South Korea is an wonderful nation. A cultural melting pot that’s the results of plenty of 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 in the present day. And when you haven’t visited Korea but it’s best to undoubtedly put it in your listing.
Conventional Korean Dishes
Korean meals relies loads on grains—specifically rice. From Kimchi fried rice to a candy rice cake, it’s a delicacies that isn’t afraid of slightly spice and makes use of a number of fermented substances. 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. Numerous the meals listed below are adopted or tailored from different cultures. We will likely be highlighting some conventional dishes but in addition a few of these fashionable takes on Korean Meals which have turn out to be actually standard within the USA.
It’s time to begin your meals journey in Korea. We are able to’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 may have most likely tried it at house however till you could have 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 ensure that every ingredient is sectioned individually within the bowl. Then you may combine them collectively earlier than consuming. The very best 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 benefit of this being such a preferred Korean dish is which 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 may’t miss when you’re visiting South Korea. Its identify means “fireplace meat” and derives from its technique 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 type of easy Korean dishes which you can make at house. The important thing to a superb Bulgogi is certainly the suitable lower of meat. We like to make use of high sirloin, however you need to use whichever sort of beef you want. Be certain that to slice it good and skinny, that means it’s extra tender, then marinate it in soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, and garlic. If you prepare dinner it, you wish to hear that sizzle so ensure that the grill is de facto scorching.
This dish truly comes from Northern Korea, however in the present day it’s standard in South Korea as nicely. This can be 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, 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 an excellent enjoyable method to spend a night and a really social means of consuming.
Now you could 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 apply of grilling or roasting meat in Korean delicacies.
4. Gimbap: Korean Seaweed Rice Rolls
In the event you’re a fan of sushi you then’ve acquired to strive gimbap. Gimbap is the Korean tackle sushi and it’s most frequently loved as road meals—it’s tremendous inexpensive so nice when you’re touring on a funds. It may embrace all kinds of ingenious substances, together with however not restricted to beef, cheese, omelet, and even pork stomach cutlet.
One other spelling of this dish is “kimbap” with Kim which means seaweed and bap which means rice. It was more than likely first invented when Korea was underneath Japanese rule. Though some say it’s an adaptation of the normal dish Bokssam.
5. Kimchi
Kimchi is one other tremendous standard meals in South Korea. It’s a mixture of spiced and fermented greens usually served as a facet dish. It’s fabricated 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 standard strategies of preserving meals earlier than the invention of contemporary home equipment resembling 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 when 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 sometimes prawns or different shellfish. In the event you’re a lover of fish you then’ve acquired to verify to do that dish!
Making this at house is just not that simple, however if you wish to give it a strive you mainly 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 present 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 (tender tofu stew)
In the event you’d prefer to strive a Korean stew (or jjigae) however you don’t eat meat or fish, you may 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 when you like.
A Korean principal meal will virtually all the time include some type of jjigae—that’s how a lot of a staple it’s! So when you’re in a restaurant there’s a superb probability you’ll get to strive it. This dish is believed to this point again to historic occasions, although not too long ago extra fashionable diversifications 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 among the hottest road snacks in South Korea and it’s not laborious to see why! It may embrace additions resembling 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
In the event you’re searching 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 method to work. It’s savory, candy, filling, and scrumptious.
Its principal substances are egg, cabbage, and grated carrots. Ketchup, mayonnaise, and sugar—sure sugar—are different widespread additions. This standard road meals might sound loopy, however by some means, it actually works!
10. Tteokbokki (Spicy Rice Muffins)
One other standard 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 tender, cylindrical, and deliciously chewy.
To make Tteokbokki, first, the rice desserts and fish desserts 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 desserts and fish desserts.
Tteokbokki is available in plenty of totally different varieties, from curry to cream sauce and every part 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 standard on the streets of Seoul, so don’t overlook to look out when you’re visiting.
11. Soondae (Korean blood sausage)
No, we’re not speaking about ice cream and sauce right here, so when you see this on a menu in Korea, don’t make this error! Sundae is in reality a blood sausage much like the sort you may get in a full Irish breakfast when you’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 when you’re an adventurous eater it’s undoubtedly one to strive.
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 accommodates 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’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 house 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 accommodates an entire egg inside. Widespread toppings embrace ham, cheese, or recent herbs resembling parsley.
14. Nakji Bokkeum (Spicy Octopus)
Nakji-Bokkeum is one other dish that may be finest left to adventurous eaters, and when you’re not a fan of fish, you may most likely give it a miss. Nonetheless, it’s an exceedingly standard dish in South Korea, and it’s undoubtedly price testing.
Nakji-Bokkeum is a spicy dish constituted of stir-fried octopus. It’s believed to be a comparatively latest addition to the South Korean food regimen, courting again to across the mid-1900s.
15. Yaksik (Candy Rice)
Lastly, now we have a candy dish that’s standard all through South Korea. Yaksik is constituted 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. In the present day, it’s historically served up on Jeongwol Daeboreum, a Korean vacation. It’s also 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 accommodates a wide range 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 strive with this recipe.
Haejangguk is normally served with rice, kimchi, and pickled greens. In case you are 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 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 facet 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. Lastly, grill it on a scorching plate or barbecue till it’s cooked via and barely crispy on the skin.
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 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 commonly served as a fast and simple meal or as a facet 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 substances 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 via and coated with the kimchi and vegetable combination. Some variations of this Fried Rice might embrace different substances resembling diced ham, bacon, or tofu.
It’s 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 kind of Korean dumpling that’s usually crammed 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 resembling garlic, onion, carrot, and inexperienced onion. The filling is seasoned with soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper to style. Another forms of Jjinmandu might embrace tofu, kimchi, or different substances.
Subsequent, small circles of dumpling wrapper dough are rolled out and crammed 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 via and the wrapper is tender.
Jjinmandu is commonly served with a dipping sauce constituted of soy sauce, vinegar, and sesame oil. The dish might be loved as a snack or as a principal 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 commonly served as a principal 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. 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 via 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 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 forms of fried rooster is using a double-frying approach that creates an extra-crispy exterior whereas protecting the meat juicy and tender on the within.
As soon as 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 road meals and yow will discover it virtually anyplace 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 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 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 standard in Korea due to its wealthy and savory taste and satisfying texture.
23. Samgyetang (Hen Ginseng Soup)
Samgyetang is a conventional Korean soup made with an entire younger rooster, ginseng, jujubes, and different medicinal herbs. The dish is commonly eaten in the course of 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 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 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 an incredible job of reflecting this. There are such a lot of totally different dishes to strive, and the above symbolize just some of our favorites. In the event you’re searching for extra journey suggestions, don’t overlook to take a look at the remainder of our posts now!
