Kimchi cravings got you down? ️ Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!
Dive into 40 delicious Korean recipes that’ll take your taste buds on a flavor adventure.
From fiery favorites to comforting classics, get ready to explore the world of Korean cuisine!
1. Bibimbap (Mixed Rice)
Bibimbap is a colorful and nutritious Korean dish featuring a bowl of warm white rice topped with sautéed vegetables, gochujang, soy sauce, or doenjang.
A fried egg and sliced meat, such as beef, often complete this hearty meal.
The dish is mixed thoroughly before eating, creating a delightful medley of flavors and textures.
2. Kimchi
Kimchi is a staple in Korean cuisine, made from fermented vegetables like Napa cabbage and Korean radishes, seasoned with chili pepper, garlic, ginger, and salted seafood.
This tangy, spicy dish is packed with probiotics and adds a flavorful punch to any meal.
It’s enjoyed as a side dish, in soups, or even on its own.
3. Bulgogi
Bulgogi is thinly sliced beef marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, garlic, and pepper, then grilled or stir-fried.
The marinade gives the beef a sweet and savory flavor that’s irresistible.
Served with rice and a variety of banchan (side dishes), Bulgogi is a beloved Korean dish perfect for any occasion.
4. Japchae
Japchae is a savory and slightly sweet dish made from glass noodles (dangmyeon) stir-fried with vegetables, mushrooms, and sometimes beef.
The noodles are made from sweet potato starch, giving them a unique, chewy texture.
Seasoned with soy sauce and sesame oil, Japchae is a flavorful and nutritious dish often enjoyed at celebrations.
5. Samgyeopsal
Samgyeopsal is thick slices of pork belly grilled at the table and typically served with lettuce, perilla leaves, sliced garlic, green chili peppers, and dipping sauces.
It’s a popular Korean BBQ dish where the fun is in wrapping the meat and accompaniments in the leaves before eating.
It’s a social dining experience that’s both interactive and delicious.
6. Kimchi Jjigae
Kimchi Jjigae is a hearty and spicy stew made with ripe kimchi, tofu, pork (or other meats), and various vegetables.
The fermented kimchi gives the stew a rich, tangy flavor, while the meat and tofu add protein and texture.
This comforting dish is perfect for cold days and is a staple in Korean households.
7. Tteokbokki
Tteokbokki is a beloved Korean street food made from chewy rice cakes simmered in a spicy and sweet gochujang-based sauce.
Often mixed with fish cakes, boiled eggs, and scallions, this dish is both comforting and addictive.
The combination of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors makes it a favorite snack for Koreans of all ages.
8. Sundubu Jjigae
Sundubu Jjigae is a spicy Korean stew made with uncurdled tofu, vegetables, sometimes mushrooms, and seafood or meat.
Then cooked in a broth flavored with gochujang or gochugaru (chili powder).
The tofu’s silky texture and the stew’s rich, spicy broth create a comforting and hearty meal often enjoyed with a bowl of rice.
9. Galbi
Galbi, or Korean BBQ short ribs, are marinated in a sweet and savory sauce made from soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and fruit juice, then grilled to perfection.
The marinade tenderizes the meat, making it flavorful and juicy.
Often served with rice and banchan, Galbi is a popular choice for special occasions and gatherings.
10. Haemul Pajeon
Haemul Pajeon is a savory Korean pancake made with a batter of rice flour, eggs, green onions, and a mix of seafood like shrimp, squid, and clams.
It’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with the seafood adding a delightful briny flavor.
Served with a dipping sauce, Haemul Pajeon is a perfect appetizer or snack.
11. Jjajangmyeon
Jjajangmyeon is a popular Korean-Chinese dish featuring thick wheat noodles topped with a rich, savory sauce made from black bean paste (chunjang), diced pork, and vegetables.
The sauce is hearty and flavorful, and the dish is often garnished with cucumber slices.
It’s a comforting and satisfying meal that’s loved by many.
12. Doenjang Jjigae
Doenjang Jjigae is a traditional Korean stew made with doenjang (fermented soybean paste), tofu, vegetables, and sometimes meat or seafood.
The stew has a deep, umami flavor from the doenjang and is both hearty and nutritious.
It’s a staple in Korean cuisine and is often enjoyed with a bowl of rice and kimchi.
13. Gimbap
Gimbap is a Korean dish made from steamed white rice and ther ingredients, such as vegetables, fish, and meats.
It’s similar to sushi but uses different seasonings.
Gimbap is a popular picnic food and is perfect for a quick, portable meal.
14. Bibim Naengmyeon
Bibim Naengmyeon is a refreshing dish of cold buckwheat noodles served with a spicy, tangy sauce made from gochujang, vinegar, and sugar.
It’s often garnished with cucumber, radish, pear, and boiled egg.
This dish is perfect for hot summer days and offers a delightful mix of flavors and textures.
15. Mandu
Mandu are Korean dumplings filled with a mixture of meat (usually pork or beef), tofu, and vegetables. They can be steamed, boiled, pan-fried, or deep-fried.
Mandu are enjoyed as a main dish, appetizer, or snack and are often served with a soy-vinegar dipping sauce.
They’re a beloved comfort food in Korea.
16. Kimchi Bokkeumbap
Kimchi Bokkeumbap is a quick and easy dish made with leftover rice stir-fried with kimchi and other ingredients like vegetables, meat, and a fried egg on top.
The kimchi adds a tangy, spicy flavor to the rice, making it a satisfying and flavorful meal.
It’s a popular comfort food and a great way to use up leftovers.
17. Banchan
Banchan refers to the small side dishes served along with cooked rice in Korean cuisine.
These can include a variety of dishes like kimchi, pickled vegetables, seasoned spinach, and fish cakes.
Banchan adds variety and flavor to meals and is an essential part of Korean dining culture.
18. Dakgalbi
Dakgalbi is a popular Korean dish made with diced chicken marinated in a spicy gochujang sauce, then stir-fried with sweet potatoes, cabbage, and rice cakes.
The result is a flavorful and spicy dish that’s often cooked at the table.
It’s perfect for sharing and is a favorite among Koreans for its bold flavors.
19. Kongguksu
Kongguksu is a refreshing summer dish made with noodles served in a cold soy milk broth.
The broth is made from blended soybeans, giving it a creamy texture and a subtle, nutty flavor.
It’s often garnished with cucumber, sesame seeds, and sometimes tomatoes.
Kongguksu is light, healthy, and perfect for hot days.
20. Sigeumchi Namul
Sigeumchi Namul is a simple, yet delicious Korean side dish made with blanched spinach seasoned with sesame oil, garlic, and soy sauce.
It’s a common banchan and adds a healthy, flavorful element to any meal.
The spinach is tender and well-seasoned, making it a perfect accompaniment to rice and other dishes.
21. Kimchi Jjigae
Kimchi Jjigae is a hearty and spicy stew made with ripe kimchi, tofu, pork (or other meats), and various vegetables.
The fermented kimchi gives the stew a rich, tangy flavor, while the meat and tofu add protein and texture.
This comforting dish is perfect for cold days and is a staple in Korean households.
22. Tangsuyuk
Tangsuyuk is a Korean-Chinese dish featuring deep-fried pork or beef strips coated in a sweet and sour sauce made with vinegar, sugar, and vegetables.
The meat is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, and the sauce is tangy and flavorful.
It’s a popular dish in Korean Chinese restaurants and is loved for its bold flavors.
23. Nakji Bokkeum
Nakji Bokkeum is a spicy Korean dish made with octopus stir-fried in a gochujang-based sauce with vegetables like onions, carrots, and bell peppers.
The octopus is tender and the sauce is rich and spicy, making this dish a favorite among seafood lovers.
It’s often served with rice and a variety of banchan.
24. Miyeok Guk
Miyeok Guk is a nutritious Korean soup made with seaweed (miyeok) and often beef or seafood.
Traditionally, it’s consumed on birthdays and by postpartum women for its health benefits and believed to aid in recovery.
The seaweed gives the soup a slightly briny flavor and a rich, umami taste, while the beef adds a savory depth.
It’s a comforting and wholesome dish that’s simple yet deeply satisfying.
25. Budae Jjigae
Budae Jjigae, or Army Stew, is a Korean fusion dish that emerged during the Korean War, combining American processed foods with traditional Korean ingredients.
This hearty stew features sausage, spam, baked beans, kimchi, and tofu simmered in a spicy broth.
The combination of flavors and textures makes Budae Jjigae a beloved comfort food and a testament to Korea’s resourceful culinary history.
26. Jjimdak
Jjimdak is a flavorful Korean braised chicken dish cooked with vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and onions, all simmered in a sweet and savory sauce made from soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic.
The chicken becomes tender and infused with the rich sauce, making it a satisfying and comforting meal.
It’s a favorite for family dinners and special occasions.
27. Kimchi Jeon
Kimchi Jeon, or Kimchi Pancake, is a savory pancake made with a batter mixed with chopped kimchi, green onions, and sometimes additional vegetables or meat.
It’s pan-fried until crispy and golden brown, offering a tangy kick from the kimchi and a delightful crunch.
Perfect as a snack or a side dish, Kimchi Jeon is a versatile favorite in Korean cuisine.
28. Yangnyeom Chicken
Yangnyeom Chicken is Korean-style fried chicken coated in a sweet, spicy, and tangy sauce made from gochujang, honey, garlic, and soy sauce.
The chicken is double-fried for an extra crispy texture, and the sauce adds a burst of flavor that makes this dish irresistible.
Served with pickled radishes and a cold beer, Yangnyeom Chicken is perfect for a casual get-together.
29. Bossam
Bossam is a Korean dish of steamed pork belly that’s sliced and served with a variety of accompaniments, including kimchi, pickled radishes, and a spicy dipping sauce.
The pork is tender and flavorful, and it’s typically enjoyed by wrapping slices in lettuce leaves with the sides.
It’s a festive dish often served during special occasions or celebrations.
30. Soondae
Soondae is a Korean blood sausage made from pork blood, glutinous rice, and various seasonings, all stuffed into a casing and steamed.
It’s a unique and hearty dish with a rich, savory flavor that’s often served with a spicy dipping sauce or as part of a larger meal.
Soondae is a beloved street food and a traditional Korean delicacy.
31. Jangjorim
Jangjorim is a Korean side dish made from beef braised in soy sauce, garlic, and other seasonings until tender and flavorful.
The beef is often served in bite-sized pieces and can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature.
Jangjorim is commonly served as a banchan and is appreciated for its rich, savory flavor and satisfying texture.
32. Kkakdugi (Radish Kimchi)
Kkakdugi is a type of kimchi made from diced radishes that are fermented with chili pepper, garlic, ginger, and fish sauce.
The result is a crunchy, tangy, and spicy kimchi that pairs perfectly with rice dishes and stews.
Kkakdugi is a staple banchan that adds a refreshing crunch and a burst of flavor to Korean meals.
33. Oi Muchim
Oi Muchim is a Korean cucumber salad made from sliced cucumbers tossed in a spicy, tangy dressing with gochugaru (red chili flakes), garlic, vinegar, and sesame oil.
This salad is refreshing and has a perfect balance of heat and tanginess.
It’s a quick and easy side dish that complements any Korean meal with its vibrant flavors.
34. Tteokguk
Tteokguk is a traditional Korean soup made with thinly sliced rice cakes in a savory broth.
It’s traditionally eaten during the Lunar New Year to symbolize the gaining of a year in age and to bring good luck.
The soup is light yet hearty, with the chewy rice cakes adding a unique texture to the rich, comforting broth.
35. Ddeokbokki
Ddeokbokki is a popular Korean street food made from chewy rice cakes simmered in a sweet and spicy gochujang sauce.
Often accompanied by fish cakes, boiled eggs, and scallions, it’s a flavorful and satisfying dish with a perfect blend of heat and sweetness.
It’s a favorite among Koreans for its comforting, mouthwatering taste.
36. Kimchi Pancake
Kimchi Pancake is a savory Korean dish made with a batter mixed with chopped kimchi and green onions, pan-fried to crispy perfection.
The tangy kimchi adds a delightful zing to the pancake, making it a flavorful and addictive snack or side dish.
It’s especially great as a quick and easy meal or appetizer.
37. Jjajangmyeon
Jjajangmyeon is a hearty Korean-Chinese noodle dish featuring thick wheat noodles smothered in a savory black bean paste sauce, often mixed with pork and vegetables.
The rich sauce provides a deep umami flavor that clings to the noodles, creating a comforting and satisfying meal.
It’s a favorite for its robust taste and satisfying texture.
38. Jeon
Jeon is a general term for Korean pancakes made from a variety of ingredients mixed into a batter and pan-fried until crispy.
Common types include kimchi jeon, pajeon (green onion pancake), and bindaetteok (mung bean pancake).
Jeon is versatile and often served as a snack or appetizer, offering a crispy exterior and flavorful filling.
39. Jangtteok
Jangtteok is a Korean pancake made from a batter of soybean flour, sometimes mixed with vegetables or meat.
It’s pan-fried until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
The soybean flour gives the pancake a unique, nutty flavor, making it a tasty and satisfying dish that pairs well with a dipping sauce.
40. Kkaennip Jangajji
Kkaennip Jangajji is a Korean side dish made from pickled perilla leaves soaked in soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil.
The pickling process adds a tangy, savory flavor to the leaves, making them a perfect accompaniment to rice and other dishes.
Kkaennip Jangajji is enjoyed for its crisp texture and unique, flavorful taste.
