Korean cuisine is full of bold flavors and unique textures. These 13 dishes give you a taste of traditional Korean food right at your kitchen.
From stews to crispy treats, there’s something for everyone. They’re simple to make and perfect for any meal.
1. Bulgogi (Korean BBQ Beef)
Thinly sliced beef marinated in a soy-based sauce with garlic. Grill or pan-fry until the beef is caramelized and smoky.
Serve with rice and fresh lettuce for wrapping. Pair it with kimchi or pickled vegetables to enhance the flavors.
Full recipe: click here.
2. Galbi (Korean Short Ribs)
Short ribs marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and sugar. Grill or broil until the meat is tender and slightly charred.
Serve with steamed rice and a side of kimchi. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions for extra flavor.
Full recipe: click here.
3. Kimchi Jjigae (Kimchi Stew)
A hearty stew made with aged kimchi, tofu, and pork belly. Simmer everything in a rich broth until the flavors meld.
The spicy, sour, and savory profile of the soup is comforting. Serve it with steamed rice to balance out the spiciness.
Full recipe: click here.
4. Samgyeopsal (Grilled Pork Belly)
Thick slices of pork belly grilled until crispy on the outside. Serve with lettuce leaves, garlic, and a dab of ssamjang sauce.
Wrap the grilled pork in lettuce with some kimchi or rice. Pair it with a shot of soju for the authentic experience.
Full recipe: click here.
5. Bibimbap (Korean Rice Bowl)
A rice dish topped with sautéed vegetables, fried egg, and beef. Mix everything together with gochujang (Korean chili paste) for added heat.
You can add vegetables like spinach, carrots, and mushrooms for variety. Serve in a hot stone bowl for crispy rice at the bottom.
Full recipe: click here.
6. Dak Galbi (Spicy Stir-Fried Chicken)
Chunks of chicken stir-fried in a sweet and spicy sauce. Add cabbage, rice cakes, and sweet potatoes to enhance the dish.
Stir-fry everything until tender and slightly caramelized for extra flavor. Serve with a side of rice to absorb the spicy sauce.
Full recipe: click here.
7. Tangsuyuk (Sweet and Sour Pork)
Crispy, battered pork pieces served in a tangy, sweet sauce. The pork is fried until golden, then coated in a flavorful sauce.
This dish is popular in Korean Chinese cuisine, offering a balance of flavors. Serve it with rice to help balance out the sweetness.
Full recipe: click here.
8. Andong Jjimdak (Braised Chicken)
Chicken simmered in a soy sauce-based broth with potatoes and glass noodles. The chicken becomes tender, absorbing the rich sauce for deep flavor.
Add vegetables like carrots and onions for added texture. Serve the dish with steamed rice to soak up the savory broth.
Full recipe: click here.
9. Soondae (Korean Blood Sausage)
Pig’s blood and rice stuffed in a casing and steamed. It’s typically sliced and served with salt and chili powder for dipping.
Often served as a snack or appetizer with a side of kimchi. Pair it with a hot, savory soup to balance out the flavors.
Full recipe: click here.
10. Jeyuk Bokkeum (Spicy Pork Stir-Fry)
Pork slices marinated in gochujang and stir-fried with vegetables. The pork is cooked until tender with a spicy and savory kick.
Pair it with a bowl of steamed rice to absorb the sauce. This dish is perfect when you want something quick and flavorful.
Full recipe: click here.
11. Bossam (Boiled Pork Wraps)
Pork belly boiled in a flavorful broth and sliced thin. Wrap the pork in fresh cabbage leaves with garlic and ssamjang.
Add some kimchi for an added zing of flavor. Serve with steamed rice or pickled radish for a complete meal.
Full recipe: click here.
12. Seonji Haejangguk (Pork Blood Soup)
A soup made with pork blood, vegetables, and beef broth. Often enjoyed as a hangover cure due to its rich flavor.
The savory broth is complemented by the earthy taste of blood sausage. Serve it with a side of rice to complete the meal.
Full recipe: click here.
13. Eomuk Tang (Fish Cake Soup with Meat)
Fish cakes simmered in a light broth with sliced pork. The addition of pork adds depth to the simple, comforting soup.
The soup is savory, with a delicate balance of flavors. Serve it with steamed rice to soak up the flavorful broth.
Full recipe: click here.
Final Thoughts
Korean dishes offer a wide range of flavors, from spicy to savory. Many of these recipes are easy to prepare and full of character.
Explore the richness of Korean cooking with these recipes. Don’t forget to serve each dish with a side of rice for a complete meal.
Featured image credit to ©koreagwan_kuwait.
