South Korean Famous Food
Imagine yourself in South Korea, surrounded by vibrant street markets filled with tantalizing aromas and colorful arrays of food. South Korean cuisine is renowned worldwide for its rich flavors and unique combinations, and in this article, you will uncover the secrets behind some of the country’s most famous dishes. From the fiery and addictive kimchi to the savory and comforting bibimbap, get ready to embark on a culinary adventure through South Korean cuisine that will leave your taste buds craving for more. Whether you’re a food enthusiast or simply curious about different cultures, join us as we explore the diverse and mouthwatering world of South Korean food.
(South Korean Famous Food)
South Korean Famous Food
South Korea is known for its vibrant and diverse cuisine, which is full of bold flavors and unique combinations. If you’re looking to explore the world of South Korean food, here are some delicious dishes you should try:
Bibimbap
Description
Bibimbap is a popular and colorful Korean dish that translates to “mixed rice.” This vibrant dish is a harmonious blend of flavors, textures, and colors that is sure to delight your taste buds. It consists of a bed of steamed rice topped with an assortment of vegetables, such as carrots, spinach, bean sprouts, and mushrooms. It is then garnished with a sunny-side-up egg and a dollop of spicy gochujang sauce. The beauty of bibimbap lies in the art of mixing all the ingredients before taking a bite, creating a symphony of flavors in your mouth.
(South Korean Famous Food)
Ingredients
The key ingredients in bibimbap include:
- Steamed rice
- Assorted vegetables (carrots, spinach, bean sprouts, mushrooms)
- Gochujang (a spicy fermented red chili paste)
- Soy sauce
- Sesame oil
- Garlic
- Sesame seeds
- Beef or tofu (optional)
- Fried egg
Preparation
To prepare bibimbap, start by cooking the rice separately. While the rice is cooking, prepare the vegetables by blanching or sautéing them until they are tender and crisp. Once all the vegetables are cooked, season them with soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic for added flavor. In a bowl, arrange the cooked rice in the center and neatly place the vegetables around it. Top it off with a fried egg and a generous drizzle of gochujang sauce. Mix everything before enjoying this delightful dish.
(South Korean Famous Food)
Kimchi
Description
No discussion of South Korean cuisine would be complete without mentioning kimchi. Kimchi is a traditional fermented side dish made with vegetables, most commonly cabbage, and a mix of spices. It is a staple in Korean cuisine and is enjoyed with almost every meal. Kimchi is known for its tangy and pungent flavor, which comes from the fermentation process. It is packed with probiotics and nutrients, making it not only delicious but also beneficial for your gut health.
(South Korean Famous Food)
Ingredients
The ingredients used to make kimchi include:
- Cabbage
- Korean red chili pepper flakes (gochugaru)
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Salt
- Sugar
- Fish sauce (can be omitted for a vegan version)
- Scallions
Preparation
To make kimchi, start by cutting the cabbage into bite-sized pieces. Sprinkle salt over the cabbage leaves and let them sit for a couple of hours to draw out excess moisture.
Rinse the cabbage thoroughly and squeeze out any remaining water. In a separate bowl, prepare the kimchi paste by mixing together the garlic, ginger, gochugaru, fish sauce, salt, and sugar. Once the paste is well combined, add the cabbage and scallions to the bowl and mix everything together, ensuring the cabbage is evenly coated.
Transfer the kimchi to a clean jar and let it ferment at room temperature for a few days before transferring it to the refrigerator. The longer it ferments, the stronger the flavors will become.
(South Korean Famous Food)
Bulgogi
Description
Bulgogi is a beloved Korean dish that consists of thinly sliced marinated beef or pork that is grilled to perfection. The word “bulgogi” literally translates to “fire meat,” which fittingly describes the smoky and savory flavor of this dish. Bulgogi is often served with a side of rice, lettuce leaves, and other condiments, allowing you to create your own flavorful wraps.
Ingredients
The key ingredients used in bulgogi are:
- Beef (typically sirloin or ribeye) or pork
- Soy sauce
- Sesame oil
- Garlic
- Pear (to tenderize the meat)
- Sugar
- Ginger
- Black pepper
- Onion
- Scallions
Preparation
To make bulgogi, start by thinly slicing the meat against the grain. This helps to ensure tender and succulent pieces of meat. In a bowl, prepare the marinade by mixing together soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated pear, sugar, ginger, black pepper, sliced onion, and chopped scallions.
Add the meat to the marinade and mix everything together, ensuring that every piece is coated. Allow the meat to marinate for at least an hour or overnight for maximum flavor.
When ready to cook, grill the marinated meat on high heat until it is cooked through and slightly charred. Serve the bulgogi with rice, lettuce leaves, and your choice of condiments for a truly delectable meal.
(South Korean Famous Food)
Japchae
Description
Japchae is a Korean stir-fried noodle dish that is as visually pleasing as it is delicious. Japchae is made with glass noodles, also known as sweet potato starch noodles, which are stir-fried with an array of colorful vegetables and seasoned with soy sauce and sesame oil. This dish is known for its delicate balance of flavors and textures, making it a favorite among many.
(South Korean Famous Food)
Ingredients
The main ingredients used in japchae are:
- Glass noodles (sweet potato starch noodles)
- Carrots
- Spinach
- Bell peppers
- Mushrooms
- Onion
- Soy sauce
- Sesame oil
- Garlic
- Sugar
- Black pepper
(South Korean Famous Food)
Preparation
Start by boiling the glass noodles until they are translucent and tender. Drain the noodles and rinse them with cold water to prevent them from sticking together. In a pan, sauté the vegetables separately until they are cooked but still retain their crispness. Set aside. In the same pan, combine soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, sugar, and black pepper to create the seasoning sauce.
Add the noodles and the sautéed vegetables to the pan and mix everything together, ensuring that the noodles are evenly coated with the sauce. Continue to stir-fry until everything is well combined and heated through. Serve japchae warm and enjoy the delightful medley of flavors and textures.
(South Korean Famous Food)
Tteokbokki
Description
Tteokbokki is a popular Korean street food that consists of chewy rice cakes cooked in a spicy gochujang sauce. This dish is known for its fiery kick and addictive flavor, making it a hit among spicy food lovers. Tteokbokki can be enjoyed on its own or paired with other ingredients such as fish cakes, boiled eggs, and ramen noodles to create a more substantial meal.
(South Korean Famous Food)
Ingredients
The main ingredients used in tteokbokki are:
- Rice cakes (cylinder-shaped)
- Gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
- Soy sauce
- Garlic
- Sugar
- Fish cakes (optional)
- Boiled eggs (optional)
- Ramen noodles (optional)
(South Korean Famous Food)
Preparation
To prepare tteokbokki, start by boiling the rice cakes until they are soft and chewy. Drain them and set aside. In a pan, combine gochujang, soy sauce, minced garlic, and sugar to create the spicy sauce.
Add the rice cakes to the pan and stir them in the sauce until they are well coated. If desired, you can also add fish cakes, boiled eggs, and ramen noodles to the pan to enhance the dish. Continue to stir-fry until everything is heated through and the sauce has thickened. Serve tteokbokki hot and savor the delightful combination of spicy, sweet, and chewy flavors.
(South Korean Famous Food)
Samgyeopsal
Description
Samgyeopsal is a favorite Korean dish that consists of thick slices of pork belly, which are grilled and wrapped in lettuce leaves along with various condiments. The name “samgyeopsal” translates to “three-layered meat” in Korean, referring to the three layers of meat and fat on the pork belly. This dish is a classic crowd-pleaser and is often enjoyed with friends and family.
(South Korean Famous Food)
Ingredients
The main ingredients used in samgyeopsal are:
- Pork belly
- Lettuce leaves
- Garlic
- Soybean paste (ssamjang)
- Kimchi
- Pickled radish
(South Korean Famous Food)
Preparation
To prepare samgyeopsal, start by grilling the pork belly until it is cooked through and nicely charred. Meanwhile, wash the lettuce leaves and set them aside. Once the pork belly is cooked, slice it into bite-sized pieces. To enjoy samgyeopsal, take a lettuce leaf and place a piece of grilled pork belly on top. Add a spoonful of ssamjang (a mixture of soybean paste and other condiments) and any other desired condiments, such as kimchi or pickled radish. Wrap the lettuce leaf around the filling and enjoy the explosion of flavors and textures in each bite.
(South Korean Famous Food)
Sundubu-jjigae
Description
Sundubu-jjigae is a comforting and spicy Korean stew made with soft tofu and an assortment of vegetables and seafood. This dish is known for its rich and flavorful broth, which is typically made with gochujang, garlic, and soy sauce. Sundubu-jjigae is best enjoyed hot and is often paired with a bowl of steamed rice.
(South Korean Famous Food)
Ingredients
The main ingredients used in sundubu-jjigae are:
- Soft tofu
- Assorted vegetables (mushrooms, zucchini, onions, scallions)
- Seafood (clams, shrimp, squid)
- Garlic
- Gochujang
- Soy sauce
- Fish sauce (can be omitted for a vegetarian version)
(South Korean Famous Food)
Preparation
Start by preparing the broth for the stew by sautéing minced garlic in a pot. Add gochujang, soy sauce, and fish sauce to the pot and allow the flavors to meld together. Add water and bring the broth to a simmer. Once the broth is ready, add the soft tofu, assorted vegetables, and seafood to the pot.
Gently stir everything together, being careful not to break the tofu. Simmer the stew until the tofu is heated through and the flavors have melded together. Serve sundubu-jjigae hot and delight in the comforting and spicy flavors.
(South Korean Famous Food)
Korean Fried Chicken
Description
Korean fried chicken, also known as “KFC,” is a popular dish that has gained worldwide fame for its crispy exterior and juicy interior. The secret to achieving the perfect Korean fried chicken lies in the double-frying technique, which creates an incredibly crunchy texture. Korean fried chicken is often coated with a sweet and sticky glaze, which adds a delightful contrast of flavors.
(South Korean Famous Food)
Ingredients
The main ingredients used in Korean fried chicken are:
- Chicken wings or drumsticks
- All-purpose flour
- Potato starch (or cornstarch)
- Salt
- Baking powder
- Soy sauce
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Gochujang
- Sugar
- Rice vinegar
- Sesame seeds
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
(South Korean Famous Food)
Preparation
To prepare Korean fried chicken, start by washing and drying the chicken pieces. In a bowl, mix together all-purpose flour, potato starch, salt, and baking powder.
Dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, ensuring that each piece is coated evenly. Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot and fry the chicken in batches until it is cooked through and golden brown. Once the chicken is fried, let it rest on a wire rack to drain any excess oil.
In a separate pan, prepare the glaze by combining soy sauce, minced garlic, minced ginger, gochujang, sugar, and rice vinegar. Simmer the glaze until it thickens slightly. Coat the fried chicken in the glaze and sprinkle sesame seeds over the top. Serve the Korean fried chicken hot and savor the irresistible combination of crispy and sticky flavors.
(South Korean Famous Food)
Jjajangmyeon
Description
Jjajangmyeon is a classic Korean noodle dish that features thick and chewy noodles smothered in a rich black bean sauce. This comforting dish has its roots in Chinese cuisine but has been adapted to suit Korean tastes. The black bean sauce, known as jjajang, is made with caramelized onions and pork or seafood, resulting in a savory and umami-packed flavor.
(South Korean Famous Food)
Ingredients
The main ingredients used in jjajangmyeon are:
- Thick wheat noodles
- Pork or seafood (pork belly, ground pork, shrimp, or squid)
- Caramelized onions
- Black bean paste (chunjang)
- Potatoes
- Zucchini
- Cabbage
- Sugar
- Soy sauce
(South Korean Famous Food)
Preparation
To prepare jjajangmyeon, start by boiling the noodles until they are cooked through but still retain their chewy texture. Drain the noodles and set them aside. In a separate pan, sauté the pork or seafood, caramelized onions, and vegetables until they are cooked and caramelized.
Add the black bean paste, sugar, and soy sauce to the pan and cook everything together until the flavors are well combined. To serve, place the noodles in a bowl and ladle the black bean sauce over the top. Mix everything together and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures in each bite.
(South Korean Famous Food)
Haemul Pajeon
Description
Haemul Pajeon, also known as Korean seafood pancake, is a popular appetizer or snack that showcases an abundance of fresh seafood embedded in a savory pancake batter. Pajeon is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a dipping sauce. The pancake exterior is delightfully crispy, while the interior remains soft and filled with a medley of flavors.
(South Korean Famous Food)
Ingredients
The main ingredients used in haemul pajeon are:
- All-purpose flour
- Rice flour (or cornstarch)
- Eggs
- Scallions
- Assorted seafood (shrimp, squid, clams)
- Garlic
- Soy sauce
- Sesame oil
- Salt
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
(South Korean Famous Food)
Preparation
To prepare haemul pajeon, start by preparing the pancake batter by mixing together all-purpose flour, rice flour, eggs, minced garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, and salt.
Gradually add water until you achieve a smooth and slightly thick consistency. Heat vegetable oil in a pan and pour a ladleful of the batter onto the pan, spreading it out evenly to create a circular shape. Arrange the scallions and assorted seafood on top of the batter and press them gently into the pancake.
Cook the pancake on medium heat until the bottom is golden brown and crispy. Flip the pancake and cook the other side until it is cooked through. Once the haemul pajeon is ready, cut it into slices and serve it hot with a dipping sauce of your choice. Enjoy the crispy exterior and the burst of flavors from the seafood nestled within.
South Korea is a treasure trove of delectable and diverse dishes that are sure to satisfy any food lover’s cravings. From the colorful and vibrant bibimbap to the addictive and fiery tteokbokki, each dish boasts its unique combination of flavors and textures. So, grab your chopsticks and embark on a culinary journey to savor the delights of South Korean cuisine.
(South Korean Famous Food)
Characteristics of Korean Food Taste
Spicy
Korean cuisine is known for its spiciness, consistently receiving top rankings globally in terms of its fiery flavors. Rather than being a competition for the highest intensity of spiciness, Korean meals are often built around a base of spicy flavors, maintaining a balanced level of heat throughout the entire dining experience.
When compared to cuisines from other countries, such as the notably spicy dishes from China’s Hunan and Sichuan regions or those from India and Southeast Asia, Korean cuisine is considered to be on par or even milder in terms of overall spiciness.
The perception of Korean cuisine as spicy is attributed more to the diversity of dishes incorporating spicy elements rather than extreme heat levels.
While it’s true that many Korean dishes feature spiciness, there are also numerous dishes like Bulgogi (marinated grilled beef), various types of namul (seasoned vegetables), jeon (pan-fried dishes), and dishes from the Pyeongan Province that are not predominantly spicy.
The association of Korean cuisine with spiciness has evolved relatively recently and is influenced by regional preferences that have heightened the overall spiciness of certain dishes. In the past, before the widespread use of chili peppers and kimchi with anchovy sauce, ingredients like ginger and cinnamon were used to add heat to Korean dishes.
Garlic is a fundamental ingredient in Korean cuisine, and it’s rare to find a Korean dish without it. While garlic is a potent spice, the notion that Korean cuisine uses it excessively or inadequately is not accurate.
Garlic is widely consumed globally, with Koreans ranking high in per capita consumption. However, the use of garlic in Korean cuisine is not considered excessive or insufficient.
The delightful spiciness in Korean cuisine goes beyond merely heat and encompasses a harmonious blend of sweet, salty, savory, sour, bitter, and even pungent flavors.
Achieving a tasty spiciness involves an artistic combination and balance of various tastes, much like the culinary secrets found in cuisines around the world. The appeal of Korean cuisine lies in the skillful harmony of these diverse flavors, creating a delightful and distinctive dining experience.
(South Korean Famous Food)
It’s hot.
Koreans have a distinct preference for extremely hot and spicy foods compared to international cuisines. Representative examples include dishes like “dolsot bibimbap,” which are cooked exceptionally hot.
Unlike Chinese cuisine, where cold dishes featuring various greens are common, Koreans often opt for thoroughly cooked and hot dishes such as stews, steamed dishes, soups, and pan-fried items.
Foreigners, especially Japanese individuals, often describe Korean food as being so hot that it could potentially cause burns to the tongue. Even Koreans occasionally experience tongue burns.
Korea’s cultural inclination towards building houses with earth or stone led to freedom in using fire, making Koreans prefer sitting down to eat rather than consuming street food. Additionally, the chilly Korean winters contribute to a preference for hot foods.
There is a strong tendency to consume hot foods in warmer weather and cold foods, like cold noodles or cold soups, in hot weather. In essence, hot foods are consumed very hot, while cold foods are eaten extremely cold.
The hot and humid summers on the Korean Peninsula make conditions conducive to the proliferation of bacteria that cause food poisoning. Consequently, there is a cultural belief that to eat safely, food must be thoroughly cooked and served hot.
This notion historically led to street food being considered substandard. Although perceptions have improved, there is still a tendency to view street food as unhygienic.
This cultural influence is reflected in military regulations, where eating while walking is strictly prohibited, and academic rules that also prohibit eating while walking, treating such practices as offenses subject to punishment.
(South Korean Famous Food)