20 Essential Korean Banchan (Side Dishes) for the Week

A comprehensive guide to preparing 20 classic Korean banchan (supporting dishes) using a variety of vegetables, proteins, and pantry staples. These dishes are designed to be made in bulk and enjoyed throughout the week, providing nutritious, flavorful accompaniments to rice and other meals.

ExpertKoreanServes 4

Printable version with shopping checklist

Source Video
2h 30m
Prep
3h 20m
Cook
42m
Cleanup
6h 32m
Total

Cost Breakdown

Total cost:$77.30
Per serving:$19.33

Critical Success Points

  • Blanching vegetables properly to preserve color and crunch.
  • Using fresh garlic, pounded for maximum flavor.
  • Caramelizing soy sauce and sugar for mushrooms and anchovies.
  • Cooling soy marinade before pouring over raw fish or eggs.
  • Searing tofu properly for best texture.
  • Cooking meatballs and stuffed mushrooms slowly to ensure doneness.

Safety Warnings

  • Use caution when handling hot oil and pans.
  • Let microwaved dishes cool before handling to avoid burns.
  • Use sashimi-grade salmon for raw preparations.
  • Keep raw and cooked foods separate to avoid cross-contamination.
  • Be careful with mandoline slicer – use guard to avoid injury.

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