Korea is home to some truly delicious dishes – from classic Kimchi all the way to Beef Bulgogi, there are plenty of recipes that you can try right from your own kitchen.
But not everyone is an experienced chef, and if you are new to cooking, some of these recipes can feel a bit intimidating.
If you want to try some authentic Korean food but you are feeling a bit anxious about your ability, then you have come to the right place.
We have put together a list of 10 of the most simple Korean recipes. Regardless of how much cooking experience you do or don’t have, you will be able to make these recipes at home with no issues.
Let’s dig in.
Simple Meat Recipes
From beef to pork and chicken, there are plenty of simple meat dishes on offer in Korean cuisine.
Even if you don’t have much experience cooking, there is a wide selection of Korean meat dishes that are simple to make, and we have included a fantastic list here for you to try.
If you are in the mood for something meaty, find your next dish below.
Beef Bulgogi is the more popular version of this recipe, but this pork variant is not one you want to miss.
This recipe only takes 20 minutes to make and it is full of flavor. Made with a spicy gochujang sauce, this recipe is perfect for anyone who enjoys their food to have a hot kick.
Pork is well-loved in Korean dishes, and when you make this recipe for yourself, you will understand why.
Fried chicken is a staple of Korean cuisine, and what makes this dish so good is that it is so easy to make.
This recipe will have you coating the fried chicken in buttermilk, and you will also be smothering the chicken in a spicy gochujang sauce. If you are not a fan of spice, then you can skip this step entirely.
You can eat the fried chicken as it is, but if you want to make more of a meal out of it, you can add rice or noodles to the recipe.
Also known as Korean Beef Patties, Jang-sanjeok is another popular Korean recipe that takes broiled beef patties and simmers them in a tangy teriyaki sauce.
This particular dish can be served as a side dish or as part of a main cource, so you can enjoy it in lots of different ways depending on your mood.
What makes this recipe even better is that it only takes 30 minutes in total to make, so you don’t have to spend all day in the kitchen.
Simple Rice Recipes
Rice is a staple in Korean cuisine, and it is very common in most recipes found in the country.
Whether you are looking for a breakfast, lunch, or dinner recipe, you will find that rice is a star ingredient for all times of the day.
Rice dishes are quite simple to make as well, so there are plenty of options if you don’t have much experience in the kitchen.
Below, you will find our selection of the most simple Korean rice recipes, so read on to find out more about each of them.
Gimbap is one of the most well-known and beloved rice dishes in all of Korea.
This recipe is made using seaweed rice rolls (gim) and rice (bap), which is where it gets its name. When it comes to fillings, you can use whatever you want, but kimchi is a popular and safe choice if you aren’t as confident in the kitchen.
This is one of those dishes that you can really experiment, and you can make it slightly different each time. If you are still getting more experience in the kitchen, gimbap is a tasty starting point that is really hard to mess up!
Fried rice is such a simple dish to make, and it is really popular in Korean cuisine.
This recipe is made using kimchi and rice, with a crispy bacon twist! These three ingredients come together to create a dish that is so easy to make and absolutely jam-packed with umami flavor.
This is one of the most simple and easy dishes to make, which makes it perfect for beginners, or anyone who wants to cook something that isn’t too complicated.
Simple Noodle Recipes
Like rice, noodles are also incredibly common in Korean recipes. They are also enjoyed at any time of day, so it isn’t uncommon to find breakfast recipes that feature noodles.
Whether you want a quick stir fry dish or you are looking for a simple way to include more vegetables in your diet, Korean noodle recipes are a fantastic choice for you to try.
Read on to find out more about some of the most simple Korean noodle recipes that you can try for yourself, today.
Japchae is made using glass noodles and vegetables, and it is one of those dishes that is perfect on those days when you want to be a bit more healthy.
You can mix and match the ingredients to suit your needs, and you can experiment with different vegetables to see which combination you enjoy the most.
If you just want something simple, follow the recipe as it is written, and you will have this dish ready in no time at all.
Gochujang is a type of red chili paste that can be found all over Korea. It is incredibly spicy and brings out so much flavor in any dish it is added too.
These spicy Korean noodles are so easy to make and you only need 15 minutes to bring this recipe to life.
Simple Sweet Recipes
While the savory options are more popular, Korea is also known for its selection of sweet recipes.
Some of the sweet recipes might seem a bit complicated at first glance, but as long as you take your time and follow the recipe, you will have no issues in recreating them yourself.
If you are in the mood for something a bit sweeter, then read on to find out more about our selection of simple Korean sweet recipes.
Hotteok is a type of Korean sweet pancake that is filled with delicious cinnamon and brown sugar syrup.
This sweet treat is an authentic Korean dish that isn’t complicated in the slightest. If you can make American-style pancakes, then you can make Hotteok!
Also known as Korean Shaved Ice, this recipe is perfect for hot days when you need something refreshing to cool down.
Patbingsu might seem complicated to make at first, but it is so easy once you get going. It is made using red beans that are boiled and then combined with any fruit of your choice.
It’s sweet and delicious, and once you make it for the first time, you will want it again and again.
Conclusion
Korea has so many dishes that you can try, and most of them are so simple to make.
Regardless of your experience level or it’s just one of those days where you want quick and easy, each of these dishes is perfect in that regard.
Try some of these simple Korean recipes today and see which ones you enjoy the most. Whether you are in the mood for something meaty and savory or simple and sweet, you will love these dishes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Best Korean Food For Beginners?
While there are plenty of recipes for you to try as a beginner, some of the most popular Korean dishes you can make include Bibimbap, Bulgogi, Japchae, and Gimbap.
What Is The Basics Of Korean Food?
There are lots of ingredients used in Korean cuisine, but most recipes are usually made using rice, vegetables, seafood, and meats. You will find that dairy is largely absent in Korean recipes, and lots of recipes are usually named after the various side dishes that are included in with the main meal.
What Is An Everyday Meal In Korea?
At its core, an everyday meal in Korea is made with a base of bap (rice), unless the meal is noodle- or porridge-based. It is not unusual to eat rice for any meal of the day, so it’s very common in all recipes.
I'm Barbara Hunt, the founder of WomenChefs.org. Being a mom of two, I understand the challenges of meal planning and the monotony it can bring.
That's why I created WomenChefs.org, a platform dedicated to showcasing the skills and delicious dishes crafted by amazing women. My goal is to provide a space where women can find delectable recipes that tantalize their taste buds and ignite their senses.
I hope you'll join me in exploring WomenChefs.org and discovering your next favorite recipe. Let's embrace culinary diversity and try something new together!
