Korean fried chicken, or KFC as it’s sometimes playfully called, has taken the world by storm. Its signature crispy skin, juicy interior, and addictive sauces make it a culinary experience unlike any other. But even the most delicious fried chicken benefits from well-chosen side dishes to create a complete and satisfying meal.
This article explores the best side dishes to complement Korean fried chicken, offering a diverse range of flavors and textures that will elevate your dining experience. We’ll delve into traditional Korean options, explore some globally-inspired pairings, and consider the best ways to balance the richness and spice of KFC.
Understanding the Flavors of Korean Fried Chicken
Before diving into side dish suggestions, it’s important to understand the flavor profile of Korean fried chicken. Unlike its American counterpart, KFC often boasts a thinner, crispier skin achieved through a double-frying technique. This meticulous method renders out much of the fat, resulting in a less greasy and more satisfying crunch.
The sauces that coat KFC are equally crucial. Common options include:
- Gochujang-based sauces: These sauces offer a spicy, savory, and slightly sweet flavor derived from the fermented Korean chili paste, gochujang.
- Soy garlic sauces: This classic combination provides a balanced blend of salty, sweet, and umami notes.
- Honey sauces: A sweeter option that balances the savory elements of the chicken.
- Spicy mayo sauces: These offer a creamy, tangy and spicy kick that is incredibly moreish.
Knowing the specific sauce accompanying your KFC will help you choose the best side dishes to create a harmonious meal. Do you need something to cut through the richness? Perhaps something to amplify the spice? Or maybe something to cool down your palate?
Traditional Korean Side Dishes for an Authentic Experience
For an authentic Korean fried chicken experience, consider pairing it with traditional Korean side dishes, also known as banchan. These small, flavorful dishes are designed to complement and enhance the main course.
Kimchi: The Undisputed King of Korean Sides
No discussion of Korean cuisine is complete without mentioning kimchi. This fermented cabbage (or other vegetables) is a staple in Korean households and comes in countless varieties. The spicy, sour, and umami flavors of kimchi provide a fantastic counterpoint to the richness of fried chicken.
The fermentation process not only creates a complex flavor profile but also produces beneficial probiotics, making kimchi a healthy and delicious addition to your meal. Consider varieties like baechu kimchi (napa cabbage kimchi), kkakdugi (radish kimchi), or oi sobagi (cucumber kimchi) to find your perfect pairing. Kimchi’s acidity cuts through the fried chicken’s richness, refreshing your palate and preparing you for the next bite.
Pickled Radish: A Sweet and Tangy Delight
Pickled radish, or danmuji, offers a sweet, tangy, and slightly crunchy contrast to the savory fried chicken. Its vibrant yellow color also adds visual appeal to the meal. The sweetness of the radish helps to balance the spiciness of gochujang-based sauces, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. Thinly sliced pickled radish is also a popular addition to kimbap, and works perfectly alongside the chicken.
Korean Coleslaw: A Refreshing and Light Option
Korean coleslaw, often referred to as “cabbage salad,” is a light and refreshing side dish that provides a welcome respite from the richness of fried chicken. Unlike traditional Western coleslaw, Korean coleslaw often features a lighter, more vinaigrette-based dressing with ingredients like rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sesame oil. The absence of heavy mayonnaise makes it a healthier and more palate-cleansing option. Sometimes Gochugaru (Korean Chili Flakes) will be added for a small kick.
Steamed Rice: The Perfect Blank Canvas
A bowl of fluffy steamed rice is a simple yet essential accompaniment to Korean fried chicken. Rice acts as a blank canvas, absorbing the flavors of the chicken and sauces while providing a comforting and satisfying base for the meal. Short-grain rice, with its slightly sticky texture, is the preferred choice in Korean cuisine.
Korean Potato Salad: A Creamy and Savory Treat
Korean potato salad is typically milder than Western versions, often incorporating ingredients like apples, cucumbers, and carrots for added texture and sweetness. The dressing is usually a blend of mayonnaise, sugar, and vinegar, creating a creamy and slightly tangy flavor. The coolness of the potato salad offers a pleasant contrast to the warmth of the fried chicken.
Spinach Salad (Sigeumchi Namul): A Nutritious and Flavorful Addition
Sigeumchi Namul is a seasoned spinach salad that provides a nutritious and flavorful side dish. Blanched spinach is mixed with sesame oil, soy sauce, garlic, and sesame seeds, creating a savory and slightly nutty flavor. This side dish provides essential vitamins and minerals and adds a touch of freshness to the meal.
Globally-Inspired Side Dishes for a Fusion Feast
While traditional Korean side dishes offer an authentic experience, exploring globally-inspired pairings can create exciting and unexpected flavor combinations.
Edamame: A Simple and Satisfying Snack
Steamed edamame, sprinkled with sea salt, is a simple yet satisfying side dish that complements Korean fried chicken perfectly. The slightly salty and subtly sweet flavor of edamame balances the richness of the chicken, while its chewy texture provides a pleasant contrast.
French Fries: A Classic Comfort Food
While seemingly unconventional, crispy French fries are a surprisingly good match for Korean fried chicken. The salty and starchy fries absorb the sauces and provide a familiar and comforting element to the meal. Consider adding a sprinkle of sesame seeds or a dusting of seaweed flakes for a Korean twist.
Onion Rings: Another Deep-Fried Delight
Crispy onion rings provide a similar textural contrast to French fries, while adding a touch of sweetness. The sweetness of the onion complements the savory flavors of the chicken, creating a well-rounded culinary experience.
Coleslaw (Western Style): A Creamy Counterpoint
While Korean coleslaw offers a lighter option, a classic Western coleslaw with a creamy mayonnaise-based dressing can also be a great pairing. The creaminess of the coleslaw helps to cool down the palate after a spicy bite of chicken.
Corn on the Cob: A Sweet and Summery Side
Grilled or steamed corn on the cob, brushed with butter and sprinkled with salt, is a sweet and summery side dish that complements Korean fried chicken surprisingly well. The sweetness of the corn balances the savory flavors of the chicken, while its juicy texture provides a refreshing contrast.
Balancing Flavors and Textures: Creating the Perfect Meal
When choosing side dishes for Korean fried chicken, it’s important to consider the overall balance of flavors and textures. Aim for a variety of options that complement and contrast with the chicken’s richness, spiciness, and savory flavors.
Consider these factors when making your selections:
- Spice level: If your chicken is heavily spiced, opt for milder side dishes that will cool down your palate. Pickled radish, steamed rice, and Korean potato salad are good choices.
- Richness: To cut through the richness of the fried chicken, choose acidic and refreshing side dishes like kimchi or Korean coleslaw.
- Texture: Balance the crispy texture of the chicken with softer side dishes like steamed rice or potato salad. Consider crunchy elements like pickled radish or edamame.
By carefully considering these factors, you can create a well-rounded and satisfying meal that showcases the deliciousness of Korean fried chicken.
Beyond the Plate: Drinks to Pair with Korean Fried Chicken
No meal is complete without the perfect beverage to wash it down. Here are a few suggestions to consider:
- Korean Beer (Cass, Hite): A light and crisp Korean beer is a classic pairing for fried chicken. It helps to cut through the richness and cleanse the palate.
- Soju: This clear, distilled Korean liquor is another popular choice. Its neutral flavor allows the flavors of the chicken and side dishes to shine through.
- Sparkling Water: For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon or lime can be a refreshing choice.
- Iced Tea: A slightly sweet iced tea can also be a good complement to Korean fried chicken.
Ultimately, the best side dishes for Korean fried chicken are the ones that you enjoy the most. Experiment with different combinations and find your perfect pairings. Don’t be afraid to try new things and get creative in the kitchen. The world of Korean cuisine is vast and diverse, offering endless possibilities for culinary exploration.
Enjoy your Korean fried chicken feast! Remember the key is balance and complementing flavors to create the best possible dining experience.
What makes a side dish a “perfect” complement to Korean Fried Chicken?
The best side dishes for Korean fried chicken offer a balance of flavors and textures that contrast and complement the richness and spiciness of the chicken. Ideal side dishes cut through the grease, provide refreshing acidity, and introduce interesting textures to enhance the overall eating experience. They should be easy to eat alongside the chicken and not overwhelm the main dish with competing flavors.
Specifically, consider side dishes that offer cooling elements like pickled vegetables, crisp salads, or creamy sauces. Think about incorporating dishes that provide a different carbohydrate source than just the fried chicken coating, like rice or noodles. Ultimately, a perfect side dish enhances the Korean fried chicken without overpowering it, creating a harmonious and satisfying meal.
Kimchi is often mentioned. What varieties of kimchi pair best with Korean fried chicken?
While all kimchi offers a welcome sour and spicy counterpoint to the richness of Korean fried chicken, certain varieties stand out. Napa cabbage kimchi (baechu kimchi), being the most common, is a reliable choice due to its satisfying crunch and balanced flavors. Its slightly sweet and fermented taste complements both sweet and spicy Korean fried chicken variations.
Another excellent option is radish kimchi (kkakdugi). The radish’s crispness and sharper, more pungent flavor provide a more intense contrast to the fried chicken’s richness. Cucumber kimchi (oi sobagi) is another fantastic pairing, offering a refreshing and juicy counterpoint, especially beneficial when the chicken is particularly spicy. Experimenting with different kimchi varieties allows you to discover your personal preference for flavor and texture balance.
Beyond kimchi, what pickled vegetables are good options?
Korean pickled radish, known as “danmuji,” is a popular choice, appreciated for its sweet and slightly sour flavor and bright yellow color. Its subtle sweetness helps to balance the spiciness of the chicken, while its crunchy texture provides a pleasant contrast to the chicken’s crispy exterior. Pickled onions or shallots can also offer a tangy and sharp counterpoint to the richness of the fried chicken.
For a less traditional but still delicious option, consider pickled cucumbers or even pickled carrots. The key is to choose pickled vegetables with a balance of sweetness, sourness, and acidity to cut through the grease and cleanse the palate between bites of chicken. The crisp textures are also crucial for adding variety to the meal and enhancing the overall enjoyment.
Are there any specific rice dishes that are better suited than plain white rice?
While plain white rice serves as a neutral base to absorb the sauces and flavors of Korean fried chicken, incorporating additional elements into the rice can elevate the experience. Consider making bibimbap, a mixed rice dish with seasoned vegetables, meat (optional), and a fried egg. The variety of flavors and textures in bibimbap complements the chicken beautifully.
Another excellent option is garlic fried rice. The garlicky aroma and savory flavor add another layer of deliciousness to the meal. Kimchi fried rice is also a popular choice, combining the tanginess of kimchi with the heartiness of fried rice, creating a synergistic flavor profile with the fried chicken. Incorporating even simple additions like sesame oil and scallions to plain rice can significantly enhance its appeal.
What types of salads work well with Korean fried chicken?
Salads that offer a refreshing and contrasting element are ideal companions for Korean fried chicken. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing can help cleanse the palate and cut through the richness of the chicken. Incorporating crisp vegetables like cucumbers, lettuce, and carrots adds textural contrast.
More elaborate salads, like a cucumber salad with gochujang dressing, can also be a fantastic choice. The gochujang dressing adds a spicy and savory element that complements the chicken’s flavors, while the cucumber provides a cooling and refreshing contrast. Seaweed salad is another great option, providing a salty and umami flavor that balances the sweetness and spiciness of the chicken.
What dipping sauces, besides the ones that might come with the chicken, are worth considering?
While Korean fried chicken often comes with its own dipping sauces, such as sweet chili sauce or soy garlic sauce, exploring additional options can enhance the flavor experience. A simple honey mustard sauce can provide a sweet and tangy counterpoint to the spiciness of the chicken. A sriracha mayo adds a creamy and spicy kick, complementing both sweet and savory chicken variations.
Another excellent choice is a gochujang mayo. This sauce combines the creamy richness of mayonnaise with the fermented spice of gochujang, creating a balanced and flavorful dip that pairs perfectly with the crispy fried chicken. Consider experimenting with various combinations of mayonnaise, soy sauce, sesame oil, and other ingredients to create your own signature dipping sauce.
Are there any traditional Korean side dishes that might be unexpected but still pair well?
While some side dishes are commonly associated with Korean fried chicken, exploring less conventional options can lead to delightful culinary discoveries. Japchae, a glass noodle dish stir-fried with vegetables and meat (optional), offers a savory and slightly sweet flavor that complements the chicken. The chewy texture of the noodles provides a pleasing contrast to the crispy chicken.
Another intriguing option is tteokbokki, spicy rice cakes simmered in gochujang sauce. While both the chicken and tteokbokki are spicy, the different textures and flavor profiles create a unique and satisfying combination. The chewy rice cakes and the savory sauce provide a contrasting element to the crispy and often sweet fried chicken, creating a well-rounded and flavorful meal.