Looking for vegan Korean side dishes? Did you know Korea has a strong tradition of plant-based foods so you have quite a few options? Here are 10 side dishes traditionally made without meat or animal products. Keep in mind, many modern Korean recipes do add meat to some of the following items but you can easily make them yourself in a vegan style without losing flavor.
About Korean Side Dishes (Banchan)
‘Banchan’ translates to side dishes in Korean. Typically served family-style in the center of the table, they accompany the main courses and are shared by everyone at the table. Ranging from cold to hot, mild to spicy, Korean side dishes add variety and depth to a vegan meal. For our vegan enthusiasts, here are ten “accidentally vegan” banchan that promise to tantalize your taste buds.
Keep in mind, that the following vegan bancan list is not comprehensive. Instead, the list focuses on the most common side dishes found throughout Korea. We also focused on side dishes that have a more subtle flavor profile. With that said, here they are:
Regularly Vegan
The first vegan banchan recommendations generally do not have fish sauce. These are side dishes that you should be able to eat anywhere (but always double-check).
Baek Kimchi (김치)
The heart and soul of Korean meals, Kimchi has variations that are vegan-friendly. Omitting fish sauce or shrimp paste doesn’t compromise its iconic flavor. For example, white kimchi is often vegan and available at most stores. Recipe: Baek Kimchi
Oi Muchim (오이무침)
A refreshingly spicy cucumber salad that adds a delightful crunch to any meal. Recipe: Oi Muchim
Sigeumchi Namul (시금치나물)
Spinach never tasted so good! A must-try for all green lovers. Recipe: Sigeumchi Namul
Mu Saengchae (무생채)
Radish gets a spicy makeover in this tantalizing salad. Recipe: Mu Saengchae
Miyeok Julgi Bokkeum (미역줄기볶음)
A delightful stir-fry that celebrates the unique texture of seaweed stems. Recipe: Miyeok Julgi Bokkeum
Doraji Namul (도라지나물)
Crunchy bellflower root seasoned to perfection. Recipe: Doraji Namul
Vegan At Home
Some of the vegan dishes on this list usually include fish sauce when made at restaurants or grocery stores. However, they can easily be vegan at home. We are including these because they are wildly popular side dishes and we want vegans to feel included in enjoying them:
Kongnamul Muchim (콩나물무침)
Soybean sprouts seasoned to perfection. A simple yet delicious treat! Warning: Restaurants and store versions of this will have fish sauces! Recipe: Kongnamul Muchim
Gaji Namul (가지나물)
Soft steamed eggplant meets a burst of flavor in this banchan. Warning: Restaurants and store versions of this will have fish sauces! Recipe: Gaji Namul
Vegan Japchae (잡채)
Glass noodles intermingle with a riot of colorful veggies in this festive dish. Warning: Restaurants and store versions of this will have fish sauces! You might be able to make a special request and pre-order your without meat. Recipe: Vegan Japchae
Baechu Geotjeori (배추겉절이)
A fresh take on kimchi, this salad is a burst of flavors and textures. Warning: Restaurants and store versions of this will have fish sauces! Recipe: Baechu Geotjeori
Where to Purchase Korean Side Dishes
While nothing beats homemade banchan, for those short on time or new to Korean cooking, many Korean grocery stores and supermarkets have an array of ready-made banchan. Stores like HomePlus, Emart, Lotte Mart, and neighborhood marts often have a dedicated section for fresh banchan, prepared daily. Additionally, most neighborhoods and traditional markets in Korea have stores dedicated to side dishes. Just remember to always check the ingredient list to ensure they’re vegan.
Shopping List for Vegan Korean Side Dishes
Want to make these side dishes at home? We want to make this as easy as possible for vegans living in Korea so we compiled a grocery that includes the Korean terms. We’ve broken the list into different categories as well to help you move around the store more smoothly:
Vegetables & Fruits
- Napa Cabbage (배추, Baechu): For Kimchi & Baechu Geotjeori
- Korean Radish (무, Mu)
- Soybean Sprouts (콩나물, Kongnamul)
- Cucumbers (오이, Oi)
- Eggplants (가지, Gaji)
- Spinach (시금치, Sigeumchi)
- Seaweed Stems (미역줄기, Miyeok Julgi): For Miyeok Julgi Bokkeum
- Sweet Bell Peppers (파프리카, Papurika): For Japchae
- Carrots (당근, Danggeun): For Japchae
- Asian or Bosc Pears (배, Bae): For Kimchi & Baechu Geotjeori
- Fresh ginger (생강, Saenggang)
- Green onions (파, Pa)
- Garlic (마늘, Maneul)
- Bellflower Root (도라지, Doraji)
Grains & Noodles
- Sweet Potato Glass Noodles (당면, Dangmyeon) – for Japchae
Seasonings & Sauces
- Soy Sauce (간장, Ganjang)
- Sesame Oil (참기름, Chamgireum)
- Korean Red Pepper Flakes (고추가루, Gochugaru)
- Roasted Sesame Seeds (볶은 참깨, Bokkeun Chamkkae)
- Rice Vinegar (쌀식초, Ssal Sikcho) or Apple Cider Vinegar
- Sugar (설탕, Seoltang)
- Salt (소금, Sogeum)
Others
- Dried Kelp (다시마, Dashima) and Dried Shiitake Mushrooms (표고버섯, Pyogo Beoseot): For vegan broth in Japchae
Optional (For added flavor or variations)
- Agave Syrup or Rice Syrup (조청, Jocheong): For a different sweetness in Kimchi
- Toasted Seaweed (김, Gim) – can add an umami layer to various dishes
- Pine nuts (잣, Jat): For Japchae
Shopping Tips
Now that you have your recipe list and ingredients list, here are a few tips for shopping:
- Navigating Korean Stores: When shopping at local Korean grocery stores, having the native terms handy will ease your shopping experience, ensuring you find the right ingredients.
- Prioritize Freshness: For dishes like Kimchi and Baechu Geotjeori, the quality of your napa cabbage can make a world of difference.
- Gochugaru Adjustments: If Korean cuisine is new to your palate, begin conservatively with gochugaru to match your spice tolerance.
- Trust but Verify: In Korea, there are many types of sauces. Always double-check each item like soy sauce to make sure nothing has been added.
Once you’ve gathered all your ingredients, the world of Korean banchan awaits. From the spicy tang of Kimchi to the delicate flavors of Sigeumchi Namul, there’s a dish to delight every palate. Happy cooking!
Join Vegan And Vegetarian Pyeongtaek
Looking for localized insight into vegan and vegetarian life in Korea? Join the Vegan and Vegetarian Pyeongtaek Facebook Group. Members share their favorite tips and tricks for living a plant-based lifestyle in Korea.
Lanae Rivers-Woods moved to Korea in 2011 where she lives in the countryside with her family, friends, and puppies. She holds a BSSW (Bachelor’s of Science in Social Work), a MAIT (Master’s of Arts in International Teaching), and registered by the Pyeongtaek Korean Times with the Korean government as a Cultural Expert.
Ms. Rivers-Woods used her 15 years experience as a social architect, UX/UI designer, and technology consultant to found South of Seoul in 2015. South of Seoul is a volunteer organization that leverages technological tools to mitigate cultural dissonance in multi-cultural communities.
Through South of Seoul, Ms. Rivers-Woods works with independent volunteers, non-profit organizations, businesses, local & federal government, universities, and US military organizations to develop solutions to support English speaking international residents in rural South Korea.
Additionally, Ms. Rivers-Woods founded the South of Seoul smart phone app available for Google Play and iPhone. The app provides information a resources for those living and traveling in South Korea.
When she isn’t in South of Seoul development meetings or working her day job, Ms. Rivers-Woods loves to be outside at skate parks, the beach, or playing in the mountains.
