Recipes: Banchan

Article by Gil "hannaone" © Copyright 2007-2026. All rights reserved.
Image by hannaone: Banchan
반찬 레시피 | banchan resipi
Banchan (반찬) are the small, shared side dishes that complete a Korean meal. More than just accompaniments, they are an essential part of the dining experience—bringing balance, variety, and harmony to the table.
Each category of banchan offers its own unique flavors and textures:
- 🌱 Vegetable-based: fresh, pickled, or seasoned greens
- 🍲 Braised & simmered: tender dishes with depth and richness
- 🥗 Par-boiled & seasoned: light, refreshing sides
- 🍳 Eggs & meats: protein-rich bites for heartiness
- 🐟 Seafood: salty, savory, and full of character
- 🍤 Fried or pan-seared: crisp textures with bold flavor
From tangy kimchi to delicate namul, banchan reflects the diversity of Korean cuisine and the joy of sharing food together.
The recipes in this section are drawn from dishes once served in our restaurant and those enjoyed around our family table. They carry both professional craft and personal memory—meant to be recreated, savored, and shared in your own home.
Recipes
Story Time
The practice of serving banchan probably began during the Three Kingdoms period when the major Kingdoms adopted Buddhism as state religion, and accepted Buddhist vegetarianism. This led to the development of various cooking techniques and presentations, especially in the royal courts. Even after the reintroduction of meat following the Mongol invasions, the vegetarian roots of Korean cuisine remained influential, shaping the diverse and colorful banchan selections found in Korean dining today.