South Korea is an remarkable nation. A social fusion that’s the outcome of a variety of various impacts, from the colonial powers that at once inhabited it to the special landscape and also environment it flaunts. It’s the assemblage of these aspects that have actually produced the custom-mades, mindsets, and also food society that exists there today. And if you haven’t gone to Korea yet you ought to most definitely place it on your listing.
Traditional Korean Dishes
Korean food is based a whole lot on grains—specifically rice. From Kimchi fried rice to a wonderful rice cake, it’s a food that isn’t scared of a little seasoning and also utilizes a great deal of fermented components. Fish and also fish and shellfish likewise play an essential duty in Korean food, due to the sea bordering the Korean peninsula.
Many South Korean meals have remarkable backgrounds or social importance. A great deal of the foods right here are taken on or adjusted from various other societies. We will certainly be highlighting some typical meals however likewise a few of those contemporary tackles Korean Food that have actually ended up being truly prominent in the United States.
It is time to begin your food trip in Korea. We can’t wait to reveal you a few of our all-time preferred meals.
1. Bibimbap (Korean Rice Bowl)
Bibimbap is among the much more popular Korean meals. You have actually possibly attempted it in your home however up until you have it in Korea, we claim you are losing out. Bibimbap is a rice-based recipe that can contain veggies, a deep-fried egg, and also whatever various other healthy protein you such as.
If you intend to make it the typical method after that see to it that each component is sectioned individually in the dish. Then you can blend them with each other prior to consuming. The finest Bibimbap utilized veggies that have actually been paled or sautéed with sesame oil and also soy sauce, and also meat that has actually been marinaded prior to being prepared. I such as the egg to be sunny-side up and afterwards I cover it with sesame seeds, spicy sauce, and also scallions. Sounds remarkable right?
The advantage concerning this being such a preferred Korean recipe is that you can obtain a variation with fish and shellfish, beef, and also tofu—there’s something to fit all preferences! If you go to Korea you will certainly see that various areas have their very own tackles this recipe.
2. Bulgogi (marinaded beef barbeque)
Bulgogi is a meal you can’t miss out on if you’re checking out South Korea. Its name indicates “fire meat” and also stems from its approach of food preparation. Bulgogi is composed of thin-cut pieces of beef or pork that have actually been marinaded and also smoked on a bbq.
Bulgogi is among those easy Korean meals that you can make in your home. The vital to a great Bulgogi is most definitely the right cut of meat. We like to utilize leading sirloin, however you can utilize whichever kind of beef you such as. Make certain to cut it great and also slim, by doing this it is much more tender, after that season it in soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, and also garlic. When you prepare it, you intend to listen to that sizzle so see to it the grill is truly warm.
This recipe in fact originates from Northern Korea, however today it is prominent in South Korea too. This is a tasty and also plain recipe that you’ll locate in many convenience food and also barbeque dining establishments throughout South Korea.
3. Korean barbeque (Gogigui )
Speaking of barbeque, we couldn’t do a checklist of Korean foods without consisting of among our faves: Korean Barbecue! Also referred to as Gogigui, this kind of food is as enjoyable to consume as it is tasty.
At Korean Barbecue dining establishments, you get your meat, you’re provided a choice of veggies, and afterwards you can go to community cooking your very own supper. It’s an incredibly enjoyable method to invest a night and also a really social method of consuming.
Now you might believe that this appears a whole lot like Bulgogi however the distinction is that Bulgogi is in fact a kind of Gogigui. The term Gogigui simply describes the method of cooking or roasting meat in Korean food.
4. Gimbap: Korean Seaweed Rice Rolls
If you’re a follower of sushi after that you’ve reached attempt gimbap. Gimbap is the Korean handle sushi and also it’s frequently delighted in as road food—it’s incredibly budget friendly so wonderful if you’re taking a trip on a spending plan. It can consist of all kind of creative components, consisting of however not restricted to beef, cheese, omelet, and also also pork stubborn belly cutlet.
Another punctuation of this recipe is “kimbap” with Kim definition algae and also bap definition rice. It was more than likely very first designed when Korea was under Japanese regulation. Although some claim it is an adjustment of the typical recipe Bokssam.
5. Kimchi
Kimchi is an additional incredibly prominent food in South Korea. It is a mix of spiced and also fermented veggies typically acted as a side recipe. It is constructed from cabbage, carrots eco-friendly peppers, radish, and also springtime onions.
We understand that it’s been around given that old times, with composed accounts of it looking like early as the first century. Pickling and also fermenting were prominent approaches of protecting foods prior to the creation of contemporary devices such as fridges. What’s fascinating is that it wasn’t constantly spicy, the warmth was just included after Portuguese investors presented chilis to the area in the 15th century.
You can make many various Korean meals utilizing it. There is kimchi stew (kimchi jjigae), kimchi pancake (kimchi jeon), and also kimchi fried rice simply among others. Make your very own Kimchi with this tasty dish!
6. Saengseon Jjigae (Spicy Fish Stew)
We pointed out over that fish and shellfish and also fish are significant staples of South Korean food, therefore are soups and also stews. This recipe combines both of these ideas and also if you’re checking out South Korea you’ll no question see it on food selections anywhere.
Saengseon Jjigae is a fish stew that is composed typically of breast meat fish and also typically shellfishes or various other shellfish. If you’re a fan of fish after that you’ve reached see to it to attempt this recipe!
Making this in your home is not that very easy, however if you intend to provide it an attempt you essentially reduced the fish right into bite-sized items, dirt in flour, and also frying pan fry up until it is crunchy.
The brew is made with anchovy paste and also kelp in water to make a savory supply. Then include some spicy chili paste, garlic, soy sauce, and also various other flavorings, to provide it an abundant and also hot taste.
Finally, you incorporate the supply with whatever veggies you like and also allow it simmer up until they are prepared. Finally, include the fish, in addition to some cut scallions, and also allow every little thing chef with each other for a couple of mins up until the tastes have actually fused with each other.
7. Sundubu-jjigae (soft tofu stew)
If you’d like to attempt a Korean stew (or jjigae) however you don’t consume meat or fish, you can constantly attempt Sundubu Jjigae, a variant of the typical stew that is made with tofu. Fish, kimchi, and also beef can likewise be contributed to this recipe if you such as.
A Korean primary dish will certainly often featured some kind of jjigae—that’s just how much of a staple it is! So if you’re in a dining establishment there’s a likelihood you’ll reach attempt it. This recipe is believed to go back to old times, however lately much more contemporary adjustments have actually been designed too.
8. Hotteok (Korean Sweet Pancakes)
From the extremely mouthwatering to the incredibly pleasant, Hotteok is a kind of pancake exuding with pleasant syrup. This is among one of the most prominent road treats in South Korea and also it’s not tough to see why! It can consist of enhancements such as smashed peanuts or cinnamon, and also it’s typically consumed throughout the cold weather to warm up chilly travelers on cold early mornings.
9. Gilgeori Toast
If you’re seeking some yummy morning meal after you’ve gotten rid of your jet lag, we’ve obtained the ideal recipe for you. Gilgeori salute is what many young South Koreans will certainly get hold of for morning meal on their method to function. It’s mouthwatering, pleasant, filling up, and also tasty.
Its cornerstones are egg, cabbage, and also grated carrots. Ketchup, mayo, and also sugar—indeed sugar—are various other usual enhancements. This prominent road food might seem insane, however in some way, it truly functions!
10. Tteokbokki (Spicy Rice Cakes)
Another prominent Korean road food, Tteokbokki is cut rice cakes—though not as you understand them. Far from the crispy disks of puffed-up rice, this term creates, these rice cakes are soft, round, and also pleasantly crunchy.
To make Tteokbokki, initially, the rice cakes and also fish cakes are steamed up until they are soft and also tender. Then, the red pepper sauce, which is made with gochujang (Korean red pepper paste), garlic, soy sauce, and also sugar, is contributed to the pot. The blend is simmered up until the sauce enlarges and also layers the rice cakes and also fish cakes.
Tteokbokki can be found in a variety of various selections, from curry to lotion sauce and also every little thing in between. This pleasant and also hot recipe is possibly unlike anything you’ve attempted previously, however it’s also great to miss. This recipe is especially prominent on the roads of Seoul, so don’t fail to remember to watch out if you’re checking out.
11. Soondae (Korean blood sausage)
No, we’re not discussing gelato and also sauce right here, so if you see this on a food selection in Korea, don’t make this error! Sundae remains in truth a blood sausage comparable to the kind you may enter a complete Irish morning meal if you’re checking out the emerald island.
This recipe is typically made by steaming cow or pig intestinal tracts and also packing them with different components. It’s except the chickenhearted, however if you’re a daring eater it’s most definitely one to attempt.
12. Japchae (Korean Glass Noodles)
This is an additional recipe that exhibits the South Korean fondness for the mix of pleasant and also mouthwatering. It’s made from glass noodles and also typically consists of mushrooms, carrots, spinach, and also various other veggies. It was when a meal scheduled for aristocracy, and also it’s currently usual to consume at parties such as wedding celebrations or birthday celebrations.
There is absolutely nothing like a meal of glass noodles pan-fried in sesame oil and also garnished with toasted sesame seeds to obtain your mouth watering. Try making your very own in your home with this dish!
13. Gyeranppang (Egg Bread)
If you’re a fan of all points abundant, after that Gyeranppang is the recipe for you. The name of this road treat converts to “egg bread” which’s specifically what it is.
A light, cosy, little loaf of sweet-tasting bread which contains an entire egg inside. Common garnishes consist of pork, cheese, or fresh natural herbs such as parsley.
14. Nakji Bokkeum (Spicy Octopus)
Nakji-Bokkeum is an additional recipe that may be best delegated daring eaters, and also if you’re not a follower of fish, you can possibly provide it a miss out on. Still, it’s an extremely prominent recipe in South Korea, and also it’s most definitely worth taking a look at.
Nakji-Bokkeum is a zesty recipe made from stir-fried octopus. It’s thought to be a reasonably current enhancement to the South Korean diet regimen, going back to around the mid-1900s.
15. Yaksik (Sweet Rice)
Finally, we have a wonderful recipe that’s prominent throughout South Korea. Yaksik is made from fit to be tied rice, honey, and also dried out fruits. It likewise typically consists of cinnamon and also also soy sauce.
This recipe goes back to around the 13th century. Today, it is generally dished out on Jeongwol Daeboreum, a Korean vacation. It is likewise delighted in at wedding celebrations.
16. Hangover Stew (Haejangguk)
Haejangguk, likewise referred to as Hangover Soup, is a typical Korean soup that is thought to assist heal hangovers. The name Haejangguk converts to “soup to chase a hangover.” The soup is made with pork bones and also a range of veggies like bean sprouts, Napa cabbage, and also radish. The soup likewise consists of a range of seasonings and also flavorings, like garlic, ginger, and also Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes).
I would certainly claim you will certainly be hard-pressed to make this in your home, however you can provide it a shot with this dish.
Haejangguk is typically offered with rice, kimchi, and also marinaded veggies. If you remain in Seoul you will most definitely see Koreans consuming this after an evening of hefty alcohol consumption to assist minimize the signs and symptoms of a hangover the following day. Does it function? Let’s simply claim our company believe.
17. Samgyeopsal (Grilled Pork Belly)
Samgyeopsal is a preferred Korean recipe that includes smoked pork stubborn belly pieces. The name “samgyeopsal” converts to “three-layered flesh,” which describes the 3 layers of fat and also meat on a pork stubborn belly. The recipe is offered with a range of side meals, consisting of lettuce leaves, sliced up garlic, ssamjang (a spicy soybean paste), and also smoked onions.
To make Samgyeopsal, initially, a thick cut of pork stubborn belly is cut right into slim, bite-sized items. Then season it in a blend of soy sauce, garlic, sugar, and also sesame oil. Finally, grill it on a warmer or barbeque up until it is prepared via and also a little crunchy outside.
The last action in this tasty recipe is to position it on a lettuce fallen leave in addition to some garlic, ssamjang, and also smoked onions, cover it up, and also consume it in one bite.
18. Kimchi Fried Rice
Kimchi Fried Rice is a preferred Korean recipe that is made by pan-frying prepared rice with kimchi and also various other components. The recipe is typically acted as a fast and also very easy dish or as a side recipe to go along with various other Korean meals.
To make the Fried Rice, initially, prepared rice is required. Leftover rice functions well, as it is a little drier and also less complicated to stir-fry. Kimchi is after that cut right into tiny items and also combined with various other components such as diced onions, carrots, and also eco-friendly onions.
In a frying pan or frying pan, oil is heated up over medium-high warmth. The kimchi and also veggie blend is contributed to the frying pan and also pan-fried up until the veggies are softened. The prepared rice is after that contributed to the frying pan and also pan-fried up until it is heated up via and also covered with the kimchi and also veggie blend. Some variants of this Fried Rice might consist of various other components such as diced pork, bacon, or tofu.
It is typically offered with a deep-fried agitate top, which includes a luscious appearance to the recipe. The recipe can likewise be garnished with extra cut eco-friendly onions and also sesame seeds for included taste.
19. Steamed Mandu Dumplings (Jjinmandu)
Jjinmandu is a kind of Korean dumpling that is typically loaded with meat and also veggies. The dumpling resembles a Chinese-design jiaozi or Japanese-design gyoza however with its very own special taste and also appearance.
To make Jjinmandu, initially, a dental filling is prepared by blending ground pork or beef with veggies such as garlic, onion, carrot, and also eco-friendly onion. The dental filling is skilled with soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and also pepper to preference. Some various other kinds of Jjinmandu might consist of tofu, kimchi, or various other components.
Next, tiny circles of dumpling wrapper dough are presented and also loaded with the meat and also veggie blend. The sides of the wrapper are after that squeezed with each other to secure the filling up within. The dumplings are after that steamed or steamed up until they are prepared via and also the wrapper hurts.
Jjinmandu is typically offered with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, vinegar, and also sesame oil. The recipe can be delighted in as a treat or as a main dish and also is prominent throughout Korea.
20. Kimchi Jjigae (Kimchi Stew)
Kimchi Jjigae is a preferred Korean stew made with fermented kimchi, pork, tofu, and also various other veggies. Kimchi Jjigae is a typical recipe in Korea and also is typically acted as a main dish, particularly throughout the winter season. The recipe has a lengthy background and also was initially made throughout the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) when family members would certainly ferment their very own kimchi in big earthenware containers called Onggi.
To make Kimchi Jjigae, initially, the kimchi is cut right into tiny items and also contributed to a pot in addition to cut pork and also tofu. Other veggies like onion, garlic, and also eco-friendly onions are likewise included, in addition to some water or brew. The stew is simmered up until the pork is prepared via and also the veggies hurt. The resulting recipe is passionate and also warming, with a tasty and also hot taste from the fermented kimchi.
21. Korean Fried Chicken
Korean fried hen, likewise referred to as KFC, is a preferred Korean recipe that includes fried hen covered in a crunchy, crispy batter and also usually offered with a spicy or pleasant sauce. The distinction in between Korean fried hen and also various other kinds of deep-fried hen is using a double-frying strategy that produces an extra-crispy outside while maintaining the meat juicy and also tender on the within.
Once the hen is completely prepared and also crunchy, it is usually offered with a wonderful and also hot sauce made with Korean chili paste, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and also ginger. Korean fried hen is a preferred Korean road food and also you can locate it practically throughout South Korea.
22. Jjajangmyeon (Noodles in Black-Bean Sauce)
Jjajangmyeon is a preferred Korean-Chinese recipe made with wheat noodles, black bean sauce, and also different veggies like onions, zucchini, and also potatoes. The recipe has a lengthy background in Korea and also was initially presented throughout the very early 20th century by Chinese immigrants that worked out in Korea.
To make Jjajangmyeon, initially, the black bean sauce is prepared by frying diced pork stubborn belly with cut onions and also black bean paste. Vegetables like zucchini and also potatoes are after that contributed to the pot and also prepared up until tender. The resulting sauce is thick and also mouthwatering with a tip of sweet taste.
The wheat noodles are after that prepared and also offered with the black bean sauce ahead. The recipe is typically garnished with sliced up cucumber and also a drizzle of sesame oil. Jjajangmyeon is prominent in Korea due to its abundant and also mouthwatering taste and also pleasing appearance.
23. Samgyetang (Chicken Ginseng Soup)
Samgyetang is a typical Korean soup made with an entire young hen, ginseng, jujubes, and also various other medical natural herbs. The recipe is typically consumed throughout the summertime in Korea and also is thought to have wellness advantages like increasing the body immune system and also raising endurance.
So, just how do you make Samgyetang? First, an entire young hen is packed with glutinous rice and also different natural herbs like ginseng, jujubes, and also garlic. The hen is after that steamed in a pot with water up until it is completely prepared and also the brew is abundant and also delicious.
The resulting soup is thick and also passionate, with a fragile taste from the natural herbs and also tender meat from the hen. Samgyetang is a preferred recipe in Korea and also is typically offered in Korean dining establishments and also as a component of typical Korean food.
Our Favorite South Korean Cuisine
South Korea is an interesting and also culturally abundant nation and also Korean food does an outstanding task of showing this. There are many various meals to attempt, and also the above stand for simply a few of our faves. If you’re seeking even more traveling ideas, don’t fail to remember to have a look at the remainder of our messages currently!
