10+ Korean Recipes to Spice Up Your Meals

Korean cuisine offers a delightful mix of flavors, colors, and textures that make every meal exciting. You will discover a variety of dishes that cater to different tastes and preferences, opening up a whole new world of culinary experiences.

Whether you’re a fan of spicy food or prefer milder options, there is something in Korean cooking for everyone.

In this article, you will explore traditional recipes that are both simple to prepare and full of taste. Korean recipes often highlight fresh ingredients and unique seasonings that can transform everyday meals into something special.

Get ready to embark on a delicious journey into the heart of Korean cooking!

1) Kimchi Stew

Kimchi stew, or kimchi jjigae, is a popular dish in Korean cooking. It’s spicy, savory, and perfect for a comforting meal. You can enjoy it with rice and other side dishes.

To make it, you’ll need fully fermented kimchi and your choice of meat. Pork is a common option, as its fat adds flavor to the stew.

The cooking process is simple. You will simmer the ingredients together, allowing the flavors to mix beautifully.

Ingredients

• 2 cups fully fermented kimchi
• 4 ounces pork belly or other meat
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 2 cups water or broth
• Spices (like gochugaru, if you like it spicy)

Cooking Instructions

1. In a pot, add the kimchi, pork, onion, and spices.
2. Pour in water or broth and bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
4. Add green onions before serving. Enjoy!

2) Spicy Korean Raw Fish (Hoe-muchim)

Hoe-muchim is a delicious Korean dish made with raw fish. You can enjoy it as an appetizer or a main dish. The fish is usually mixed with fresh vegetables and a tangy sauce.

For this dish, use sashimi-grade fish like red snapper. The sauce is key, blending sweet, sour, and spicy flavors. You can adjust the heat based on your taste.

Here are the ingredients you’ll need:

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) sashimi-grade fish (e.g., red snapper)
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., cucumber, carrots)
• 3 tablespoons gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons vinegar (rice or apple)
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• Chopped green onions

Cooking Instructions

1. Cut the fish into thin strips.
2. Slice your vegetables thinly.
3. In a bowl, mix gochugaru, soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, and sesame oil.
4. Combine the fish and vegetables with the sauce.
5. Top with chopped green onions and serve.

3) Pajeon (Korean Savory Pancake)

Pajeon is a popular Korean dish. It’s a savory pancake made primarily with green onions. You can also add ingredients like seafood or vegetables for extra flavor.

Making pajeon is simple and fun. The batter typically includes flour, water, and egg. The key is to ensure it’s mixed well for a crispy texture.

You can enjoy pajeon as a snack or a side dish. Serving it with a dipping sauce enhances the taste. It’s perfect for gatherings or a cozy meal at home.

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 egg
• 1 cup green onions, chopped
• Optional: seafood or vegetables
• Salt to taste
• Vegetable oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix flour, water, and egg. Stir until smooth.
2. Add chopped green onions and salt. Mix well.
3. Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat (350°F / 175°C).
4. Pour batter into the pan, spreading it evenly.
5. Cook until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
6. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

4) Korean Gomtang (Beef Soup)

Gomtang is a comforting Korean beef soup that has a rich flavor. It is made by boiling various cuts of beef until the meat is tender and the broth becomes clear. This soup is enjoyed by many and is a staple in Korean cuisine.

To make gomtang, you can use beef brisket, tendon, and even bones to enrich the broth. The ingredients work together to create a delicious and nourishing meal. You can enhance the flavor with garlic and green onions.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds beef brisket
• 2 pounds beef tendon
• 8 ounces Korean radish (or daikon), cut into chunks
• 5 to 6 garlic cloves
• 4 green onions, chopped
• Sea salt, to taste
• Water

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, add the beef and cover it with water. Bring it to a boil.
2. Skim off any foam that forms on the surface.
3. Add garlic, radish, and green onions.
4. Simmer on low heat for 2-3 hours until tender.
5. Season with sea salt to your taste. Serve hot.

5) Korean Fried Chicken (Yangnyeom-tongdak)

Korean Fried Chicken, or Yangnyeom-tongdak, is known for its crispy exterior and flavorful sauce. It’s a tasty treat that combines sweetness, spiciness, and tanginess.

To start, you’ll need fresh chicken wings or drumettes. Season them well and let them marinate to enhance the flavor.

The first step is frying the chicken in hot oil at 350°F (about 180°C). Fry them in batches to ensure they cook evenly.

After frying, coat the chicken in a sweet and spicy sauce made with ingredients like gochujang and honey.

Serve it hot, and enjoy the crunchiness along with the delicious sauce!

Ingredients

• 2 lbs chicken wings or drumettes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tsp gochujang
• 1-2 tbsp honey
• Oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

1. Season chicken with salt and pepper.
2. Heat oil in a pan to 350°F (180°C).
3. Fry chicken until golden and crispy, about 10-12 minutes.
4. Mix gochujang and honey in a bowl.
5. Coat fried chicken in the sauce and serve hot.

6) Sujebi 수제비 (Hand-Torn Noodle Soup)

Sujebi is a comforting Korean noodle soup made with hand-torn pieces of dough. It’s simple to prepare and warms you up on chilly days. The soup includes a rich broth, usually flavored with anchovies and kelp.

To make your sujebi, you start by boiling water and adding the broth ingredients. Then, you tear pieces of dough directly into the pot, letting them cook in the simmering liquid.

This dish is perfect for a cozy meal with friends or family. You can add vegetables like zucchini or potatoes for extra flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup water
• 10 cups water (for broth)
• 1/4 cup dried anchovies
• 1/4 cup dried kelp
• Optional: zucchini, potatoes, or green onions

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix the flour, salt, and water to form a dough.
2. Knead the dough for a few minutes, then let it rest.
3. In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water to a boil.
4. Add anchovies and kelp, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes.
5. Tear pieces of the dough and add them to the pot.
6. Cook until the noodles float to the top, about 5-7 minutes.
7. Add any optional vegetables and cook for another 2 minutes.
8. Serve hot and enjoy!

7) Korean Army Stew (Budae Jjigae)

Korean Army Stew, or Budae Jjigae, is a delicious and hearty dish. It combines ingredients like kimchi, spam, sausage, and ramen noodles. Many enjoy this unique mix of flavors.

You can customize the stew with your favorite meats or vegetables. The spicy broth makes it a comforting meal, perfect for sharing with friends.

This dish is easy to prepare, making it a great choice for a cozy night in.

Ingredients

• 1 cup kimchi
• 1 cup spam, sliced
• 1 cup sausage, sliced
• 2 cups instant ramen noodles
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste)
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 cup cheese (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. In a pot, combine kimchi, spam, and sausage.
2. Add chicken broth, gochujang, garlic, and soy sauce.
3. Bring to a boil and reduce heat.
4. Add ramen noodles and cook until soft.
5. Stir in cheese just before serving, if desired.

8) Healthy Vegetable Rice Bowl

A Healthy Vegetable Rice Bowl is a simple and delicious option for a meal. You can use a variety of fresh vegetables and grains to create a colorful dish. This meal is great for any time of the day.

Start by cooking your choice of rice, like brown rice or quinoa. While the rice is cooking, chop up your favorite vegetables. Popular choices include carrots, bell peppers, and spinach.

Once your rice is ready, layer the cooked rice with the fresh vegetables in a bowl. You can also add a fried egg on top for extra protein. Drizzle some soy sauce or your favorite dressing to finish it off.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked rice (brown rice or quinoa)
• 1 carrot, sliced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 cup spinach
• 1 fried egg (optional)
• Soy sauce or dressing

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the rice according to package instructions.
2. While rice cooks, chop the vegetables.
3. Once rice is ready, place it in a bowl.
4. Top with vegetables and fried egg if desired.
5. Drizzle with soy sauce or dressing before serving.

9) Folded Gimbap

Folded gimbap is a fun and easy twist on traditional gimbap. You can enjoy this portable meal anytime. It’s made by folding the ingredients inside the seaweed instead of rolling them.

You can fill your folded gimbap with various ingredients. Common choices include rice, tuna, egg, and kimchi. This dish is perfect for a quick lunch or snack.

To make it, you just lay your fillings on a sheet of nori, fold it into a square shape, and eat it like a sandwich. It’s that simple!

Ingredients

• Cooked rice
• Nori (seaweed)
• Tuna (canned or cooked)
• Egg (cooked and sliced)
• Kimchi (optional)
• Soy sauce (for dipping)

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the rice and let it cool.
2. Prepare the fillings: tuna, egg, and kimchi.
3. Lay a sheet of nori on a flat surface.
4. Spread a layer of rice on the nori.
5. Add fillings on top of the rice.
6. Fold the nori into a square shape.
7. Enjoy your folded gimbap!

10) Korean Vampire Chicken

Korean Vampire Chicken is a unique dish that packs a punch! It’s known for its spicy flavor and crispy texture. This recipe is perfect if you love garlic and heat.

To make this dish, you’ll need chicken pieces coated in a spicy batter. The garlic flavor makes it stand out, giving it a delicious twist.

You can enjoy it with a side of rice or dipping sauce to balance the heat. It’s a fun recipe to try, especially for those who love bold flavors.

Ingredients

• Chicken pieces (legs or wings)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Oil for frying
• Optional garnishes: sliced green onions, sesame seeds

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix flour, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Dredge chicken pieces in the mixture.
3. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F or 175°C).
4. Fry the chicken until golden brown and crispy.
5. Place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
6. Serve hot, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.