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South Korea is an wonderful nation. A cultural melting pot that’s the results of a variety of completely 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 right now. And should you haven’t visited Korea but you must undoubtedly put it in your checklist.
Conventional Korean Dishes
Korean meals is predicated rather a lot on grains—particularly rice. From Kimchi fried rice to a candy rice cake, it’s a delicacies that isn’t afraid of a bit of spice and makes use of plenty of fermented elements. Fish and seafood additionally play an vital function in Korean meals, due to the ocean surrounding the Korean peninsula.
Many South Korean dishes have fascinating histories or cultural significance. A whole lot of the meals listed here are adopted or tailored from different cultures. We shall be highlighting some conventional dishes but additionally a few of these fashionable takes on Korean Meals which have develop into actually well-liked within the USA.
It’s time to begin your meals journey in Korea. We will’t wait to point out you a few of our all-time favourite dishes.
1. Bibimbap (Korean Rice Bowl)
Bibimbap is without doubt one of the extra well-known Korean dishes. You’ve in all probability tried it at house however till you have got it in Korea, we are saying you’re lacking out. Bibimbap is a rice-based dish that may encompass greens, a fried egg, and no matter different protein you want.
If you wish to make it the standard approach then be sure 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 have been 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 advantage of this being such a well-liked Korean dish is you can get a model with seafood, beef, and tofu—there’s one thing to swimsuit all tastes! When you go to Korea you’ll discover that completely different areas have their very own takes on this dish.
2. Bulgogi (marinated beef barbecue)
Bulgogi is a dish you may’t miss should you’re visiting South Korea. Its title means “fireplace meat” and derives from its methodology of cooking. Bulgogi is made up of thin-cut slices of beef or pork which have been marinated and grilled on a barbecue.
Bulgogi is a kind of easy Korean dishes you can make at house. The important thing to a great Bulgogi is unquestionably the proper reduce of meat. We like to make use of high sirloin, however you should utilize whichever kind of beef you want. Make sure that to slice it good and skinny, that approach it’s extra tender, then marinate it in soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, and garlic. While you prepare dinner it, you need to hear that sizzle so be certain the grill is de facto scorching.
This dish truly comes from Northern Korea, however right now it’s well-liked in South Korea as nicely. It 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 )
Talking of BBQ, we couldn’t do an inventory of Korean meals with out together with considered one of our favorites: Korean Barbecue! Often known as Gogigui, any such 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 strategy to spend a night and a really social approach of consuming.
Now you might assume that this sounds rather a lot 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
When you’re a fan of sushi then you definitely’ve received to attempt gimbap. Gimbap is the Korean tackle sushi and it’s most frequently loved as road meals—it’s tremendous reasonably priced so nice should you’re touring on a finances. It may possibly embrace all kinds of ingenious elements, together with however not restricted to beef, cheese, omelet, and even pork stomach cutlet.
One other spelling of this dish is “kimbap” with Kim that means seaweed and bap that means rice. It was more than likely first invented when Korea was below Japanese rule. Though some say it’s an adaptation of the standard dish Bokssam.
5. Kimchi
Kimchi is one other tremendous well-liked meals in South Korea. It’s a mixture of spiced and fermented greens typically served as a facet dish. It’s product of 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 had been well-liked strategies of preserving meals earlier than the invention of contemporary home equipment akin to fridges. What’s fascinating is that it wasn’t at all times spicy, the warmth was solely added after Portuguese merchants launched chilis to the area within the fifteenth century.
You can also 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 should you’re visiting South Korea you’ll little doubt see it on menus all over the place.
Saengseon Jjigae is a fish stew that consists often of chicken fish and sometimes prawns or different shellfish. When you’re a lover of fish then you definitely’ve received to verify to do that dish!
Making this at house isn’t that simple, however if you wish to give it a attempt you principally reduce 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 the whole lot prepare dinner collectively for a couple of minutes till the flavors have melded collectively.
7. Sundubu-jjigae (delicate tofu stew)
When you’d wish to attempt a Korean stew (or jjigae) however you don’t eat meat or fish, you may at all times attempt Sundubu Jjigae, a variation of the standard stew that’s made with tofu. Fish, kimchi, and beef may also be added to this dish should you like.
A Korean important meal will nearly at all times include some type of jjigae—that’s how a lot of a staple it’s! So should you’re in a restaurant there’s a great likelihood you’ll get to attempt it. This dish is assumed 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 without doubt one of the hottest road snacks in South Korea and it’s not onerous to see why! It may possibly embrace additions akin to crushed peanuts or cinnamon, and it’s often eaten in the course of the winter months to warmth up chilly commuters on chilly mornings.
9. Gilgeori Toast
When you’re in search of some tasty breakfast after you’ve shaken off your jet lag, we’ve received the proper dish for you. Gilgeori toast is what most younger South Koreans will seize for breakfast on their strategy to work. It’s savory, candy, filling, and scrumptious.
Its important elements are egg, cabbage, and grated carrots. Ketchup, mayonnaise, and sugar—sure sugar—are different widespread additions. This well-liked road meals could sound loopy, however one way or the other, it actually works!
10. Tteokbokki (Spicy Rice Truffles)
One other well-liked Korean road meals, Tteokbokki is sliced rice muffins—although not as you realize them. Removed from the crunchy disks of puffed-up rice, this time period conjures up, these rice muffins are delicate, cylindrical, and deliciously chewy.
To make Tteokbokki, first, the rice muffins and fish muffins are boiled till they’re delicate 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 is available in a variety of completely different varieties, from curry to cream sauce and the whole lot in between. This candy and spicy dish might be in contrast to something you’ve tried earlier than, however it’s too good to cross up. This dish is especially well-liked on the streets of Seoul, so don’t neglect to look out should you’re visiting.
11. Soondae (Korean blood sausage)
No, we’re not speaking about ice cream and sauce right here, so should you see this on a menu in Korea, don’t make this error! Sundae is in truth a blood sausage much like the sort you would possibly get in a full Irish breakfast should you’re visiting the emerald isle.
This dish is often made by steaming cow or pig intestines and stuffing them with varied elements. It’s not for the faint-hearted, however should you’re an adventurous eater it’s undoubtedly one to attempt.
12. Japchae (Korean Glass Noodles)
That is one other dish that exemplifies the South Korean penchant for the mixture of candy and savory. It’s made out 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 akin to 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)
When you’re a lover of all issues wealthy, then Gyeranppang is the dish for you. The title 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 contemporary herbs akin to parsley.
14. Nakji Bokkeum (Spicy Octopus)
Nakji-Bokkeum is one other dish that could be finest left to adventurous eaters, and should you’re not a fan of fish, you may in all probability give it a miss. Nonetheless, it’s an exceedingly well-liked dish in South Korea, and it’s undoubtedly value trying out.
Nakji-Bokkeum is a spicy dish made out of stir-fried octopus. It’s believed to be a comparatively current addition to the South Korean food regimen, relationship again to across the mid-1900s.
15. Yaksik (Candy Rice)
Lastly, now we have a candy dish that’s well-liked all through South Korea. Yaksik is made out of steamed rice, honey, and dried fruits. It additionally typically consists of 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 is usually loved at weddings.
16. Hangover Stew (Haejangguk)
Haejangguk, often known as Hangover Soup, is a standard Korean soup that’s believed to assist remedy hangovers. The title 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 might say you may be hard-pressed to make this at house, however you may give it a attempt with this recipe.
Haejangguk is often 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 Stomach)
Samgyeopsal is a well-liked Korean dish that consists of grilled pork stomach slices. The title “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 facet dishes, together with lettuce leaves, sliced garlic, ssamjang (a spicy soybean paste), and grilled onions.
To make Samgyeopsal, first, a thick reduce of pork stomach is sliced into skinny, bite-sized items. Then marinate it in a mix of soy sauce, garlic, sugar, and sesame oil. Lastly, grill it on a scorching plate or barbecue till it’s cooked by way of 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 elements. The dish is commonly served as a fast and straightforward 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 combined with different elements akin to 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 way of and coated with the kimchi and vegetable combination. Some variations of this Fried Rice could embrace different elements akin to diced ham, bacon, or tofu.
It’s typically served with a fried egg on high, which provides a creamy texture to the dish. The dish may also 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 typically full of 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 akin to garlic, onion, carrot, and inexperienced onion. The filling is seasoned with soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper to style. Another forms of Jjinmandu could embrace tofu, kimchi, or different elements.
Subsequent, small circles of dumpling wrapper dough are rolled out and full of the meat and vegetable combination. The perimeters of the wrapper are then pinched collectively to seal the filling inside. The dumplings are then steamed or boiled till they’re cooked by way of and the wrapper is tender.
Jjinmandu is commonly served with a dipping sauce made out of soy sauce, vinegar, and sesame oil. The dish will be loved as a snack or as a important course and is well-liked 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 standard dish in Korea and is commonly served as a important course, particularly in the course of the winter. The dish has an extended historical past and was first made in the course of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) when households would ferment their very own kimchi in giant 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 by way 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 Hen
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 sometimes served with a spicy or candy sauce. The distinction between Korean fried rooster and different forms of fried rooster is the usage of a double-frying method that creates an extra-crispy exterior whereas holding the meat juicy and tender on the within.
As soon as the rooster is totally 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 you’ll find it nearly 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 an extended 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 well-liked in Korea due to its wealthy and savory taste and satisfying texture.
23. Samgyetang (Hen Ginseng Soup)
Samgyetang is a standard 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 rising stamina.
So, how do you make Samgyetang? First, an entire younger rooster is full of glutinous rice and varied herbs like ginseng, jujubes, and garlic. The rooster is then boiled in a pot with water till it’s totally 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 an enchanting and culturally wealthy nation and Korean meals does a tremendous job of reflecting this. There are such a lot of completely different dishes to attempt, and the above characterize only a few of our favorites. When you’re in search of extra journey ideas, don’t neglect to take a look at the remainder of our posts now!
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