As a Korean, I like to share the delicious flavors and traditions of Korean food with others. Korean cuisine is not just about eating; it’s about gathering, sharing, and enjoying meals together.

Each dish tells a story of bold flavors, vibrant colors, and rich history. From spicy stews to crispy fried chicken, there’s something for everyone to love.

This list of 20 Korean recipes is a perfect introduction to the variety and depth of Korean cooking. You’ll find everything from classic dishes like Bibimbap and Bulgogi to street food favorites like Tteokbokki and Korean Fried Chicken.

These recipes are easy to follow, full of authentic flavors, and perfect for family meals, parties, or even casual snacks. They are made to bring joy and a taste of Korea to your table.

So, whether you’re new to Korean food or looking to try something new, this list has something for you. Explore the comforting warmth of Kimchi Stew, the sweetness of Dakgangjeong, or the simplicity of Korean Egg Rolls. These recipes will help you create delicious meals and discover why Korean food is loved around the world. Enjoy cooking and sharing these wonderful dishes!

Bibimbap Recipe

Bibimbap is a colorful and nutritious Korean rice dish topped with various sautéed vegetables, marinated beef, and a fried egg. It’s served with a flavorful gochujang (red chili paste) sauce for mixing. This dish is as beautiful as it is delicious, offering a perfect balance of textures and flavors. It’s great for using leftover ingredients and can be customized. A true Korean comfort food!

Time: 45 mins | Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked white rice
• 1 cup spinach, blanched
• 1 cup carrots, julienned
• 1 cup zucchini, julienned
• 1 cup bean sprouts, blanched
• 1 cup bulgogi (Korean BBQ beef) or ground beef
• 4 fried eggs
• 4 tbsp gochujang (red chili paste)
• Sesame oil and sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare Vegetables: Sauté carrots, zucchini, and spinach separately with sesame oil and a pinch of salt. Set aside.
2. Cook Beef: Cook bulgogi or ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until browned and fully cooked.
3. Assemble: In individual bowls, place a serving of cooked rice. Arrange the vegetables, beef, and fried egg on top.
4. Add Sauce: Drizzle with sesame oil and sesame seeds. Serve with a dollop of gochujang on the side for mixing.

Kimchi Fried Rice

Kimchi Fried Rice (Kimchi Bokkeumbap) is a spicy and tangy dish made with fermented kimchi and leftover rice. It’s quick to prepare, flavorful, and perfect for a simple lunch or dinner. The spicy kick from the kimchi pairs well with the savory fried egg on top. It’s a classic comfort food for anyone who loves bold flavors.

Time: 20 mins | Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 cup kimchi, chopped
• 2 tbsp kimchi juice
• 1 tbsp gochujang (red chili paste)
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 2 tbsp sesame oil
• 4 fried eggs
• Sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook Kimchi: Heat sesame oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped kimchi and cook for 3-4 minutes.
2. Add Rice and Sauce: Add the cooked rice, kimchi juice, and gochujang. Stir-fry for 5 minutes, mixing well.
3. Garnish and Serve: Top with a fried egg, green onions, and sesame seeds. Serve hot.

Bulgogi (Korean BBQ Beef)

Bulgogi is a popular Korean BBQ dish with thinly sliced beef marinated in a savory-sweet sauce. It’s grilled or stir-fried to perfection, resulting in tender, juicy, and flavorful meat. This dish is great for family meals or gatherings and pairs well with steamed rice and lettuce wraps.

Time: 30 mins (plus 2 hours marination) | Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• 2 green onions, chopped
• Sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

1. Make Marinade: In a bowl, mix soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, garlic, and onions.
2. Marinate Beef: Add the sliced beef to the marinade. Mix well and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
3. Cook Beef: Grill or stir-fry the beef over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through.
4. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve with steamed rice.

Japchae (Korean Glass Noodles)

Japchae is a stir-fried noodle dish made with sweet potato glass noodles, colorful vegetables, and a sweet-savory sauce. It’s light yet flavorful and perfect for special occasions or a quick dinner. The chewy noodles absorb the sauce, making every bite delicious.

Time: 30 mins | Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 8 oz sweet potato glass noodles
• 1 cup spinach, blanched
• 1 cup carrots, julienned
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• ½ cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 2 tbsp sesame oil
• Sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook Noodles: Boil noodles according to package instructions. Rinse under cold water and drain.
2. Stir-Fry Vegetables: In a skillet, sauté carrots, spinach, and mushrooms with sesame oil.
3. Mix Sauce: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, sugar, and sesame oil.
4. Combine: Toss noodles, vegetables, and sauce together in a skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
5. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve warm.

Tteokbokki (Spicy Rice Cakes)

Tteokbokki is a beloved Korean street food made with chewy rice cakes simmered in a spicy and sweet gochujang-based sauce. It’s bold, flavorful, and perfect for snacking or a quick meal. Fish cakes and boiled eggs are often added for extra texture and protein.

Time: 20 mins | Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 lb Korean rice cakes
• 2 tbsp gochujang (red chili paste)
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 cups water
• ½ cup fish cakes, sliced
• 2 boiled eggs (optional)
• Green onions for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare Sauce: In a pot, combine water, gochujang, sugar, and soy sauce. Bring to a boil.
2. Cook Rice Cakes: Add rice cakes and fish cakes to the sauce. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until the rice cakes are soft.
3. Serve: Garnish with green onions and add boiled eggs, if desired.

Korean Fried Chicken

Korean Fried Chicken is crispy, juicy, and coated with a sweet and spicy sauce. It’s double-fried for extra crunch, making it a favorite for parties or casual meals. Serve it with pickled radish for the full Korean experience.

Time: 40 mins | Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken wings or drumettes
• ½ cup cornstarch
• 1 cup flour
• 1 cup water
• 1 tbsp gochujang (red chili paste)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp honey
• 2 garlic cloves, minced

Instructions

1. Prepare Batter: In a bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, and water to create a thick batter.
2. Fry Chicken: Dip chicken in batter and deep-fry at 350°F for 5-7 minutes. Remove, let cool, and fry again for 3-5 minutes.
3. Make Sauce: In a pan, mix gochujang, soy sauce, honey, and garlic. Heat until bubbly.
4. Coat and Serve: Toss fried chicken in the sauce and serve hot.

Sundubu Jjigae (Soft Tofu Stew)

Sundubu Jjigae is a comforting and spicy stew made with silken tofu, seafood or meat, and a flavorful broth. It’s served piping hot in a traditional stone pot and often topped with a cracked egg. This dish is rich in flavor, thanks to its combination of gochugaru (red pepper flakes), garlic, and sesame oil. Perfect for cold weather, Sundubu Jjigae is hearty, spicy, and satisfying.

Time: 30 mins | Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 package silken tofu
• ½ cup clams or shrimp
• 2 tbsp gochugaru (red pepper flakes)
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups water or anchovy broth
• 1 egg (optional)
• Green onions for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare Broth: Heat sesame oil in a pot over medium heat. Add gochugaru and garlic, stirring until fragrant.
2. Add Broth and Protein: Pour in water or broth and bring to a boil. Add clams or shrimp and simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Add Tofu: Gently add the silken tofu, breaking it into chunks. Simmer for another 5 minutes.
4. Top with Egg and Serve: Crack an egg on top, garnish with green onions, and serve hot.

Galbi (Korean Short Ribs)

Galbi, or Korean short ribs, is a flavorful BBQ dish where beef short ribs are marinated in a sweet and savory sauce made with soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil. The ribs are grilled to perfection, resulting in tender, juicy meat with a caramelized glaze. It’s a must-have dish for Korean BBQ gatherings, served with lettuce wraps and ssamjang (dipping sauce).

Time: 3 hours (including marination) | Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 lb beef short ribs, thinly sliced
• ½ cup soy sauce
• 3 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 small pear, grated
• Sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare Marinade: In a bowl, mix soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, garlic, and grated pear.
2. Marinate Ribs: Add the short ribs to the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
3. Grill Ribs: Grill the ribs over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes on each side until caramelized and cooked through.
4. Serve: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve with lettuce wraps.

Pajeon (Korean Pancake)

Pajeon is a savory pancake made with green onions, flour, and eggs, often enhanced with seafood or vegetables. It’s crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and served with a soy-based dipping sauce. This easy-to-make dish is perfect as an appetizer or snack and is a favorite comfort food in Korean cuisine.

Time: 25 mins | Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup water
• 1 egg
• 1 bunch green onions, chopped
• ½ cup seafood (optional)
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• Soy sauce for dipping

Instructions

1. Make Batter: In a bowl, whisk flour, water, and egg until smooth. Add green onions and seafood if using.
2. Cook Pancake: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Pour in the batter and spread evenly.
3. Flip and Cook: Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
4. Serve: Cut into wedges and serve with soy sauce.

Gimbap (Korean Rice Rolls)

Gimbap is a Korean rice roll made with seasoned rice, vegetables, and protein, all wrapped in seaweed. It’s easy to customize with your favorite ingredients, making it perfect for picnics, lunchboxes, or snacks. Gimbap is visually stunning and packed with flavor.

Time: 30 mins | Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 sheets seaweed (nori)
• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 1 cucumber, julienned
• 2 eggs, scrambled
• 4 crab sticks
• Sesame oil for brushing

Instructions

1. Prepare Ingredients: Cook and season rice with sesame oil. Sauté carrots and scrambled eggs.
2. Assemble Rolls: Place a sheet of seaweed on a bamboo mat. Spread rice evenly, leaving a 1-inch border. Add fillings in a line.
3. Roll and Seal: Roll tightly using the mat. Seal the edge with water.
4. Cut and Serve: Slice into bite-sized pieces and serve.

Dakgangjeong (Sweet Crispy Chicken)

Dakgangjeong is sweet and crispy Korean fried chicken coated in a sticky, tangy sauce. The chicken is double-fried for extra crunch and glazed with a sauce made from soy sauce, garlic, and honey. This dish is perfect for snacking, parties, or as a main course. It’s irresistibly crunchy and packed with flavor.

Time: 40 mins | Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• ½ cup cornstarch
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp honey
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp rice vinegar
• Oil for frying
• Sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

1. Coat Chicken: Toss chicken pieces in cornstarch until evenly coated.
2. Fry Chicken: Heat oil to 350°F and deep-fry chicken in batches for 5-6 minutes. Remove and fry again for 2-3 minutes for extra crispiness.
3. Make Sauce: In a pan, mix soy sauce, honey, garlic, and vinegar. Heat until bubbly.
4. Glaze Chicken: Toss fried chicken in the sauce until coated.
5. Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and serve hot.

Kongguksu (Cold Soybean Noodle Soup)

Kongguksu is a refreshing summer dish made with chilled soybean milk and wheat noodles. It’s light, creamy, and subtly nutty, making it a perfect meal for hot days. Topped with cucumbers and sesame seeds, this dish is as nutritious as it is delicious. It’s vegan-friendly and easy to make.

Time: 30 mins | Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup soybeans
• 4 servings of wheat noodles
• 1 cucumber, julienned
• 1 tsp sesame seeds
• Salt to taste
• Cold water or ice cubes

Instructions

1. Prepare Soybeans: Soak soybeans overnight. Boil them for 15 minutes, then rinse and remove skins.
2. Make Soy Milk: Blend soybeans with 3 cups of cold water until smooth. Strain through a fine mesh for a silky texture.
3. Cook Noodles: Boil noodles according to package instructions, rinse under cold water, and set aside.
4. Assemble: Divide noodles into bowls, pour chilled soybean milk over them, and top with cucumber and sesame seeds.
5. Serve: Add salt to taste and serve immediately.

Yangnyeom Chicken (Seasoned Fried Chicken)

Yangnyeom Chicken is a spicy and sweet Korean fried chicken dish coated in a bold gochujang-based sauce. Double-fried for maximum crunch, it’s perfect for parties or as a satisfying snack. The balance of sweetness, spice, and crispiness makes it a crowd favorite.

Time: 40 mins | Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken drumettes
• ½ cup cornstarch
• Oil for frying
• 2 tbsp gochujang (red chili paste)
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

1. Coat Chicken: Toss chicken drumettes in cornstarch until fully coated.
2. Fry Chicken: Deep-fry chicken at 350°F for 5-6 minutes. Remove and fry again for 2-3 minutes for extra crunch.
3. Make Sauce: In a pan, mix gochujang, honey, soy sauce, and garlic. Heat until thickened.
4. Coat Chicken: Toss fried chicken in the sauce until fully coated.
5. Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and serve hot.

Haemul Pajeon (Seafood Pancake)

Haemul Pajeon is a savory Korean pancake made with green onions, seafood, and a crispy batter. It’s a popular appetizer or snack served with a tangy soy dipping sauce. The combination of crispy edges and tender seafood makes it an irresistible treat.

Time: 25 mins | Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup water
• 1 egg
• 1 bunch green onions, chopped
• ½ cup seafood mix (shrimp, squid, or clams)
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• Soy sauce for dipping

Instructions

1. Make Batter: In a bowl, mix flour, water, and egg until smooth. Stir in green onions and seafood.
2. Cook Pancake: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Pour in the batter and spread evenly.
3. Flip and Cook: Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and crispy.
4. Serve: Cut into wedges and serve with soy sauce.

Korean Egg Roll (Gyeran Mari)

Gyeran Mari is a rolled omelet made with eggs, vegetables, and sometimes ham or cheese. It’s light, fluffy, and perfect as a side dish or snack. This simple dish is versatile and looks beautiful with its spiral design.

Time: 15 mins | Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 eggs
• 1 carrot, finely chopped
• 1 green onion, chopped
• 1 tbsp milk
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tsp vegetable oil

Instructions

1. Prepare Egg Mixture: In a bowl, whisk eggs with milk, salt, and pepper. Stir in carrot and green onion.
2. Cook Egg Layers: Heat oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Pour a thin layer of egg mixture and cook until set. Roll it halfway, then push it to one side.
3. Add More Layers: Add another thin layer of egg mixture and repeat the rolling process until all the mixture is used.
4. Slice and Serve: Let the roll cool slightly, then slice into bite-sized pieces and serve.