By Introduction
Korean food is a flavor-packed culinary tradition that has been slowly gaining popularity in the United States. From fiery kimchi to savory bulgogi, Korean food offers something for everyone. If you’re looking to explore the delicious flavors of Korean cuisine, then you have come to the right place! In this article, we will cover some of the best Korean foods that you must try if you ever find yourself visiting the Land of the Morning Calm. From traditional favorites to modern twists on classic dishes, get ready to satisfy your taste buds with these delicious options!
Popular Korean Foods
There are many delicious Korean foods that are popular both in Korea and around the world. Some of the most popular Korean dishes include kimchi, bulgogi, bibimbap, and samgyeopsal.
1. Bibimbap
Bibimbap is a Korean rice dish that is traditionally served with vegetables, meat, and a spicy chili pepper paste. It can be made with any combination of vegetables, but some common additions include bean sprouts, carrots, mushrooms, and spinach. Bibimbap is typically served in a stone bowl, which helps to keep the rice nice and hot.
2. Tteokguk
Tteokguk is a Korean rice cake soup that is traditionally eaten on New Year’s Day. The soup is made with thin slices of rice cake, beef broth, and vegetables. Tteokguk is often garnished with egg, seaweed, and scallions.
3. Galbijjim
Galbijjim is a Korean dish made of beef short ribs that are braised in a soy sauce-based marinade. The dish is often served with rice and vegetables, and can be cooked in either a pressure cooker or a slow cooker. Galbijjim is typically made with chuck short ribs, which are the most common type of short rib in Korea. The meat is marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, brown sugar, and gochujang (Korean chili paste), and then cooked until it is tender and falls off the bone.
4. Samgyeopsal
Samgyeopsal is a grilled pork dish that is very popular in Korea. The pork is marinated in a special sauce before it is grilled. Samgyeopsal is often served with rice and vegetables. It is a very delicious dish that you will definitely enjoy!
5. Bossam
Bossam is a Korean dish that consists of boiled pork wrapped in fresh cabbage leaves. It is typically served with a dipping sauce made of soybean paste, chili peppers, and garlic. Bossam is often eaten as a main course, but it can also be served as an appetizer or side dish.
6. Godeungo Jorim
Godeungo jorim is a Korean braised dish made with soy sauce, brown sugar, and beef. The dish is typically cooked in a clay pot or earthenware casserole, which helps to keep the food moist and flavorful. Godeungo jorim is often served with rice and vegetables, making it a complete and satisfying meal.
7. Gimbap
Gimbap is a popular Korean dish made of rice and vegetables rolled in seaweed. It is often served as a side dish or appetizer, but can also be enjoyed as a main meal. Gimbap is a healthy and delicious option for those looking for an authentic Korean food experience.
8.Gamjatang
Gamjatang is a Korean soup made with pork spine and vegetables. It is often served with rice and kimchi. The soup is hearty and comforting, and perfect for a cold winter day.
9. Nakji Bokkeum
Nakji bokkeum is a popular Korean dish made with octopus. The octopus is first boiled and then stir-fried with vegetables and spices. Nakji bokkeum is usually served with rice and kimchi on the side.
10. Haemul Pajeon
This savory pancake is made with scallions and various kinds of seafood, including shrimp, squid, and clams. It’s a popular dish to share, and is often served with a dipping sauce made of soy sauce, vinegar, and chili peppers.
11. Bulgogi
Bulgogi is a Korean dish that consists of marinated beef that is grilled or roasted. The word bulgogi literally means “fire meat”. The most common cuts of beef used for bulgogi are sirloin, tenderloin, or short ribs.
Bulgogi is typically served with rice and a variety of side dishes. It can also be wrapped in lettuce leaves and eaten like a taco.
If you’re looking for a delicious and hearty Korean meal, look no further than bulgogi!
12. Chicken
Korean fried chicken is a popular dish that is typically made with a spicy sauce. The chicken is often double-fried, which gives it a crispy exterior. Korean fried chicken can be served as an appetizer or main course.
13. Japchae
Japchae is a Korean dish made of sweet potato noodles, vegetables, and meat. The noodles are stir-fried in sesame oil and then coated in a sauce made of soy sauce, sugar, and vinegar. Japchae is typically served with rice and can be garnished with green onions, sesame seeds, and chili peppers.
14. Samgyetang
Samgyetang is a Korean dish made of chicken soup with ginseng, garlic, rice, and other ingredients. It is traditionally eaten in the summer to help relieve the heat and is said to have many health benefits.
15. Naengmyeon
Naengmyeon, a Korean cold noodle dish, is perfect for hot summer days. The noodles are made of buckwheat and are served in a chilled beef or vegetable broth. Toppings may include hard-boiled eggs, cucumber, and radish.
16. Budae Jjigae
Budae jjigae is a type of Korean stew that includes ham, sausage, and gochujang (Korean chili paste). It is typically made with kimchi and tofu, and can be served with rice. Budae jjigae is often called “army stew” or “soldier’s stew” because it was created during the Korean War, when food was scarce. This dish is still popular in Korea today, and can be found at most Korean restaurants.
17. Ganjang Gejang
Ganjang gejang is a Korean dish made of raw crab marinated in soy sauce. It is a popular banchan (side dish) and anju (food eaten with alcohol). The crabs are usually marinated for hours or even days, resulting in a strong, savory flavor.
Gejang is made by first cleaning the live crabs and removing the innards. The crab body is then cut into pieces and placed in a container with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, green onion, and sesame oil. The mixture is then left to marinate for several hours or even days.
Gejang can be served both cold and warm. When served cold, the crabs are typically garnished with sesame seeds and green onions. When served warm, the crabs are often stir-fried with vegetables such as onions, peppers, and mushrooms.
There are two types of ganjang gejang: yuksungeo gejang (marinated blue crab) and soyeo gejang (marinated rock crab). Yuksungeo gejang is more common and has a lighter flavor, while soyeo gejang is saltier and has a stronger flavor.
18. Sundubu Jjigae
A classic Korean comfort food, sundubu jjigae is a soft tofu stew that is usually made with seafood or vegetables. The dish is typically served with a side of rice and is often topped with an egg.
19. Kimchi Jjigae
Kimchi jjigae is a popular Korean dish made with kimchi, pork, and tofu. It is a hearty and flavorful stew that is perfect for a cold winter day. The kimchi adds a nice sourness to the dish, while the pork and tofu provide plenty of protein. This dish is also usually served with a side of rice.
20. Ramyun
Ramyun is a Korean noodle dish that is typically made with beef broth, vegetables, and noodles. The dish is often served with a boiled egg and can be garnished with green onions, sesame seeds, and chili peppers. Ramyun is a hearty and filling meal that is perfect for cold weather.
Final Words
Korean food is some of the best in the world. From kimchi to bibimbap, there are so many delicious and healthy dishes to choose from. If you’re looking for a new cuisine to try, Korean food is a great option.
There are a few things to keep in mind when eating Korean food. First, it is typically very spicy. If you don’t like spice, be sure to ask for your dish to be less spicy when ordering. Second, Korean food is often served family-style, so be prepared to share your dishes with others at the table. Finally, Koreans traditionally eat with their hands, so don’t be afraid to dig in!
