During my time living in Canada, I had the pleasure of introducing many foreign friends to delicious Korean food. Korean food has a unique flavor profile that many people instantly fall in love with. In this post, I’ll share four Korean foods that my friends enjoyed the most and why these dishes are so beloved by those trying Korean food for the first time. If you’re curious about Korean food or want to impress your friends, these dishes are a great place to start!
Korean Food #1: Japchae (잡채) Korean Stir-Fried Noodle Dish
Japchae is a classic Korean dish that quickly became a favorite among my foreign friends. Made from stir-fried glass noodles, vegetables, and sometimes beef or other proteins, ㅓJapchae offers a savory and slightly sweet flavor that appeals to many. The chewy noodles and vibrant vegetables are easy to enjoy and full of textures, making it a well-rounded dish. What’s interesting is that one of my Japanese friends, before I even introduced Japchae to him, was already making it at home!
In Korea, Japchae is not only a popular everyday dish but also a staple during significant holidays like Seollal (Lunar New Year), Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving), and even at birthdays or large family gatherings. It’s a dish that represents celebration, and it’s always a part of the spread at these important events. Whether it’s a casual gathering or a special occasion, Japchae is often served and loved for its colorful presentation and satisfying taste.
How to Make It:
- Cook the sweet potato noodles according to the package instructions, then rinse them under cold water and set aside.
- In a pan, heat a bit of sesame oil and sauté the beef until it’s fully cooked. Season with soy sauce, sugar, and a pinch of salt.
- In the same pan, stir-fry the onions, carrots, and bell pepper until they’re tender but still vibrant.
- Add the noodles into the pan with the vegetables, mix well, and season with soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, and a bit of salt and pepper.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds on top and serve warm or at room temperature.
Korean Food #2: Yubu Chobap (유부초밥) Vinegar-Seasoned Rice Wrapped in Sweetened Tofu Pockets
One of the most memorable moments was during a Christmas potluck party, where one of my Korean coworkers brought Yubu chobap (stuffed tofu pockets) to share. The dish was a huge hit! Yubu chobap consists of marinated sushi rice wrapped in tofu skin. It’s a perfect combination of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also easy to eat with your hands, which makes it a fantastic appetizer at parties. Everyone at the party was impressed by this unique and tasty dish, and it left everyone craving more.
Yubu chobap is usually made using ready-made kits that are available in Korean grocery stores. These kits come with pre-cut tofu skins and seasoning, making the preparation process very easy. Korean people typically use these kits to make Yubu chobap at home, and depending on their preferences, they might add extra vegetables or ingredients, like tuna or carrots, to the rice for added flavor and crunch. It’s a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for sharing with friends and family!
How to Make Yubu Chobap Using a Ready-Made Kit:
- Take the seasoned tofu skin (yubu) and gently squeeze out the seasoning liquid.
- Mix the seasoned tofu sushi sauce and seasoned stir-fried ingredients into the rice (about one and a half servings).
- Depending on your preference, add vegetables, tuna, ham, or other ingredients to the rice and mix them together.
- Form the well-mixed sushi into bite-sized portions and stuff them into the tofu skin pouches.
Korean Food #3: Kimbap (김밥) Korean Rice Rolls
Kimbap is one of the essential dishes Koreans bring to picnics, and it was no different when I introduced it to my foreign friends. It’s a rolled rice dish, similar to sushi, but with various fillings such as vegetables, eggs, fish cakes, or even meat. Kimbap is often paired with ramen, which makes for a comforting and fulfilling meal.
My friends loved the different variations, especially tuna Kimbap and cheese Kimbap. Whether wrapped tightly in a roll or shaped into triangle forms (Samgak Kimbap), Kimbap is a versatile dish that’s perfect for any casual outing or lunch.
Recently, Trader Joe’s in the U.S. launched frozen Gimbap, and it has become a huge hit.
How to Make It:
- In a bowl, mix cooked rice with sesame oil and salt.
- Place a sheet of nori on a bamboo sushi mat, and spread a thin layer of rice over the nori, leaving a small gap at the top.
- Add your fillings (cucumber, scrambled eggs, carrot, fish cakes, and spinach) in a straight line across the center.
- Roll the Kimbap tightly using the sushi mat, then slice into bite-sized pieces.
- Brush the top with sesame oil and finish with sesame seeds.
Korean Food #4: Samgyeopsal (삼겹살) Korean Barbecue
Another Korean food that became a favorite was Samgyeopsal, which is grilled pork belly. While pork belly itself is quite common, the unique Korean way of eating it—wrapped in lettuce with garlic, peppers, and a dab of Ssamjang (a thick, spicy paste)—made all the difference. It’s not only delicious but also feels healthier, as the pork is balanced with fresh vegetables. Samgyeopsal is often enjoyed with a glass of Soju, and it’s perfect for social gatherings, making it a favorite of both locals and foreigners alike.
When Koreans think of barbecue, Samgyeopsal is usually the first dish that comes to mind. It’s a go-to meal for gatherings with friends and family. The experience of grilling the pork belly at the table is a fun and interactive way to enjoy a meal, with everyone cooking and sharing together.
Once the pork belly is grilled to a crispy perfection, it’s time to wrap it in a fresh lettuce leaf, adding a piece of garlic, a chili pepper, and a bit of Ssamjang. The key here is that you have to eat the entire wrap in one bite—no exceptions. If you bite into it or break it apart, Korean people will likely look at you with disbelief! It’s considered a must to eat the whole wrap in one go, and those who try to “take a bite” are often playfully scolded. It’s all about enjoying the flavors together in one big bite, which adds to the fun of the meal.
So, if you ever try samgyeopsal, make sure you embrace the tradition and eat your wrap in one bite—Korean style! It’s all about the balance of flavors and textures that come together when you enjoy it the right way.
How to Enjoy Samgyeopsal the Korean Way
To fully enjoy samgyeopsal, here are a few delicious ways to eat it:
- Wrap it in lettuce (쌈): The classic way to eat samgyeopsal is to grill the pork belly and then wrap it in a fresh lettuce leaf along with garlic, a piece of chili, and a spoonful of Ssamjang. Be sure to eat the whole wrap in one bite to fully experience the balance of flavors.
- Grill Kimchi in the Samgyeopsal fat: After grilling the pork belly, you can take some Kimchi and grill it in the leftover pork fat on the grill. This gives the Kimchi a delicious smoky flavor and makes it the perfect side dish to go with the rich Samgyeopsal.
- Make fried rice (볶음밥): After finishing your Samgyeopsal, don’t waste the leftover juices and fat! Add some cooked rice to the pan, stir it around, and let it soak up all the delicious flavors from the pork. A bit of sesame oil, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, and some chopped vegetables or Kimchi will turn this into a tasty fried rice dish, completing your meal.
Korean food offers a rich variety of flavors and textures that are sure to captivate anyone, no matter where they come from. From the savory sweetness of Japchae to the unique bite-sized Yubu Chobap and the social fun of Samgyeopsal, these dishes showcase the heart of Korean culinary traditions.
Whether you’re trying these dishes for the first time or sharing them with friends, Korean food brings people together through its vibrant flavors and cultural significance.
If you want to play drinking games with delicious Korean food, check out my previous post.
