Korean food is some of the most diverse in the world. This is due to the cultural influences, that have led to a unique selection of dishes. Korean cuisine celebrates ingredients found within native landscapes and combines them with widespread cultural trends. This can be seen in korean bbq grill and other popular dishes.
With that said, rice has always been a popular ingredient in Korean cooking. This is due to the native plant, which has been utilized for centuries. Not only that, but seafood and anything from the seas surrounding Korea have contributed to the development of the highly flavorful and unique cuisine.
Here are some of the most popular Korean dishes that are worth a try.
1. Bibimbap
Firstly, bibimbap is a feast for the eyes and the stomach. Because this dish uses a selection of vegetables, it is highly popular for the diverse colors which bibimbap offers. It is a unique spin on most fried rice dishes. However, the rice isn’t stirred when it is being fried.
This makes the rice get a golden crust when it is done correctly. Thinly sliced vegetables that have been dressed in soy sauce and mirin are then put on top of the rice. Some variants of bibimbap include a fried egg on top, while others use a raw egg.
This dish also uses plenty of chili pepper paste and kimchi for additional flavor. Beef or chicken tend to be the proteins of choice when it comes to bibimbap, but there are some variants to the classic recipe which include seafood. These include octopus, salmon, and tuna.
You could also swap the meat with tofu or veggie meat alternatives if you want a meat-free version that is just as tasty. Bibimbap is traditionally served in hot stone bowls, but it is also seen in large bowls for everybody to help themselves at the table.
Make sure you are finding an authentic Korean restaurant to get the complete bibimbap experience, because it truly can make a difference in the overall experience. Some provide the spicy chili paste on the side, so that people can adjust the heat according to their preference.
2. Japchae
Another tasty and unique Korean dish worth trying is japchae. This is a favorite for many Koreans, and it isn’t difficult to understand why. Sweet potato noodles are topped with mushrooms and marinated beef.
Although it may seem like a relatively basic stir-fry at a glance, japchae was a gift meal given to the King during the Joseon Dynasty. It became an instant favorite, and the selection of flavors and textures excite the palate uniquely.
Noodles that have been made using sweet potato starch as the base of this, and japchae has also been known to include other vegetables like onions, spinach, carrots, and anything else that grows locally within the agricultural landscape.
Japchae is normally topped with plenty of soy sauce for seasoning and sesame seeds to provide a little crunch. It is certainly more than just a simple stir-fry, and we would highly recommend japchae from an authentic Korean restaurant.
3. Korean Fried Chicken
In addition, Korean fried chicken is considered to be some of the best forms of fried chicken around. There is a unique crunch accompanied by a hot sauce made with chili flakes, which is unapologetically flavorful.
Some restaurants have been known to put green pepper under the batter, while others coat their fried chicken in a sweet, spicy sauce. The crunch into soft meat will surprise you, and it is known for being one of the most understated fried chicken dishes around the world.
Korean fried chicken is more crunchy than most thanks to the additional frying process that has been done. The Korean street food scene is one of the most interesting places to experience, and it is definitely worth giving some authentic food stands a try when you next encounter one.
Many countries have attempted to achieve a similar flavor and texture combination like that of Korean fried chicken. However, there is something completely unique about Korean fried chicken that makes it stand out from other country’s fried chicken.
4. Gimbap
Also known as Korean seaweed rice rolls, gimbap is commonly confused with sushi due to the similar appearance. However, each dish tastes significantly different in terms of flavor, aromas, and overall combinations of ingredients.
Gimbap uses spinach and numerous pickled ingredients to achieve a completely unique flavor. These include pickled egg, radish, burdock, carrot, and more. These ingredients are placed onto a sheet of cooked rice and rolled up with spinach, to create the similar look to regular sushi.
The long roll is then sliced into small, bite sized chunks, which make it ideal for a picnic or lunch on the go. Gimbap is named after the main ingredients used. For example, when tuna and mayonnaise are added, it is known as tuna gimbap.
Other variants include cheese, beef, and kimchi. Gimbap is a highly popular dish that we would recommend for the selection of textures, and how easy it is to eat once it has been tightly rolled and sliced into chunks.
Why not try gimbap instead of your go-to packed lunch? It is filling, satisfying and tasty. Gimbap is sure to keep you fueled throughout the busiest of days. It is a mess-free snack when needed, and those around you are bound to be intrigued by something that they may not have heard of before.
5. Kimchi
Finally, kimchi deserves its own mention, even though it isn’t technically an entire dish on its own. This fermented cabbage combination is excellent for gut health, and it adds a unique flavor to any dish that it is served with.
Kimchi is a staple in many Korean dishes, and it isn’t hard to see why. There are a range of meals which feature kimchi as one of the main ingredients, including kimchi pancakes, stews, and fried rice.
With more than 200 variations of kimchi available in Seoul alone, kimchi is one of the most versatile and popular dishes by its own right in Korea. Many households have their own secret recipe for making the fermented cabbage dish, with slightly different ingredients.
Korean cabbage, chili powder, ginger, onions, radish, pumpkin, crushed garlic and salted seafood are combined before being left in a sealed container to ferment. You will be left with a sour, salty, earthy, sweet flavor that is widely seen as Korea’s favorite condiment at the table.
Consider adding some kimchi to your meal to see what all the fuss is about. You will be surprised by how much flavor a small amount of the fermented cabbage condiment can provide to any food. Some have even been known to add kimchi to oatmeal.
Summary
Korean food is an incredibly diverse cuisine, thanks to the range of influences around the world. However, it still offers some of the most unique combinations of textures, flavors, colors, and more. We would highly recommend some of the dishes above to appreciate what all the hype is about.
If you want to learn more about Korean cuisine and the cultural influences, then the recipe books and authentic Korean restaurants could be a great place to start. Fermented foods, seafood, rice, and vegetables growing across the landscape are brought together in different ways with Korean dishes.
Consider your knowledge of Korean cuisine, and how you could explore the culture a little more. From street food to the iconic kimchi, there are a range of unique dishes that are certainly worth trying for yourself.
