Elevate Your Thanksgiving with Korean-Inspired Banchan: Exquisite Sides for a Unique Feast!

This Thanksgiving, consider swapping out the traditional stuffing and cranberries with Korean side dishes. Caroline Choe, a Korean American chef and the author of the cookbook “Banchan: 60 Korean American Recipes for Delicious, Shareable Sides,” offers insights on infusing Korean flavors into Thanksgiving meals.

Adapting to a Korean American Thanksgiving

Choe recounts how her family, after immigrating to the United States in 1973, adapted their Thanksgiving celebrations to include both Korean and American flavors. Despite not knowing how to roast a turkey initially, they gradually learned to cook a Korean American Thanksgiving spread, combining various ingredients they could find. The family's favorite dishes include kimchi mashed potatoes and kimchi mac and cheese, showcasing the fusion of Korean and American cuisines.

Delicious 'Banchan' Recipes

The cookbook features traditional banchan recipes from Choe's family members and some of her own creations, providing a diverse range of flavors and cooking techniques.

Innovative Dips and Broths

One captivating addition is the Maple Doenjang dip, conceived by Choe's father as a tangy complement to vegetables. The dip, combining doenjang (fermented soybean paste), sesame oil, and black pepper, adds a delightful twist to your Thanksgiving platter. Additionally, the Vegetable Anchovy Broth, traditionally used in Korean stews, has been adapted by Choe's family for their New England oyster stuffing, offering a flavorful and versatile alternative to chicken broth.

Korean-Inspired Delicacies for Thanksgiving

For a truly unique twist on traditional dishes, Choe's kimchi mac and cheese combines the richness of sharp cheddar and Gruyère with the pungency of kimchi. This dish promises to be a crowd-pleaser, adding an unexpected yet delightful flavor to the Thanksgiving spread. Furthermore, the seasoned broccoli salad, a refreshing combination of steamed broccoli, garlic, green onion, and sesame oil, serves as a light counterpoint to the hearty dishes on the table.

Savory Leftover Transformation

As for Thanksgiving leftovers, Choe suggests whipping up a smoky gochujang chicken salad. This creative twist on leftover roast chicken or turkey infuses smokiness from paprika and the spicy kick of gochujang, offering a flavorful and effortless solution for post-Thanksgiving meals.

Bringing Korean Flavors to Thanksgiving

Choe's innovative banchan recipes provide an exciting way to infuse Korean flavors into your Thanksgiving celebration. From dips and broths to unique takes on classic dishes, these culinary creations promise to elevate your holiday spread. Explore the delectable world of Korean banchan and discover the joy of combining cultures through food this Thanksgiving.