15+ Korean Recipes to Satisfy Your Cravings

15+ Korean Recipes to Satisfy Your Cravings

ByCook Maniac Team Reading Time: 12 minutes

Korean recipes are known for their bold flavors and unique ingredients. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned cook, you can explore many delicious dishes. These recipes not only offer tasty meals but also bring a little bit of Korean culture into your kitchen.

A table filled with various Korean dishes, including kimchi, bibimbap, bulgogi, and banchan, arranged in an artful and appetizing display

From hearty stews to savory pancakes, Korean cuisine has a variety of options that can satisfy any craving. Each dish has its own story and tradition, making cooking a fun and educational experience. Get ready to try your hand at some exciting recipes that you can share with family and friends.

1) Kimchi Pancakes

A sizzling skillet of kimchi pancakes being flipped in a cloud of steam. Green onions and red chili peppers scattered nearby

Kimchi pancakes are a tasty and easy dish to make. They are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. This recipe is a great way to use leftover kimchi.

To make these pancakes, you will need some simple ingredients. The flavors come together quickly, making this dish perfect for a snack or meal.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of chopped kimchi
  • 1 cup of flour
  • 1/2 cup of water
  • 1 egg
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • Oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

  1. In a bowl, mix the chopped kimchi, flour, water, and egg together.
  2. Stir in the sliced green onions.
  3. Heat a pan over medium heat and add a little oil.
  4. Pour some batter into the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
  5. Serve hot and enjoy!

2) Bibimbap

A colorful array of fresh vegetables, rice, and spicy gochujang sauce arranged in a traditional stone bowl, ready to be mixed into a delicious bibimbap dish

Bibimbap is a delicious Korean rice bowl filled with flavor. It combines perfectly cooked rice with a mix of sautéed vegetables, a fried egg, and spicy gochujang sauce. Every bite is a tasty experience.

You can customize your bibimbap with various veggies and proteins. Common choices include spinach, carrots, mushrooms, and marinated beef. Each ingredient adds its own special taste.

Don’t forget to mix everything together before eating. The hot ingredients warm the rice, and the sauce ties everything together. Bibimbap is as fun to make as it is to eat!

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked rice
  • 1 cup assorted vegetables (spinach, carrots, mushrooms)
  • 1 fried egg
  • 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • Sesame seeds for garnish

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Prepare the rice and cook it according to package instructions (about 20 minutes).
  2. Sauté the vegetables in sesame oil until tender.
  3. Fry an egg sunny side up.
  4. Assemble the bowl: rice first, then vegetables, egg, and gochujang on top.
  5. Sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving.

3) Bulgogi

A sizzling hot plate of bulgogi surrounded by colorful banchan dishes on a traditional Korean dining table

Bulgogi is a popular Korean dish made with marinated beef. The beef is usually sliced thin and grilled. You can also cook it in a pan.

To make bulgogi, start by mixing up a marinade. This usually includes soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and sesame oil. Marinate the beef for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors soak in.

Once marinated, you can cook the beef on a grill or in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes until it is browned and tender. Serve it with rice and fresh vegetables for a delicious meal.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb (450 g) beef sirloin or ribeye
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

Cooking Instructions

  1. Slice the beef thinly against the grain.
  2. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, sesame oil, and black pepper.
  3. Add the beef to the marinade. Coat well and let it sit for at least 30 minutes.
  4. Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat.
  5. Cook the beef for 5-7 minutes until browned.
  6. Serve with rice and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.

4) Japchae

A steaming hot wok sizzles with colorful julienned vegetables, tender marinated beef, and glossy glass noodles, ready to be served as Japchae Korean dish

Japchae is a delicious Korean dish made with sweet potato noodles. It’s often mixed with vegetables and sometimes beef or other proteins. The noodles have a chewy texture that makes each bite special.

To make Japchae, you will need a variety of vegetables like carrots, spinach, and mushrooms. The dish is seasoned with soy sauce and sesame oil, giving it a rich flavor. You can serve it warm or cold, making it great for any meal.

Ingredients

  • Sweet potato noodles (dangmyeon)
  • Carrots, julienned
  • Spinach
  • Mushrooms, sliced
  • Beef or another protein (optional)
  • Soy sauce
  • Sesame oil
  • Garlic, minced
  • Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Cooking Instructions

  1. Cook the sweet potato noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a pan, heat some oil and sauté garlic until fragrant.
  3. Add carrots and mushrooms. Cook until soft.
  4. Add spinach and protein, if using. Stir until cooked.
  5. Mix in the noodles, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Toss well.
  6. Serve hot, sprinkled with sesame seeds. Enjoy!

5) Tteokbokki

A steaming pot of tteokbokki simmering in a spicy red sauce, with chewy rice cakes and sliced scallions, served in a traditional Korean dish

Tteokbokki is a popular Korean street food made with soft rice cakes. It’s often served in a spicy and sweet sauce. You can enjoy it as a snack or a quick meal.

The main ingredient is the rice cake, called “tteok.” It is chewy and absorbs the flavor of the sauce well. The sauce typically includes gochujang, a red chili paste that adds spice.

Tteokbokki can also include fish cakes and vegetables. Some people like to add eggs or cheese for extra richness. It’s fun to customize your dish to fit your taste.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound (450g) rice cakes
  • 3 cups (720ml) water
  • 1/4 cup (60g) gochujang
  • 2 tablespoons (30g) sugar
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup (120g) fish cakes, sliced
  • 1/2 cup (75g) green onions, chopped

Cooking Instructions

  1. Soak the rice cakes in water for 30 minutes if they are hard.
  2. In a pan, combine water, gochujang, sugar, and soy sauce.
  3. Bring to a boil and stir until well mixed.
  4. Add the rice cakes and fish cakes, cooking for about 10 minutes.
  5. Stir occasionally until sauce thickens.
  6. Add green onions and cook for another 2 minutes.

6) Samgyeopsal

A sizzling grill with various cuts of pork, accompanied by side dishes and lettuce wraps

Samgyeopsal is a popular Korean dish made with grilled pork belly. It’s known for its delicious flavor and juicy texture. You can enjoy this meal with a variety of sides.

To prepare samgyeopsal, start with thick slices of pork belly. You will grill them until they are crispy on the outside and tender inside.

Pair the grilled meat with lettuce wraps, garlic, and ssamjang sauce. This adds a fresh taste and extra flavor.

Many people enjoy dipping the meat in sesame oil too.

Ingredients

  • Pork belly slices (about 1 inch thick)
  • Lettuce leaves
  • Garlic cloves
  • Ssamjang sauce
  • Sesame oil

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat the grill to 400°F (204°C).
  2. Place the pork belly slices on the grill.
  3. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until crispy.
  4. Serve with lettuce, garlic, and dipping sauces.

7) Kimchi Jjigae

A steaming pot of Kimchi Jjigae simmers on a stovetop, filled with tender chunks of pork, spicy kimchi, and tofu, emitting a tantalizing aroma

Kimchi Jjigae is a flavorful Korean stew that’s perfect for warming up on a chilly day. It features kimchi, which adds both heat and tang, along with tender pieces of meat, often pork. This dish is hearty and satisfying, making it a favorite for many.

You can customize your Kimchi Jjigae by adding tofu or other vegetables. It’s simple to make and can be served with rice for a complete meal. Enjoy dipping your rice into the rich and spicy broth for extra flavor.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of fully fermented kimchi
  • 4 ounces of pork belly or similar meat
  • 1 cup of water
  • 1 block of firm tofu (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon of gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes)
  • 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
  • 1 green onion, chopped

Cooking Instructions

  1. In a pot, add kimchi and pork belly. Cook on medium heat until the meat is browned.
  2. Pour in water and bring to a boil.
  3. Add gochugaru, soy sauce, and tofu.
  4. Simmer for 20 minutes.
  5. Top with green onions before serving. Enjoy!

8) Sundubu Jjigae

A steaming bowl of Sundubu Jjigae surrounded by banchan dishes on a traditional Korean dining table

Sundubu Jjigae is a comforting Korean dish made with soft tofu. This stew has a spicy broth that warms you up from the inside. It’s popular in many Korean restaurants for its rich flavors.

You can customize it with various ingredients. Common choices include seafood, pork, or beef. The dish is often served with a side of rice.

You’ll enjoy the silky texture of the tofu and the bold taste of spices. Garnish the stew with green onions and chili peppers for a fresh touch.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 carton soft tofu (about 5 oz / 140 g)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 ounce thinly sliced ribeye steak (or choice of protein)
  • 1 tablespoon Korean chili powder
  • 2 cups vegetable or beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • Green onions and chili peppers for garnish

Cooking Instructions

  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a pot over medium heat.
  2. Add the sliced ribeye and cook until browned.
  3. Stir in the Korean chili powder and cook for 1 minute.
  4. Pour in the broth and bring to a boil.
  5. Reduce heat and gently add the soft tofu.
  6. Stir in soy sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.
  7. Serve hot, garnished with green onions and chili peppers.

9) Galbi

A sizzling grill cooks marinated Galbi beef with a side of vegetables

Galbi is a popular Korean dish made with marinated beef short ribs. The meat is tender and full of flavor. You can grill it or cook it in a pan.

To make galbi, you’ll need a tasty marinade. The marinade often includes soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and sesame oil. You can also add pear or pineapple for sweetness.

Cooking galbi is simple. Just marinate the ribs for a few hours, then cook until they are brown and cooked through. Enjoy it with rice or lettuce wraps.

Ingredients

  • Beef short ribs
  • Soy sauce
  • Sugar
  • Garlic
  • Sesame oil
  • Pear or pineapple (optional)

Cooking Instructions

  1. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and sesame oil.
  2. Add the short ribs and marinate them for 3-6 hours.
  3. Preheat your grill to 400°F (200°C).
  4. Cook the ribs for about 5-7 minutes per side.
  5. Serve hot with rice or lettuce.

10) Kimbap

A colorful array of kimbap ingredients laid out on a wooden cutting board, including pickled vegetables, cooked rice, and strips of egg and ham

Kimbap is a delicious Korean dish that resembles sushi. It’s made with rice and various fillings, all rolled in seaweed. You can enjoy it as a snack or a meal.

To make kimbap, start with cooked rice seasoned with sesame oil and salt. Then, prepare your fillings.

Common choices are pickled radish, carrots, cucumbers, and proteins like beef or egg.

After you have everything ready, lay a sheet of seaweed on a bamboo mat. Spread the rice evenly on the seaweed, leaving some space at the edges.

Add your fillings in a line. Roll it up tightly and slice into bite-sized pieces.

Ingredients

  • Cooked rice
  • Sesame oil
  • Salt
  • Seaweed sheets
  • Pickled radish
  • Carrots
  • Cucumber
  • Cooked beef or egg

Cooking Instructions

  1. Prepare and season the rice.
  2. Cut the vegetables and protein into thin strips.
  3. Place a seaweed sheet on a bamboo mat.
  4. Spread the rice on the seaweed.
  5. Add the fillings and roll tightly.
  6. Slice the roll into pieces and serve.

11) Sundubu

A steaming bowl of sundubu jjigae surrounded by banchan dishes on a traditional Korean dining table

Sundubu is a soft tofu stew that warms you up and makes for a comforting meal. It’s simple to make and packed with flavor. You can add various ingredients based on what you like.

For classic sundubu, you will need soft tofu, vegetables, and a spicy sauce made from gochujang or gochugaru. You can also include seafood or meat for extra taste.

The dish is often served bubbling hot, straight from the pot. Enjoy it with rice for a fulfilling meal.

Ingredients

  • Soft tofu
  • Gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
  • Gochugaru (Korean red chili flakes)
  • Garlic
  • Onion
  • Zucchini
  • Mushrooms
  • Green onions
  • Seafood (optional) or meat (optional)
  • Sesame oil
  • Water or broth

Cooking Instructions

  1. Heat sesame oil in a pot over medium heat (350°F or 180°C).
  2. Add garlic and onions, and cook until they’re softened.
  3. Stir in gochujang and gochugaru.
  4. Add vegetables and water or broth, and bring to a boil.
  5. Gently add soft tofu and simmer for 5-10 minutes.
  6. Top with green onions and serve hot with rice.

12) Pajeon

A sizzling hot plate of Pajeon, a traditional Korean pancake, surrounded by various ingredients like scallions, seafood, and vegetables

Pajeon is a popular Korean savory pancake. It’s made with a simple batter and filled with green onions. You can also add seafood or vegetables for extra flavor.

To make your pajeon, you start by mixing flour, water, and eggs into a batter. Then, you fold in the green onions.

Heat some oil in a pan and pour in the batter. Cook until it’s golden brown on both sides. Serve it hot with a soy dipping sauce for a tasty treat.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 egg
  • 1 bunch green onions
  • Salt, to taste
  • Vegetable oil, for frying
  • Soy sauce, for dipping

Cooking Instructions

  1. In a bowl, mix the flour, water, egg, and salt.
  2. Chop the green onions and add them to the batter.
  3. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F or 175°C).
  4. Pour the batter into the pan and spread it out.
  5. Cook until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
  6. Serve hot with soy sauce.

13) Banchan

A table set with various small dishes of colorful and flavorful Korean banchan, including kimchi, pickled vegetables, and marinated tofu

Banchan refers to small side dishes served with Korean meals. These dishes are full of flavor and can include pickled vegetables, steamed greens, and fried tofu. You often find them served in little bowls at the table.

Each banchan can be different, with various ingredients and flavors. Kimchi, which is fermented cabbage, is one of the most popular types. Other common banchan include seasoned spinach and bean sprouts.

Making banchan adds color and variety to your meals. You can enjoy them with rice or on their own. They are easy to prepare and can be made in advance.

Ingredients

  • Napa cabbage
  • Salt
  • Garlic
  • Ginger
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Soy sauce
  • Sesame oil
  • Spinach
  • Bean sprouts

Cooking Instructions

  1. Cut napa cabbage and sprinkle with salt.
  2. Mix garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes for kimchi.
  3. Blanch spinach and season with soy sauce and sesame oil.
  4. Blanch bean sprouts and season similarly.

14) Samgyetang

A steaming bowl of samgyetang surrounded by ginseng, jujube, and garlic, with a pair of chopsticks resting on the side

Samgyetang is a delicious Korean soup made with tender chicken, ginseng, and rice. It is often enjoyed in the summer for its nourishing properties. This dish is warm and comforting, making it perfect for a cozy meal.

To make Samgyetang, you will use a whole young chicken stuffed with sweet rice and herbs. The simmering soup brings out rich flavors and nutrients. You can also add garlic and ginger for extra taste.

Ingredients

  • 1 whole young chicken (about 3-4 pounds or 1.4-1.8 kg)
  • 1/2 cup glutinous rice
  • 4 cups water (950 ml)
  • 1-2 ginseng roots (or ginseng powder)
  • 5-6 cloves garlic
  • 1 piece ginger (about 1 inch)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Soak the glutinous rice in water for 1-2 hours.
  2. Rinse the chicken and stuff it with soaked rice, ginseng, garlic, and ginger.
  3. Place the chicken in a pot and cover with water.
  4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer for about 1-1.5 hours.
  5. Season with salt and pepper before serving. Enjoy!

15) Hotteok

A street vendor cooks hotteok on a sizzling griddle, filling the air with the sweet aroma of the Korean pancake

Hotteok is a popular Korean street food. It is a sweet pancake filled with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts. The outside is crispy, while the inside is warm and gooey.

To make hotteok, you need dough that is easy to work with. You can fill it with a mixture of sugar and nuts. After cooking, it becomes a delicious treat perfect for any time of day.

You can enjoy hotteok as a snack or dessert. It’s especially nice on cool days. The sweet and warm filling makes every bite comforting.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup warm water (110°F/43°C)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon yeast
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
  • Oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

  1. Mix warm water, sugar, and yeast in a bowl. Then, let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
  2. In another bowl, combine flour and salt.
  3. Add the yeast mixture to the flour and knead until smooth. Afterward, let rise for 1 hour.
  4. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts.
  5. Divide the dough into balls and flatten each one.
  6. Place a spoonful of the filling in the center and seal the dough.
  7. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F/175°C).
  8. Fry each pancake for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
  9. Serve warm and enjoy!

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