The Best Korean Salads to Serve with Korean BBQ

Korean BBQ is a culinary experience beloved around the world, known for its sizzling meats and vibrant flavors. A perfect complement to the rich and smoky flavors of Korean BBQ is a variety of fresh and tangy salads. These salads balance the meal with their crisp textures and bright tastes. Here’s a look at some of the best Korean salads that you can serve alongside your next Korean BBQ feast.

1. **Kimchi Salad (Kimchi Geotjeori)**

No Korean meal is complete without kimchi, and the refreshing kimchi salad is a great side. Made with fresh napa cabbage and seasoned with gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes), garlic, and scallions, this salad is crunchy, spicy, and a perfect palate cleanser to rich grilled meats.

2. **Cucumber Salad (Oi Muchim)**

This light and zesty cucumber salad provides a delightful contrast to the heaviness of BBQ. It's made with thinly sliced cucumbers, sesame oil, vinegar, and chili flakes, garnished with sesame seeds. Oi Muchim is refreshing and perfect for hot summer days.

3. **Korean Bean Sprout Salad (Sukju namul)**

Known for its health benefits, this simple yet flavorful dish is made from blanched mung bean sprouts mixed with sesame oil, garlic, and seasoning. Korean bean sprout salad is a nutritious option that adds crunch and a nuttiness to your BBQ spread.

4. **Radish Salad (Mu Saengchae)**

This salad features julienned Korean radishes tossed with a tangy dressing made from vinegar, sugar, and salt, creating a delightful balance of sweet and sour. The crunchy texture of the radish adds a refreshing bite that pairs wonderfully with marinated meats.

5. **Scallion Salad (Pa Muchim)**

This invigorating scallion salad consists of chopped green onions mixed with sesame oil, vinegar, and a splash of soy sauce. It's a simple yet effective way to bring a piquant flavor to your BBQ, cutting through the richness of the meat.

6. **Korean Potato Salad (Gamja Salad)**

Korean-style potato salad is creamier than its Western counterpart. It includes mashed potatoes, diced carrots, peas, and sometimes even apples, all bound together with mayonnaise and a hint of mustard. This sweet and savory salad adds a unique twist to your traditional BBQ accompaniments.

7. **Seaweed Salad (Miyeok Salad)**

This nutritious salad features rehydrated seaweed, sesame oil, vinegar, and various vegetables. Miyeok salad is light, packed with minerals, and adds a delightful umami flavor that enhances the overall Korean BBQ experience.

These Korean salads not only bring vibrant colors and flavors to your table but also provide a refreshing balance to the rich meats of Korean BBQ. When planning your next BBQ, make sure to include these delicious salads for a complete and satisfying meal.