Buzz
Korean cuisine is famous not only for its visually appealing dishes and delicious flavors but also for its variety of side dishes that make the dining table fuller and more flavorful. Korean Panchan dishes are sure to impress every diner with their richness and diversity.
Kimchi - the representative dish of Korean Panchan - made headlines on billboards in Times Square, New York City, in late 2022, marking the global fame of Korean side dishes among food enthusiasts worldwide.
The Culture of Panchan in South Korea
Panchan, also known as banchan, refers to a variety of Korean side dishes often served in small plates accompanying every meal. Besides being present in family meals, Korean Panchan is also served in barbecue restaurants and some other upscale eateries.
South Korea boasts countless variations of Panchan
The culture of Korean Panchan originates from the Three Kingdoms period and has been passed down to the present day. Most Panchan is made from vegetables, often with a spicy flavor. Depending on the seasoning and preparation method, a diverse range of side dishes is created, elevating Korean cuisine.
Koreans are quite meticulous about their dining habits, always carefully selecting, preparing, and arranging dishes on the dining table to be visually appealing, nutritionally balanced, and delicious. Hence, Panchan serves as a key that fills the table with a variety of flavors, complementing the main dishes.
Korean Panchan is indispensable in every meal
Popular Types of Korean Panchan
The famous Korean Panchan dishes are incredibly diverse and abundant as they can be transformed into hundreds of different types depending on the ingredients and cooking methods. However, fundamentally, Korean Panchan is divided into 7 essential types that are indispensable on the dining table.
Kimchi
One of the most iconic Korean Panchan dishes is undoubtedly Kimchi. This pickled vegetable dish with its spicy, tangy, and slightly sour flavor profile stimulates the taste buds, enhancing the overall dining experience. Due to these characteristics, Kimchi is never absent from a Korean meal, especially when enjoying noodles or grilled meat.
Kimchi is often chopped into small pieces for serving alongside meals
In addition to traditional cabbage Kimchi, Koreans also favor several other types such as radish Kimchi, green onion Kimchi, cucumber Kimchi... Particularly, Koreans have a tradition of fermenting their own Kimchi, so the flavors you get to taste are sure to be unique and special.
While there are many different dishes, Bokkeum can be divided into 2 main types:
- Dry Bokkeum: dishes without sauce like fried rice, fried potatoes...
- Saucy Bokkeum: stir-fried dishes with distinctive sauce such as stir-fried octopus, spicy rice cakes,...
Jangajji
A Korean Panchan made from pickled vegetables fermented in salt or soy sauce for an extended period is called Jangajji. This side dish is known for its rich flavor, perfect for pairing with the sweet and savory flavors of Korea. Common Jangajji dishes include: pickled garlic, sesame leaves, radishes, cucumbers...
Sesame-soaked tofu sauce is highly popular in many restaurants
Namul
Namul refers to a variety of Korean Banchan dishes made from different types of vegetables, roots, and leaves. These side dishes share a light, refreshing taste, perfect for accompanying some of Korea's spicy dishes like spicy noodles and mixed rice.
Namul is often prepared simply, infused with the aroma of sesame oil and sesame seeds
Various vegetables are typically simply cooked, such as steamed or boiled, and then mixed with sesame oil and vinegar to maintain their sweet flavor. Some well-known Namul dishes include: Mixed spinach with sesame oil, sautéed bean sprouts, stir-fried bean sprouts...
Jorim
Jorim is prepared differently, as it involves simmering various ingredients together until tender. Main ingredients like vegetables, meat, seafood, or tofu are marinated in richly flavored sauce and simmered until tender in broth. Jorim Panchan becomes even more harmonious when eaten with black bean paste noodles or cold noodles Naengmyeon.
Dubu Jorim tofu braised in soy sauce is incredibly delicious
Ganjang soy sauce is the key ingredient that defines the distinctive flavor of this Korean Panchan dish. In some places, they also use Gochujang chili paste to enhance the layers of flavor in the dish.
Jorim is often prepared into the two most popular dishes:
- Jangjorim soy sauce beef stew.
- Dubu Jorim tofu braised in soy sauce.
Jjim
Each type of Korean Panchan has its own unique characteristics, Jjim is a type of panchan prepared by steaming the ingredients until the nutrients are released and meld with the broth.
Steamed egg is a famous Korean Panchan
Some familiar Jjim dishes include: Steamed egg Gyeranjjim, Steamed fish Saengseon Jjim... The main flavor of this side dish is often light and mildly sweet to complement the spicy Korean cuisine.
Jeon
Jeon is the general term for various Korean Panchan dishes prepared by frying with the main ingredient being flour along with toppings ranging from meat, seafood to vegetables, mushrooms... This Panchan dish is transformed into many types of pancakes such as Kimchijeon, Gamjajeon, Pajeon, Yukjeon...
Jeon is fried into bite-sized pieces
Some other Panchan dishes
In addition to the common types of Korean Panchan classified according to the general cooking method, the people of the Kimchi land also creatively create many other Panchan dishes that you may have encountered.
- Japchae: Glass noodle salad is one of the traditional Panchan dishes of Koreans, especially indispensable on festive days.
- Vegetable salad: Various vegetables such as potatoes, carrots mixed with refreshing fruits like pear, apple are blended with mayonnaise dressing.
- Seaweed: Seaweed dishes mixed with vinegar or dried seaweed are commonly used in meals.
- Yellow pickled radish Danmuji: A side dish accompanied with rice balls or black bean noodles.
A rich Korean dining table
Each Korean Panchan dish adds a touch of beauty to the culinary culture of the Kimchi Land. The harmonious taste experience that Panchan brings will surely give you a unique experience. Book a trip to Korea with Mytour to treat yourself to the national feast right away!
Author: Tuntun
Image Source: Internet
