Discover Korea's Most Popular Foods
Explore the rich flavors and traditions of Korean cuisine. Learn how to make iconic dishes like Bibimbap, Kimchi, Bulgogi, and Tteokbokki, while diving into the cultural significance of Korean meals and essential pantry staples to recreate these dishes at home.
Equipment
- Grill Pan
- Rice Cooker
- Stone Bowl
Ingredients
Gochujang
- 2 tbsp Gochujang Fermented chili paste used in stews, marinades, and sauces.
Soy Sauce
- 2 tbsp Soy Sauce Light Korean soy sauce for marinades and stir-fries.
Sesame Oil
- 1 tbsp Sesame Oil Toasted sesame seed oil used to finish dishes.
Doenjang
- 2 tbsp Doenjang Fermented soybean paste used in soups and stews.
Instructions
- Start by preparing the key ingredients for your dishes. For Bibimbap, cook the rice and prepare vegetables like carrots, spinach, and zucchini. For Bulgogi, marinate thinly sliced beef in soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and sugar.
- Make Kimchi by fermenting napa cabbage with chili powder, garlic, and ginger, or buy ready-made kimchi for convenience.
- For Bibimbap, sauté vegetables and a fried egg, then assemble by placing rice in a bowl, layering with the sautéed vegetables, and topping with the egg and gochujang.
- Grill or stir-fry the marinated beef for Bulgogi, then serve with lettuce wraps, rice, and kimchi.
- For Tteokbokki, cook rice cakes in a sweet and spicy gochujang sauce, adding fish cakes or boiled eggs as desired.
- For Samgyeopsal, grill slices of pork belly and serve with ssamjang (spicy paste) and fresh lettuce leaves for wrapping.
Notes
Korean food is best enjoyed communally, sharing a variety of dishes with family and friends. Experiment with different variations of these recipes, substituting ingredients like tofu for protein or adding more vegetables for a healthier version.