10+ Korean Recipes to Savor and Enjoy at Home

Korean cuisine is known for its bold flavors and diverse dishes that can bring excitement to any meal.

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced cook, Korean recipes offer something for everyone, making cooking a delightful experience.

From spicy stews to savory pancakes, you’ll find a variety of delicious options to explore and enjoy.

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Cooking Korean food can be a fun way to add new tastes and textures to your dining table. With its emphasis on fresh ingredients and balanced flavors, you’ll not only satisfy your taste buds but also discover the joy of creating authentic meals right at home.

1) Kimchi Jjigae (Kimchi Stew)

Kimchi Jjigae is a comforting Korean stew that warms you up. It features rich flavors from fermented kimchi, tender pork, and sometimes tofu.

You can use various meats, like pork belly or shoulder. The dish simmers in a broth made from kimchi brine and anchovies, creating a delicious base.

This stew is perfect for chilly days. It pairs well with rice for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound kimchi, cut into bite-sized pieces
• ¼ cup kimchi brine
• ½ pound pork shoulder or pork belly
• ½ package of tofu, sliced (optional)
• 4 cups water
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 green onions, chopped

Cooking Instructions

1. In a pot, combine kimchi, pork, and kimchi brine.
2. Add water and bring to boil over medium heat.
3. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
4. Add tofu, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Cook for 5 more minutes.
5. Garnish with green onions before serving.

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2) Bulgogi (Marinated Beef)

Bulgogi is a popular Korean dish made with marinated beef. It is known for its sweet and savory flavor. You can use thinly sliced sirloin or ribeye for the best results.

To make bulgogi, start by preparing a marinade. Combine ingredients like soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and sesame oil. Let the beef soak in the marinade for at least 30 minutes. This helps to tenderize the meat and add flavor.

You can cook bulgogi on a grill or in a pan. Cook it over medium-high heat until it’s browned and cooked through. Serve it with rice and your favorite side dishes.

Ingredients

• 1 pound beef (sirloin or ribeye), thinly sliced
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
• 1 green onion, chopped

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix the soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and sesame oil in a bowl.
2. Add the sliced beef and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Heat a pan or grill to medium-high.
4. Cook the marinated beef for about 5–7 minutes or until browned.
5. Serve with rice and enjoy!

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3) Bibimbap (Mixed Rice with Vegetables)

Bibimbap is a colorful and tasty Korean dish. It includes rice, fresh vegetables, and often meat, all mixed together. You can customize it with your favorite toppings, making it fun to prepare.

You typically start with cooked short-grain rice. Then, add a variety of sautéed or blanched vegetables like spinach, carrots, and bean sprouts. A fried egg on top adds creaminess and richness.

Don’t forget the gochujang, a spicy chili paste that brings everything together. Mixing all the ingredients right before eating gives you a wonderful blend of flavors.

Ingredients

• 5 cups cooked short-grain rice
• 12 ounces soybean sprouts
• 8 ounces spinach
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 2 eggs
• Gochujang sauce
• Sesame oil
• Soy sauce
• Salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the short-grain rice and set it aside.
2. Blanch the soybean sprouts and spinach in boiling water briefly. Drain.
3. Sauté the carrots in a pan until softened.
4. Fry the eggs sunny side up.
5. Assemble by placing rice in a bowl and topping it with vegetables, egg, gochujang, sesame oil, and soy sauce. Mix well before enjoying!

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4) Japchae (Stir-fried Glass Noodles)

Japchae is a delicious Korean dish made from stir-fried glass noodles. These noodles are usually made from sweet potato starch, giving them a unique, chewy texture. You can enjoy them with a mix of colorful vegetables and your choice of protein.

To make japchae, you can use ingredients like carrots, spinach, and bell peppers. The dish is often flavored with soy sauce and sesame oil, making it savory and fragrant. It’s a versatile recipe that can easily be made vegetarian or with meat.

Ingredients

• Sweet potato glass noodles
• Carrots, julienned
• Spinach
• Bell peppers, sliced
• Soy sauce
• Sesame oil
• Optional: beef or tofu

Cooking Instructions

1. Soak the glass noodles in hot water for about 30 minutes until soft.
2. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
3. Add the vegetables and stir-fry until tender.
4. Add the soaked noodles and mix well.
5. Pour in soy sauce and sesame oil, mixing everything together.
6. Cook for a few more minutes until heated through. Enjoy!

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5) Tteokbokki (Spicy Rice Cakes)

Tteokbokki is a delicious and popular Korean street food. It features chewy rice cakes cooked in a spicy, sweet sauce made with gochujang, a Korean chili paste. You can add fish cakes and vegetables for extra flavor.

Making tteokbokki at home is easy and fun. You only need a few ingredients, and you’ll have a tasty meal or snack ready in no time.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Korean rice cakes
• 2 cups water
• 2 tablespoons gochujang
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• ½ cup fish cakes (optional)
• Green onions, chopped
• Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Cooking Instructions

1. Soak the rice cakes in warm water for 30 minutes if they are hard.
2. In a pot, heat water and bring it to a boil.
3. Add gochujang and sugar. Stir until mixed well.
4. Add rice cakes and fish cakes, cook for 5-7 minutes.
5. Stir occasionally until the sauce thickens.
6. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

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6) Sundubu Jjigae (Soft Tofu Stew)

Sundubu Jjigae is a delicious Korean dish made with soft tofu, often served bubbling hot. You can add various ingredients, like seafood or pork, to enhance the flavors.

The soup is spicy and comforting, perfect for cold days. The silky texture of the tofu blends nicely with the vibrant broth. You can enjoy it with rice on the side.

This dish is quick to prepare and brings a taste of Korea to your home. Enjoy garnishing it with green onions and chili peppers for added freshness.

Ingredients

• 1/2 carton of extra-silken tofu (about 5 ounces)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 ounce ribeye steak, thinly sliced (optional)
• 1 tablespoon gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes)
• 2 cups vegetable or beef broth
• Green onions, sliced for garnish
• Chili peppers, for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Add the sliced steak and cook until browned.
3. Stir in gochugaru and cook for 1 minute.
4. Pour in the broth and bring to a simmer.
5. Gently add the tofu.
6. Simmer for 5-7 minutes.
7. Serve hot, garnished with green onions and chili peppers.

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7) Samgyeopsal (Grilled Pork Belly)

Samgyeopsal is a popular Korean dish made with grilled pork belly. It’s simple to prepare and very delicious. You’ll love the crispy texture and rich flavor of the meat.

To enjoy this dish, you can grill the pork belly on a Korean BBQ grill pan. Cook it until both sides are golden and crispy. Remember to serve it with fresh lettuce, garlic, and green onions for wrapping.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds (900 grams) pork belly, sliced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Lettuce leaves
• Green onions, sliced
• Garlic cloves, sliced
• Soy sauce (for dipping)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F or 200°C).
2. Season the pork belly slices with salt and pepper.
3. Grill the pork belly for about 3-4 minutes on each side.
4. Serve the grilled meat with lettuce, garlic, and green onions.
5. Enjoy wrapping the pork in lettuce with your favorite sauces!

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8) Pajeon (Savory Pancake)

Pajeon is a delicious Korean savory pancake made with green onions. It’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, giving you the perfect texture. You can enjoy it as a snack or a side dish.

To make pajeon, you will need simple ingredients like flour and water. You can also customize it by adding seafood or vegetables.

You’ll love the taste when served with a dipping sauce.

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Vegetable oil for frying
• Optional: seafood or other vegetables

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix flour, water, and salt until smooth.
2. Stir in chopped green onions.
3. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat (around 350°F/175°C).
4. Pour batter into the skillet and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
5. Serve hot with a dipping sauce.

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9) Dakgangjeong (Sweet Crispy Chicken)

Dakgangjeong is a popular Korean dish known for its sweet and crispy flavor. This fried chicken is coated with a sticky glaze that makes it a delightful treat. You can enjoy it as a snack or a main dish.

To make Dakgangjeong, you begin by frying the chicken until it’s golden brown. Then, toss it in a sauce made with gochujang, soy sauce, and sugar for that sweet and spicy kick. You can also add sesame seeds for a nice crunch.

It’s perfect for sharing with friends or family. Serve it hot and enjoy the crispy goodness!

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 1/2 cup milk (optional)
• Oil for frying
• 1/4 cup gochujang

Cooking Instructions

1. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
2. Marinate in milk for 30 minutes if desired.
3. Heat oil to 350°F (180°C) in a pan.
4. Fry the chicken until golden brown.
5. In another pan, mix gochujang, soy sauce, and sugar over low heat.
6. Toss the fried chicken in the sauce until well coated.
7. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top before serving.

10) Kimchi Bokkeumbap (Kimchi Fried Rice)

Kimchi Bokkeumbap is a delicious and easy dish that you can quickly whip up. It’s perfect for using leftover rice and kimchi.

This fried rice is packed with flavor and is a favorite in Korean homes.

To make this dish, you will need cooked rice, chopped kimchi, and some seasonings. It’s also common to add protein like bacon or tofu.

Ingredients

• 3 cups steamed rice
• 1 cup chopped kimchi
• ¼ cup kimchi juice
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• Optional: 150g bacon or tofu

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat sesame oil in a pan over medium heat.

2. Add chopped kimchi and stir for a few minutes.

3. Next, add rice and kimchi juice. Stir well to combine.

4. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until heated through.

5. Serve hot, adding optional toppings like a fried egg if you like!