Are you looking for the perfect side dish to complement your Korean beef tacos? Look no further!
These delicious tacos are already packed with flavor, but adding the right side dish can take them to the next level. Whether you want to stick with traditional Korean flavors or add a Mexican twist, there are plenty of options to choose from.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the best side dishes to serve with Korean beef tacos and give you some tips on how to make them. So, grab your apron and get ready to impress your taste buds!
What To Serve With Korean Beef Tacos?
When it comes to serving Korean beef tacos, there are a variety of side dishes that can complement the flavors of the dish. Here are some of our top picks:
1. Spicy Cucumber Salad: This refreshing salad is the perfect side dish to balance out the richness of the beef. Simply slice cucumbers thinly and toss with a mixture of rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes.
2. Doenjang Soup: This traditional Korean soup is made with fermented soybean paste and is packed with umami flavor. It’s a great way to add some warmth and depth to your meal.
3. Radish Salad: This sweet and sour salad is made with thinly sliced radishes, vinegar, sugar, and salt. It’s a great way to add some crunch and acidity to your meal.
4. Flash-Boiled Spinach with Sesame Oil: This simple side dish is made by quickly blanching spinach and then tossing it with sesame oil, soy sauce, and garlic. It’s a great way to add some greens to your meal.
5. Asian Slaw: If you’re looking for a more Mexican-inspired side dish, try making an Asian slaw. Simply shred cabbage and carrots and toss with a dressing made from rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, and sriracha.
Traditional Korean Side Dishes
Korean cuisine is famous for its variety of side dishes, known as banchan, that accompany every meal. These small plates of food are meant to complement the main dish and provide a range of flavors and textures. Here are some traditional Korean side dishes that would go well with Korean beef tacos:
1. Kimchi: This spicy fermented cabbage is a staple in Korean cuisine and is often served as a side dish. Its tangy and spicy flavor pairs well with the bold flavors of the beef tacos.
2. Kongnamul Muchim: Made with soybean sprouts, this side dish is often served at Korean BBQ restaurants. The sprouts are blanched and then seasoned with sesame oil, garlic, and soy sauce.
3. Japchae: This stir-fried noodle dish is made with sweet potato noodles, vegetables, and beef or pork. It’s a hearty and flavorful side dish that would complement the beef tacos well.
4. Gamja Jorim: This braised potato side dish is made with soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and sesame oil. It’s savory and slightly sweet, making it a great accompaniment to the spicy beef tacos.
5. Oi Muchim: This spicy cucumber salad is made with thinly sliced cucumbers, vinegar, garlic, and red pepper flakes. It’s a refreshing side dish that would balance out the richness of the beef tacos.
Mexican-Inspired Side Dishes
While Korean cuisine may be the star of the show with Korean beef tacos, there’s no reason why you can’t add some Mexican-inspired side dishes to the mix. Here are some options that will complement the flavors of the dish:
1. Mexican Street Corn (Elote): This classic Mexican side dish is a perfect addition to any taco night. Grilled corn is slathered in a mixture of mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, and cotija cheese for a creamy and flavorful side.
2. Mexican Rice: This easy-to-make side dish is a staple in Mexican cuisine and pairs well with any main dish. It’s made with long-grain rice, tomato sauce, chicken broth, and spices like cumin and chili powder.
3. Guacamole: No Mexican-inspired meal is complete without guacamole. This delicious dip is made with ripe avocados, lime juice, garlic, onion, and cilantro.
4. Black Beans: These protein-packed beans are a great addition to any taco night. Simply cook them with onions, garlic, and spices like cumin and chili powder for a flavorful side dish.
5. Salsa: Whether you prefer mild or spicy, salsa is a great way to add some flavor to your meal. Try making your own with fresh tomatoes, onions, jalapenos, cilantro, and lime juice.
With these Mexican-inspired side dishes added to your Korean beef tacos, you’ll have a delicious fusion meal that’s sure to impress your guests.
Quick And Easy Side Dishes To Make At Home
If you’re short on time and need some quick and easy side dishes to make at home, here are a few options:
1. Kimchi: This spicy, fermented cabbage is a staple in Korean cuisine and is a great side dish to serve with Korean beef tacos. You can buy it pre-made at most grocery stores or try making it at home.
2. Steamed Rice: A simple bowl of steamed rice is always a good option to serve alongside Korean beef tacos. It’s quick and easy to make and helps to balance out the flavors of the dish.
3. Pickled Vegetables: Pickled vegetables, such as carrots or cucumbers, are a great way to add some tangy flavor to your meal. Simply slice the vegetables thinly and soak them in a mixture of vinegar, sugar, and salt.
4. Sesame Noodles: If you’re looking for a carb-heavy side dish, try making some sesame noodles. Cook some spaghetti noodles according to the package instructions and toss them with a sauce made from soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, garlic, and red pepper flakes.
5. Stir-Fried Vegetables: Another quick and easy option is to stir-fry some vegetables, such as broccoli or bok choy. Simply heat up some oil in a pan, add the vegetables, and cook until they’re tender-crisp. Season with soy sauce and sesame oil for extra flavor.
Tips For Pairing Side Dishes With Korean Beef Tacos
When it comes to pairing side dishes with Korean beef tacos, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you want to choose dishes that complement the bold flavors of the beef without overpowering them. Second, you want to choose dishes that provide some contrast in texture and temperature. Here are some tips for pairing side dishes with Korean beef tacos:
1. Balance out the heat: Korean beef tacos are often quite spicy, so it’s a good idea to pair them with some cooling side dishes. Spicy cucumber salad or flash-boiled spinach with sesame oil are both great options.
2. Add some acidity: The sweetness of the beef can be balanced out with some acidity from a radish salad or Asian slaw.
3. Consider the texture: Korean beef tacos are often served in soft tortillas, so it’s nice to have some crunch on the side. Asian slaw or radish salad both provide some satisfying crunch.
4. Keep it simple: Don’t feel like you need to go overboard with side dishes. Sometimes a simple bowl of rice or a baked potato can be the perfect accompaniment to Korean beef tacos.
5. Make ahead: To make things easier on yourself, consider making some of your side dishes ahead of time. Doenjang soup can be made in advance and reheated throughout the week, while Asian slaw can be prepped a day ahead and stored in the fridge until ready to serve.
By following these tips, you can create a well-rounded meal that perfectly complements the bold flavors of Korean beef tacos.
