South Korea is an superb nation. A cultural melting pot that’s the results of a variety 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 elements which have created the customs, attitudes, and meals tradition that exists there in the present day. And for those who haven’t visited Korea but it’s best to undoubtedly put it in your checklist.
Traditional Korean Dishes
Korean meals is predicated quite a bit on grains—in specific 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 position in Korean meals, due to the ocean surrounding the Korean peninsula.
Many South Korean dishes have fascinating histories or cultural significance. Lots of 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 Food which have turn out to be actually fashionable 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’ve gotten it in Korea, we are saying you’re 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 standard manner then ensure that every ingredient is sectioned individually in the bowl. Then you’ll be able to combine them collectively earlier than consuming. The finest 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 superb proper?
The advantage of this being such a well-liked Korean dish is that you may 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’ll be able to’t miss for those who’re visiting South Korea. Its identify means “fire 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 that you may make at residence. The key to an excellent Bulgogi is unquestionably the correct minimize of meat. We like to make use of high sirloin, however you should use whichever kind of beef you want. Make positive to slice it good and skinny, that manner 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 make certain the grill is basically sizzling.
This dish truly comes from Northern Korea, however in the present day it’s fashionable in South Korea as effectively. 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 one in all our favorites: Korean Barbecue! Also often 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 individual dinner. It’s a brilliant enjoyable method to spend a night and a really social manner of consuming.
Now chances are you’ll suppose that this sounds quite a bit 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
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 avenue meals—it’s tremendous inexpensive so nice for those who’re touring on a price range. It can embrace 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 probably first invented when Korea was beneath Japanese rule. Although some say it’s an adaptation of the standard dish Bokssam.
5. Kimchi
Kimchi is one other tremendous fashionable meals in South Korea. It is a mixture of spiced and fermented greens usually served as a aspect dish. It is fabricated from cabbage, carrots inexperienced peppers, radish, and spring onions.
We know that it’s been round since historical instances, with written accounts of it showing as early as the first century. Pickling and fermenting have been fashionable strategies of preserving meals earlier than the invention of contemporary home equipment reminiscent of 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 various Korean dishes utilizing it. There is 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 for those who’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. If you’re a lover of fish then you definately’ve received to ensure to do this dish!
Making this at residence isn’t that simple, however if you wish to give it a attempt you mainly 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 all the things cook dinner collectively for a couple of minutes till the flavors have melded collectively.
7. Sundubu-jjigae (gentle tofu stew)
If you’d wish 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 can be added to this dish for those who like.
A Korean important 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 probability you’ll get to attempt it. This dish is assumed to this point again to historical instances, although lately extra fashionable diversifications have been invented as effectively.
8. Hotteok (Korean Sweet Pancakes)
From the very savory to the tremendous candy, Hotteok is a kind of pancake oozing with candy syrup. This is among the hottest avenue snacks in South Korea and it’s not arduous to see why! It can embrace additions reminiscent of crushed peanuts or cinnamon, and it’s normally eaten through the winter months to warmth up chilly commuters on chilly mornings.
9. Gilgeori Toast
If you’re in search of some tasty breakfast after you’ve shaken off your jet lag, we’ve received 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 important substances are egg, cabbage, and grated carrots. Ketchup, mayonnaise, and sugar—sure sugar—are different widespread additions. This fashionable avenue meals could sound loopy, however someway, it actually works!
10. Tteokbokki (Spicy Rice Cakes)
Another fashionable Korean avenue meals, Tteokbokki is sliced rice muffins—although not as you understand them. Far from the crunchy disks of puffed-up rice, this time period conjures up, these rice muffins are gentle, cylindrical, and deliciously chewy.
To make Tteokbokki, first, the rice muffins and fish muffins are boiled till they’re gentle and tender. Then, the pink pepper sauce, which is made with gochujang (Korean pink 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 comes in a variety of totally different varieties, from curry to cream sauce and all the things in between. This candy and spicy dish might be not like something you’ve tried earlier than, but it surely’s too good to cross up. This dish is especially fashionable 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 in truth a blood sausage just like the sort you would possibly get in a full Irish breakfast for those who’re visiting the emerald isle.
This dish is normally made by steaming cow or pig intestines and stuffing them with numerous substances. It’s not for the faint-hearted, however for those who’re an adventurous eater it’s undoubtedly 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 created from 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 reminiscent of 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 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 avenue snack interprets to “egg bread” and that’s precisely what it’s.
A light-weight, fluffy, little loaf of sweet-tasting bread that accommodates a complete egg inside. Common toppings embrace ham, cheese, or recent herbs reminiscent of parsley.
14. Nakji Bokkeum (Spicy Octopus)
Nakji-Bokkeum is one other dish that is likely to be finest left to adventurous eaters, and for those who’re not a fan of fish, you’ll be able to in all probability give it a miss. Still, it’s an exceedingly fashionable dish in South Korea, and it’s undoubtedly value testing.
Nakji-Bokkeum is a spicy dish created from stir-fried octopus. It’s believed to be a comparatively current addition to the South Korean food regimen, courting again to across the mid-1900s.
15. Yaksik (Sweet Rice)
Finally, we have now a candy dish that’s fashionable all through South Korea. Yaksik is created from steamed rice, honey, and dried fruits. It additionally usually consists of 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, often known as Hangover Soup, is a conventional Korean soup that’s believed to assist remedy hangovers. The identify Haejangguk interprets to “soup to chase a hangover.” The soup is made with pork bones and quite a lot of greens like bean sprouts, Napa cabbage, and radish. The soup additionally accommodates quite a lot of spices and seasonings, like garlic, ginger, and Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes).
I’d say you’ll be hard-pressed to make this at residence, however you may give it a attempt with this recipe.
Haejangguk is normally served with rice, kimchi, and pickled greens. If you’re in Seoul you’ll undoubtedly see Koreans consuming this after an evening of heavy consuming 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 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 quite a lot 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 means of and barely crispy on the skin.
The closing step in 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 one 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 straightforward meal or as a aspect dish to accompany different Korean dishes.
To make the Fried Rice, first, cooked rice is required. Leftover rice works effectively, as it’s barely drier and simpler to stir-fry. Kimchi is then chopped into small items and blended with different substances 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 embrace different substances reminiscent of diced ham, bacon, or tofu.
It is commonly 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 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 reminiscent of garlic, onion, carrot, and inexperienced onion. The filling is seasoned with soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper to style. Some different kinds of Jjinmandu could embrace tofu, kimchi, or different substances.
Next, small circles of dumpling wrapper dough are rolled out and crammed 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 means of and the wrapper is tender.
Jjinmandu is commonly served with a dipping sauce created from soy sauce, vinegar, and sesame oil. The dish might be loved as a snack or as a important course and is fashionable 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 important 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 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. 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 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 Chicken
Korean fried rooster, often known as KFC, is a well-liked Korean dish that consists of fried rooster coated in a crispy, crunchy batter and usually served with a spicy or candy sauce. The distinction between Korean fried rooster and different kinds of fried rooster is using a double-frying method that creates an extra-crispy exterior whereas preserving the meat juicy and tender on the within.
Once the rooster is absolutely cooked and crispy, it’s usually 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’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 commonly garnished with sliced cucumber and a drizzle of sesame oil. Jjajangmyeon is fashionable 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 commonly eaten through 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, 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 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 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 various dishes to attempt, and the above signify only a few of our favorites. If you’re in search of extra journey suggestions, don’t overlook to take a look at the remainder of our posts now!
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