South Korea is an wonderful nation. A cultural melting pot that’s the results of a variety of 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 the moment. And if you happen to haven’t visited Korea but you need to positively put it in your checklist.
Traditional Korean Dishes
Korean meals relies loads 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 substances. Fish and seafood additionally play an necessary 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 will probably be highlighting some conventional dishes but additionally a few of these fashionable takes on Korean Food which have turn out to be actually fashionable in the USA.
It is time to begin your meals journey in Korea. We can’t wait to point out you a few of our all-time favourite dishes.
1. Bibimbap (Korean Rice Bowl)
Bibimbap is without doubt one of the extra well-known Korean dishes. You have most likely tried it at dwelling however till you’ve got it in Korea, we are saying you’re 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 approach then make it possible for every ingredient is sectioned individually in the bowl. Then you may combine them collectively earlier than consuming. The finest Bibimbap used greens which have been 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 prime it with sesame seeds, spicy sauce, and scallions. Sounds wonderful proper?
The benefit of this being such a preferred Korean dish is which you could 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 may’t miss if you happen to’re visiting South Korea. Its identify means “fire meat” and derives from its technique of cooking. Bulgogi is made up of thin-cut slices of beef or pork which have been marinated and grilled on a barbecue.
Bulgogi is a type of easy Korean dishes which you could make at dwelling. The key to a great Bulgogi is certainly the fitting reduce of meat. We like to make use of prime sirloin, however you should utilize whichever kind of beef you want. Make positive to slice it good and skinny, that approach 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 make certain the grill is basically sizzling.
This dish really comes from Northern Korea, however at the moment it’s fashionable in South Korea as properly. This is a scrumptious and unpretentious dish that you just’ll discover in most quick meals and BBQ eating places throughout South Korea.
3. Korean barbecue (Gogigui )
Speaking of BBQ, we couldn’t do an inventory of Korean meals with out together with one in all our favorites: Korean Barbecue! Also referred to as Gogigui, such a meals is as enjoyable to eat as it’s scrumptious.
At Korean Barbecue eating places, you order your meat, you’re given a number of veggies, after which you may go to city grilling your individual dinner. It’s a brilliant enjoyable technique to spend a night and a really social approach of consuming.
Now chances are you’ll assume that this sounds loads like Bulgogi however the distinction is that Bulgogi is definitely a kind of Gogigui. The time period Gogigui simply refers back to the observe of grilling or roasting meat in Korean delicacies.
4. Gimbap: Korean Seaweed Rice Rolls
If you’re a fan of sushi then you definately’ve received to attempt gimbap. Gimbap is the Korean tackle sushi and it’s most frequently loved as avenue meals—it’s tremendous inexpensive so nice if you happen to’re touring on a funds. It can embody all types of ingenious substances, together with however not restricted to beef, cheese, omelet, and even pork stomach cutlet.
Another spelling of this dish is “kimbap” with Kim that means seaweed and bap that means rice. It was most probably 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 fashionable meals in South Korea. It is a mixture of spiced and fermented greens usually served as a facet dish. It is made from cabbage, carrots inexperienced peppers, radish, and spring onions.
We know that it’s been round since historic instances, with written accounts of it showing as early as the first century. Pickling and fermenting had been fashionable strategies of preserving meals earlier than the invention of contemporary home equipment comparable to fridges. What’s attention-grabbing 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 various Korean dishes utilizing it. There is kimchi stew (kimchi jjigae), kimchi pancake (kimchi jeon), and kimchi fried rice simply to call a couple of. Make your individual 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 if you happen to’re visiting South Korea you’ll little question see it on menus all over the place.
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 definately’ve received to ensure to do that dish!
Making this at dwelling isn’t that straightforward, however if you wish to give it a attempt you principally reduce 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 every little thing cook dinner collectively for a couple of minutes till the flavors have melded collectively.
7. Sundubu-jjigae (smooth tofu stew)
If you’d wish to attempt a Korean stew (or jjigae) however you don’t eat meat or fish, you may 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 if you happen to like.
A Korean primary meal will virtually all the time include some type of jjigae—that’s how a lot of a staple it’s! So if you happen to’re in a restaurant there’s a great probability you’ll get to attempt it. This dish is believed up to now again to historic instances, although lately extra fashionable diversifications have been invented as properly.
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 without doubt one of the hottest avenue snacks in South Korea and it’s not arduous to see why! It can embody additions comparable to crushed peanuts or cinnamon, and it’s normally eaten in the course of 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 technique to work. It’s savory, candy, filling, and scrumptious.
Its primary substances are egg, cabbage, and grated carrots. Ketchup, mayonnaise, and sugar—sure sugar—are different frequent additions. This fashionable avenue meals might sound loopy, however one way or the other, it actually works!
10. Tteokbokki (Spicy Rice Cakes)
Another fashionable Korean avenue meals, Tteokbokki is sliced rice desserts—although not as them. Far from the crunchy disks of puffed-up rice, this time period conjures up, these rice desserts are smooth, cylindrical, and deliciously chewy.
To make Tteokbokki, first, the rice desserts and fish desserts are boiled till they’re smooth and tender. Then, the pink pepper sauce, which is made with gochujang (Korean pink pepper paste), garlic, soy sauce, and sugar, is added to the pot. The combination is simmered till the sauce thickens and coats the rice desserts and fish desserts.
Tteokbokki comes in a variety of completely different varieties, from curry to cream sauce and every little thing in between. This candy and spicy dish might be in contrast to something you’ve tried earlier than, but it surely’s too good to go up. This dish is especially fashionable on the streets of Seoul, so don’t neglect to look out if you happen to’re visiting.
11. Soondae (Korean blood sausage)
No, we’re not speaking about ice cream and sauce right here, so if you happen to see this on a menu in Korea, don’t make this error! Sundae is in reality a blood sausage much like the kind you would possibly get in a full Irish breakfast if you happen to’re visiting the emerald isle.
This dish is normally made by steaming cow or pig intestines and stuffing them with varied substances. It’s not for the faint-hearted, however if you happen to’re an adventurous eater it’s positively one to attempt.
12. Japchae (Korean Glass Noodles)
This is one other dish that exemplifies the South Korean penchant for the mix of candy and savory. It’s comprised of glass noodles and infrequently accommodates 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 individual at dwelling 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 accommodates a complete 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 perhaps finest left to adventurous eaters, and if you happen to’re not a fan of fish, you may most likely give it a miss. Still, it’s an exceedingly fashionable dish in South Korea, and it’s positively value testing.
Nakji-Bokkeum is a spicy dish comprised of stir-fried octopus. It’s believed to be a comparatively latest addition to the South Korean food regimen, relationship again to across the mid-1900s.
15. Yaksik (Sweet Rice)
Finally, we now have a candy dish that’s fashionable all through South Korea. Yaksik is comprised of steamed rice, honey, and dried fruits. It additionally usually contains 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 remedy 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 accommodates quite a lot of spices and seasonings, like garlic, ginger, and Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes).
I’d say you may be hard-pressed to make this at dwelling, however you can provide it a attempt with this recipe.
Haejangguk is normally served with rice, kimchi, and pickled greens. If you’re in Seoul you’ll positively 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 facet dishes, together with lettuce leaves, sliced garlic, ssamjang (a spicy soybean paste), and grilled onions.
To make Samgyeopsal, first, a thick reduce 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 sizzling plate or barbecue till it’s cooked by way of and barely crispy on the skin.
The ultimate step in this scrumptious dish is to position it on a lettuce leaf together with some garlic, ssamjang, and grilled onions, wrap it up, and eat it in one chunk.
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 substances. The dish is usually served as a fast and straightforward meal or as a facet dish to accompany different Korean dishes.
To make the Fried Rice, first, cooked rice is required. Leftover rice works properly, as it’s barely drier and simpler to stir-fry. Kimchi is then chopped into small items and combined with different substances 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 way of and coated with the kimchi and vegetable combination. Some variations of this Fried Rice might embody different substances comparable to diced ham, bacon, or tofu.
It is usually served with a fried egg on prime, 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 full of 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 substances.
Next, small circles of dumpling wrapper dough are rolled out and full of 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 way of and the wrapper is tender.
Jjinmandu is usually served with a dipping sauce comprised of soy sauce, vinegar, and sesame oil. The dish might be loved as a snack or as a primary course and is fashionable 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 usually served as a primary course, particularly in the course of the winter. The dish has a protracted historical past and was first made in the course of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) when households would ferment their very own kimchi in massive earthenware jars referred to 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 way 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 rooster, also referred to as KFC, is a well-liked Korean dish that consists of fried rooster coated in a crispy, crunchy batter and usually served with a spicy or candy sauce. The distinction between Korean fried rooster and different sorts of fried rooster is using a double-frying method that creates an extra-crispy exterior whereas conserving the meat juicy and tender on the within.
Once the rooster is absolutely 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 rooster is a well-liked Korean avenue meals and you’ll find it virtually 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 a protracted historical past in Korea and was first launched in the course of 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 prime. The dish is usually garnished with sliced cucumber and a drizzle of sesame oil. Jjajangmyeon is fashionable 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 a complete younger rooster, ginseng, jujubes, and different medicinal herbs. The dish is usually eaten in the course of the summer season months in Korea and is believed to have well being advantages like boosting the immune system and rising stamina.
So, how do you make Samgyetang? First, a complete younger rooster is filled with glutinous rice and varied herbs like ginseng, jujubes, and garlic. The rooster is then boiled in a pot with water till it’s absolutely 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 rooster. Samgyetang is a well-liked dish in Korea and is usually served in Korean eating places and as part of conventional Korean delicacies.
Our Favorite South Korean Cuisine
South Korea is a captivating and culturally wealthy nation and Korean meals does a tremendous job of reflecting this. There are so many various dishes to attempt, and the above signify only a few of our favorites. If you’re searching for extra journey ideas, don’t neglect to take a look at the remainder of our posts now!