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Best Korean Food: Must-Try Dishes and Delicacies

Best Korean Food: Must-Try Dishes and Delicacies

Food
- 07/03/2024
-3:59 AM
-
- by Jacky

Korean cuisine is well-known for its delicious and diverse dishes. It ranges from the famous spicy kimchi¹ to soothing soups. This article will highlight the top Korean foods. They’re not only tasty but also an introduction to South Korea’s culture.

There are over 100 types of kimchi¹, showing how much Koreans love their food. 39 key dishes define Korean cuisine¹. Through cultural changes, food has stayed a big part of Korea’s identity¹. Korean BBQ is known for its fun with friends and unique dishes. This shows the variety and liveliness of Korean food.

Whether it’s a stew for chilly days, kimchi for a punch of flavor, or crispy fried chicken, this guide has you covered. These dishes are loved worldwide for their great taste. They’re a hit with food lovers everywhere.

Diversity of Korean Cuisine

Korean cuisine is known for its wide range, offering more than 100 types of kimchi²³⁴. Kimchi is pickled vegetables and a key part of Korean meals. It shows the country’s food culture and is very loved. Besides kimchi, South Korea’s food scene includes many exciting tastes, textures, and recipes. This all highlights the nation’s history and culture.

Over 100 Types of Kimchi

Kimchi is a favorite fermented food with over 100 different kinds². There’s everything from spicy Tongbaechu-kimchi to the milder Kkakdugi. Different kimchi types show Korea’s creative use of food and its food traditions³.

Evolution Through Cultural Changes

Korean food has changed over time, blending new influences with old traditions³. The arrival of chili peppers from Portugal in the 17th century is a good example. This event influenced Korea’s spicy dishes, like tteokbokki and buldak³. Additionally, Korean street food and fusion dishes are becoming more popular. They show how Korea’s food culture is always changing².

Korean food is a mirror of the nation’s long history and mix of cultures. Each meal and ingredient has its story. From the unique tastes of kimchi to the wonderful experience of Korean BBQ, South Korea’s food remains a global favorite⁴.

Hangover Cures: Soups and Stews

South Korea is famous for its lively drinking scene and equally interesting hangover cures. Haejang-guk, or hangover soups and stews, are a big part of Korean food. They are there to help you feel better after a night of too much fun⁵.

Kongguksu: Refreshing Soybean Noodles

Kongguksu stands out as a great remedy. It’s a noodle dish made from soybeans, perfect for cooling down and getting some nutrients after drinking too much⁶. Surveys show that after a night out, many in Korea crave bean sprout soup the most⁶.

Korea has many types of soups and stews to fight off hangovers. There’s bbyeohaejang-guk, a rich and spicy soup with pork spine. And don’t forget about seonji haejang-guk, a stew with congealed oxblood. Every dish is made to help you feel better⁵.

Bok-guk, a soup made from certain pufferfish, is a special treat in Korea. It’s something only licensed chefs can make. Pufferfish has a poison that could kill 30 adults, so it’s important to trust the chef⁶. Golden clam soup, known as jaecheop-guk, is a local favorite in the Hadong region. It uses small clams to make a tasty soup⁶.

These Korean soups and stews are loved for their healthy benefits and great taste⁵. Making ox bone soup at home is also budget-friendly. For $5, you can get enough for 4 people⁷. A recipe makes 6 to 8 cups of broth, good for healing the morning after⁷.

These foods are not just for hangovers. They are a true reflection of Korea’s diverse cuisine⁵. A recipe for Ppyeo-haejangguk (Ox bone soup) is very popular on YouTube. It has over a million views and a perfect rating from viewers⁷. The video was posted by Maangchi in 2016 and updated in 2021. People love this recipe and say it’s the best⁷.

Beloved Spicy Sidekick: Kimchi

Kimchi is the famous fermented cabbage dish from Korea, loved for over 2,000 years⁸. It’s a spicy and tasty side served with almost every Korean meal. There are more than 200 kimchi types, each offering a different taste and crunch⁹.

The basic kimchi starts with napa cabbage, known for being crisp and slightly sweet⁹. Korean chefs have created many types of kimchi. From mild ones like yeolmumul to the tangy dongchimi, kimchi suits varied tastes⁹.

Fermentation is what gives kimchi its unusual taste and nutrition⁹. This method, rooted in the Kimjang tradition, uses salt, spices, and time to make a healthy kimchi. The probiotics in kimchi help digestion and boost the immune system⁹.

Kimchi can go with any meal, on its own, or as part of a recipe⁹. Its range of flavors from spicy to mild makes it a favorite in Korean dining. Plus, it’s good for you, making it a perfect food choice⁹.

Sundubu-jjigae: Soft Tofu Stew

Sundubu-jjigae is a beloved Korean soft tofu stew, highlighting the country’s unique flavors¹⁰. It ranks among the top 3 Korean stews, loved alongside kimchi jjigae and doenjang jjigae¹⁰. The stew combines soft tofu with clams, giving it a mild taste¹⁰.

Unexpected Flavor Combinations

It’s a beautiful mix of different tastes and textures¹⁰. This recipe serves 2 to 3 people and includes ingredients like soft tofu and clams¹⁰. The soup is made of kelp, anchovy, and various seasonings to bring the flavors together¹⁰.

Traditional Earthenware Pot

Sundubu-jjigae is best in a traditional pot that keeps it hot, with an egg on top¹⁰. This highlights the dish’s appearance while keeping it fresh¹¹. Known also as Haemul sundubu-jjigae, it’s a favorite stew in Korea¹¹.

This stew celebrates Korea’s culinary innovation, offering a memorable taste experience¹². Whether at a restaurant or home, it promises to impress¹²¹⁰¹¹.

Korean BBQ: Samgyeopsal

Samgyeopsal is thinly sliced pork belly in Korean. It’s the star of what many call Korean BBQ. Dining at a samgyeopsal place is fun and lively. You hear pork strips sizzle, people asking for more, and some glasses clinking¹³.

This meal comes with different foods like lettuce, perilla leaves, onions, and garlic. You can dip the pork in ssamjang or just add some salt, pepper, and sesame oil¹³.

Lively Atmosphere and Soju Shots

Korean BBQ is best when shared with others. Families and friends sit around the grill, waiting for the pork to be just right. The smell of cooking meat fills the air, bringing cheers and soju toasts¹⁴.

Koreans really love pork belly. The average person there eats 46 pounds of it a year. They even have a day, March 3rd, to celebrate samgyeopsal. This shows how much they love this meat¹⁵.

To have the best BBQ experience, follow some tips. Slice the pork thinly, about 0.2 to 0.4 inches thick. This helps it cook fast and stay juicy. Cooking it quickly over high heat keeps it full of flavor and moist¹⁵.

Whether you’re new or a big fan of Korean BBQ, you’ll enjoy the lively setting, great food, and good company. It’s a dining experience you won’t forget¹⁴.

Jjajangmyeon: Korean-Chinese Noodles

Jjajangmyeon is a favorite dish in South Korea, mixing Korean and Chinese tastes. It has a sweet sauce from Korean black bean paste. This makes it different from its Chinese original¹⁶. Many people in Korea order it often for home delivery, finding comfort in its flavors¹⁶.

A video on making jjajangmyeon has gotten millions of views and likes on YouTube¹⁶. An event on April 14th in Korea draws single people together to eat it. This is a way to celebrate and share the love for this tasty meal¹⁶.

The jjajangmyeon recipe serves 2-3 and includes ingredients like pork belly and black bean paste¹⁶. It can be enjoyed with noodles or rice, giving you options¹⁶. Books by Maangchi are great for finding tasty jjajangmyeon dishes and other Korean favorites¹⁶.

Jjajangmyeon comes from China but is a Korean favorite now. It shows Korea’s unique take on Chinese cuisine¹⁷.

Jjajangmyeon is mainly noodles with a special black bean paste sauce. It includes pork belly, vegetables, and onions¹⁷. This sauce, Chunjang, is made from black beans, caramel, and flour. It has a different taste from Chinese black bean paste¹⁷.

The dish is very popular in South Korea and often appears in shows and videos about eating. It’s a common choice for celebrations and special days¹⁷. People also like eating it on “Black Day” to celebrate being single¹⁸.

Jjajangmyeon can have different meats and veggies, like pork belly and zucchini¹⁸. It’s best to add sliced cucumbers for a fresh taste¹⁸. You can use various types of noodles for this dish¹⁸.

The paste is the most important part of making jjajangmyeon delicious. Look for brands like Assi or Chong Jung Won for the best paste¹⁸. Fry the paste with some oil first, then add the other ingredients¹⁸. This will make a meal for 4, including vegetables, chicken stock, and garnishes¹⁸.

Jjajangmyeon is a special dish in Korea, known for blending Korean and Chinese food. It is both a local favorite and popular with people around the world. Whether you order it or make it at home, trying jjajangmyeon opens up a delicious part of Korean cuisine¹⁶¹⁷¹⁸.

Chimaek: The Glorious Chicken and Beer Pairing

In Korea’s food world, there’s a standout duo – Chimaek. It combines the words for chicken and beer in Korean. This pair has become a major hit in Korean eating scenes¹⁹.

Chimaek wins people over from all over because it’s not just for one age or culture. Who can resist crispy Korean chicken with a cold beer? It’s a match that works every time¹⁹. But, the magic doesn’t stop there. Koreans also love matching jeon with makgeolli and enjoy tteokbokki with twiggim’s crunch¹⁹.

People can’t get enough of Korean fried chicken. It’s not your usual fried chicken; it’s special. With skills like choosing skinless chicken thighs and special prep techniques, making Chimaek the best has become an art²⁰. Add in dipping sauces like the sweet and spicy Yangnyeom, and pickled radish, Chicken-mu, and Chimaek is complete²⁰.

Since everyone loves Korean food more and more, Chimaek has become famous beyond Korea. This combo of chicken and beer is now a global icon of Korean food. You’ll find people enjoying it in many countries every weekend²¹.

best korean food: Kimchi Derivatives

Kimchi is more than a simple side dish in Korea. It’s the base for many famous dishes²². For instance, kimchi-jjigae is a tasty stew filled with kimchi’s unique flavors.

Kimchi-jjigae: Kimchi Stew

For kimchi-jjigae, start by cooking red cabbage kimchi in oil. Then, add tofu, pork, or tuna, and veggies. This makes a flavorful and hot stew²². Kimchi-jjigae has grown into a popular meal on its own, often with a fresh serving of kimchi.

Kimchi-jjigae shows the many uses of kimchi²³. Korea has more than 200 types of kimchi for every season and taste. You can find the traditional napa cabbage kimchi or try something new like radish or cucumber kimchi²⁴.

The variety of kimchi dishes reflects Korea’s deep food culture²⁴. When you try kimchi-jjigae or explore kimchi’s many forms, you see the beauty of Korean cuisine²².

Buddae Jjigae: Army Base Stew

Buddae jjigae means “army base stew” in Korean. It came after the Korean War²⁵. This stew is full of various foods like sausages, Spam, and more. It has a mix of cultures, such as American cheese and Korean rice cakes²⁵. The idea came from using extra food at an American army base in Seoul. People figured out how to mix these foods into Korean meals²⁶.

Buddae jjigae is very popular in Korea even now. The city of Uijeongbu, not far from Seoul, is famous for it²⁵. A typical recipe is enough for four and includes a tasty broth. This broth is made with chicken stock and has kimchi and rice cakes. A serving gives you a lot of energy with 653 calories and lots of nutrients²⁵..

The stew is made by putting all ingredients together and cooking them slowly. It’s now easy to find all the ingredients, but using different foods was how it started. This stew tells a story of Korea’s strength and its ability to adjust after hard times²⁶²⁷.

Creative Use of Surplus Foods

Buddae jjigae began as a smart use of leftover food after the Korean War²⁶. With meat hard to find, cooks used what they could from the American army base nearby. They added canned foods like beans and various meats to Korean meals²⁶²⁷. This mix made a new type of dish, loved in Korea today²⁷.

Today, buddae jjigae shows off Korea’s ability to combine old and new. It’s a special dish that can be a main meal or a snack. This dish is loved by many for its taste and its place in Korean food history²⁶²⁷.

Ganjang Gejang: Addictive Marinated Crab

Ganjang gejang, or crab marinated in soy sauce, is loved so much it’s nicknamed “rice thief.”²⁸ Its taste is a mix of tangy, bitter, and pungent, served cold²⁸. Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s more than just another seafood dish for South Koreans²⁸.

The key to this dish is the careful preparation²⁹. Fresh blue crabs are submerged in soy sauce that has been boiled and then cooled²⁹. They sit like this for 3-5 days, letting the flavors combine²⁹.

Choosing the right kind of crab is important³⁰. Korean blue crabs, known for their juicy, sweet meat, are the top pick³⁰. It’s best to use female crabs for their eggs to add extra flavor³⁰.

Presenting ganjang gejang is almost like an art performance. The crabs are laid out beautifully, with their shells broken to get to the meat easily²⁸. The meal also features Korean banchan to go with the bold crab flavors²⁸.

For a real taste of Korea, don’t miss out on ganjang gejang²⁸. Its mix of umami, sweetness, and sea taste is a big hit with everyone²⁸. It’s a great dish for those who love Korean food and for those who are new to it²⁸³⁰²⁹.

Tteokbokki: Spicy Rice Cakes

Tteokbokki is a favorite Korean street food. It features chewy rice cakes in a sweet and spicy sauce. The dish is loved by locals and visitors³¹.

The main ingredients for this item are Korean rice cakes and fish cakes. The sauce includes Korean soup stock, gochujang, soy sauce, and more. It’s cooked to perfection³¹.

Each serving of tteokbokki is rich in nutrients. It has about 381 calories and several vitamins and minerals. Despite being healthy, its main charm is the unique spicy-sweet taste³¹.

This classic dish can also have modern twists. Some take on a less spicy form, while others mix it with ramen. Rose Tteokbokki stands out for its mild, creamy taste. You can even save leftovers in the fridge for a day or two³¹³².

Pair your tteokbokki with Korean fish cake soup or seaweed rolls. This creates a perfect blend of flavors and textures³¹.

Popular Street Food Snack

Tteokbokki is highly popular in Korea. Its YouTube video has over 15 million views, showing its wide appeal. The original video from 2007 gathered 1 million views, making it a Korean food icon³³.

With nearly a perfect rating, food lovers worldwide enjoy tteokbokki. Both traditional and modern versions are celebrated. This dish is truly representative of Korean culinary art³³³².

Gopchang: Grilled Intestines

In my explorations of Korean food, the dish that really stands out is gopchang, grilled intestines. It’s a big hit in Korean BBQ, with its chewy texture adding fun to meals, especially samgyeopsal (pork belly)³⁴. Gopchang’s taste goes great with soju, making meals really enjoyable.

Ahgassi Gopchang, Byul Gobchang, Chadolpoong, and Song Hak in LA offer amazing gopchang³⁴. They have high ratings, showing customers love their dishes³⁵. Places like King Chang – LA and King Chang – Buena Park are also well-known for their great gopchang and service³⁵.

What makes gopchang so special is its texture. It has a crunchy outside, a softer middle, and a paste inside called “gop.”³⁴ This mix of textures is truly unique. Korean restaurants are super careful about cleanliness when preparing gopchang. They clean it well and use special pans or stone plates for cooking³⁴. Whether you know a lot about Korean BBQ or you’re just curious, trying out gopchang is a great way to taste the complexity of Korean street food.