What To Serve With Bulgogi: 23 BEST Sides for 2024!

If you’re experimenting with cooking Korean cuisine at home, you may well be searching for recipes and ideas for what to serve with bulgogi. 

You’re in the right place, and you’re about to discover the tastiest choices of sides, including traditional and authentic options that honour the dish’s roots! 

Bulgogi – or Korean BBQ beef as it’s also known – is typically made by marinading strips of tender beef in a mixture including soy, sugar, rice wine, and red apple, before frying on a sizzling hot skillet and garnishing with sesame seeds. 

It’s a beautiful dish, but it’s not quite a complete meal just on its own.

You likely already know that typical Korean meals consist of a bowl of rice, a stewed meat or soup, and some side dishes, but you can bring your own creativity and tastes to the table to whip up something that will appeal to you and your family. 

Let’s explore this a little further to help you to plan your meal… 

What to serve with bulgogi

In a hurry and need to get busy making your sides?

No worries!

Some of the best choices for what to serve with bulgogi include Korean fried rice, lettuce wraps, spicy Korean noodles, a fried egg, Korean pickled onions, matchstick veggies, kimchi, and baked potatoes.

If you’re happy to deviate from more traditional choices, French fries are also a quick and tasty option! 

If you want to discover some more options, and get more tips for making these accompaniments extra delicious, I’ve got you covered… 

1. Korean fried rice 

If you only make one side dish, it should definitely be Korean fried rice!

It’s a beautiful bowl full of flavour, thanks to the addition of a spicy authentic paste known as gochujang and a generous dollop of kimchi. 

It proves that rice doesn’t have to be boring, and it’s a fabulous idea to make enough so you have some leftovers for lunch the next day. 

Just add your rice to a bowl, and spoon your beef bulgogi on top.

You’re good to go with a complete meal! 

2. Lettuce wraps 

Lettuce wraps are a particularly popular choice for those following keto and low carb diets, but they’re a great choice for what to serve with bulgogi regardless of your dietary preferences. 

Use them as edible cups, and go for a sturdy type of lettuce with thick ribs on each leaf, so they can hold your beef filling.

Good examples include iceberg and little gem.

Pass on anything that might be flimsy or will easily wilt when you load it with a hot filling. 

(If you love Korean food, be sure to also take a look at what to serve with Korean fried chicken!) 

3. Spicy Korean noodles 

Noodles are one of those easy side dishes that work so well with a wide variety of main courses, and if you’re anything like me, you’ll always have some in your pantry for creating a quick and easy meal. 

Go the extra mile for your bulgogi by making these spicy Gochujang noodles.

This isn’t so much a recipe as it is a kitchen hack, as you’ll be using a packet of instant ramen to make a side that’s full of fiery flavour alongside a satisfying and creamy nuttiness. 

4. Fried egg 

I love adding a fried egg to a bowl of bulgogi! It’s cheap, it’s easy, it adds an extra serving or protein, and it’s also really eye catching and adds some real visual appeal. 

Frying an egg might seem like one of the most basic kitchen skills out there, but it can actually be a little tricky to get right.

For maximum satisfaction, you’ll be aiming for a crispy bottom and a runny golden yolk.

I like to follow this guide to frying an egg. 

When serving with Korean food, I choose coconut oil for frying.

The hint of flavour takes things up a level! 

5. Korean pickled onions 

Chefs and experienced home cooks know that texture plays such an important role in the overall enjoyment of food.

So many people focus on flavour when it comes to creating the perfect meal, but the feel of the food in your mouth is just as important when it comes to overall enjoyment and satisfaction. 

A good way to add extra texture to your beef and rice bowl is by adding Korean pickled onions, otherwise known as Yangpa Jangajji. 

They only take around 15 minutes to make, though it’s best to make them the day before you plan to serve them, so the pickling process can really work its magic. 

6. Matchstick veggies 

Thinly chopped veggie sticks are one of my favourite choices for what to eat with beef bulgogi.

They add colour and vibrancy to your plate, and it’s a quick and easy option for adding some extra goodness and making some progress towards your five-a-day. 

Carrots, cucumber, and courgette are all good choices here, and though you can cook them if you prefer, I like to serve them raw.

The added texture of the crunch helps to create a more balanced bowl that offers plenty of interest and variety for the palate. 

7. Spicy stir fried rice cakes 

Simmered rice cakes are massively popular in Korean cuisine, and are often found available as street food, as well as a staple in many homes.

They’ve got a rich and interesting history, and you might be surprised that they’re a fairly new creation.

It’s thought that they rose to prominence in 1953 at the end of the Korean War and that they were invented by a woman named Ma Bok-rim in the Sindang-dong neighborhood of Seoul. 

The addition of a sauce typically including Korean chilli paste, anchovy broth, soy sauce, and sugar makes for a satisfying side dish that’s full of flavour and is perfect for adding to the table alongside your bulgogi. 

8. Korean macaroni salad 

Korean macaroni salad definitely isn’t a traditional side dish, but it’s becoming more and more popular in Korean restaurants right around the world, and there’s no denying that it’s absolutely delicious! 

It’s simply made with cooked macaroni pasta shapes, and a creamy and rich mayonnaise based dressing. 

My favourite thing about this side dish is that you can totally make it your own by adding extra ingredients.

It’s a great way to use up any leftovers that you might have, and incorporate more of your favourite tastes and textures in to your meal.

Consider adding red onion, boiled egg, ham, crab, or apple. 

9. Korean egg rolls 

Korean egg rolls are also known as Korean rolled omelettes, and they’re another popular street food dish that can also be made and served as a side dish.

They’re super simple to make, so they’re a great choice for those evenings when you’re running short on time. 

The filling options are pretty much endless.

Onions, mushrooms, courgette, carrots, spring onions, ham, bacon, and cheese are all tasty choices that you might want to try. 

10. Korean chicken skewers

If I have dinner guests coming over and I really want to impress and push the boat out, I love serving up a choice between beef and chicken for the main course.

I typically find that people will dig in and have a bit of both, which makes for a great variety of different flavours. 

These Korean chicken skewers are so good.

They’re low carb, easy to make, and are prepared using Asian chilli, ginger, and garlic. 

11. Kimchi 

Kimchi is a traditional Korean side that’s practically essential when you’re wondering what to serve with bulgogi!

It consists of salted and fermented vegetables, such as cabbage and radish, seasoned with garlic, spring onion, ginger, and chilli paste. 

Check out this quick kimchi recipe, which requires just 20 minutes of prep. 

As a side note, I find that kimchi is such a wonderful ingredient to keep in your fridge, as it can used to jazz up such a wide range of different meals.

Add it to soups and salads, or serve alongside grilled meats and fish. 

12. Garlic butter and soy sauce mushrooms 

These garlic butter mushrooms with soy sauce are deeply and deliciously savoury, and I love to serve them as a side dish for lots of different dishes.

They’re great if you want to get in some extra portions of veggies, but you already have the greens covered or you just want to try something else! 

Use meaty mushrooms like shiitake if you can get hold of them, though this recipe is beautiful with just about any kind of mushroom that you’ll find at the supermarket or at your local farmers market. 

If you’re into meal prepping, make up an extra portion and stir into pasta the following evening. 

13. Baked potatoes 

Maybe you’ve eaten rice a lot recently and you fancy a bit of a change, or maybe you’re on a mission to use up the fresh produce you have in your home, and you happen to have plenty of baking potatoes! 

Either way, baked potatoes are a great alternative to rice to serve with beef bulgogi. 

I like to add plenty of salted butter to the potato, pile on the bulgogi, and then garnish with plenty of chopped spring onions and sesame seeds. 

14. French fries 

If you only want to discover traditional Korean side dishes for bulgogi, you’ll want to avert your eyes right about now! 

French fries may not be an authentic option, but I just love their crispy, crunchy texture alongside mouthfuls of tender, juicy beef. 

Though you can of course make your own from scratch if you prefer, I find it easiest to pick up a bag of frozen fries at the supermarket and cook them in the air fryer.

It’s a no fuss side dish that’ll be popular with kids, and requires hardly any effort at all. 

15. Korean pancakes

Yachaejeon is a Korean veggie pancake that’s made with sweet potato, mushroom, courgettes, leek, and grilled mushrooms. 

Though you can of course use any veggies that you happen to have in the fridge! 

They make for a great side dish to bulgogi if you want to serve up the kind of meal where everyone digs in and helps themselves to a bit of whatever they fancy. 

16. Korean coleslaw

Korean coleslaw is a fresh and spicy twist on the traditional coleslaw, featuring a tangy and slightly sweet dressing with a kick of heat from Korean chilli flakes (gochugaru).

Here’s how to make it… 

Ingredients:

• Cabbage, thinly sliced
• Carrots, julienned or shredded
• Green onions, chopped
• For the dressing:
  • Rice vinegar
  • Sugar
  • Gochugaru (Korean chilli flakes)
  • Soy sauce
  • Sesame oil
  • Garlic, minced
  • Salt to taste
  • Optional: sesame seeds for garnish

Preparation:

1. Prepare the Vegetables: Thinly slice the cabbage, julienne or shred the carrots, and chop the green onions. Combine them in a large mixing bowl.
2. Make the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, sugar, gochugaru, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, and salt. Adjust the quantities based on your taste preference for sweetness, tanginess, and heat.
3. Combine and Toss: Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss thoroughly to ensure that the slaw is evenly coated with the dressing.
4. Chill: For the best flavour, cover and refrigerate the coleslaw for at least 30 minutes before serving. 
5. Serve: Give the coleslaw another toss before serving. Optionally, sprinkle sesame seeds on top for an added nutty flavour and visual appeal.

17. Fried tofu 

Fried tofu makes for a delicious accompaniment for bulgogi. 

I like to add it a bowl with fluffy rice, then spoon over the bulgogi then add any shredded veggies that I might want to use. 

Many meat eaters avoid tofu, but I’d urge you to give it a try. When marinaded and cooked properly, it can be so satisfying! 

18. Korean corn cheese 

For a really comforting side dish, try Korean corn cheese!

It’s made with sweetcorn, plenty of savoury cheese, mayonnaise, and sugar. 

Once it’s ready, you can scoop a generous portion on to your plate alongside your bulgogi, or you can serve it as a sharing side dish with crackers for dipping. 

19. Gimbap 

Gimbap is often considered as Korean sushi, and it’a great side if you’re in the mood for experimenting with different elements of the cuisine. 

It typically consists of cooked rice, veggies, fish, and meat, all rolled in dried sheets of seaweed and enjoyed in bitesized morsels. 

I like to stuff mine with fresh avocado and carrot when serving with bulgogi! 

20. Seasoned seaweed 

Seasoned seaweed is healthy and nutritious, and it’s just as good as a snack as it is served as an accompaniment for a bowlful of bulgogi. 

Seaweed is often available to buy in Asian grocery stores and even larger supermarkets, but if you’re looking for an easy substitute, take a look at my crispy ‘seaweed’ kale recipe, which is just as delicious!

21. Korean bean sprout salad 

For a light, crunchy, and super easy side dish that takes less than 10 minutes to make, try Korean bean sprout salad. 

The bean sprouts are lightly cooked but still retain a satisfying crunch – just make sure that you keep a close eye on them so you don’t overdo them and end up with a bowl of mush! 

The flavours of garlic, sesame oil, and soy sauce really help them flavours to sing. 

22. Radish soup

Korean radish soup is also known as muguk, and it’s often considered to be a staple in Korean homes. 

You’d struggle to find it in a restaurant, but it’s a real comfort food classic that’s easy to prepare and a fantastic one to try if you want to familiarise yourself with more traditional recipes from this wonderful cuisine. 

Serve with a selection of other dishes, including your bulgogi of course, for a family friendly feast. 

23. Scallion salad

Korean scallion salad, known as Pa Muchim, is a simple and flavourful side dish that often accompanies grilled meats in Korean cuisine.

It’s made with thinly sliced scallions and a spicy, tangy dressing.

Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients:

• A bunch of scallions (green onions)
• For the dressing:
  • Gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes)
  • Soy sauce
  • Sesame oil
  • Rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • Sugar or honey
  • Minced garlic
  • Sesame seeds
  • Optional: a splash of fish sauce or lemon juice for added depth

Preparation:

1. Prepare the Scallions: Wash the scallions and cut them into approximately 2- to 3-inch long pieces. Then, slice each piece lengthwise into thin strips. If the scallions are very thick, you can slice them into even thinner julienned strips.
2. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, combine gochugaru, soy sauce, sesame oil, vinegar, sugar or honey, minced garlic, and sesame seeds. Whisk together until the sugar is dissolved and the ingredients are well combined. Adjust the seasoning to your taste, balancing the spicy, sweet, and tangy elements.
3. Mix and Marinate: Place the scallion strips in a large bowl and pour the dressing over them. Use your hands (you may want to wear gloves to avoid the heat from the gochugaru) to gently mix the scallions with the dressing, ensuring they are thoroughly coated. Let the salad sit for about 10 to 15 minutes to marinate and slightly wilt the scallions, which makes them more palatable and enhances their flavour.
4. Serve: Serve the salad as a side dish with Korean barbecued meats such as bulgogi or galbi, or with any other meal where you’d like a zesty, refreshing side. The sharpness of the scallions is mellowed by the dressing, making it a great palate cleanser or complement to rich flavours.

If you love discovering more about Korean cuisine, take a look over my guide to what to serve with Korean fried chicken.

You’ll find further inspiration when it comes to delicious accompaniments to cook alongside your main course. 

The best side dishes for beef bulgogi 

Some of the best Korean inspired sides for beef bulgogi include: 

• Korean fried rice 
• Noodles 
• Lettuce wraps 
• Matchstick veggies 
• Fried egg 
• Kimchi 
• Garlic butter and soy mushrooms 
• Korean chicken skewers

Don’t forget to leave and comment and share your favourite choices.

I love hearing about the meals you create in your kitchen, and the best ideas you’ve discovered!