Haish. Having the feels for that Korea trip that you went on some time back? Well, thanks to the pandemic, dining at your favourite KPOP idol’s restaurant or snacking in the streets of Gangnam is impossible for quite some time now. But don’t be discouraged, we feel you! Here at YoRipe, we have compiled 20 awesome Korean recipes that you can easily prepare to make yourself feel like you’re back eating authentic Korean food again!
1. Soondubu jjigae (Soft Tofu Stew) by Tofuandvanilla
Soondubu jjigae, otherwise known as soft tofu stew, is a classic in Korean cuisine. A bowl of warm and comforting kimchi based stew topped with soft, silky tofu and meats of your choice, it is a simple yet heart-warming dish that can be prepared under 45-minutes! As Singapore approaches the rainy monsoon season, a bowl of soondubu jjijgae will definitely make you relieve the wonderful cold times in Korea. If you prefer a vegan option, mushrooms are good substitutes.
2. Kimchi Chicken Soup by Knorr
Soondubu Jjigae has tofu, kimchiguk (kimchi soup) has tofu, what is the difference you might ask? While the amount of water content between each dish is the obvious difference, kimchi soup uses a greater amount of kimchi as compared to the soondubu jjigae, creating a much more refreshing, spicy-sour flavour. For this dish the older, the kimchi the better the flavour. However if the kimchi is too sour for you, consider adding some sugar to balance out the taste.
3. Chicken Bulgogi by miss_polkadot
Dak bulgogi (chicken bulgogi) is korea’s version of bbq meats. Marinated in a soy-based marinade, the chicken is tender and flavourful, with a touch of heat. After all, bulgogi means ”fire meat”, it wouldn’t be complete without some chili! To make it a full Korean food meal, pair it with rice, or use them as a topping for salads, or even wrap them up with some lettuce leaves. Make sure you make enough for everyone, for this recipe will definitely be a hit with your family members!
4. Gochujang Fried Rice with Bulgogi Beef Burger by @misspolkadot
Unlike the previous mentioned dishes, you might be more likely to find this dish in cafes along the streets of Seoul. Combining some of the best elements within Korean foodfare, the gochujang fried rice brings on a sweet-spicy fragrance while the bulgogi beef patty enhances the smokiness of the dish. Topped with a sunny-side, oozy egg yolk, this fried rice is sure to satisfy any appetites!
5. Korean Ginseng Chicken by Stayhomemakan
Samgye-tang or ginseng chicken soup is a traditional Korean food that is touted for its health benefits. It is especially consumed during the hot summer days as it is believed that the nutrients within the soup can restore the lost energy and stamina during excessive sweating. While the Korean ginseng soup might be time consuming, it is simple to prepare and enough to feed a family of 3-4.
6. Kimchi Tteobokki Pancake by healthyfoodlady
Love Korean pancakes? Thin, gummy with the fragrant aroma of chives, Korean pancakes are often wonderful snacks for people to share with. This pancake increases the gummy, chewy factor by incorporating tteok, or Korean ricecakes into the mix. Paired with the savoury-sweet dipping sauce, this awesome plate of snack reflects a delicate balance between flavours and textures. Pancakes are also traditionally eaten during rainy days with some Makgeolli (brewed rice wine) on the side, so do try this out whenever you have a rainy day off!
7. Hotteok (Korean Sweet Pancake) by ZaTaYaYummy
Another tasty Korean snack found all over the streets of Korea! Within Seoul alone, one can find many modern takes on this traditional sweet snack, from adding cream cheese to having Nutella ice-cream flavours. This recipes calls for the use of walnuts and cinnamon powder, offering a slight twist to the already deliciously sweet pancake. While the recipe makes a serving of 3, do note that it will not be enough because it is seriously addictive!
8. Jjimdak by Cook With Susan
Jjimdak is a braised chicken dish, with its origins in the city of Andong. With a soy marinade base, this Korean food is bold with a myriad of flavours- savoury, salty, sweet, and a subtle spicy kick. This recipe is also a one-pot wonder that takes little time to prepare and will not make a mess in your kitchen. This dish goes absolutely well with rice, so do remember to put in a few extra cups of rice into the rice cooker later!
9. Kimchi Fried Chicken by @WantingKimchi
Korean-style fried chicken is one of the tastiest forms of fried chicken out there. The chicken is usually well-marinated, the batter is light, airy and not cloying with oil. With that in mind, here is a recipe that allows you to replicate a version of KFC, fuss-free! Rather than the usual soy-garlic, parmesan cheese flavours, this recipe uses the tangy flavours of kimchi that is sure to open up your taste buds (if the wafting fragrance of fried chicken didn’t, that is)!
10. Korean style fish porridge by @khee.choon
Porridge (or congee) might often be associated as sick-foods, but it is massively popular in Korea as a breakfast dish or a light meal since its usually prepared with tons of nutritious ingredients. This recipes uses a variety of chopped vegetables such as carrots, French beans and onions with any fresh delicious white fish of your choice. Using fresh fish ensures that the porridge will come out nice, sweet and clean tasting, while the short-grain rice helps to turn the broth into a creamy texture.
11. Kimchi Fried Rice by vegkitchensg
Kimchi Bokkeumbap/ Kimchi fried rice is another easy Korean food recipe that everyone should learn how to make. This recipe only calls for 4 ingredients- firm tofu, kimchi, kimchi juice and brown rice for one to create a taste of Korea. This is a vegetarian / vegan option, feel free to stir-fry the rice with some smoky bacon and eggs if you prefer a meatier serving. Simply delicious!
12. Rolled Omelette by ziq_
Gyeran Mari (rolled omelette) is a traditional, simple side dish consisting of carrots and scallions. You can find them anywhere- in lunchboxes, supermarkets, and street food vendors. Given its simplicity and versatility, one need not try too hard to create a delectable dish. Experiment with different vegetables, even ham, shredded chicken and cheese to create your own twist!
13. Pickled Perilla Leaves by @homecookedwithlovebygel
The last side dish recommendation in this entry, perilla leaves is a versatile ingredient in Korean food. It is soft and tender with a minty liquorice taste and a tinge of basil. While the most common way to use perilla is to use as a wrapping ingredient, it can be pickled as a side dish as well. If you ever find an almost-empty fridge, you can always count on this pickled side dish to go down easily with your bowl of rice!
14. Spicy Seafood Soup by Knorr
Seafood is one of the greatest food treasures in the land of the morning calm. While you might not be able to travel over to Jeju island or Busan city and tuck yourself into a hearty bowl of seafood soup, you can definitely make one from the comfort of your own home! Other than the seafood, the other key ingredient here is the glass noodles as they will be soaking inside the pot, sucking up all the juices and flavours, delivering a bite that makes you want to go for more.
15. Kimchi Pork Belly by Kookwithkirby
This is a quick easy stir-fry in the Korean food world that can be done in a matter of minutes. Simply add pork belly, kimchi and its juices into the skillet and it is ready to be served! Take note, you do not have to add in any oil to the pan as the pork belly will render out the lard as it cooks.
16. Crispy Korean Tofu Rice by natalietyt
Up for a challenge? Here’s a vegan option with a Korean twist. This bowl of crispy tofu rice is full of surprises and varying textures. It requires a number of ingredients and at least 30mins of preparation, but the results will be worth it if you are someone who is always on the lookout for new, refreshing vegan dishes.
17. Cheese Dakgalbi by Overkooked.kookie
Roughly translated as stir-fried chicken, dakgalbi is another popular spicy Korean dishes prepared by stir-frying marinated diced chicken in a gochujang-based sauce along with other ingredients such as cabbage and onion. To add the icing on the cake, finish the dish off by adding some shredded the cheesy for some cheesy, oozy goodness. This recipe is sure to tantalise your tastebuds!
18. Korean Beef Lettuce Cups with Kimchi by True Aussie
As mentioned about the perilla leaves previously, vegetables are often used as wraps for their delicious meats. For this recipe, we will be using lettuce instead, which provides a refreshing crunch. The recipe is also fairly simple, the only ingredient that requires cooking is the beef. When you’re done, add the amount of kimchi to your liking and serve. This dish is gluten free, so take this as a healthy, breadless Korean beef burger, if you will.
19. Unicorn Sushi Bento by Song He Rice
If you are looking for something fun to make (probably with kids), then this recipe is it! With some natural, sugar free food colouring, you can easily make an amazing looking unicorn sushi bento that your children can show off in school! Instead of the usual mayonnaise, avocado is used to give the rice rolls a rich creamy flavour that is full of healthy fats.
20. Matcha Dalgona Coffee by N3fn3f
Dalgona coffee was the crazy trend back in 2020, but that does not mean that it shouldn’t make a comeback this year! Korea is full of new, interesting desserts that can be found all over, and dalgona coffee is no doubt an item that is constantly experimented upon by them. Here’s our imagining of how a dalgona coffee can be improved over time. Instead of actual coffee, this matcha flavoured egg and soymilk combination is suitable for those who are not coffee fans.
Check out more Hallyu Korean recipes here