South Korea is an wonderful nation. A cultural melting pot that’s the results of various totally 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 components which have created the customs, attitudes, and meals tradition that exists there at this time. And should you haven’t visited Korea but you need to positively put it in your record.
Conventional Korean Dishes
Korean meals is predicated lots on grains—particularly 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 lots 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 will likely be highlighting some conventional dishes but in addition a few of these trendy takes on Korean Meals which have turn out to be actually well-liked within the USA.
It’s time to begin your meals journey in Korea. We will’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’ve most likely tried it at dwelling however till you’ve got it in Korea, we are saying you might be lacking out. Bibimbap is a rice-based dish that may include greens, a fried egg, and no matter different protein you want.
If you wish to make it the normal means then make it possible for every ingredient is sectioned individually within the bowl. Then you possibly can combine them collectively earlier than consuming. The most effective 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 wonderful proper?
The advantage of this being such a well-liked Korean dish is you can get a model with seafood, beef, and tofu—there’s one thing to go well with all tastes! In the event you go to Korea you’ll discover that totally 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 “hearth 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 you can make at dwelling. The important thing to a very good Bulgogi is unquestionably the best reduce of meat. We like to make use of high sirloin, however you should use whichever kind of beef you want. Be certain to slice it good and skinny, that means it’s extra tender, then marinate it in soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, and garlic. While you prepare dinner it, you need to hear that sizzle so be sure that the grill is basically scorching.
This dish truly comes from Northern Korea, however at this time it’s well-liked in South Korea as nicely. It 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 )
Talking of BBQ, we couldn’t do a listing of Korean meals with out together with considered one of our favorites: Korean Barbecue! Also referred to as Gogigui, one of these meals is as enjoyable to eat as it’s scrumptious.
At Korean Barbecue eating places, you order your meat, you’re given a collection of veggies, after which you possibly can go to city grilling your individual dinner. It’s a brilliant enjoyable strategy to spend a night and a really social means of consuming.
Now it’s possible you’ll suppose that this sounds lots like Bulgogi however the distinction is that Bulgogi is definitely a kind of Gogigui. The time period Gogigui simply refers back to the follow of grilling or roasting meat in Korean delicacies.
4. Gimbap: Korean Seaweed Rice Rolls
In the event you’re a fan of sushi then you definitely’ve acquired to attempt gimbap. Gimbap is the Korean tackle sushi and it’s most frequently loved as road meals—it’s tremendous inexpensive so nice should you’re touring on a funds. It may possibly embody all kinds of creative components, together with however not restricted to beef, cheese, omelet, and even pork stomach cutlet.
One other spelling of this dish is “kimbap” with Kim that means seaweed and bap that means rice. It was almost certainly first invented when Korea was below Japanese rule. Though some say it’s an adaptation of the normal dish Bokssam.
5. Kimchi
Kimchi is one other tremendous well-liked meals in South Korea. It’s a mixture of spiced and fermented greens typically served as a aspect dish. It’s manufactured from cabbage, carrots inexperienced peppers, radish, and spring onions.
We all know that it’s been round since historic occasions, with written accounts of it showing as early as the first century. Pickling and fermenting have been well-liked strategies of preserving meals earlier than the invention of contemporary home equipment reminiscent of 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 within the fifteenth century.
You may make so many alternative Korean dishes utilizing it. There’s kimchi stew (kimchi jjigae), kimchi pancake (kimchi jeon), and kimchi fried rice simply to call just a few. 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 should you’re visiting South Korea you’ll little question see it on menus all over the place.
Saengseon Jjigae is a fish stew that consists often of chicken fish and sometimes prawns or different shellfish. In the event you’re a lover of fish then you definitely’ve acquired to verify to do that dish!
Making this at dwelling shouldn’t be that straightforward, however if you wish to give it a attempt you mainly 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.
Lastly, you mix the inventory with no matter greens you want and let it simmer till they’re cooked. Lastly, add within the fish, together with some chopped scallions, and let every part prepare dinner collectively for a couple of minutes till the flavors have melded collectively.
7. Sundubu-jjigae (delicate tofu stew)
In the event 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 principal 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 a very good probability you’ll get to attempt it. This dish is assumed up to now again to historic occasions, although just lately extra trendy variations have been invented as nicely.
8. Hotteok (Korean Candy 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 road snacks in South Korea and it’s not arduous to see why! It may possibly embody additions reminiscent of crushed peanuts or cinnamon, and it’s often eaten in the course of the winter months to warmth up chilly commuters on chilly mornings.
9. Gilgeori Toast
In the event you’re on the lookout for some tasty breakfast after you’ve shaken off your jet lag, we’ve acquired the right 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 principal components are egg, cabbage, and grated carrots. Ketchup, mayonnaise, and sugar—sure sugar—are different widespread additions. This well-liked road meals could sound loopy, however one way or the other, it actually works!
10. Tteokbokki (Spicy Rice Muffins)
One other well-liked Korean road meals, Tteokbokki is sliced rice desserts—although not as you understand them. Removed from the crunchy disks of puffed-up rice, this time period conjures up, these rice desserts are delicate, cylindrical, and deliciously chewy.
To make Tteokbokki, first, the rice desserts and fish desserts 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 desserts and fish desserts.
Tteokbokki is available in various totally different varieties, from curry to cream sauce and every part in between. This candy and spicy dish might be not like something you’ve tried earlier than, but it surely’s too good to go up. This dish is especially well-liked 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 actual fact 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 often made by steaming cow or pig intestines and stuffing them with numerous components. It’s not for the faint-hearted, however should you’re an adventurous eater it’s positively one to attempt.
12. Japchae (Korean Glass Noodles)
That is one other dish that exemplifies the South Korean penchant for the mix of candy and savory. It’s constituted of glass noodles and sometimes incorporates mushrooms, carrots, spinach, and different veggies. It was as soon as a dish reserved for royalty, and it’s now widespread to eat at celebrations reminiscent of weddings or birthdays.
There’s nothing like a dish of glass noodles stir-fried in sesame oil and garnished with toasted sesame seeds to get your mouth watering. Strive making your individual at dwelling with this recipe!
13. Gyeranppang (Egg Bread)
In the event you’re a lover of all issues wealthy, then Gyeranppang is the dish for you. The identify of this road snack interprets to “egg bread” and that’s precisely what it’s.
A light-weight, fluffy, little loaf of sweet-tasting bread that incorporates a complete egg inside. Widespread toppings embody ham, cheese, or recent herbs reminiscent of parsley.
14. Nakji Bokkeum (Spicy Octopus)
Nakji-Bokkeum is one other dish that may be finest left to adventurous eaters, and should you’re not a fan of fish, you possibly can most likely give it a miss. Nonetheless, it’s an exceedingly well-liked dish in South Korea, and it’s positively price trying out.
Nakji-Bokkeum is a spicy dish constituted of stir-fried octopus. It’s believed to be a comparatively latest addition to the South Korean weight loss plan, courting again to across the mid-1900s.
15. Yaksik (Candy Rice)
Lastly, we have now a candy dish that’s well-liked all through South Korea. Yaksik is constituted of steamed rice, honey, and dried fruits. It additionally typically contains cinnamon and even soy sauce.
This dish dates again to across the thirteenth century. Right now, it’s historically served up on Jeongwol Daeboreum, a Korean vacation. Additionally it is loved at weddings.
16. Hangover Stew (Haejangguk)
Haejangguk, often known as Hangover Soup, is a standard 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 a wide range of greens like bean sprouts, Napa cabbage, and radish. The soup additionally incorporates a wide range of spices and seasonings, like garlic, ginger, and Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes).
I might say you may be hard-pressed to make this at dwelling, however you may give it a attempt with this recipe.
Haejangguk is often served with rice, kimchi, and pickled greens. In case you are in Seoul you’ll positively see Koreans consuming this after an evening of heavy consuming to assist alleviate the signs of a hangover the subsequent day. Does it work? Let’s simply say we consider.
17. Samgyeopsal (Grilled Pork Stomach)
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 a wide range of aspect 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. Lastly, grill it on a scorching plate or barbecue till it’s cooked by means of and barely crispy on the surface.
The ultimate step on 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 a single 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 blended with different components reminiscent of 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 could embody different components reminiscent of diced ham, bacon, or tofu.
It’s typically 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 typically stuffed with meat and greens. The dumpling is much like a Chinese language-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 reminiscent of garlic, onion, carrot, and inexperienced onion. The filling is seasoned with soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper to style. Another sorts of Jjinmandu could embody tofu, kimchi, or different components.
Subsequent, small circles of dumpling wrapper dough are rolled out and stuffed with the meat and vegetable combination. The sides 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 constituted of soy sauce, vinegar, and sesame oil. The dish will be loved as a snack or as a principal course and is well-liked 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 standard dish in Korea and is commonly served as a principal course, particularly in the course of the winter. The dish has an extended 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. Different 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 Hen
Korean fried hen, often known as KFC, is a well-liked Korean dish that consists of fried hen coated in a crispy, crunchy batter and sometimes served with a spicy or candy sauce. The distinction between Korean fried hen and different sorts of fried hen is using a double-frying method that creates an extra-crispy exterior whereas protecting the meat juicy and tender on the within.
As soon as the hen is totally cooked and crispy, it’s sometimes 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 road meals and you’ll find it nearly wherever in South Korea.
22. Jjajangmyeon (Noodles in Black-Bean Sauce)
Jjajangmyeon is a well-liked Korean-Chinese language dish made with wheat noodles, black bean sauce, and numerous greens like onions, zucchini, and potatoes. The dish has an extended historical past in Korea and was first launched in the course of the early twentieth century by Chinese language 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. Greens 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 well-liked in Korea due to its wealthy and savory taste and satisfying texture.
23. Samgyetang (Hen Ginseng Soup)
Samgyetang is a standard Korean soup made with a complete younger hen, ginseng, jujubes, and different medicinal herbs. The dish is commonly 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 growing stamina.
So, how do you make Samgyetang? First, a complete younger hen is full of glutinous rice and numerous 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 Favourite South Korean Delicacies
South Korea is a captivating and culturally wealthy nation and Korean meals does a tremendous job of reflecting this. There are such a lot of totally different dishes to attempt, and the above symbolize only a few of our favorites. In the event you’re on the lookout for extra journey ideas, don’t overlook to take a look at the remainder of our posts now!