South Korea is an superb nation. A cultural melting pot that’s the results of quite a few completely different influences, from the colonial powers that at one time occupied it to the distinctive panorama and local weather it boasts. It’s the confluence of those elements which have created the customs, attitudes, and meals tradition that exists there at present. And should you haven’t visited Korea but it is best to undoubtedly put it in your listing.
Traditional Korean Dishes
Korean meals is predicated quite a bit on grains—in explicit rice. From Kimchi fried rice to a candy rice cake, it’s a delicacies that isn’t afraid of a bit of spice and makes use of a whole lot of fermented components. Fish and seafood additionally play an vital position in Korean meals, due to the ocean surrounding the Korean peninsula.
Many South Korean dishes have fascinating histories or cultural significance. Loads of the meals listed here are adopted or tailored from different cultures. We shall be highlighting some conventional dishes but additionally a few of these trendy takes on Korean Food which have turn into actually widespread in the USA.
It is time to start out your meals journey in Korea. We can’t wait to indicate you a few of our all-time favourite dishes.
1. Bibimbap (Korean Rice Bowl)
Bibimbap is among the extra well-known Korean dishes. You have in all probability tried it at house however till you may have it in Korea, we are saying you might be lacking out. Bibimbap is a rice-based dish that may encompass greens, a fried egg, and no matter different protein you want.
If you wish to make it the normal manner then be sure that every ingredient is sectioned individually in the bowl. Then you possibly can combine them collectively earlier than consuming. The finest Bibimbap used greens which were blanched or sautéed with sesame oil and soy sauce, and meat that has been marinated earlier than being cooked. I just like the egg to be sunny-side up after which I high it with sesame seeds, spicy sauce, and scallions. Sounds superb proper?
The benefit of this being such a well-liked Korean dish is that you may get a model with seafood, beef, and tofu—there’s one thing to swimsuit all tastes! If you go to Korea you’ll discover that completely different areas have their very own takes on this dish.
2. Bulgogi (marinated beef barbecue)
Bulgogi is a dish you possibly can’t miss should you’re visiting South Korea. Its identify means “fire meat” and derives from its methodology of cooking. Bulgogi is made up of thin-cut slices of beef or pork which were marinated and grilled on a barbecue.
Bulgogi is a kind of easy Korean dishes that you may make at house. The key to Bulgogi is unquestionably the suitable minimize of meat. We like to make use of high sirloin, however you need to use whichever sort of beef you want. Make certain to slice it good and skinny, that manner it’s extra tender, then marinate it in soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, and garlic. When you cook dinner it, you wish to hear that sizzle so be certain the grill is basically scorching.
This dish really comes from Northern Korea, however at present it’s widespread in South Korea as nicely. This is a scrumptious and unpretentious dish that you simply’ll discover in most quick meals and BBQ eating places throughout South Korea.
3. Korean barbecue (Gogigui )
Speaking of BBQ, we couldn’t do a listing of Korean meals with out together with one among our favorites: Korean Barbecue! Also often called Gogigui, the sort of meals is as enjoyable to eat as it’s scrumptious.
At Korean Barbecue eating places, you order your meat, you’re given a choice of veggies, after which you possibly can go to city grilling your personal dinner. It’s an excellent enjoyable strategy to spend a night and a really social manner of consuming.
Now it’s possible you’ll assume that this sounds quite a bit like Bulgogi however the distinction is that Bulgogi is definitely a kind of Gogigui. The time period Gogigui simply refers back to the apply of grilling or roasting meat in Korean delicacies.
4. Gimbap: Korean Seaweed Rice Rolls
If you’re a fan of sushi then you definitely’ve received to attempt gimbap. Gimbap is the Korean tackle sushi and it’s most frequently loved as avenue meals—it’s tremendous reasonably priced so nice should you’re touring on a funds. It can embody all kinds of creative components, together with however not restricted to beef, cheese, omelet, and even pork stomach cutlet.
Another spelling of this dish is “kimbap” with Kim which means seaweed and bap which means rice. It was most definitely first invented when Korea was below Japanese rule. Although some say it’s an adaptation of the normal dish Bokssam.
5. Kimchi
Kimchi is one other tremendous widespread meals in South Korea. It is a mixture of spiced and fermented greens usually served as a aspect dish. It is product of cabbage, carrots inexperienced peppers, radish, and spring onions.
We know that it’s been round since historic occasions, with written accounts of it showing as early as the first century. Pickling and fermenting had been widespread strategies of preserving meals earlier than the invention of recent home equipment comparable to fridges. What’s fascinating is that it wasn’t all the time spicy, the warmth was solely added after Portuguese merchants launched chilis to the area in the fifteenth century.
You could make so many alternative Korean dishes utilizing it. There is kimchi stew (kimchi jjigae), kimchi pancake (kimchi jeon), and kimchi fried rice simply to call just a few. Make your personal Kimchi with this scrumptious recipe!
6. Saengseon Jjigae (Spicy Fish Stew)
We talked about above that seafood and fish are main staples of South Korean delicacies, and so are soups and stews. This dish brings collectively each of those ideas and should you’re visiting South Korea you’ll little question see it on menus in all places.
Saengseon Jjigae is a fish stew that consists normally of chicken fish and infrequently prawns or different shellfish. If you’re a lover of fish then you definitely’ve received to ensure to do this dish!
Making this at house will not be that straightforward, however if you wish to give it a attempt you mainly minimize the fish into bite-sized items, mud in flour, and pan fry till it’s crispy.
The broth is made with anchovy paste and kelp in water to make a flavorful inventory. Then throw in some spicy chili paste, garlic, soy sauce, and different seasonings, to provide it a wealthy and spicy taste.
Finally, you mix the inventory with no matter greens you want and let it simmer till they’re cooked. Finally, add in the fish, together with some chopped scallions, and let the whole lot cook dinner collectively for a couple of minutes till the flavors have melded collectively.
7. Sundubu-jjigae (delicate tofu stew)
If you’d prefer to attempt a Korean stew (or jjigae) however you don’t eat meat or fish, you possibly can all the time attempt Sundubu Jjigae, a variation of the normal stew that’s made with tofu. Fish, kimchi, and beef can be added to this dish should you like.
A Korean fundamental meal will nearly all the time include some type of jjigae—that’s how a lot of a staple it’s! So should you’re in a restaurant there’s probability you’ll get to attempt it. This dish is assumed thus far again to historic occasions, although lately extra trendy variations have been invented as nicely.
8. Hotteok (Korean Sweet Pancakes)
From the very savory to the tremendous candy, Hotteok is a kind of pancake oozing with candy syrup. This is among the hottest avenue snacks in South Korea and it’s not laborious to see why! It can embody additions comparable to crushed peanuts or cinnamon, and it’s normally eaten through the winter months to warmth up chilly commuters on chilly mornings.
9. Gilgeori Toast
If you’re searching for some tasty breakfast after you’ve shaken off your jet lag, we’ve received the proper dish for you. Gilgeori toast is what most younger South Koreans will seize for breakfast on their strategy to work. It’s savory, candy, filling, and scrumptious.
Its fundamental components are egg, cabbage, and grated carrots. Ketchup, mayonnaise, and sugar—sure sugar—are different frequent additions. This widespread avenue meals might sound loopy, however someway, it actually works!
10. Tteokbokki (Spicy Rice Cakes)
Another widespread Korean avenue meals, Tteokbokki is sliced rice truffles—although not as you already know them. Far from the crunchy disks of puffed-up rice, this time period conjures up, these rice truffles are delicate, cylindrical, and deliciously chewy.
To make Tteokbokki, first, the rice truffles and fish truffles are boiled till they’re delicate and tender. Then, the crimson pepper sauce, which is made with gochujang (Korean crimson pepper paste), garlic, soy sauce, and sugar, is added to the pot. The combination is simmered till the sauce thickens and coats the rice truffles and fish truffles.
Tteokbokki comes in quite a few completely different varieties, from curry to cream sauce and the whole lot in between. This candy and spicy dish might be not like something you’ve tried earlier than, however it’s too good to move up. This dish is especially widespread on the streets of Seoul, so don’t overlook to look out should you’re visiting.
11. Soondae (Korean blood sausage)
No, we’re not speaking about ice cream and sauce right here, so should you see this on a menu in Korea, don’t make this error! Sundae is in truth a blood sausage much like the kind you may get in a full Irish breakfast should you’re visiting the emerald isle.
This dish is normally made by steaming cow or pig intestines and stuffing them with varied components. It’s not for the faint-hearted, however should you’re an adventurous eater it’s undoubtedly one to attempt.
12. Japchae (Korean Glass Noodles)
This is one other dish that exemplifies the South Korean penchant for the mixture of candy and savory. It’s constructed from glass noodles and infrequently incorporates mushrooms, carrots, spinach, and different veggies. It was as soon as a dish reserved for royalty, and it’s now frequent to eat at celebrations comparable to weddings or birthdays.
There is nothing like a dish of glass noodles stir-fried in sesame oil and garnished with toasted sesame seeds to get your mouth watering. Try making your personal at house with this recipe!
13. Gyeranppang (Egg Bread)
If you’re a lover of all issues wealthy, then Gyeranppang is the dish for you. The identify of this avenue snack interprets to “egg bread” and that’s precisely what it’s.
A lightweight, fluffy, little loaf of sweet-tasting bread that incorporates an entire egg inside. Common toppings embody ham, cheese, or contemporary herbs comparable to parsley.
14. Nakji Bokkeum (Spicy Octopus)
Nakji-Bokkeum is one other dish that is likely to be finest left to adventurous eaters, and should you’re not a fan of fish, you possibly can in all probability give it a miss. Still, it’s an exceedingly widespread dish in South Korea, and it’s undoubtedly price trying out.
Nakji-Bokkeum is a spicy dish constructed from stir-fried octopus. It’s believed to be a comparatively current addition to the South Korean food plan, relationship again to across the mid-1900s.
15. Yaksik (Sweet Rice)
Finally, now we have a candy dish that’s widespread all through South Korea. Yaksik is constructed from steamed rice, honey, and dried fruits. It additionally usually consists of cinnamon and even soy sauce.
This dish dates again to across the thirteenth century. Today, it’s historically served up on Jeongwol Daeboreum, a Korean vacation. It can also be loved at weddings.
16. Hangover Stew (Haejangguk)
Haejangguk, also referred to as Hangover Soup, is a conventional Korean soup that’s believed to assist treatment hangovers. The identify Haejangguk interprets to “soup to chase a hangover.” The soup is made with pork bones and quite a lot of greens like bean sprouts, Napa cabbage, and radish. The soup additionally incorporates quite a lot of spices and seasonings, like garlic, ginger, and Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes).
I’d say you can be hard-pressed to make this at house, however you may give it a attempt with this recipe.
Haejangguk is normally served with rice, kimchi, and pickled greens. If you might be in Seoul you’ll undoubtedly see Koreans consuming this after an evening of heavy ingesting to assist alleviate the signs of a hangover the following day. Does it work? Let’s simply say we consider.
17. Samgyeopsal (Grilled Pork Belly)
Samgyeopsal is a well-liked Korean dish that consists of grilled pork stomach slices. The identify “samgyeopsal” interprets to “three-layered flesh,” which refers back to the three layers of fats and meat on a pork stomach. The dish is served with quite a lot of aspect dishes, together with lettuce leaves, sliced garlic, ssamjang (a spicy soybean paste), and grilled onions.
To make Samgyeopsal, first, a thick minimize of pork stomach is sliced into skinny, bite-sized items. Then marinate it in a mix of soy sauce, garlic, sugar, and sesame oil. Finally, grill it on a scorching plate or barbecue till it’s cooked by means of and barely crispy on the skin.
The last step in this scrumptious dish is to put it on a lettuce leaf together with some garlic, ssamjang, and grilled onions, wrap it up, and eat it in one chew.
18. Kimchi Fried Rice
Kimchi Fried Rice is a well-liked Korean dish that’s made by stir-frying cooked rice with kimchi and different components. The dish is commonly served as a fast and simple meal or as a aspect dish to accompany different Korean dishes.
To make the Fried Rice, first, cooked rice is required. Leftover rice works nicely, as it’s barely drier and simpler to stir-fry. Kimchi is then chopped into small items and combined with different components comparable to diced onions, carrots, and inexperienced onions.
In a pan or wok, oil is heated over medium-high warmth. The kimchi and vegetable combination is added to the pan and stir-fried till the greens are softened. The cooked rice is then added to the pan and stir-fried till it’s heated by means of and coated with the kimchi and vegetable combination. Some variations of this Fried Rice might embody different components comparable to diced ham, bacon, or tofu.
It is commonly served with a fried egg on high, which provides a creamy texture to the dish. The dish can be garnished with further chopped inexperienced onions and sesame seeds for added taste.
19. Steamed Mandu Dumplings (Jjinmandu)
Jjinmandu is a kind of Korean dumpling that’s usually crammed with meat and greens. The dumpling is much like a Chinese-style jiaozi or Japanese-style gyoza however with its personal distinctive taste and texture.
To make Jjinmandu, first, a filling is ready by mixing floor pork or beef with greens comparable to garlic, onion, carrot, and inexperienced onion. The filling is seasoned with soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper to style. Some different sorts of Jjinmandu might embody tofu, kimchi, or different components.
Next, small circles of dumpling wrapper dough are rolled out and crammed with the meat and vegetable combination. The edges of the wrapper are then pinched collectively to seal the filling inside. The dumplings are then steamed or boiled till they’re cooked by means of and the wrapper is tender.
Jjinmandu is commonly served with a dipping sauce constructed from soy sauce, vinegar, and sesame oil. The dish will be loved as a snack or as a fundamental course and is widespread all through Korea.
20. Kimchi Jjigae (Kimchi Stew)
Kimchi Jjigae is a well-liked Korean stew made with fermented kimchi, pork, tofu, and different greens. Kimchi Jjigae is a conventional dish in Korea and is commonly served as a fundamental course, particularly through the winter. The dish has an extended historical past and was first made through the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) when households would ferment their very own kimchi in giant earthenware jars known as Onggi.
To make Kimchi Jjigae, first, the kimchi is chopped into small items and added to a pot together with sliced pork and tofu. Other greens like onion, garlic, and inexperienced onions are additionally added, together with some water or broth. The stew is simmered till the pork is cooked by means of and the greens are tender. The ensuing dish is hearty and warming, with a tangy and spicy taste from the fermented kimchi.
21. Korean Fried Chicken
Korean fried hen, also referred to as KFC, is a well-liked Korean dish that consists of fried hen coated in a crispy, crunchy batter and usually served with a spicy or candy sauce. The distinction between Korean fried hen and different sorts of fried hen is the usage of a double-frying approach that creates an extra-crispy exterior whereas preserving the meat juicy and tender on the within.
Once the hen is totally cooked and crispy, it’s usually served with a candy and spicy sauce made with Korean chili paste, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger. Korean fried hen is a well-liked Korean avenue meals and you could find it nearly anyplace in South Korea.
22. Jjajangmyeon (Noodles in Black-Bean Sauce)
Jjajangmyeon is a well-liked Korean-Chinese dish made with wheat noodles, black bean sauce, and varied greens like onions, zucchini, and potatoes. The dish has an extended historical past in Korea and was first launched through the early twentieth century by Chinese immigrants who settled in Korea.
To make Jjajangmyeon, first, the black bean sauce is ready by frying diced pork stomach with chopped onions and black bean paste. Vegetables like zucchini and potatoes are then added to the pot and cooked till tender. The ensuing sauce is thick and savory with a touch of sweetness.
The wheat noodles are then cooked and served with the black bean sauce on high. The dish is commonly garnished with sliced cucumber and a drizzle of sesame oil. Jjajangmyeon is widespread in Korea due to its wealthy and savory taste and satisfying texture.
23. Samgyetang (Chicken Ginseng Soup)
Samgyetang is a conventional Korean soup made with an entire younger hen, ginseng, jujubes, and different medicinal herbs. The dish is commonly eaten through the summer time months in Korea and is believed to have well being advantages like boosting the immune system and growing stamina.
So, how do you make Samgyetang? First, an entire younger hen is full of glutinous rice and varied herbs like ginseng, jujubes, and garlic. The hen is then boiled in a pot with water till it’s totally cooked and the broth is wealthy and flavorful.
The ensuing soup is thick and hearty, with a fragile taste from the herbs and tender meat from the hen. Samgyetang is a well-liked dish in Korea and is commonly served in Korean eating places and as part of conventional Korean delicacies.
Our Favorite South Korean Cuisine
South Korea is an enchanting and culturally wealthy nation and Korean meals does a tremendous job of reflecting this. There are so many alternative dishes to attempt, and the above symbolize only a few of our favorites. If you’re searching for extra journey ideas, don’t overlook to take a look at the remainder of our posts now!