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 components which have created the customs, attitudes, and meals tradition that exists there right this moment. And in case you haven’t visited Korea but you must positively put it in your checklist.
Traditional Korean Dishes
Korean meals relies so much on grains—in explicit rice. From Kimchi fried rice to a candy rice cake, it’s a delicacies that isn’t afraid of just a little spice and makes use of a number of fermented elements. Fish and seafood additionally play an necessary function in Korean meals, due to the ocean surrounding the Korean peninsula.
Many South Korean dishes have fascinating histories or cultural significance. Plenty of the meals listed below are adopted or tailored from different cultures. We shall be highlighting some conventional dishes but in addition a few of these trendy takes on Korean Food which have turn out to be actually standard in the USA.
It is time to start out 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 among the extra well-known Korean dishes. You have in all probability tried it at residence however till you might have 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 standard means then guarantee that every ingredient is sectioned individually in the bowl. Then you’ll be able to combine them collectively earlier than consuming. The greatest 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 high it with sesame seeds, spicy sauce, and scallions. Sounds superb proper?
The advantage of this being such a preferred Korean dish is that you would be able to get a model with seafood, beef, and tofu—there’s one thing to go well with 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’ll be able to’t miss in case you’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 kind of easy Korean dishes that you would be able to make at residence. The key to a superb Bulgogi is certainly the appropriate minimize of meat. We like to make use of high sirloin, however you should use whichever sort of beef you want. Make certain to slice it good and skinny, that means 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 absolutely sizzling.
This dish truly comes from Northern Korea, however right this moment it’s standard in South Korea as properly. 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 certainly one of our favorites: Korean Barbecue! Also generally known 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 choice of veggies, after which you’ll be able to go to city grilling your personal dinner. It’s an excellent enjoyable option to spend a night and a really social means of consuming.
Now it’s possible you’ll suppose that this sounds so much like Bulgogi however the distinction is that Bulgogi is definitely a sort 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
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 road meals—it’s tremendous reasonably priced so nice in case you’re touring on a funds. It can embrace all types of ingenious elements, 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 almost certainly first invented when Korea was below Japanese rule. Although some say it’s an adaptation of the standard dish Bokssam.
5. Kimchi
Kimchi is one other tremendous standard meals in South Korea. It is a mixture of spiced and fermented greens typically served as a aspect dish. It is made from cabbage, carrots inexperienced peppers, radish, and spring onions.
We know that it’s been round since historical occasions, with written accounts of it showing as early as the first century. Pickling and fermenting have been standard strategies of preserving meals earlier than the invention of recent home equipment resembling 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 a couple of. 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 in case you’re visiting South Korea you’ll little doubt see it on menus in every single place.
Saengseon Jjigae is a fish stew that consists often of chicken fish and infrequently prawns or different shellfish. If you’re a lover of fish then you definately’ve received to verify to do this dish!
Making this at residence shouldn’t be that simple, however if you wish to give it a attempt you principally 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 present 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 thing cook dinner collectively for a couple of minutes till the flavors have melded collectively.
7. Sundubu-jjigae (tender tofu stew)
If you’d prefer to attempt a Korean stew (or jjigae) however you don’t eat meat or fish, you’ll be able to all the time attempt Sundubu Jjigae, a variation of the standard stew that’s made with tofu. Fish, kimchi, and beef will also be added to this dish in case you like.
A Korean major meal will virtually all the time include some type of jjigae—that’s how a lot of a staple it’s! So in case you’re in a restaurant there’s a superb probability you’ll get to attempt it. This dish is assumed so far again to historical occasions, although lately extra trendy variations have been invented as properly.
8. Hotteok (Korean Sweet Pancakes)
From the very savory to the tremendous candy, Hotteok is a sort of pancake oozing with candy syrup. This is among the hottest road snacks in South Korea and it’s not onerous to see why! It can embrace additions resembling crushed peanuts or cinnamon, and it’s often eaten through the winter months to warmth up chilly commuters on chilly mornings.
9. Gilgeori Toast
If you’re on the lookout 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 option to work. It’s savory, candy, filling, and scrumptious.
Its major elements are egg, cabbage, and grated carrots. Ketchup, mayonnaise, and sugar—sure sugar—are different widespread additions. This standard road meals could sound loopy, however someway, it actually works!
10. Tteokbokki (Spicy Rice Cakes)
Another standard Korean road meals, Tteokbokki is sliced rice truffles—although not as them. Far from the crunchy disks of puffed-up rice, this time period conjures up, these rice truffles are tender, cylindrical, and deliciously chewy.
To make Tteokbokki, first, the rice truffles and fish truffles are boiled till they’re tender and tender. Then, the purple pepper sauce, which is made with gochujang (Korean purple 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 every thing in between. This candy and spicy dish might be in contrast to something you’ve tried earlier than, however it’s too good to go up. This dish is especially standard on the streets of Seoul, so don’t neglect to look out in case you’re visiting.
11. Soondae (Korean blood sausage)
No, we’re not speaking about ice cream and sauce right here, so in case you see this on a menu in Korea, don’t make this error! Sundae is in reality a blood sausage just like the sort you would possibly get in a full Irish breakfast in case you’re visiting the emerald isle.
This dish is often made by steaming cow or pig intestines and stuffing them with numerous elements. It’s not for the faint-hearted, however in case you’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 produced 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 widespread to eat at celebrations resembling 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 residence 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 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. Common toppings embrace ham, cheese, or contemporary herbs resembling parsley.
14. Nakji Bokkeum (Spicy Octopus)
Nakji-Bokkeum is one other dish that is likely to be greatest left to adventurous eaters, and in case you’re not a fan of fish, you’ll be able to in all probability give it a miss. Still, it’s an exceedingly standard dish in South Korea, and it’s positively value trying out.
Nakji-Bokkeum is a spicy dish produced from stir-fried octopus. It’s believed to be a comparatively latest addition to the South Korean eating regimen, courting again to across the mid-1900s.
15. Yaksik (Sweet Rice)
Finally, we’ve got a candy dish that’s standard all through South Korea. Yaksik is produced from steamed rice, honey, and dried fruits. It additionally typically 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 called 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 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’ll be hard-pressed to make this at residence, however you can provide it a attempt with this recipe.
Haejangguk is often served with rice, kimchi, and pickled greens. If you’re 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 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 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 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 sizzling plate or barbecue till it’s cooked by way of and barely crispy on the skin.
The closing 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 elements. The dish is usually 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 properly, as it’s barely drier and simpler to stir-fry. Kimchi is then chopped into small items and combined with different elements resembling 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 could embrace different elements resembling diced ham, bacon, or tofu.
It is usually served with a fried egg on high, which provides a creamy texture to the dish. The dish will also be garnished with further chopped inexperienced onions and sesame seeds for added taste.
19. Steamed Mandu Dumplings (Jjinmandu)
Jjinmandu is a sort of Korean dumpling that’s typically stuffed with meat and greens. The dumpling is just 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 resembling 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 could embrace tofu, kimchi, or different elements.
Next, small circles of dumpling wrapper dough are rolled out and stuffed 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 way of and the wrapper is tender.
Jjinmandu is usually served with a dipping sauce produced from soy sauce, vinegar, and sesame oil. The dish might be loved as a snack or as a major course and is standard 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 major 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 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 called KFC, is a well-liked Korean dish that consists of fried rooster coated in a crispy, crunchy batter and sometimes served with a spicy or candy sauce. The distinction between Korean fried rooster and different sorts of fried rooster is using a double-frying approach that creates an extra-crispy exterior whereas maintaining the meat juicy and tender on the within.
Once the rooster 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 rooster is a well-liked Korean road 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 numerous 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 usually garnished with sliced cucumber and a drizzle of sesame oil. Jjajangmyeon is standard 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 through the summer time 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 numerous herbs like ginseng, jujubes, and garlic. The rooster 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 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 an enchanting and culturally wealthy nation and Korean meals does an incredible job of reflecting this. There are so many alternative dishes to attempt, and the above signify just some of our favorites. If you’re on the lookout for extra journey suggestions, don’t neglect to take a look at the remainder of our posts now!