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 for those who haven’t visited Korea but you need to undoubtedly put it in your checklist.
Traditional Korean Dishes
Korean meals relies lots on grains—particularly rice. From Kimchi fried rice to a candy rice cake, it’s a delicacies that isn’t afraid of somewhat spice and makes use of numerous fermented substances. Fish and seafood additionally play an vital function in Korean meals, due to the ocean surrounding the Korean peninsula.
Many South Korean dishes have fascinating histories or cultural significance. Numerous the meals listed here are adopted or tailored from different cultures. We shall be highlighting some conventional dishes but in addition a few of these fashionable takes on Korean Food which have develop into actually widespread within 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 without doubt one of the extra well-known Korean dishes. You have in all probability tried it at dwelling 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 normal method then make it possible for every ingredient is sectioned individually within the bowl. Then you possibly can 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 wonderful proper?
The benefit of this being such a well-liked 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 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 for those who’re visiting South Korea. Its title 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 dwelling. The key to an excellent Bulgogi is unquestionably the precise lower of meat. We like to make use of high sirloin, however you need to use whichever sort of beef you want. Make positive to slice it good and skinny, that method it’s extra tender, then marinate it in soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, and garlic. When you prepare dinner it, you wish to hear that sizzle so be sure that the grill is actually scorching.
This dish really comes from Northern Korea, however at this time 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 an inventory of Korean meals with out together with one among our favorites: Korean Barbecue! Also often known 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 choice of veggies, after which you possibly can go to city grilling your individual dinner. It’s a brilliant enjoyable approach to spend a night and a really social method of consuming.
Now you could suppose that this sounds lots like Bulgogi however the distinction is that Bulgogi is definitely a sort 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 definately’ve bought to strive gimbap. Gimbap is the Korean tackle sushi and it’s most frequently loved as avenue meals—it’s tremendous inexpensive so nice for those who’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 which means seaweed and bap which means rice. It was almost 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 typically served as a aspect dish. It is manufactured 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 had been widespread strategies of preserving meals earlier than the invention of contemporary home equipment equivalent 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 within 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 number 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 for those who’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 infrequently prawns or different shellfish. If you’re a lover of fish then you definately’ve bought to ensure to do that dish!
Making this at dwelling just isn’t that simple, however if you wish to give it a strive you principally lower 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 within the fish, together with some chopped scallions, and let every thing prepare dinner collectively for a couple of minutes till the flavors have melded collectively.
7. Sundubu-jjigae (tender tofu stew)
If you’d prefer to strive a Korean stew (or jjigae) however you don’t eat meat or fish, you possibly can all the time strive Sundubu Jjigae, a variation of the normal stew that’s made with tofu. Fish, kimchi, and beef can be added to this dish for those who 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 for those who’re in a restaurant there’s an excellent likelihood you’ll get to strive it. This dish is believed so far again to historical occasions, although just lately extra fashionable variations have been invented as nicely.
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 without doubt one of the hottest avenue snacks in South Korea and it’s not exhausting to see why! It can embody additions equivalent to crushed peanuts or cinnamon, and it’s often eaten throughout 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 bought the proper dish for you. Gilgeori toast is what most younger South Koreans will seize for breakfast on their approach 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 widespread avenue meals could sound loopy, however by some means, it actually works!
10. Tteokbokki (Spicy Rice Cakes)
Another widespread Korean avenue meals, Tteokbokki is sliced rice muffins—although not as you already know them. Far from the crunchy disks of puffed-up rice, this time period conjures up, these rice muffins are tender, cylindrical, and deliciously chewy.
To make Tteokbokki, first, the rice muffins and fish muffins are boiled till they’re tender 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 muffins and fish muffins.
Tteokbokki is available in various totally 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, but it surely’s too good to move up. This dish is especially widespread on the streets of Seoul, so don’t overlook to look out for those who’re visiting.
11. Soondae (Korean blood sausage)
No, we’re not speaking about ice cream and sauce right here, so for those who see this on a menu in Korea, don’t make this error! Sundae is actually a blood sausage much like the sort you would possibly get in a full Irish breakfast for those who’re visiting the emerald isle.
This dish is often made by steaming cow or pig intestines and stuffing them with varied substances. It’s not for the faint-hearted, however for those who’re an adventurous eater it’s undoubtedly one to strive.
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 made out of glass noodles and infrequently comprises 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 equivalent 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 title of this avenue snack interprets to “egg bread” and that’s precisely what it’s.
A light-weight, fluffy, little loaf of sweet-tasting bread that comprises an entire egg inside. Common toppings embody ham, cheese, or contemporary herbs equivalent to parsley.
14. Nakji Bokkeum (Spicy Octopus)
Nakji-Bokkeum is one other dish that could be greatest left to adventurous eaters, and for those who’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 testing.
Nakji-Bokkeum is a spicy dish made out of stir-fried octopus. It’s believed to be a comparatively latest 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 made out 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. Today, it’s historically served up on Jeongwol Daeboreum, a Korean vacation. It can 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 title 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 comprises 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 can provide it a strive with this recipe.
Haejangguk is often served with rice, kimchi, and pickled greens. If you’re 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 imagine.
17. Samgyeopsal (Grilled Pork Belly)
Samgyeopsal is a well-liked Korean dish that consists of grilled pork stomach slices. The title “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 lower of pork stomach is sliced into skinny, bite-sized items. Then marinate it in a combination of soy sauce, garlic, sugar, and sesame oil. Finally, grill it on a scorching plate or barbecue till it’s cooked by and barely crispy on the surface.
The last step on 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 a single 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 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 substances equivalent 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 and coated with the kimchi and vegetable combination. Some variations of this Fried Rice could embody different substances equivalent to 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 can be garnished with extra chopped inexperienced onions and sesame seeds for added taste.
19. Steamed Mandu Dumplings (Jjinmandu)
Jjinmandu is a sort of Korean dumpling that’s typically 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 equivalent 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 could 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 and the wrapper is tender.
Jjinmandu is usually served with a dipping sauce made out of soy sauce, vinegar, and sesame oil. The dish may be loved as a snack or as a primary 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 usually served as a primary course, particularly throughout the winter. The dish has a protracted historical past and was first made throughout 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 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 the usage of a double-frying approach that creates an extra-crispy exterior whereas protecting the meat juicy and tender on the within.
Once the rooster is absolutely 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 avenue meals and you will discover it virtually wherever 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 throughout 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 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 rooster, ginseng, jujubes, and different medicinal herbs. The dish is usually eaten throughout 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, an entire 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 an incredible job of reflecting this. There are so many alternative dishes to strive, and the above characterize just some of our favorites. If you’re on the lookout for extra journey suggestions, don’t overlook to take a look at the remainder of our posts now!