Traditional Korean food, also known as hansik, is known for its rich flavors, colorful ingredients, and healthy ingredients. The cuisine is a reflection of the country’s history, culture, and geography, with many dishes featuring rice, vegetables, seafood, and meat. Here are some of the most popular Korean dishes that have stood the test of time.
Hansik, Traditional Korean Food
First, there is kimchi, the national dish of Korea. This fermented vegetable dish can be made with a variety of vegetables, including napa cabbage, radish, and cucumber, and seasoned with chili powder, garlic, ginger, and fish sauce. Kimchi is a staple in Korean cuisine and is eaten as a side dish or used as an ingredient in other dishes.
Another popular Korean dish is bulgogi, which is marinated and grilled beef. The meat is sliced thinly and marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, garlic, and black pepper. It’s then grilled until tender and served with rice and vegetables.
Bulgogi
Korean barbecue, or galbi, is another must-try dish. This dish consists of marinated beef short ribs that are grilled over an open flame. The marinade typically includes soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, garlic, and pear or apple juice, which helps to tenderize the meat.
Japchae is a Korean dish made from sweet potato noodles that are stir-fried with vegetables, meat, and soy sauce. The dish is typically served as a side dish or as a main course with rice.
Tteokbokki is a popular Korean street food that is made from cylindrical rice cakes that are cooked in a spicy sauce. The sauce is made from gochujang, a spicy fermented chili paste, and is often served with fish cakes, vegetables, and boiled eggs.
Tteokbokki
Bibimbap is a rice bowl dish that features a variety of toppings, including beef, vegetables, and a fried egg. The ingredients are arranged on top of a bed of rice and mixed together before eating. The dish is typically served with a side of spicy sauce.
Jajangmyeon is a Korean-Chinese dish that consists of thick, wheat noodles that are served with a savory black bean sauce. The sauce is made from fermented black soybeans and is typically served with pork or seafood.
Jajangmyeon
Samgyetang is a chicken soup made with a whole chicken stuffed with glutinous rice, garlic, and ginseng. The soup is simmered for several hours and is believed to be a healthy and nourishing dish.
Finally, there is haemul pajeon, a savory pancake made with a variety of seafood and scallions. The pancake is typically served with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, vinegar, and chili flakes.
In addition to these dishes, there are many other traditional Korean dishes to try, including kimbap, sundubu jjigae, and doenjang jjigae. Korean cuisine is known for its complex flavors, healthy ingredients, and colorful presentation, making it a must-try for any food lover.
Haemul Pajeon
