Five Must-Try Korean Dishes for Foreigners
Tantalizing Korean dishes have been conquering the hearts of many food-lovers around the globe. This tantalizing cuisine offers an array of dishes that embody the culture, making it one of the most popular food destinations. From sweet to spicy, the Korean food culture has become increasingly popular with travelers and many locals. If you're keen on trying some of the best traditional dishes, you've come to the right place. Here are five must-try Korean dishes for foreigners.
Kimchi Jeon
For starters, Kimchi Jeon is a savory dish, firstly made with kimchi. This tasty dish consists of crunchy pan-fried goodness. The main ingredient, kimchi, is a spicy fermented vegetable dish. Kimchi is made of vegetables such as cabbage, radish, and cucumbers pickled with chili peppers, garlic, and ginger. Hot and savory Kimchi Jeon is usually served with a dipping sauce made of soy sauce, vinegar, and sesame oil. Perfect for sharing, this appetizer is a great way to start a meal.
Samgyetang
Samgyetang is a traditional savory soup typically made with a whole chicken. In Korea, this dish is considered a food remedy for summer fatigue. The cooked chicken will be covered in a combination of Korean traditional herbs and spices such as ginseng, jujube, garlic and ginger. The chicken is cooked in a broth with added ginseng and sweet rice inside. Samgyetang has a mild and earthy flavor and is usually served with side dishes like kimchi and glutinous rice. The addition of ginseng provides many health benefits which can boost immunity and help relieve fatigue. Enjoy a comforting bowl of Samgyetang, perfect for any season.
Japchae
Placing 3rd on this list is Japchae. This highly popular dish consists of stir-fried sweet potato noodles topped with vegetables. This versatile Korean noodle dish is made of glass noodles, which are chewy and somewhat bouncy. Glass noodles are also known as cellophane noodles, bean thread noodles, and Chinese vermicelli. Japchae normally consists of vegetables, beef, and sliced mushrooms which adds texture to the dish. It is served cold or at room temperature, topped with sesame oil, soy sauce, and black pepper. This sweet and savory dish is great for parties as it can be a side dish or a main dish.
Bibimbap
Another one of the must-try Korean dishes for foreigners is Bibimbap. This unique dish is composed of different types of vegetables, beef, and a fried egg on top of steamed white rice. Bibim literally means mixing and bap means rice. It is accompanied by a sweet and spicy chili pepper sauce called gochujang. This sweet and spicy sauce is made of chili pepper, glutinous rice, fermented soy beans, and salt.
The final presentation will be a heaping bowl of colorful vegetables that can be mixed together with the gochujang sauce. It's a popular on-the-go meal that does not require any cooking and it goes well with a side of kimchi or any other Korean side dishes.
Bulgogi
Last but not least, the famous Bulgogi needs no introduction. This is probably one of the most popular dishes in Korean cuisine. Bulgogi is a marinated beef dish that is grilled over a charcoal fire. The marination for this dish consists of soy sauce, sugar, fruits, and vegetables. The beef will be cut into thin strips and grilled on a hot plate. The marinade gives this dish a sweet, savory, and tangy flavor.
Bulgogi is usually served with steamed white rice and ssam, which are various types of lettuces and condiments. This delectable Korean dish is usually served with hot sauce, sesame oil, onions, and garlic. It is a must-try dish you’ll never forget.
The Final Word
When it comes to Korean dishes, there are so many to choose from. From starters to the main course dishes, these five must-try dishes will give you a taste of the vibrant and complex culture. Sweet and spicy, savory and crunchy are just a few of the words to describe these traditional dishes. Whether you’re keen on trying them or introducing them to a friend, the five must-try Korean dishes for foreigners are a great place to start.