side dish Recipes
168 delicious side dish recipes from around the world
Kongnamul Muchim (Seasoned Soybean Sprouts)
A classic and essential Korean banchan (side dish), Kongnamul Muchim features blanched soybean sprouts seasoned to perfection, offering a refreshing crunch and savory flavor.
Korokke (Japanese Croquettes)
Korokke are Japanese-style croquettes, featuring a savory filling encased in a crispy panko breadcrumb crust. A beloved Western-influenced comfort food, perfect as a snack or side dish.
Myeolchi Bokkeum (Korean Stir-Fried Anchovies)
A popular Korean banchan (side dish) or snack, myeolchi bokkeum features small, dried anchovies coated in a sweet and savory glaze. They are stir-fried until crispy and slightly chewy, making for a delightful textural contrast. This dish is a fantastic source of calcium and is often packed in lunchboxes.
Naan
Authentic Indian leavened flatbread, known for its soft, pillowy texture and slightly charred surface. Traditionally baked in a tandoor oven, it's the perfect accompaniment for scooping up rich curries and dals.
Napa Cabbage Kimchi (Baechu Kimchi)
Korea's quintessential fermented dish, this vibrant Napa cabbage kimchi is packed with probiotics and flavor. It features a spicy, savory paste made from gochugaru, garlic, ginger, and salted seafood, coating tender, brined cabbage leaves.
PatlΔ±canlΔ± Pilav (Turkish Eggplant Pilaf)
A flavorful and satisfying Turkish rice pilaf studded with cubes of tender, fried eggplant. This dish is a classic summer side, perfect for complementing grilled meats or as a light main course.
Pecel (Javanese Vegetable Salad with Peanut Sauce)
A beloved Javanese vegetable salad featuring a vibrant mix of blanched greens and other vegetables, generously coated in a rich, savory, and slightly spicy peanut sambal. This dish is a healthy and satisfying meal, often enjoyed as a light lunch or side dish.
Perkedel (Indonesian Potato Fritters)
Perkedel are savory Indonesian potato fritters, often enriched with ground meat. These delightful patties are a popular side dish with Dutch colonial influences, similar to European frikadellen.
Puri
Puri is a deep-fried Indian bread made from whole wheat flour. When cooked, it puffs up into a golden, airy orb, offering a delightful texture and a slightly crisp exterior. It's a festive and indulgent accompaniment to many Indian meals.
Raita
A cooling and refreshing Indian yogurt-based side dish, often featuring grated cucumber or crispy boondi, seasoned with aromatic spices. It perfectly complements rich and spicy main courses.
Rau Muα»ng XΓ o Tα»i (Vietnamese Stir-Fried Water Spinach with Garlic)
A classic Vietnamese vegetable dish featuring tender water spinach quickly stir-fried with fragrant garlic. This dish is known for its simplicity, vibrant green color, and satisfying crunch, making it an essential accompaniment to many Vietnamese meals.
Rojak
A vibrant and refreshing Malaysian fruit and vegetable salad, tossed in a rich, sweet, sour, and spicy shrimp paste dressing. This dish offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors.
Saag Aloo
A classic Indian vegetarian side dish featuring tender cubes of potato simmered in a vibrant, spiced spinach sauce. Simple to prepare and full of flavor.
Salad Shirazi (Persian Cucumber, Tomato, and Onion Salad)
A refreshing and essential Persian side salad, Salad Shirazi features finely diced cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions, tossed with a zesty lime and mint dressing. It's known for its vibrant colors and crisp texture.
Serunding (Spiced Meat Floss)
A deeply flavorful and aromatic spiced meat floss, traditionally served as a condiment or accompaniment, especially during festive occasions like Hari Raya. It's made by finely shredding meat, cooking it with a complex spice paste, and then toasting it with desiccated coconut until dry and crumbly.
Sigeumchi Namul (Seasoned Spinach)
A classic Korean banchan (side dish), Sigeumchi Namul features blanched spinach seasoned with garlic, sesame oil, and soy sauce, finished with toasted sesame seeds. It's a simple, healthy, and flavorful addition to any meal.
Sunomono (Japanese Vinegared Cucumber Salad)
A quintessential Japanese side dish, Sunomono features thinly sliced cucumbers marinated in a bright, tangy-sweet vinegar dressing. It's incredibly refreshing and serves as an excellent palate cleanser.
Tabbouleh
A vibrant and refreshing Lebanese parsley salad, where fresh herbs, particularly parsley and mint, are the stars, complemented by a small amount of fine bulgur, diced tomatoes, and scallions, all brought together with a zesty lemon-olive oil dressing.
Tamagoyaki (Japanese Rolled Omelette)
A delicate, slightly sweet, layered rolled omelette cooked in a special rectangular pan. It's a staple in Japanese bento boxes and a popular breakfast or side dish.
Tempe Goreng (Indonesian Fried Tempeh)
Tempe Goreng is a beloved Indonesian dish of thinly sliced tempeh, marinated in a fragrant blend of garlic, coriander, and salt, then deep-fried until golden brown and delightfully crispy. It's a simple yet incredibly satisfying everyday staple, often served as a side dish.
Torshi Makhloot (Persian Mixed Pickles)
A vibrant and tangy Persian mixed vegetable pickle, Torshi Makhloot is an essential condiment served with almost every meal. This recipe focuses on a classic blend of vegetables and herbs, pickled in vinegar for a complex flavor that improves with age.
Tsukemono (Japanese Pickled Napa Cabbage)
A simple and quick method for making Japanese pickles (tsukemono) using Napa cabbage. These pickles are a staple accompaniment to many Japanese meals, offering a refreshing, salty, and slightly tangy counterpoint to richer dishes. This recipe focuses on a fast pickling technique.
TΓΌrk PilavΔ± (Turkish Rice Pilaf)
A classic Turkish rice pilaf, known as 'pilav', is a buttery, fragrant rice dish cooked to fluffy perfection. It's a staple accompaniment to many Turkish meals, prized for its delicate texture and rich flavor. This recipe focuses on achieving separate, tender grains of rice.
Yeongeun Jorim (Korean Braised Lotus Root)
Yeongeun Jorim is a classic Korean banchan (side dish) featuring tender yet slightly crunchy lotus root braised in a sweet and savory soy-based sauce. The beautiful, lace-like pattern of the lotus root makes it visually appealing, while its unique texture and flavor profile make it a delightful accompaniment to any meal.