Korean cuisine has taken the world by storm with its vibrant flavors, diverse ingredients, and unique cooking techniques. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, Korean recipes can be surprisingly approachable and satisfying to prepare. Below, we’ve curated a list of easy Korean dishes that will bring the taste of Korea to your home.
Bibimbap (Mixed Rice Bowl)
Bibimbap is one of Korea’s most iconic dishes, known for its beautiful presentation and rich, harmonious flavors. Despite its restaurant-worthy appearance, it’s simple to make at home.
Ingredients:
2 cups cooked rice (short-grain or jasmine)
1 carrot, julienned
1 zucchini, julienned
1 cup bean sprouts
1 cup spinach, blanched
2 eggs
1/4 lb ground beef or tofu (optional)
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp sesame oil
2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
Instructions:
Sauté the vegetables separately with a drizzle of sesame oil and a pinch of salt.
Cook the ground beef or tofu with soy sauce until browned.
Fry eggs sunny-side-up.
Arrange rice in a bowl, topping it with vegetables, protein, and egg. Add a dollop of gochujang. Mix and enjoy!
Kimchi Jjigae (Kimchi Stew)
This hearty stew is a staple comfort food in Korea. It’s a great way to use up leftover kimchi and provides a warming, tangy flavor.
Ingredients:
1 cup aged kimchi
200g pork belly (or mushrooms for a vegetarian option)
1 block firm tofu, cubed
2 cups water or broth
1 tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 green onion, chopped
Instructions:
Heat sesame oil in a pot and sauté kimchi and pork belly until fragrant.
Add water or broth, gochugaru, and soy sauce. Simmer for 15 minutes.
Add tofu cubes and simmer for another 5 minutes.
Garnish with green onions and serve with rice.
Japchae (Stir-Fried Glass Noodles)
Japchae is a versatile and gluten-free dish made with sweet potato noodles and assorted vegetables. It’s perfect for a quick, flavorful meal.
Ingredients:
200g sweet potato glass noodles
1 carrot, julienned
1/2 onion, sliced
1/2 bell pepper, sliced
1 cup spinach, blanched
100g beef or mushrooms
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp sugar
1 tbsp sesame oil
Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions:
Boil noodles according to package instructions and set aside.
Sauté vegetables and beef/mushrooms separately with a bit of sesame oil.
In a large bowl, mix noodles with soy sauce, sugar, and sesame oil.
Add sautéed ingredients to the noodles and toss well. Garnish with sesame seeds.
Pajeon (Korean Pancake)
Pajeon is a savory pancake that can be made with green onions, seafood, or vegetables. It’s a crowd-pleaser and comes together in minutes.
Ingredients:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup water
1 egg
1 bunch green onions, chopped into 2-inch pieces
1/2 cup seafood mix (optional)
Soy sauce and vinegar for dipping
Instructions:
Mix flour, water, and egg to create a smooth batter.
Add green onions and seafood (if using) to the batter.
Heat oil in a frying pan and pour in the batter, spreading it thinly.
Cook until golden brown on both sides. Serve with dipping sauce.
Bulgogi (Marinated Beef BBQ)
Bulgogi is a classic Korean BBQ dish that’s sweet, savory, and easy to prepare at home without a grill.
Ingredients:
1 lb thinly sliced beef (ribeye or sirloin)
3 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp sugar
1 tbsp sesame oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 onion, sliced
1/2 pear or apple, grated (optional for tenderizing)
Instructions:
Marinate beef with soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, garlic, and grated fruit for at least 30 minutes.
Heat a skillet and cook the beef until caramelized.
Serve with rice and lettuce wraps.
Tteokbokki (Spicy Rice Cakes)
Tteokbokki is a popular Korean street food made with chewy rice cakes and a spicy-sweet sauce.
Ingredients:
1 pack Korean rice cakes (tteok)
2 cups water or broth
2 tbsp gochujang
1 tbsp sugar
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 hard-boiled egg (optional)
1 green onion, chopped
Instructions:
Boil water or broth in a pan and dissolve gochujang, sugar, and soy sauce.
Add rice cakes and simmer until soft and coated in sauce.
Add boiled eggs and garnish with green onions.
Samgyeopsal (Grilled Pork Belly)
Samgyeopsal is a fun and interactive dish perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients:
1 lb pork belly slices
Lettuce leaves
Ssamjang (Korean dipping sauce)
Garlic cloves, sliced
Kimchi
Instructions:
Grill pork belly slices on a stovetop grill or skillet until crispy.
Serve with lettuce leaves, ssamjang, garlic, and kimchi for wrapping.
Banchan (Side Dishes)
Korean meals often include various side dishes that are simple to prepare and complement the main dishes.
Easy Banchan Ideas:
Kimchi: Purchase pre-made or make your own.
Seasoned Spinach: Blanch spinach and toss with sesame oil, soy sauce, and garlic.
Pickled Radish: Thinly slice radish and marinate in vinegar, sugar, and salt.
Soy-Glazed Potatoes: Sauté small potatoes in soy sauce, sugar, and sesame oil until caramelized.
Gimbap (Korean Sushi Rolls)
Gimbap is a versatile dish similar to sushi but typically made without raw fish.
Ingredients:
4 sheets of seaweed (nori)
2 cups cooked rice
1 carrot, julienned
1 cucumber, julienned
1 egg, scrambled and sliced
4 imitation crab sticks or cooked beef
Sesame oil
Instructions:
Season rice with a bit of sesame oil and salt.
Lay seaweed on a bamboo mat and spread rice evenly over it.
Add fillings and roll tightly.
Slice into bite-sized pieces and serve.
Hotteok (Sweet Pancakes)
Hotteok is a sweet, chewy dessert filled with a gooey brown sugar and nut mixture.
Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup warm water
1 tsp yeast
2 tbsp sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or peanuts)
Oil for frying
Instructions:
Mix flour, water, yeast, and sugar to form a dough. Let it rise for 1 hour.
Divide dough into balls and fill each with brown sugar and nuts.
Flatten and fry in oil until golden.
Serve warm.
Final Tips for Korean Cooking
Stock Up on Staples: Essential ingredients like gochujang, gochugaru, soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar can be found in Asian grocery stores or online.
Prep in Advance: Many Korean dishes require multiple components. Prepping ingredients beforehand makes cooking more manageable.
Experiment: Don’t hesitate to substitute or adapt recipes to suit your taste and dietary preferences.
With these easy recipes, you’re ready to embark on a flavorful journey into Korean cuisine. Happy cooking!
