10+ Korean Food Recipes to Spice Up Your Meals

Korean food is known for its rich flavors and unique ingredients.

Exploring Korean food recipes can open up a world of delicious dishes that are packed with flavor and cultural significance.

Whether you’re new to cooking or looking to expand your culinary skills, there’s something for everyone in Korean cuisine.

From savory stews to refreshing side dishes, Korean recipes offer a variety of options that can suit any taste.

You can enjoy making popular staples like bulgogi or hearty kimchi stew right in your own kitchen. Embrace the art of Korean cooking and delight your family and friends with authentic meals they will love.

1) Kimchi Stew

Kimchi stew, or Kimchi Jjigae, is a staple in Korean cuisine. It’s a comforting dish made with kimchi, meat, and tofu. This stew is perfect for warming you up on chilly days.

To make a delicious kimchi stew, you’ll want to start with well-fermented kimchi. The flavors will be rich and tangy, adding depth to your stew.

Pork or tofu can be used as the protein, giving it a hearty touch.

Enjoy this dish hot, often served with rice on the side. It’s not only tasty but also great for lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

• 2 cups kimchi (fermented)
• 4 ounces pork belly or tofu
• 1 onion (sliced)
• 2 cups water
• 1 tablespoon hot pepper paste
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a pot, add the kimchi, pork or tofu, and onion.
2. Pour in the water and stir in the hot pepper paste.
3. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat (around 375°F or 190°C).
4. Simmer for 20 minutes until everything is cooked through.

2) Chicken Bulgogi

Chicken bulgogi is a delicious Korean BBQ dish that’s both quick and easy to make. You will love how the sweet and spicy flavors blend together. This dish features tender pieces of chicken marinated in a savory sauce.

To make chicken bulgogi, you can use chicken thighs for extra flavor. The marinade typically includes soy sauce, sesame oil, and gochujang for a kick.

Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes for the best taste.

You can cook it on a grill or in a skillet. It cooks in about 10 to 15 minutes. Serve it with steamed rice and fresh vegetables for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) chicken thighs
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon gochujang
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 Korean pear (optional)
• Green onions for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, sesame oil, gochujang, brown sugar, and garlic.
2. Add chicken thighs and coat them well. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat (about 375°F or 190°C).
4. Cook the marinated chicken for 10-15 minutes, flipping occasionally, until fully cooked.
5. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve with rice.

3) Pajeon (Korean Savory Pancake)

Pajeon is a delicious Korean pancake made with green onions. This savory treat is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. It’s perfect as an appetizer or snack.

You can customize pajeon by adding ingredients like seafood or vegetables. The basic batter includes flour, water, and optionally, a little sugar for extra flavor. Serve it with a soy dipping sauce for a tasty experience.

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup water
• 3-4 green onions, chopped
• 1 egg (optional)
• Salt to taste
• Vegetable oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix flour, water, and salt until smooth.
2. Stir in the chopped green onions and egg, if using.
3. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F or 180°C).
4. Pour the batter into the pan to form a pancake.
5. Cook until golden brown, then flip and cook the other side.

4) Japchae (Stir-Fried Glass Noodles)

Japchae is a popular Korean dish made with sweet potato glass noodles. It’s colorful and packed with different vegetables, which gives it a fresh taste. You can also add meat if you like, making it both hearty and tasty.

To make japchae, you will need a mix of vegetables like carrots, spinach, and bell peppers. The noodles are stir-fried with a sauce made of soy sauce and sesame oil, adding a wonderful flavor.

This dish is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner or a gathering with friends. You can easily customize it to suit your tastes.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces sweet potato glass noodles
• 1 cup sliced carrots
• 1 cup spinach
• 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• Optional: beef or chicken strips

Cooking Instructions

1. Soak the noodles in hot water for 30 minutes.
2. Drain and stir-fry in a pan over medium heat.
3. Add the vegetables and stir-fry for an additional 5-7 minutes.
4. Mix in the soy sauce and sesame oil.
5. Serve warm and enjoy!

5) Hotteok (Korean Sweet Pancakes)

Hotteok is a popular Korean street food, especially in winter. These sweet pancakes have a crispy outside and a gooey filling inside. They are often stuffed with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts.

Making hotteok is fun and perfect for sharing. The dough is made with yeast, which gives it a delightful texture. Once cooked, they become golden brown and are deliciously warm.

You’ll love how easy it is to make these pancakes at home. They are great for breakfast or a sweet snack any time of day.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup lukewarm water
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• Filling: brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped nuts

Cooking Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix lukewarm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
2. Add oil, salt, and flour. Mix until a dough forms.
3. Let the dough rise for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
4. Divide dough into balls, flatten, and fill with the brown sugar mixture.
5. Pan-fry on medium heat (350°F or 180°C) until golden brown on each side.

6) Gomtang (Beef Soup)

Gomtang is a delicious Korean beef soup that is rich and comforting. This hearty dish typically uses beef bones and brisket for a deep flavor. It’s often enjoyed on chilly days for its warming qualities.

To make gomtang, you’ll simmer beef for several hours. This slow cooking ensures that the flavors meld together beautifully. The result is a clear and savory broth that’s perfect for pairing with rice.

Ingredients

• 3.5 pounds cow heel bones
• 2 pounds beef brisket
• 5 to 6 garlic cloves
• 4 scallions, chopped
• Sea salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the cow heel bones and beef brisket under cold water.
2. In a large pot, add the bones and brisket, covering them with water.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 6 to 8 hours.
4. Add garlic and scallions during the last hour of cooking.
5. Season the broth with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

7) Sujebi (Hand-Pulled Noodle Soup)

Sujebi is a comforting Korean noodle soup made with hand-torn pieces of dough. The noodles are boiled in a savory broth, making it a warm and satisfying meal.

To make this dish, you start with fresh dough, which you tear into rustic noodles. They create a lovely texture in the soup.

You can customize the broth with different ingredients like dried anchovies and kelp for a rich flavor. Sujebi is often enjoyed with vegetables and can be topped with green onions or sesame oil.

It’s perfect for any day when you want something hearty and delicious.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup water
• 10 cups water (for broth)
• 1/4 cup dried anchovies
• 1 piece of dried kelp
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix the flour and water until a dough forms.
2. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes.
3. Tear small pieces of the dough into irregular shapes.
4. In a large pot, add 10 cups of water, anchovies, and kelp.
5. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 15 minutes.
6. Remove anchovies and kelp.
7. Add torn dough to the broth and cook for 5-7 minutes.
8. Season with salt and serve hot.

8) Korean Soybean Paste Stew

Korean Soybean Paste Stew, known as doenjang jjigae, is a warm and comforting dish. It features rich flavors from fermented soybean paste, making it a staple in Korean homes. You can customize it with various meats and vegetables.

Common ingredients include tofu, zucchini, and potatoes. This stew is hearty and nutritious, perfect for cold days. You can enjoy it with a bowl of rice for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 1 medium potato, peeled and cut into cubes
• 1 medium onion, cut into pieces
• 1 small zucchini, sliced
• ½ cup firm tofu, cubed
• 3 tablespoons doenjang (fermented soybean paste)
• 4 cups water
• Optional: pork or beef, sliced

Cooking Instructions

1. In a pot, combine water and doenjang. Stir to dissolve.
2. Add potato and onion. Cook until tender.
3. Add zucchini and tofu. Simmer for 5-7 minutes.
4. If using meat, add it now and cook until done.
5. Serve hot with rice.

9) Spicy Raw Fish (Hoe-muchim)

Hoe-muchim is a delightful Korean dish made with fresh raw fish. It’s often prepared with red snapper, mixed with colorful vegetables, and soaked in a flavorful sauce. The blend of sweet, sour, and spicy tastes makes it truly unique.

You can enjoy hoe-muchim as an appetizer or a light main dish. It’s a refreshing option for warm days. When serving, pair it with rice for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• Fresh sashimi-grade fish (like red snapper)
• Cucumber
• Radish
• Green onions
• Red chili pepper
• Soy sauce
• Vinegar
• Sugar
• Sesame oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Cut the fish into thin slices.
2. Dice the vegetables.
3. Mix soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, and sesame oil in a bowl.
4. Combine fish and vegetables in the sauce.
5. Serve immediately for the best taste.

10) Korean Army Stew

Korean Army Stew, or Budae Jjigae, is a tasty and hearty dish. It combines many flavors and ingredients, making it a popular choice in Korea.

You can find it in restaurants and enjoy it at home.

This stew includes items like spam, sausages, kimchi, and ramen noodles. The mix of ingredients creates a rich broth seasoned with Korean chili paste and spices. It’s comforting and perfect for sharing with friends.

You can customize your stew by adding your favorite vegetables or proteins. Just simmer everything together until it’s hot and delicious.

Ingredients

• 1 can spam, cut into cubes
• 2-3 sausages, sliced
• 1 cup kimchi
• 2 packs ramen noodles
• 4 cups water
• 2 tablespoons Korean chili paste
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
• Green onions for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, combine water, kimchi, spam, and sausages.
2. Add Korean chili paste and soy sauce. Stir well.
3. Bring it to a boil, then simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Add ramen noodles and cook until soft, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Serve hot, garnished with green onions.