Korean cuisine is now so well known that both locals and visitors describe it as flavorful, spicy, hearty, and nutrient-rich treats that can be savored any time of day. Korean cuisine has evolved over time as a result of cultural changes, yet it continues to be a key element of the country's identity. The following ten foods are fundamental to a Korean's heart, soul, and digestive system.
1 - Kimchi
1 - Kimchi
This Shilla Dynasty-era traditional Korean food has a more than 2,000-year history. Korean cabbage, radishes, pumpkins, onions, ginger, scallion, chili powder, crushed garlic, and salty fish are combined to make kimchi, which is then allowed to ferment.
2 - Hangover Stew
Considering South Korea's devoted drinking culture, it's not unexpected that their hangover-curing culture was equally as developed, with a beautiful selection of spicy and steaming stews and soups serving as both pre- and post-drinking beverages.
Prepared with chunks of congealed oxblood, cabbage, bean sprouts, radish, and beef broth, the dish's intensely satisfying flavor does wonders to clear your morning fog.
3 - Bibimbap
Bibimbap will undoubtedly leave you satisfied and at ease. The delectable components of bibimbap include rice, vegetables, pork, and kimchi (hot chili paste), as well as a fried egg with soy sauce and sesame seeds. Initially created as a regal dish, bibimbap has now become one of the most widely consumed lunchtime staples in Korea.
4 - Japchae (Stir-Fried Noodles)
Among the most popular Korean noodle dishes, japchae is a must-order for everyone who enjoys noodles. A delectable plate of japchae is created when sweet potato noodles are combined with shredded vegetables, soy sauce, and a dash of sugar. Typically, it is offered as a side dish during lunch and dinner.
5 - Red Rice Cakes (Tteok-bokki)
Thick slices of garae-tteok (cooked rice cake), fish cake, onions, sliced garlic, salt, sugar, and various veggies are stir-fried in sweet red chili sauce to make tteokbokki, a classic Korean street meal. This well-liked delicacy is typically offered by small snack bars and market stalls and is recognizable by its vivid red-orange ensemble.
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6 - Soft Tofu Stew
In a hot broth, soft tofu, clams, and an egg? This well-known stew is a great illustration of how unexpected flavor pairings may produce mouthwatering sensations. The stew's soft tofu, which crumbles into fluffy bits, retains the flavor of the clam and provides a reprieve from the heat in general. A proper earthenware vessel made to hold heat is used to serve sundubu-jjigae. After the stew is served, an egg is cracked into the dish, where it cooks.
7 - Samgyeopsal (Korean BBQ)
The Koreans love pork as a cuisine. They also prepare barbecue known as samgyeopsal. You should try Samgyeopsal if you're a non-vegetarian with a penchant for hog meat. Thick slices of seasoned hog belly pork that have been grilled right there on your table make up the entire meal. Along with a strip of onion and garlic, these strips are soaked in sesame oil-based spice and wrapped in lettuce. It is a well-liked Korean dish.
8 - Jjajangmyeon
Although the dish originated in China, the Koreans took the noodles and developed a thicker, tastier variant that bears little similarity to its Chinese forerunner. (Consider what New Yorkers have accomplished with pizza.)
To claim that the Korean diet is not the same without this meal will not be an understatement; the majority of Koreans consume it at least once a week and have their preferred jajangmyeon delivery shop saved to their speed phone.
9 - Korean Fried Chicken
In its own unique way, Korean fried chicken transforms traditional American fast food. The chicken was double-cooked in vegetable oil, unlike its American counterparts, and then topped in a sweet-spicy sauce. As a result, the meat's interior is incredibly juicy, and the skin, which was just lightly battered, is crispy and low in calories.
10 - Kimbap/Gimbap (Korean-Style Sushi)
Famous grab-and-go Korean street dish called Gimbap or Kimbap is similar to Japanese sushi rolls. This Korean cuisine is prepared with sushi rice, beef, spinach, and stir-fried vegetables and covered in seaweed. It looks too gorgeous to eat. The roll is then divided into small, bite-sized discs, and kimchi is offered on the side.