Korean cuisine is one of the healthiest types of food you can make for yourself and your family. There are so many traditional meals that are great as is, or you can go with one of the many fusion meals that pull inspiration from western foods. Either way, you’ll end up with a nutritious, balanced, and delicious meal any day of the week. These recipes are a great way to add Korean cuisine to your meal plan and enjoy the many incredible flavors Korean food offers.
Korean Fried Chicken – Fried chicken was introduced through westernization as fried chicken became popular in the 1970s and was often reserved for special occasions. It continues to be a favorite in Korea today and is often known as a weekend dinner as an easy-to-make solution. While fried chicken isn’t necessarily the healthiest, it is a great comfort food and is often served with many healthy sides. (You could throw this in the air fryer to omit the cooking in oils) This version is a perfect blend of spicy and sweet and can be made with boneless or bone-in chicken. Get the recipe here!
Gungjung Tteokbokki – The most well-known version of this dish is the popular street food, Tteokbokki. Tteokbokki is a stir-fried rice cake cooked in a spicy broth. Tteokbokki has a chewy texture and can be made in a variety of ways. Gungjung Tteokbokki is the traditional version that was once served to royalty and is much milder. This dish is inspired by the traditional dish Japchae and calls for a variety of colorful vegetables, and is made with delicious beef brisket. It’s a well rounded and hearty meal you’re sure to love. Get the recipe here!
Bibimbap – Bibimbap is one of the most popular and well-known Korean dishes around the world. Bibimbap simply means mixed rice with meat and assorted vegetables and is another great Korean dish that’s versatile and adjustable to your favorite vegetables. This meal is a bowl dish filled with rice, vegetables, meat, and an egg. This recipe (get it here) might take a little more time than any of the other recipes, but it’s well worth the effort and will surely be easy to add to your meal rotation.
Japchae – Japchae is a traditional glass noodle dish that is a favorite among many Korean households. It’s a completely adaptable and flexible recipe where you can add in and remove anything that might not fit your taste preferences or use up your vegetables. The glass noodles or dangmyeon are essential in this recipe, and you might be able to find it at major grocery stores, but your best bet is to check out your local Korean market. The best part about this recipe? It comes together in 35 minutes, including prep time. Learn how to make Japchae here!
Bulgogi – Korean BBQ is a popular style of eating where you are served a variety of meats, vegetables, and sauces to cook over a hotpot. It’s a meal meant for sharing, and one of the most popular versions is the bulgogi. Serve this dish with your favorite vegetables, rice, or another Korean side dish. Marinating is the most time-consuming of this recipe, but the effort is minimal to create this tasty classic Korean dish. Get the recipe here!