Chuseok, one of Korea’s most important holidays, is a time for families to come together and celebrate the harvest. It’s also a time to enjoy a feast filled with traditional Korean dishes, especially side dishes that complement the main meal perfectly. Whether you’re hosting your own Chuseok dinner or bringing a dish to share, these 6 festive side dishes will earn you all the praise you deserve!

Let’s take a look at these delicious side dishes that go hand-in-hand with your Chuseok spread. They are easy to make, full of flavor, and will leave your guests coming back for seconds. And the best part? These dishes are perfect for adding a little extra flair to your holiday meal!

1. Kimchi Jeon (Kimchi Pancakes)

Kimchi Jeon is a crispy and savory pancake made with fermented kimchi, flour, and vegetables. It’s a perfect side dish to complement the rich and flavorful main courses of Chuseok. The tangy, spicy kick of the kimchi gives this dish a unique flavor that everyone will love.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of kimchi, chopped

• 1/2 cup flour

• 1/4 cup water

• 1 egg

• Green onions, chopped

• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Combine all the ingredients in a bowl, mixing well.

2. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and drizzle with a little oil.

3. Pour a scoop of the batter into the pan, flattening it out to form a pancake.

4. Cook until both sides are golden brown and crispy.

5. Serve with a dipping sauce made of soy sauce and a touch of vinegar.

This savory treat will add a nice balance to your Chuseok meal!

2. Japchae (Stir-Fried Glass Noodles)

Japchae is a classic Korean side dish made from glass noodles stir-fried with a mix of vegetables, meat, and soy sauce. It’s a great choice for Chuseok as it’s both flavorful and light, balancing out the heavier dishes.

Ingredients:

• 200g glass noodles

• 1 carrot, julienned

• 1 onion, sliced

• 1 bell pepper, sliced

• 100g beef (or tofu for a vegetarian version)

• Soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar for seasoning

Directions:

1. Cook the glass noodles according to the package instructions.

2. Stir-fry the vegetables and beef in a little oil until they’re tender.

3. Add the cooked noodles, soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar. Stir well and cook for another few minutes.

4. Garnish with sesame seeds and serve warm.

Japchae is colorful, delicious, and a great way to add some texture to your holiday spread!

3. Banchan (Side Dishes) Assortment

No Chuseok meal is complete without a variety of banchan—small side dishes served with rice. These could be anything from pickled vegetables to sautéed greens. Banchan is an essential part of Korean cuisine, and it provides a range of textures and flavors that perfectly complement the main dishes.

Popular options include:

• Kongnamul Muchim (Seasoned Soybean Sprouts)

• Oi Kimchi (Cucumber Kimchi)

• Mushroom Banchan

• Spinach Banchan

These dishes are easy to make in large quantities and will definitely impress your guests with their variety.

4. Galbijjim (Braised Short Ribs)

Galbijjim is a delicious, rich dish of braised short ribs cooked in a sweet and savory sauce. The tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef is a holiday favorite and adds depth to your meal.

Ingredients:

• 500g short ribs

• Soy sauce, sugar, garlic, sesame oil, and pear for marinating

• Carrots and onions for added flavor

Directions:

1. Soak the short ribs in cold water for about 30 minutes to remove excess blood.

2. In a pot, combine the ribs with the marinade ingredients and cook over medium heat.

3. Add the vegetables and simmer until the meat is tender and the sauce thickens.

4. Serve hot with steamed rice.

Galbijjim is a rich and flavorful dish that makes your holiday meal extra special!

5. Gim (Korean Seaweed)

Gim, or roasted seaweed, is a simple yet delicious side dish that goes great with rice. This crispy seaweed adds a nice crunch and is often served alongside other savory dishes.

You can find seasoned gim at most Korean supermarkets, or you can easily roast your own at home with a little sesame oil and salt.

6. Sikhye (Sweet Rice Drink)

Sikhye is a traditional sweet rice drink that’s often served at the end of a meal during Chuseok. Made with cooked rice, barley malt, and sugar, this refreshing drink helps with digestion after a hearty meal.

Directions:

1. Cook some sweet rice and allow it to cool.

2. Add barley malt to the rice and boil the mixture with sugar until it thickens slightly.

3. Serve chilled, garnished with pine nuts.

Sikhye is a perfect way to finish off your Chuseok feast while also enjoying a sweet and refreshing drink.

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Conclusion

With these 6 festive side dishes, your Chuseok feast will be both delicious and memorable. From Kimchi Jeon to Japchae and Galbijjim, each dish is a classic that will please the whole family. These dishes not only taste amazing but also bring tradition and togetherness to your holiday celebrations.

We hope these recipes inspire you to create a beautiful and hearty Chuseok meal. Happy cooking and enjoy the celebration!

For more ideas and recipes, check out the links below:

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