10+ Korean Recipes to Try for Delicious Home Cooking

Korean cuisine is known for its bold flavors and vibrant dishes, making it both exciting and comforting. You will find a variety of easy and delicious recipes that can bring the unique tastes of Korea into your home.

Whether you’re in the mood for spicy stews, refreshing salads, or savory pancakes, there is something to suit everyone’s palate.

With many dishes being simple to prepare, you can enjoy an authentic Korean meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Exploring these recipes is a great way to expand your cooking skills and impress your friends and family with something new.

Dive into the world of Korean cooking and discover the joy of creating these flavorful dishes.

1) Kimchi Stew

Kimchi stew, or Kimchi Jjigae, is a popular dish in Korean cuisine. This hearty stew is warming and packed with flavor. It is often made with fermented kimchi, which gives it a spicy and tangy taste.

You can add various ingredients like pork or tofu to your stew. Many people love the rich broth created by the melting fat from the pork. It creates a delicious balance with the kimchi.

Cooking this dish is simple. You can enjoy it with rice for a complete meal. With just a few steps, you’ll have a comforting bowl of stew in no time!

Ingredients

• 2 cups kimchi
• 4 ounces pork belly (or tofu)
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 tablespoon gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes)
• 4 cups water

Cooking Instructions

1. In a pot, add kimchi and pork belly.
2. Stir in onion, green onions, and gochugaru.
3. Pour in water and bring to a boil.
4. Lower heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes.

2) Korean Fried Chicken

Korean Fried Chicken is famous for its crispy texture and delicious flavor. It’s a perfect dish for sharing with friends or family. You can enjoy it with various sauces, like sweet and spicy or soy garlic.

To make this dish, start by marinating the chicken in a mixture of garlic, onion, salt, and pepper. Let it sit for a few hours to soak up the flavors. Then, coat the chicken in a crispy batter before frying.

You’ll love the crunchiness and the tasty sauces that go with Korean Fried Chicken. It pairs well with rice or as a snack on its own.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds chicken wings
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup corn starch
• Oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix chicken, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
2. Cover and refrigerate for 4 hours.
3. In a separate bowl, mix flour and corn starch.
4. Coat the marinated chicken in the flour mixture.
5. Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry the chicken until golden brown.
6. Serve with your choice of sauce.

3) Spicy Raw Fish Salad

Spicy raw fish salad, also known as “Hoe-muchim,” is a delightful dish from Korea. It features fresh fish mixed with a tasty blend of vegetables and a spicy sauce. You can use various types of fish, such as salmon or red snapper.

To prepare this dish, you start by slicing your fish into thin pieces. Next, mix it with vegetables like cucumbers and radishes. The sauce often includes ingredients like chili paste, garlic, and a touch of sweetness.

This salad is delicious served cold and is perfect for a light meal or a refreshing side dish.

Ingredients

• 4 ounces sashimi grade fish (tuna or salmon)
• 1 cucumber, sliced
• 1 radish, julienned
• 2 tablespoons chili paste
• 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

Cooking Instructions

1. Slice the fish into thin pieces.
2. Combine the fish with the cucumber and radish in a bowl.
3. In a separate bowl, mix chili paste, garlic, sugar, and soy sauce.
4. Pour the sauce over the fish and vegetables, tossing gently to coat evenly.
5. Serve chilled. Enjoy!

4) Bibimbap

Bibimbap is a popular Korean rice dish that combines a variety of ingredients. You can use cooked rice topped with assorted vegetables, marinated meat, and a fried egg.

The vegetables are often seasoned and sautéed to add flavor. Some common choices include spinach, carrots, and bean sprouts. A key part of bibimbap is the spicy gochujang sauce that adds a nice kick.

To enjoy bibimbap, mix all the ingredients in your bowl before eating. This way, you get all the flavors in every bite.

Ingredients

• 5 cups cooked short-grain rice
• 12 ounces soy bean sprouts
• 8 ounces spinach
• 1 cup carrots, julienned
• 8 ounces marinated beef (or your choice of protein)
• 1 fried egg
• 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• Sesame seeds for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare cooked short-grain rice.
2. Sauté bean sprouts until tender.
3. Blanch spinach for 1-2 minutes.
4. Julienne and sauté carrots until soft.
5. Cook your marinated meat in a pan.
6. Fry an egg sunny-side up.
7. Assemble all ingredients in a bowl, top with gochujang, and sprinkle sesame seeds before serving.

5) Doenjang Jjigae

Doenjang Jjigae is a comforting Korean stew made with fermented soybean paste. It’s hearty and packed with flavor, great for a cozy meal. You can customize it with your favorite vegetables and proteins.

Common ingredients include tofu, zucchini, and pork. The doenjang adds a rich umami taste that many enjoy.

This dish is usually served hot and goes well with rice. It’s perfect for cold days or when you want something warm.

Ingredients

• 3 ounces pork (shoulder or loin)
• 9 ounces tofu (dubu)
• ½ medium zucchini
• 1 potato
• ½ onion
• 1½ tablespoons doenjang (soybean paste)
• 1-2 cups water or anchovy stock
• Optional: chili pepper and garlic

Cooking Instructions

1. Cut the pork, tofu, zucchini, potato, and onion into bite-sized pieces.
2. In a pot, add the pork and cook until browned.
3. Add water or anchovy stock and bring to a boil.
4. Stir in the doenjang paste and mix well.
5. Add the vegetables and simmer until they are tender. Enjoy!

6) Pajeon (Korean Pancake)

Pajeon is a savory Korean pancake made mainly with green onions. It’s a popular dish that you can enjoy as a snack or a main meal. The crunchy texture and warm flavor make it a favorite.

To make Pajeon, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. Mix flour, water, and seasonings to create a batter. Then, add in chopped green onions and any other vegetables or seafood you like.

Fry the batter in a pan with hot oil until it turns golden and crispy. Serve it with a dipping sauce for extra flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chopped green onions
• Vegetable oil for frying
• Soy sauce for dipping

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix flour, water, and salt until smooth.
2. Stir in chopped green onions.
3. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat (about 350°F/175°C).
4. Pour the batter into the pan, spreading it evenly.
5. Cook until the bottom is golden, then flip and cook the other side.
6. Serve warm with soy sauce for dipping.

7) Tteokbokki

Tteokbokki is a popular Korean dish made with chewy rice cakes. This snack is often enjoyed on the streets of Korea.

To make it, you usually use Korean rice cakes and a special sauce made from gochujang, which is a red chili paste. The sauce gives tteokbokki its spicy flavor.

You can also add fish cakes and vegetables for extra taste and texture. It’s perfect as a snack or a quick meal.

Ingredients

• 1 package frozen Korean rice cakes
• 3 cups water
• 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 pinch gochugaru (Korean chili flakes), optional
• Fish cakes (optional)
• Chopped green onions (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil water in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add the rice cakes and cook for about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in gochujang and soy sauce.
4. Add fish cakes if using, and cook until heated through.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!

8) Bulgogi

Bulgogi is a delicious Korean dish made with thinly-sliced beef. You marinate the meat in a mix of soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and sometimes pear for sweetness.

This dish is typically grilled or stir-fried. You can enjoy it with rice, wrapped in lettuce leaves, or served with kimchi.

The rich flavors of bulgogi make it popular at gatherings. It’s easy to make and sure to impress your friends and family.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 g) sirloin steak, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup (60 mL) soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons (30 g) sugar
• 1 tablespoon (15 mL) sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1 pear, grated (optional)
• Black pepper to taste
• Sesame seeds for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and pear.
2. Add the sliced beef and coat well. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Heat a pan over medium-high heat.
4. Stir-fry the marinated beef for 5-7 minutes until cooked through.
5. Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds. Enjoy!

9) Gomtang (Beef Soup)

Gomtang is a comforting Korean beef soup. It has a clear broth made by boiling various cuts of beef. This soup is simple yet delicious, perfect for sharing with family.

To make gomtang, you’ll need beef brisket and bones to create a rich, savory flavor. Korean radish adds a nice touch too.

This dish is often enjoyed with rice and kimchi, making it a complete meal. It’s warm and satisfying, great for cold days or when you need some comfort food.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds beef brisket
• 3 to 4 cow heel bones
• 8 ounces Korean radish, cut into chunks
• 5 to 6 garlic cloves
• 4 scallions, chopped
• Sea salt, to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil the bones in water for about 10 minutes. Then, discard the water and rinse the bones.
2. In a large pot, add the bones, brisket, garlic, and enough water to cover.
3. Simmer for 3 to 4 hours on low heat.
4. Add the Korean radish and continue to simmer for another hour.
5. Season with salt to taste and serve hot.

10) Japchae (Stir-Fried Noodles)

Japchae is a traditional Korean dish made with sweet potato noodles. These noodles, also known as dangmyeon, have a chewy texture that is loved by many.

You can stir-fry them with a colorful mix of vegetables and marinated meat for added flavor. The dish is often finished with a delicious sesame dressing that ties everything together.

Japchae not only looks great but also tastes amazing, making it perfect for special occasions or family dinners.

Ingredients

• 7 ounces Korean sweet potato noodles (dangmyeon)
• 1 carrot, sliced
• 1/2 medium onion, sliced
• 1 cup spinach
• 5 ounces beef, cut into strips
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Cooking Instructions

1. Soak the sweet potato noodles in hot water for 30 minutes.

2. Drain and set aside.

3. Heat a pan over medium heat. Cook the beef until it browns. Then, remove it from the pan.

4. In the same pan, add vegetables and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes.

5. Add the noodles, beef, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and garlic.

6. Stir-fry everything together for another 5 minutes.

7. Serve warm and enjoy!