The tunnel chase scene where SpongeBob and Patrick dig underneath rocks causing them to fall and crush Squidward is a reference to the popular arcade game Dig Dug.
The scene where Squidward looks out his bedroom window to see SpongeBob and Patrick running back and forth outside has become a popular meme across the internet.
When the Krusty Krab sinks, Plankton is happy, then the Chum Bucket sinks. This is an inverse of what happens in "Slide Whistle Stooges", when Squidward destroys the Chum Bucket while riding a gas truck, Mr. Krabs is happy, then Squidward destroys the Krusty Krab.
"Karate Star" is the first karate-themed episode to not feature Sandy.