From fiery tteokbokki to funky kimchi, there’s nothing timid about Korean food! And these 27 Korean recipes prove that there’s nothing intimidating about cooking authentic Korean cuisine at home. Let’s have a look at everything from banchan to Korean dessert (and all stops in between).
Korean Bean Sprout Salad (Sookju Namul)
This is one of those essential Korean side dishes, served at restaurants as banchan and as a topping for things like bibimbap.
Korean Cucumber SaladOi muchim in Korean translates roughly to ‘seasoned cucumber.’ However, that doesn’t come close to describing the spicy, tart, savory, smoky and slightly sweet flavor bomb these seasoned cucumbers deliver.
Korean Spicy Daikon Radish Salad (무생채)
Daikon radish comes up a lot in Korean recipes. That’s because it’s so versatile. And it’s pretty amazing to experience the bold flavors daikon, green onions, fish sauce, sesame oil and pepper flakes can produce.
Dongchimi (Korean Radish Water Kimchi)
Asian pear, garlic and ginger all take a turn flavoring the brine – which is a simple mixture of water, salt and sugar. Once the veggies are pickled to your taste, they are meant to be served with a healthy amount of brine.
The Best Vegan Kimchi – 김치
This vegan kimchi is predominantly made of napa cabbage and scallions (but you can use other veggies). And while there are quite a few steps to this popular Korean recipe, none of them are difficult.
Kimchi Tofu Mandu – 만두 (Korean Dumplings)
A simple translation of mandu is ‘dumpling.’ Crispy outer skin hides pockets of pillowy, spicy perfection. Tofu, kimchi and scallions make up the lion’s share of the filling.
Vegetarian Kimbap (Gimbap)
This is a Korean classic. Loaded with strips of egg and vegetables like carrots, cucumbers and danmuji (yellow pickled daikon), these Korean rice rolls make the best lunch or midnight snack.
Scallion Pancakes (Pajeon – 파전)
These crispy, chewy Korean scallion pancakes are seriously addictive. You’ll want to use a combination of rice flour and all purpose flour in the batter to really nail the texture.
Korean Steamed Egg (Gyeran Jjim)
This light Korean egg souffle is pillowy perfection. Use dashi and anchovy sauce to ensure just the right amount of saltiness.
Soondubu Jjigae (Korean Spicy Tofu Stew)
When it comes to soondubu, you probably first think about the bean curd. That’s because silken tofu is a must when it comes to this traditional Korean stew.
Doenjang Jjigae (Korean Soybean Paste Stew)
Similar in many ways to soondubu (i.e. lots of tofu!), this Korean stew gets legions of earthy, savory flavor from a soybean paste called doenjang (된장).
Jjamppong (Korean Spicy Seafood Noodle Soup)
Jjamppong is Korea’s favorite smoky, spicy, and briny seafood noodle soup! Packed with shrimp, squid and clams, it’s comforting and filling enough to be served as a main.
Naengmyeon – 냉면 (Korean Cold Noodles)
This delicious Korean recipe finds its peak popularity when the summer temperatures soar. But this salty, sour, pickle-y buckwheat noodle soup is delicious anytime of the year.
Japchae (Korean Glass Noodles)
Chewy glass noodles and colorful veggies tossed in a sweet and savory sauce… yep, there’s a lot to love when it comes to japchae. Glass noodles (dangmyeon – 당면) are made from sweet potato starch and are super easy to prepare.
Vegan Jajangmyeon (Korean Noodles With Black Bean Sauce)
Speaking of Korean vegan noodles, you won’t miss the meat at all with this plant based jajangmyeon. This Korean classic relies on chunjang, a fermented black bean paste for an assertive depth of flavor.
Classic Kimchi Fried Rice (Kimchi Bokkeumbap)
Spicy, pungent and a little sour, this Korean fried rice recipe can be served as a main dish – or a full flavored side. Add a fried egg with a runny yolk for an experience that screams decadence and deliciousness.
Korean Style Fish Donburi Bowl
Sure, donburi is actually a Japanese thing. But the flavor profile of this spicy, smoky fish over rice recipe is all Korean. Gochugaru and fresh ginger bring the burn, without being volcanic about it.
Chicken Bulgogi With Cabbage
Break out the grill pan! Now, yeah, bulgogi is typically made with beef or pork grilled over an open flame. That said, I’m using chicken (and I don’t allow open flames on my dining room table), but the flavor is all there.
Korean Sticky Chicken
Is there anything better than spicy Korean chicken? If your answer is, “not really,” then this one is for you! Honey and gochugaru bring that sweet heat – while sesame seeds provide a toast-y nuttiness.
Quick Homemade Gochujang (Korean Chili Paste)
When it comes to Korean recipes, you’ll see gochujang come up a lot. It’s a red pepper paste made of fermented soybeans, chili powder, glutinous rice and salt.
Ssamjang (Korean Dipping Sauce)
If someone asked me to summarize ssamjang in three words or less, I’d say: Korean BBQ Sauce. But it’s way more than just a condiment for galbi wrapped in lettuce or parilla.
Hotteok – 호떡 (Korean Sweet Pancakes)
Sweet and chewy, hotteok is a popular street food that’s enjoyed all over South Korea. Pan fried pockets hiding a mixture of dark brown sugar, cinnamon and nuts, they kinda remind me of a cinnamon bun minus the glaze.
Korean Banana Milk – 바나나 우유
Need a little dessert in your life? A quick breakfast? A mid-afternoon pick-me-up? Mildly sweet and SO refreshing, Korean banana milk makes the perfect treat no matter when you enjoy it.