Name: What To Serve With Korean Short Ribs
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 portion Korean short ribs

Table of Contents

If you’re wondering what to serve with your Korean short ribs, you’ve come to the right place.

In this article, I list 16 of the most popular side dishes for Korean short ribs.

In a rush? Here’s the short answer.

The best side dishes to serve with Korean short ribs are Korean bean sprouts, kimchi, ssamjang, or horseradish mashed potato. Asian chopped salad or steamed broccoli are good for a lighter options. I also like creamy avocado, pickled radish, and spicy scallion salad.

Ready? Let’s jump right in.

Kimchi

You can’t have a Korean side dish list without including kimchi.

It’s a traditional Korean dish that’s made from fermented cabbage. Your meal would look strange without any kimchi on the plate!

It can be spicy or mild, depending on your taste. But each bite never fails to fill your mouth with flavor.

Check out this quick kimchi recipe from sen kyong longest.

Asian chopped salad

This salad is crunchy, spicy, and refreshing – a perfect complement to the softness and smokiness of the ribs.

It will look great on the plate, and it’s also super easy to make. You can even prepare it the day before and let it rest in the fridge.

It will still be just as crunchy.

The recipe from little broken is sure to be a hit at your next dinner party!

Horseradish mashed potatoes

Want some added spice to your Korean short ribs?

Horseradish mashed potatoes will do the trick.

The mashed potatoes are seasoned with horseradish, mustard, and some caramelized onions to add a touch of sweetness.

Once the mash mixes with the sticky ribs sauce, it’s heaven.

Try this fluffy horseradish mashed potatoes from the chunky chef.

Creamy avocado dip

It’s hard to deny that avocados are one of the best things ever.

And this dip takes them to the next level.

The creamy flavor will cool your mouth down after a little too much spice, and the buttery texture will complement the melt-in-your-mouth rib meat.

I recommend serving this creamy avocado alongside some traditional kimchi – you’ll want something to cut through all that richness!

Grilled spring onions

I’ve never been a huge fan of spring onions, but these grilled ones served with Korean short ribs were delicious!

They had a crispy outer layer and a tender, sweet center.

The most common way to cook them is on the grill, but you can also pan-fry them or saute them in olive oil.

Ready to cook? Try these grilled spring onions from williams sonoma.

Lightly pickled radish

Pickled radish can help cut through the fatty, flavorful Korean short ribs and keep the dish from getting too heavy.

They’re light and crunchy and you’ll often see them at Korean BBQs.

They’re easy to make at home, but if you’re feeling lazy, you can pick up some pre-made pickled radish at your local Asian market or grocery store.

Basmati rice pilaf

Rice doesn’t have to be boring.

Pilaf rice is flavored with butter, stock, garlic, and onions. So it’s got a deeper flavor that matches well with the hearty short ribs.

Try the best basmati rice pilaf recipe from umami girl – it’s fluffalicious

Korean bean sprouts (kong namul)

Korean bean sprouts are a must-have side dish for Korean short ribs.

The crunchy texture and subtle nutty flavor that they add will round off your meal nicely.

They’re low in calories and high in fiber, so add substance without being too filling.

The best way to prepare them is by boiling them briefly in salted water before mixing them in a bowl with the seasonings.

If you’re a fan of Korean short ribs, then you need to try Korean bean sprouts.

Steamed broccoli

Simple, bright, and healthy.

You don’t always need something fancy or complicated to wow your guests.

The Korean short ribs will do that!

So don’t overthink your sides and go for this steamed broccoli.

Spicy scallion salad

I’ve been to many Korean restaurants, and I have to say spicy scallion salad is one of my favorite side options.

The scallions are crisp, and the sauce is a great balance of sweet and spicy.

They’re perfect for adding some zing and color to the Korean short ribs.

Try the spicy scallion and onion salad recipe from bon appetite.

Ssamjang

The word “ssam” means wrap, and the word “jang” means sauce.

And ssamjang is a yummy sauce that’s going to wrap your Korean short ribs in flavor!

It’s spicy, sweet, and garlicky. And the best part about ssamjang is that it only takes a few minutes to make.

Just mix some gochujang (red pepper paste), soybean paste, sesame oil, garlic, and rice wine, and you’re good to go.

Korean spinach (sigeumchi namul)

Sigeumchi Namul is spinach that’s been lightly tossed in sesame oil and seeds.

It’s the perfect partner for your Korean short ribs, adding crunchy texture and a bit of sweetness to your meal. Plus some much-needed veggies.

Check out okonomi kitchen for the recipe.

Psst… add some Korean chili flakes for an extra kick!

Sesame bok choy salad

Bok choy is one of the freshest vegetables out there.

It’s normally sauteed, but it works really well raw in a salad too.

I think this side would be perfect for a summer party. It’s unique, tasty, and easy to throw together.

It’s easy to customize too – when I make it I like to add in some edamame beans.

Sesame bok choy salad is perfect for those who want something light to go with their Korean short ribs.

Creamy cucumber salad

If you want a super simple salad, try this cucumber salad.

The creamy sauce on this cucumber salad mixes really well with the rich flavors of the Korean ribs. And a splash of vinegar or lemon juice will keep the dish bright.

Spendwithpennies has the best cucumber salad in town.

Psst… not into creamy stuff? Try an Asian cucumber salad instead.

Garlic chili spicy edamame

Edamame are so fun to eat and you get them on the table in under 10 minutes, so they’re amazing when you’ve left everything to the last minute!

For a bit of a kick, try these chili-coated edamame.

Although if you’ve already got spicy ribs, you might appreciate some milder flavored edamame (like with soy sauce, or some lemon juice)

You can use frozen edamame to make these garlic chili edamame. No one will know the difference, I promise.

Lo Mein

Lo mein is a popular noodle dish and it’s really easy to customize.

You can use any veggies you like, and chucking a few Korean short ribs on top will turn it into something really special!

You can have this side dish served in 25 minutes with this recipe from Damn Delicious.

The best side dishes for Korean short ribs

Kimchi
Asian chopped salad
Horseradish mashed potatoes
Creamy avocado dip
Grilled spring onions
Lightly pickled radish
Basmati rice pilaf
Korean bean sprouts (kong namul)
Steamed broccoli
Spicy scallion salad
Ssamjang
Korean spinach (sigeumchi namul)
Sesame bok choy salad
Creamy cucumber salad
Garlic chili spicy edamame
Lo Mein