Delicious Must-Try Korean Cuisines from the Jeolla Province
Korean food has become one of the world’s most popular cuisines. In recent years, many people all around the globe are discovering the unique flavors and spices of Korean food. If you’re looking to really give your taste buds a treat, you can’t go wrong with two of Jeolla Province’s specialties: kimchi fried rice and bibimbap.
Bibimbap
Bibimbap is a signature Korean dish consisting of warm, white rice mixed with various vegetables and meats. Its name, which literally translates to “mixed rice”, perfectly describes its variety of ingredients. Bibimbap is also served with a generous dollop of gochujang, a spicy red pepper paste.
The dish is generally served in a stone bowl, known as a dolsot. When mixed, the heated bowl causes a light caramelization on the edges of the rice, adding a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
Bibimbap is a very versatile dish, and can be made with any combination of ingredients. The traditional Jeolla Province version is known as Jeonju Bibimbap, and is served with a variety of vegetables, beef, egg, and danmuji, an orange-yellow pickled radish.
Kimchi Fried Rice
If you’re looking for another traditional Korean dish with a twist, you can’t go wrong with the famous kimchi fried rice. This dish adds a unique flavor by combining kimchi, which is a spicy, fermented cabbage, with steamed rice. The kimchi is added to the cooked rice at the mid-point of the cooking, and mixed until the rice takes on the spicy flavor of the kimchi.
Kimchi fried rice can also be made with various ingredients. Common additions include carrots, onions, garlic, and cooked eggs. Thinly sliced pork is often added to the dish for a more filling meal.
Health Benefits of Jeolla Province Specialties
While Jeolla Province specialties certainly taste delicious, the health benefits are just as important.
Kimchi is full of vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A, vitamin C, and calcium. Studies have also found that kimchi can help regulate cholesterol, and its high fiber content can help to aid digestion.
Bibimbap is also a powerhouse of nutrients. It’s packed with fiber from the variety of vegetables, protein from the beef and egg, and energy from the warm rice. Although bibimbap uses chili pepper paste to give it a kick, the dish still offers a variety of health benefits, including relief from indigestion and stomach ache.
So there you have it, two delicious Jeolla Province specialties that offer a great taste and provide a host of health benefits. Whether you’re a lifelong Korean food fan or just looking to try something new, kimchi fried rice and bibimbap are dishes that you won’t want to miss.