5 Quick and Easy Korean Side Dishes - Banchan

soy sauce

🥗Healthier: low-sodium soy sauce

💰Cheaper: tamari

Low-sodium soy sauce reduces sodium intake.

sesame oil

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Olive oil offers healthier fats.

tofu

🥗Healthier: tempeh

💰Cheaper: cottage cheese

Tempeh is higher in protein and fiber.

chili flakes

🥗Healthier: paprika

💰Cheaper: cayenne pepper

Paprika adds color without heat.

For seasoned bean sprouts, bring a pot of water to boil. Blanch bean sprouts for 3 to 4 minutes, then rinse under cold water and drain.

In a bowl, mix bean sprouts with green onions, garlic, sesame seeds, sesame oil, salt, and black pepper. Set aside.

For seasoned spinach, bring a pot of water to boil. Blanch spinach for about 2 seconds, then rinse under cold water and drain.

In a bowl, mix spinach with green onions, garlic, sesame seeds, sesame oil, salt, and black pepper. Set aside.

For braised tofu, pat dry tofu and cut into squares. Mix soy sauce, green onions, garlic, sesame seeds, sesame oil, Korean chili powder, and sugar in a bowl.

Heat oil in a pan, cook tofu until slightly brown on both sides, then add braising liquid and cover to cook for 3 minutes. Serve warm.

For simple cucumber salad, mix sliced cucumbers with green onions, garlic, sesame oil, soy sauce, white vinegar, sugar, and Korean chili powder. Set aside.

For egg roll, mix beaten eggs with salt and green onions. Heat oil in a pan, pour in egg mixture, and roll as it cooks. Cut into pieces and serve warm.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens