Korean food hits different. The combination of fermented, spicy, savory, and sweet flavors is unlike anything else, and once you start cooking it at home, you will wonder why you waited so long. Most Korean dishes rely on a handful of pantry staples that last for months.
Gochujang (fermented chili paste), gochugaru (chili flakes), soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic form the backbone of Korean cooking. With those five things plus some protein and rice, you can make most of the recipes below. Kimchi from the store works great too.
Korean home cooking is built around stews and marinated meats — both of which are very forgiving. Stews simmer away without much attention, and marinades do most of the work for you. These are the kinds of dishes that taste even better the next day.
| Meal | Cook Time | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Bulgogi | 35 min | Medium |
| Dak Bulgogi | 30 min | Medium |
| Samgyeopsal | 25 min | Medium |
| Kimchi Jjigae | 35 min | Medium |
| Doenjang Jjigae | 30 min | Medium |
| Dak Galbi | 35 min | Medium |
| Galbi | 40 min | Medium |
| Sundubu Jjigae | 35 min | Medium |
8 Korean Dishes to Try at Home
1. Bulgogi
Thinly sliced beef marinated in soy sauce, pear, garlic, and sesame oil, then seared hot and fast. The gateway to Korean cooking.
2. Dak Bulgogi
The chicken version of bulgogi — marinated in gochujang and soy sauce, grilled or pan-fried until slightly charred.
3. Samgyeopsal
Thick slices of pork belly grilled at the table, wrapped in lettuce with garlic, ssamjang, and kimchi. Interactive eating at its best.
4. Kimchi Jjigae
A bubbling stew of aged kimchi, pork, and tofu that is somehow both spicy and deeply comforting. Better with older kimchi.
5. Doenjang Jjigae
Fermented soybean paste stew with tofu, zucchini, and potatoes. Earthy, savory, and the definition of Korean comfort food.
6. Dak Galbi
Spicy stir-fried chicken with gochujang, cabbage, and rice cakes. Usually cooked in one big pan and eaten straight from it.
7. Galbi
Beef short ribs marinated in a sweet soy sauce mixture and grilled until caramelized. Special occasion food that is surprisingly easy.
8. Sundubu Jjigae
Soft tofu stew in a spicy broth with seafood or pork, finished with a raw egg cracked right into the bubbling pot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Korean pantry ingredients should I buy first?
Gochujang (fermented chili paste), soy sauce, sesame oil, and gochugaru (chili flakes) are the big four. Add garlic, green onions, and a jar of kimchi, and you can make most Korean dishes at home.
Can I make Korean BBQ without a grill?
Absolutely. A hot cast iron skillet or regular frying pan works perfectly for bulgogi and samgyeopsal. Get the pan screaming hot, cook in small batches so the meat sears instead of steaming, and you will get great results.
Does MealBuddy have Korean recipe suggestions?
MealBuddy includes 50 Korean recipes. Enter your available ingredients and it will match you with Korean dishes you can make — from a quick dak bulgogi to a slow-simmered kimchi jjigae.