A Quick Introduction to Essential Korean Recipes

Published on March 31, 2021

If you've never had Korean food before, you're in for a culinary treat. Korean food often features several small side dishes, called banchan, ranging from vegetables to meats and fish. They are all served at the same time, along with plenty of rice. Whether it's a side dish or a main dish, most food is served family-style from the center of the table. All the ingredients are cut into bite-size pieces, so there is no need for anything but a set of chopsticks and a spoon. Read on! We'll introduce you to a few essential ingredients, basic cooking techniques, and some of our favorite (and easy-to-make) recipes.

01 of 07

Kalbi (Korean BBQ Short Ribs)

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The key to this popular (and incredibly easy) Korean grilled dish is the cut of beef. Ask your butcher for flanken-style or Korean-style short ribs. Watch the video to see how to marinate and grill these delectable ribs.

02 of 07

Bibimbap (Korean Rice With Mixed Vegetables)

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This comforting meal in a bowl is a mainstay of Korean food. Rice is topped with a savory mixture of vegetables and a fried egg, and seasoned with spicy gochujang.

03 of 07

Jab Chae (Korean Noodles)

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Also called jap chae and japchae. Smooth, translucent sweet potato noodles are tossed with stir-fried beef and vegetables, and served as a banchan (side dish) or a main dish.

More Top-Rated Korean Noodle Recipes

04 of 07

Korean Fried Chicken

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Crisp, tender, juicy, flavorful — this Korean street food favorite is everything you want in fried chicken. Watch the video to see how to make it, then make a great big batch of it, plus the zesty sauce that goes with it

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05 of 07

Spicy Cabbage Kimchi

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This spicy, slightly sweet cabbage side dish is fermented for four days before it's ready to eat. Make sure to wear plastic gloves when working with the spices! You can serve kimchi as a condiment or use it to spice up a dish.

The Best Recipes to Make with Kimchi

06 of 07

Kimchi Fried Rice (Kimchi Bokkeumbap)

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Here's a great way to use the popular pickled vegetable. "Tired of the same ol' fried rice? Well, this will add a kick to any of your favorite fried rice recipe by adding kimchi," says abstractj. "If you love kimchi, you will surely love this recipe. You can substitute butter for the canola oil and any meat (chicken, ham, pork, or spam) for the ground beef."

07 of 07

Kimchi Jun (Kimchi Patty)

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Kimchi is battered and fried into a savory pancake, served with a dipping sauce of soy sauce, sesame seeds, sesame oil, green onions, and a pinch of red pepper powder for heat.

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