Korean barbecue, also known as KBBQ, is a popular cooking method originating from Korea. It typically involves grilling marinated meats and vegetables over a built-in gas or charcoal grill in the table. Going out for Korean BBQ is a fun, interactive dining experience where you cook your own food right at your table.
With a wide variety of meats, veggies, sides, drinks and desserts to choose from, you may be wondering: what goes with Korean BBQ? From banchan and beverages to rice and ice cream, this guide will explore 25+ delicious items to accompany your grill-it-yourself feast.
Introduction to Korean BBQ
Here’s a quick introduction to Korean barbecue before diving into pairing suggestions:
- Meats – Pork, beef, chicken and seafood are commonly grilled meats. Popular picks are bulgogi (marinated beef), galbi (beef short ribs), samgyeopsal (pork belly), dak galbi (spicy chicken) and haemul pajeon (seafood pancake).
- Marinades and Sauces – Meats are typically marinated in a sweet and savory mixture like gochujang (red chili paste), soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, garlic and other spices. Common dipping sauces are ssamjang (spicy paste), gochujang and salt.
- Sides – KBBQ is accompanied by banchan (small side dishes), lettuce, perilla leaves, rice and soup.
- Cooking – Food is cooked on a built-in grill at your table. You can cook a little at a time or all at once!
- Wrapping and Eating – Grilled meats and veggies are wrapped in lettuce or perilla leaves with rice and sauces then enjoyed together.
Now let’s explore 25+ amazing items to pair with your DIY Korean barbecue experience!
Best Foods to Pair with Korean BBQ
1. Steamed Rice
A bowl of hot, steamed white rice is essential for Korean BBQ. The rice soaks up the flavorful sauces and juices from the grilled meats and complements the savory dishes. For a simple carb to balance the protein and veggies, fluffy white rice can’t be beat!
2. Lettuce Leaves
Crisp, cool lettuce leaves are the perfect vehicles for eating Korean BBQ. Simply place cooked meats, rice, kimchi and sauces into a lettuce leaf, wrap it up and enjoy each bite as a tidy little package. Butter lettuce and romaine are common choices. The refreshing crunch balances the rich meats beautifully.
3. Perilla Leaves
Perilla leaves, also called sesame leaves, are another fantastic wrapping option. Their pleasant herbal flavor is a tasty contrast to fatty meat. To eat, wrap grilled items in the soft leaf along with sauce, vegetables and rice. The edible wrappers add a fresh touch to each mouthful.
4. Banchan (Side Dishes)
No Korean meal is complete without banchan, the small side dishes that accompany every meal. Some popular banchan to pair with BBQ are kimchi (fermented cabbage), japchae (glass noodles), gimbap (seaweed rice rolls), jeon (savory pancakes), japgokbap (mung bean jelly) and namul (seasoned veggies).
5. Ssamjang (Spicy Paste Dip)
Ssamjang is a thick, spicy paste dip that’s integral to Korean BBQ. It typically contains gochujang (red chili paste), doenjang (soybean paste) and sesame oil. Just a little bit adds a fiery, tangy punch and brings all the components together beautifully in each lettuce or perilla leaf wrap.
6. Gochujang (Red Chili Paste)
Gochujang is another beloved condiment for Korean BBQ. The thick, pungent red chili paste provides a spicy, subtly sweet kick to balance the rich meats. Swipe a bit on lettuce wraps or mix it with regular dipping sauce for an extra flavor boost. A jar is usually on the table alongside the grill.
7. Fresh Vegetables
A plate of fresh raw vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers and onion slices adds crunch and brightness to balance the savory, smoky meats. Dip them in salty soy sauce or spicy gochujang for extra flavor. Grilled veggies like mushrooms, onions, squash and eggplant are also tasty additions to leaf wraps.
8. Dipping Salt
Plain salt for dipping is a simple but essential accompaniment to KBBQ. The coarse grains bring out the flavors of the meat with no hassle. Just dip a piece of sizzling samgyeopsal (pork belly) or bulgogi (beef) into the salt for a pure, porky flavor burst.
9. Spicy Kimchi Stew
Kimchi jjigae, or spicy kimchi stew, makes a comforting, flavorful side dish. The bubbly, umami-rich broth with kimchi, tofu, pork and veggies is a nice balance to fatty meats. Ladle it over rice or enjoy it straight from the bowl between grilled bites.
10. Bibimbap
Bibimbap, a bowl of vegetables, beef and a fried egg over rice, is a well-rounded accompaniment. The cool veggies, meat and nutty sesame oil offset the heat of the grill. Mix it all together and enjoy the contrast of temperatures and textures.
11. Korean Pancakes (Jeon)
Savory Korean pancakes called jeon pair deliciously with Korean BBQ. Common varieties like kimchi jeon, green onion jeon and seafood jeon offer crispy, greaseless bites in between meat. The mild batter lets the fillings shine without heavy oil or grease.
12. Tteokbokki
Spicy tteokbokki rice cakes bathed in bright red, funky gochujang broth makes an exciting pairing. The chewy-soft mochi-like rice cakes in sauce offer something different from the grilled fare but still satisfying. The sweet spice is a nice break between savory bites.
13. Mandu Dumplings
Pan-fried or steamed mandu dumplings are a nice alternative texture and flavor. Enjoy them between grilled slices for a warm, comforting contrast. Filled with pork, kimchi, beef, mushrooms or vegetables, they make any KBBQ meal more rounded.
14. Bulgogi Jun (Bulgogi Pancake)
Crispy savory bulgogi pancakes, called bulgogi jun, are a fun way to enjoy the familiar marinated beef in a new form. The hearty potato-based pancakes are loaded with tender beef, veggies and melted cheese for an indulgent treat between grilled goods.
15. Korean Chicken Soup
A bowl of dakguk, traditional Korean chicken soup, offers soothing, clean flavors between heavier meats and sides. Short ribs or cornish hen are commonly used for the broth along with noodles, garlic, ginger and onion. Sip it to take a break from meat.
16. Yakimandu (Fried Dumplings)
Crispy, pan-fried yakimandu dumplings offer a delicious crunch alongside tender grilled morsels. Filled with pork and veggies, they make a savory snack or appetizer before diving into the proteins and veggies cooking at your table.
17. Japchae (Glass Noodles)
Japchae sweet potato glass noodles tossed with beef and veggies offer a nice lighter option alongside Korean bbq. The classic Korean dish offers a sweet and savory flavor profile that complements spicy, umami-rich meats off the grill.
18. Korean Egg Rolls
Korean style egg rolls, sometimes called gyeran mari, are an excellent accompaniment to a Korean bbq feast. Filled with pork, kimchi and veggies wrapped in egg batter and fried, they’re crunchy, greaseless and delicious dipped in soy or hot sauce.
19. Bossam (Boiled Pork)
Tender, boiled bossam pork offers lighter flavors and fat to contrast grilled fatty brisket or ribs. The plain pork and condiments like kimchi, fermented shrimp and garlic provide a clean taste to enjoy between heavier bites.
20. Dotorimuk (Acorn Jelly)
Dotorimuk, jellied acorn starch, is a unique banchan addition. Its gelatin-like texture and nutty, mild flavor is pleasant between meat bites. Topped with soy, sesame oil and scallions, it almost acts like a savory Korean jello salad.
21. Korean Potato Salad
Cool, creamy Korean potato salad offers starchy satisfaction between grilled veggies and proteins. Made with potatoes, mayo, hard boiled eggs, onions and carrots, this popular banchan provides pick-me-up between saucy, salty bites.
22. Korean Fried Chicken
Korean fried chicken, usually double fried for extra crunch, makes a crispy accompaniment to contrast tender grilled meat. The spicy yangnyeom or soy garlic flavors pair perfectly as a rich treat between lighter sides and lettuce wraps.
23. Patjuk (Red Bean Porridge)
Thick, creamy patjuk red bean porridge makes a sweet, warm dessert after a Korean BBQ meal. The lightly sweet, nutty porridge is made from rice flour or corn starch and adzuki beans for a comforting treat to cap your meal.
24. Bingsu (Shaved Ice)
Bingsu, or Korean shaved ice, is a sweet way to end a Korean BBQ feast. The towering mound of fluffy ice is topped with condensed milk, fruit, mashed red beans and often green tea powder, injeolmi rice cake and ice cream. A cool, refreshed palate cleanser!
25. Soju
What Korean feast is complete without soju? The iconic Korean spirit has a light, sweet taste that pairs perfectly with spicy, savory BBQ. A few shots are ideal between grilled bites. Or mix it with beer in soju bombs. Say “gun bae!” and enjoy with food.
26. Makgeolli
Makgeolli, or Korean rice wine, is a popular pairing drink too. The off-white, cloudy, carbonated drink has a sour tang that works well with rich meats. The traditional alcohol with around 6-8% ABV adds a pleasant acidity between bites.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pairing Drinks with Korean BBQ
What should I drink with Korean BBQ?
- Soju – The most classic Korean spirit pairs deliciously well with spicy, fatty meat. Enjoy it straight or in “soju bombs” mixed with beer.
- Makgeolli – Cloudy, tangy Korean rice wine provides pleasant acidity between rich bites.
- Beer – Crisp Korean beer like Cass, Hite and OB washes down BBQ perfectly.
- Wine – White wines like Chardonnay, Riesling and Pinot Grigio work with the variety of flavors.
What non-alcoholic drinks go well with Korean BBQ?
- Iced tea – Refreshing chilled tea is nice with the salty, spicy flavors.
- Sodas – Crisp colas, ginger ale and fruit-flavored sodas complement the food.
- Fruit juice – Tart Korean pear, apple or citrus juices balance the seasoning.
- Yakult – The tangy cultured milk drink cuts the rich tastes.
- Sparkling water – Plain or flavored fizzy water cleanses the palate.
Should I drink beer or soju with Korean BBQ?
It depends on personal preference! Soju’s higher alcohol content and signature sweetness pairs splendidly with Korean BBQ. Beer offers more carbonation and maltiness to quench your thirst after all the salty, spicy food. Many Korean BBQ restaurants serve soju bomb pitchers combining both drinks too.
What wine pairs best with bulgogi and galbi?
- Bulgogi’s sweet, umami marinade works nicely with Pinot Noir, Beaujolais, Sangiovese or Rioja.
- Galbi short ribs pair well with Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Shiraz and Zinfandel.
- For white wines, opt for drier varieties like Sauvignon Blanc and unoaked Chardonnay.
Can I order cocktails at a Korean BBQ restaurant?
Most traditional KBBQ spots don’t offer a full bar with cocktails or mixed drinks. Some modern Korean-fusion restaurants might offer creative Korean-inspired cocktails though, so check the menu. In general, beer, soju and makgeolli are your best drink pairings.
Tips for Pairing Drinks with Korean BBQ
- Complement the heat – Spicy food calls for cooling, crisp drinks like lager beer, dry Riesling and tart ciders.
- Contrast the richness – Fatty meats pair nicely with acidic drinks like Sauvignon Blanc and lemonade.
- Cleanse the palate – Sodas, juices and teas help scrub the tastebuds between different foods.
- Hydrate with water – Don’t forget plain water to rehydrate from all the salty foods.
- Drink slowly – Alternate alcoholic drinks with non-alcoholic ones to pace yourself with this hearty cuisine.
- Try pairing flights – Order mini glasses of different beverages to discover your favorites with the dishes.
- Ask your server – Describe your food order and ask your server’s drink recommendations.
- Enjoy responsibly – Korean BBQ is best savored over many hours. Don’t overdo it on soju bombs!
Final Thoughts
When going out for Korean barbecue, you’ll definitely want to work up an appetite because the possibilities are endless! Grilled meats, vegetables, soups, stews, pancakes, dumplings, noodles and rice accompany the DIY feast beautifully. Cool lettuce wraps encase it all to make each bite complete.
Don’t forget drinks like soju, makgeolli and beer to complement the spicy, savory, fatty flavors. For dessert, patjuk red bean porridge or bingsu shaved ice make sweet finishes.
With this guide to pairing foods and drinks with Korean BBQ, you can strategize your ideal menu. Try a variety of items to experience all the flavors and textures this interactive dining experience has to offer.
Now grab some tongs and get ready to grill, wrap and devour mouthwatering meats and sides for an unforgettable Korean barbecue meal. Use this guide to help you decide what goes with Korean BBQ! Smoky, sticky fingers ahead.