list above.
- Prepare the side dish according to the recipe instructions.
- If you’re short on time, some of these can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.
- Serve and enjoy!
Carrie is a food writer and editor with more than 15 years of experience. She has worked for some of the biggest names in the food industry, including Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, and Martha Stewart Living.
As the Editor in Chief of IntroChicago.com, Carrie oversees all of the content on the site. She also manages the team of contributing writers and editors, who help to create delicious recipes, helpful tips, and informative articles that you’ll find on the site.
A native of the Chicago area, Carrie is passionate about all things food. She loves trying new restaurants and experimenting with new recipes in her kitchen. She’s also a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, so she knows a thing or two about food!