From fermented vegetables to a medley of side dishes, Korean recipes have many distinctive characteristics that are unique amongst Asia’s cuisines. Korean recipes deliver intense, savoury flavours thanks to some common traditional spices and sauces, such as sesame oil gochujang chilli paste, and soybean paste. Meals are commonly served family-style with seafood or meat as the main protein, offering highly customisable options for quick mid-week cooking.
Korean Recipes and Preserved Vegetables
Over many centuries, Koreans have perfected the art of preserving food. Many pickled, salted or fermented vegetables make up the side dishes (known traditionally as banchan) that complete the Korean dining experience – like these Korean Chicken Drumsticks with cucumber pickles.
Korean Bibimbap Recipe
Bibimbap is one of our most popular Korean recipes at HelloFresh and it’s easy to tell why. A flavourful combination of rice, vegetables, protein and spices, it’s equally a balanced meal idea as it is delicious. Making it at home is easier than you think – all you need are these five components to master the classic Korean meal.
- Rice: “Bibimbap” literally means “mixed rice,” which means this grain is the most important component of this dish. White rice is the most popular choice, but whole grain rice can be used for a more balanced version.
- Vegetables: Fry up some veggies like carrots, mushrooms or spinach. There are no rules, so get creative with your vegetable picks, and don’t forget the soy sauce.
- Protein: Korean Bibimbap is usually served with thinly sliced beef. However, shredded chicken, crispy bacon or even fried tofu (for the vegetarians out there) are great alternatives.
- Fried Egg: Traditionally, a raw egg is cracked into the bibimbap right before serving, allowing the egg to cook when mixed into the hot rice. A fried egg sunny side up is just as delicious, though.
- Toppings: Get creative with different toppings. Kimchi and sesame seeds are always a good place to start, while sprouts and herbs add a beautiful pop of colour. And of course, the traditional gochujang (Korean chilli paste) gives the whole dish a kick.
If you have a taste for Korean recipes, but don’t know where to begin, then try HelloFresh’s easy-to-make Korean dishes. Start with a traditional marinated Bulgogi Stir-Fry, or try a modernised Bulgogi Burger with all the sides. All HelloFresh meals come with simple recipe cards and pre-portioned ingredients, delivered to your doorstep!