15 Easy Korean Recipes to Add to Your Arsenal
Want to add some K-Zest to your K-Meal? Here are some K-Recipes for you!
by Rachelle "Roach"
We’ll give it to you straight: some Korean dishes can be incredibly complex and difficult to make. That difficulty amplifies if you’re unfamiliar with traditional Korean flavor profiles, or can’t find some important ingredients at your local store. But there’s a key word in that sentence -- some. Luckily, there are several Korean recipes that are easy enough for beginners to tackle, and also delicious enough for Top Chef. We’ve gathered 15 of the most simple and straightforward recipes for you below. Enjoy! 
Gochujang from Kimchimari Let’s start with the basics. If you’re going to be cooking Korean food, you’re going to need a lot of gochujang. This spicy red bean paste is what gives many Korean dishes its distinctive flavor. Many large supermarkets and specialty food stores carry the sauce, but it’s also super easy to make on your own and adjust it to your own particular liking. 
Korean Fried Chicken from Rasa Malaysia This recipe includes just a little mixing and a little frying to get that perfect mix of crunch, juice, and spice that makes Korean fried chicken one of the best late night foods around. 
Kimchi Fried Rice from Food Network Kimchi fried rice, or kimchi bokumbap, can pack a huge pack of comforting flavors with hardly any effort. There's a reason why this simple combination of classic Korean ingredients is a default comfort food for many Koreans. 
Steamed Eggs from The Kitchn It doesn’t get any easier than steamed eggs. Luckily for you, it also doesn’t get any more soothing than this, either. Steamed eggs are great for a quick, healthy breakfast on a cold morning or as a protein-packed palette cleanser to a spicy Korean meal.
Scallion Pajeon from Maangchi Scallion pajeon, also known as green onion pancakes, are deceptively easy-to-prepare Korean appetizers that will wow your dinner guests!
Vegetable Soondubu Jiggae from Judy Joo Cooking Channel TV You’ve got to love a good soup recipe that doesn’t require much more than cutting stuff up, putting it in a pot, and letting it simmer. Vegetable soondubu jiggae (tofu stew) is also a vegetarian soup that feels just as hearty, comforting, and tasty as the meatiest soup you’ve ever had! 
Mushroom Caps from Kimchimari Grilled mushroom caps with an ooey-gooey center are one of the best parts of Korean BBQ. But, when you don’t feel like firing up the whole grill, these are easy to make in a single pan. They also make a delicious, unique side dish to any meal. 
Mak Kimchi from The Kitchn Kimchi making is traditionally a complex, time-consuming production. It doesn’t have to be, though. Your Korean grandma may not approve, but if you follow this recipe, it’s very easy to create your own stash of homemade kimchi.
Buchu Kimchi from Maangchi For an even less time consuming kimchi, serve up this zesty chive kimchi. 
Quick Bulgogi from Destination Delish A few adjustments to a traditional Bulgogi recipe makes this sweet and savory beef dish easy enough to add to your weeknight rotation.
Bibimbap from Kim Sunée With all the different colors and elements in a bowl of bibimbap, it can seem a little difficult to make. But with some quick blanched vegetables and gochujang, you’ve got yourself a fantastic, healthy Korean meal in no time at all.
LA Style Galbi from Crazy Korean Cooking The only difficult part of this recipe is waiting for the meat to marinate – you’re going to want it in your belly as fast as possible! 
Korean Galbi Taco from Rasa Malaysia If you’ve already nailed the galbi, why not add a fusion recipe to your repertoire? A Korean taco and a Mexican beer is a [simple!] match made in heaven. 
Korean Dipping Sauce from Food.com If you can’t whip up a whole Korean meal on your own, you can at least stir together a little sauce. A chop here and a mix there and you’ll have a dip that will elevate everything from dumplings to pajeon. 
Korean-Style Seared Tuna from Food and Wine This dish hits all the boxes: 1. Quick and easy to make. 2. Healthy while still packing bold, hearty flavors. 3. Gorgeous enough for a killer Instagram post. Show off your culinary skills with this simple and tasty recipe! Overall, cooking isn't a walk in the park. We hope that with these recipes, however, you can have a fun and non-stressful adventure in the world of Korean food dishes. Happy cooking, chingus!
