Korean Banchan are the small side dishes that accompany the main part of the meal, and incorporating them into your meal prep will save time without sacrificing variety and taste.

Korean Banchan naturally lends itself to meal prep. The dishes are highly versatile, and many can be made in advance since they require time to ferment.

Kimchi is probably the most recognizable example of banchan, but there's an almost overwhelming array of side plates and condiments to explore beyond pickled cabbage.

Lightly pickled cucumbers and pickled perilla leaves are also common and have a bright flavor and green color, but Banchan includes more than just pickled vegetables.

Roasted root vegetables and mushrooms, salads with Brussels sprouts, kale, and seaweed, or pancakes made with scallions, sweet potatoes, or mung beans are also popular options.

You can also buy premade banchan from your local Korean market to save prep time and assemble an easy meal. Banchan is flexible — you can build a meal from any dishes you like.