Remarkably, Korean cuisine has been one of the most popular cuisines in many countries in the recent past. Its rich colour and variety of food types fascinate people from all over the world. Korean food of scorching spicy dishes followed by the tenderness in marinated meats is truly mouth-watering.
The purpose of this article is to tell you about ten irresistible Korean dishes that are mouth-watering and meaningful at the same time.
Also, if you have booked your trip to South Korea and are in search of some delicious Korean foods, then you should also consider your security in South Korea. Travel the smart way – Buy travel insurance online and protect yourself and your domestic or international travels.
Top 10 Must-Try Korean Dishes
We have researched a lot and curated this best list of the most delicious Korean dishes for you:
Kimchi
To your surprise, Kimchi is not only a side dish but also one of the most significant components of Korean cuisine. Kimchi means pickled vegetables and includes vegetables such as Chinese cabbage and radish.
Health Benefits
Kimchi contains a large number of probiotics. These friendly bacteria positively affect your gut, facilitate digestion, and have been known to enhance your immune system.
Bibimbap
Bibimbap refers to a rice meal that contains arrays of colours, flavours, and texture. This delicious rice meal is accompanied by stir-fried vegetables (whatever you want), a meat of your preference, which could be beef and a well-fried egg.
How to Enjoy Bibimbap
More often than not, the key to bibimbap is the combination! Mix it in a bowl and add a spoonful of gochujang, which is a Korean hot sauce for that spicy tang.
Bulgogi
This traditional Korean dish is popular because of tender and juicy beef strips which are marinated in savory sauce. It is an ancient dish and it has been prepared for ages. This marinade is made from soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and sesame oil, from where its colourful glaze hits caramelization during the grilling.
Serving Suggestions
Bulgogi may be prepared and consumed in a number of different methods. It is commonly used in lettuce wrap or served over rice and this makes it fit to take it any time during the day.
Tteokbokki
Tteokbokki is a boiled rice cake that is soft and soaked in an exciting sweet and spicy syrup. It has a smooth and succulent texture as well as vivid colours, which makes it more popular among the people of Korea and other visitors.
Variations of Tteokbokki
Tteokbokki is categorized in different forms. There may be seafood tteokbokki, cheesy tteokbokki, or spicy tteokbokki with additional vegetables, which are variants of this dish.
Japchae
Japchae is a Korean noodle recipe based on the preparation of stir-fried noodles and it is full of pleasing tastes. It makes use of sweet potato noodles accompanied by vegetables and beef.
Cultural Significance
Well known to anyone who has watched Korean dramas or movies, japchae is a dish that is prepared in celebration of something and when families gather together.
Samgyeopsal
Samgyeopsal is a slowly barbecued pork belly that is the primary component of this dish, and a tall glass of soju is often served alongside it in Korean BBQ restaurants. The texture of the gravy and the taste of the mutton make it so delicious.
Dining Experience
Charcoal Grilling is the unique feature that is included here where you get to grill it yourself. Serve it with different kinds of dips and fresh vegetables, offered to the table hence making the meal very enjoyable.
Kimbap
Kimbap is Korea’s version of sushi, or at the very least, it looks like sushi but has differences of its own. It closely resembles Japanese sushi rolls, kimbap packages of rice, seaweed, and a selection of ingredients, which can include vegetables or meats.
When to Eat Kimbap
Kimbap is incredibly versatile. It has a reputation for being eaten during a picnic or as a meal taken while doing other activities.
Sundubu-jjigae
Sundubu-jjigae is one of the most delicious Korean dishes which become especially tasty during cold days. This recipe is a spicy soft tofu stew that comprises ingredients such as silken tofu and many others.
Variations and Accompaniments
Sundubu-jjigae is served with different types of ingredients; you can find seafood sundubu-jjigae or vegetable sundubu-jjigae varieties. It is usually accompanied by rice and a combination of banchan, which are side dishes.
Naengmyeon
Naengmyeon is better termed as the summer meal if there exists any in Korean cuisine. The cold buckwheat noodles have a chilled soup which actually serves as the sauce for the noodles. They are well suitable for summertime given the fact that after consuming them you feel fully sated and yet the food item is cold.
The Ideal Accompaniments
The usual garnishes to naengmyeon consist of thinly sliced beef, pickled Korean cucumbers, pickled radish, and boiled eggs with variations of adding a touch of texture and taste to this delicious meal.
Banchan
Banchan is considered mandatory for any dish served in Korea. These are served alongside meals in conjunction with other main dishes, and together, they complement Korean food.
Popular Types of Banchan
Some of the banchan include pickled vegetables, savoury pancakes, and marinated tofu, among others, which is a unique experience to the meal.
Wrapping Up
Thus, this information helps to get acquainted with the ten best Korean dishes as a window to Korean cuisine, which is varied. Still, each recipe has its unique tale to tell while at the same time sharing the optimism of the culture behind it.
Therefore, the next time someone asks you about what is South Korea famous for, explain to them about these delicious dishes. These flavours are small sensations that taste very delicious and that one would not want to miss at all.
