Korean barbecue chicken, also known as dak galbi, is a popular Korean dish made with marinated chicken, vegetables, and gochujang sauce. This spicy, sweet, and savory chicken is finger-licking good on its own, but pairing it with the right side dishes can take the flavor to the next level. So, what should you serve alongside dak galbi? Here are some delicious options.
Rice
Rice is a staple side for Korean barbecue chicken. The plain white grains help to balance out the intense flavors of the spicy dak galbi sauce. Steamed rice, japgokbap (glutinous rice), and bibimbap (mixed rice with vegetables) are all excellent choices.
For steamed rice, cook short or medium grain white rice until fluffy. Japgokbap has a chewy, sticky texture perfect for grabbing with your fingers and dipping in sauce. For bibimbap, cook rice and pile it into bowls with sautéed vegetables, mushrooms, soy sauce, sesame oil, and gochujang. The vibrant colors and assortment of textures make bibimbap the ideal complement.
Vegetables
Fresh, crisp vegetables help cut through the richness of Korean BBQ chicken. Some classic choices are:
Cucumber Kimchi
Also called oi sobagi, this is a quick pickled cucumber made by marinating sliced cucumbers in a mix of rice vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and chili pepper. The sour, spicy cucumbers offset greasy meats.
Korean Radish Salad
Made with thin strips of Korean radish, called mu, this tangy sweet salad adds crunch. Toss the radish in a dressing of rice vinegar, sugar, garlic, and chili flakes.
Bean Sprout Soup
A light soup made with mung bean sprouts, kkaennip jigae is topped with sliced scallions. The clean flavors highlight the spices of dak galbi.
Seasoned Spinach
Boil or steam spinach, drain, season with sesame oil, minced garlic, and salt, and stir fry briefly till coated. The dark greens balance the chicken’s richness.
Noodles and Dumplings
Slurping some noodles or biting into dumplings is the perfect way to tame the heat of Korean barbecue chicken. Consider making:
Japchae
These stir fried glass noodles are made with sweet potato starch and seasoned with soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and sugar. Their gentle flavor lets the chicken shine.
Mandu
These Korean dumplings can be filled with pork, kimchi, tofu, or vegetables. Dip them in a soy vinegar sauce and enjoy between bites of chicken for variety.
Ramen
Instant ramen paired with dak galbi makes an easy, satisfying meal. Shin Ramyun, a Korean ramen with spicy broth, is an ideal match.
Sauces and Condiments
Korean barbecue chicken is flavorful on its own, but serving it with sauces and condiments allows each diner to customize their meal. Try:
Gochujang
This fermented red chili paste adds heat and a touch of sweetness. Let diners mix it with rice or use as a dip for chicken.
Ssamjang
A spicy paste made from gochujang and doenjang (soybean paste), ssamjang can be spread on lettuce wraps with chicken.
Vinegared Onions
Quick pickled red onions in a bath of rice vinegar add tangy flavor to cut through rich meats.
Sesame Oil
Drizzled over rice or used to season vegetables, toasted sesame oil boosts aroma.
Kimchi
No Korean meal is complete without some kimchi for spicy, sour contrast. Napa cabbage kimchi is most common.
Drinks
Wash down mouth-numbing Korean fried chicken with a cold, refreshing beverage like:
Soju
This clear Korean rice liquor has an alcohol content around 20 percent. Its light flavor pairs perfectly with spicy food.
Makgeolli
Also called takju, this traditional Korean rice wine has a cloudy appearance, foamy texture, and sweet taste. It’s lower in alcohol than soju.
Beer
Korean beer like Hite and Cass offer a crisp, clean finish. Light lagers pair best with heavier dishes.
Cold Tea
Iced barley tea, called boricha, or green tea are nice options for people abstaining from alcohol. The tannins cut through oil and spice.
Desserts
While dak galbi is delicious on its own, a sweet treat makes the perfect final course. Options include:
Bingsu
These colorful shaved ice desserts are made with sweetened condensed milk, fruit, and often mochi. They cool your mouth after spicy chicken.
Yakgwa
These flower-shaped fried pastries made with wheat flour, sesame oil, and honey are perfect with tea after your meal.
Hangwa
Assorted Korean cookies, cakes, and candies wrapped in gift boxes make beautiful dessert platters.
FAQ About Serving Korean BBQ Chicken
What is the best thing to eat with Korean fried chicken?
White rice and various pickled vegetables like kimchi are ideal accompaniments for Korean fried chicken. Their mild flavors and crisp textures offset the spicy, rich chicken perfectly.
What do Koreans eat with BBQ chicken?
Authentic Korean bbq chicken is usually served with steamed rice, lettuce wraps, kimchi, quick-pickled cucumbers, soy sauce, fermented chili paste, and sesame oil. This combination balances sweet, spicy, sour, salty, and umami flavors.
What sauce do you put on Korean BBQ chicken?
Gochujang, a savory and slightly sweet fermented red chili paste, is the most common sauce paired with Korean bbq chicken. It can be used as a marinade, dip, or topping. Other common sauces are ssamjang (a spicy soybean and chili paste), and vinegared chili sauce.
What is the best drink to have with Korean fried chicken?
Refreshing Korean beers like Cass and Hite pair wonderfully with spicy Korean fried chicken. Soju, makgeolli (rice wine), and cold teas are also excellent pairings that help put out the fire and cleanse your palate between bites.
Is it OK to eat rice with Korean BBQ?
Yes, rice is traditionally served with Korean bbq dishes like bulgogi and galbi. The plain white grains balance the complex sweet, salty, sour, and spicy flavors in the meat and sauces. Rice soaks up the savory juices perfectly.
What side dishes go well with bulgogi?
Some classic Korean side dishes that complement bulgogi Korean bbq beef include steamed rice, kimchi, japchae glass noodles, vegetable pancakes, seaweed salad, bean sprout soup, and Korean radish pickle.
Conclusion
When cooking up a sizzling batch of Korean barbecue chicken, rounding out the meal with complementary side dishes is key. Steamed white rice, crunchy kimchi, bright pickled vegetables, satisfying noodles or dumplings, and libations like soju or beer will make your spread truly authentic and delicious. With the right accompaniments, you can take your dak galbi to the next level.