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100 Food Challenge In series
100 foods to try: Are you up to the challenge?
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100 Food Challenge In series
100 foods to try: Are you up to the challenge?
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100 Food Challenge: A guide to conquering Korean cuisine
Korean food is taking the world by storm, but where do you begin? This guide will help you explore the delicious depths of Korean cuisine, one dish at a time, from beginner-friendly staples to dishes
1. Yukjeon (pan-fried battered beef)
Yukjeon is a classic Korean dish that elevates thin slices of lean, tender beef by coating them in a light batter of flour and egg before pan-frying to golden perfection. The light, crispy exterior created by the batter enhances the beef’s natural flavor, offering a savory experience that’s distinct from typical grilled beef. For ceremonial offerings or ancestral rites, thicker cuts of beef are often used, giving the dish a more substantial texture. For everyday meals, thinner slices are preferr
Dec. 20, 2024 - 20:01:53
2. Samgyeopsal (grilled pork belly)
Samgyeopsal, which literally translates to “three-layered meat,” is one of the most beloved Korean barbecue dishes, known for its affordability and perfect pairing with kimchi or soju. However, with its rising prices — averaging over 20,000 won ($14.60) for a 200 g serving at restaurants — it has been shedding that affordable reputation. Still, this dish remains a cherished favorite, celebrated for its crispier pork texture and savory flavor resulting from the perfect balance of fat and meat. Th
Dec. 20, 2024 - 20:01:41
3. Tteokbokki (spicy stir-fried rice cakes)
A beloved dish among schoolchildren and the young at heart, tteokbokki is a street food in Korea. This delightful dish features chewy, cylindrical rice cakes drenched in a spicy gochujang-based sauce. Often including fish cakes and vegetables like scallions, tteokbokki offers a burst of spicy, chewy flavor in every bite. It is commonly served alongside a variety of fritters and sundae, a Korean steamed sausage stuffed with glass noodles, which are perfect for dipping into the bold sauce. While t
Dec. 20, 2024 - 20:01:28
4. Japchae (potato starch noodles stir-fried with vegetables)
If you’re a fan of glass noodles, japchae is a must-try. This dish showcases chewy glass noodles mingled with tender strips of beef and a vibrant medley of vegetables, including carrots, spinach, onions and mushrooms. Often a staple at birthday celebrations and traditional holidays like Seollal and Chuseok, japchae holds a special place in the hearts of many. While many might mistakenly consider japchae a main dish, it is traditionally served as a banchan, or side dish, in Korea, meant to be enj
Dec. 20, 2024 - 19:29:39
5. Patbingsu (shaved iced with red beans)
Searching for a summer dessert? Korea‘s traditional go-to is patbingsu, a shaved ice treat perfect for cooling you down. The finely shaved ice serves as the foundation, and it traditionally comes topped with sweetened red beans. You can customize this dessert with an array of other toppings, including chewy rice cakes, colorful jellies, and fresh fruit. A drizzle of condensed milk adds an extra layer of sweetness, and in recent years, many places have begun crafting the shaved ice from milk for
Dec. 20, 2024 - 19:29:28
6. Miyeokguk (seaweed soup)
A Korean birthday isn’t complete without miyeokguk — a comforting seaweed soup. Traditionally prepared with a mild beef or seafood broth, this nourishing soup features miyeok (seaweed) and becomes richer when simmered for an extended period. It is also thought to aid in postpartum recovery and promote breast milk production, making it a common choice for new mothers. Despite its celebratory associations, some Koreans avoid consuming miyeokguk on exam days, as its slippery texture is thought to b
Dec. 20, 2024 - 19:29:06
7. Gamjatang (pork backbone stew)
If you find yourself craving a warm, soothing soup after a night out in Korea, gamjatang might be just what you need. Many gamjatang restaurants stay open late or operate around the clock to cater to late-night diners. A common misconception is that the main ingredient in gamjatang is potato; however, the name actually refers to the pork backbone, which is the star of the dish. Potatoes do make a significant appearance in this dish, though. This hearty soup is packed with flavor and often includ
Dec. 20, 2024 - 19:28:55
8. Myeolchi bokkeum (stir-fried dried anchovies)
Don’t let the appearance of myeolchi bokkeum, a dish made from anchovies — heads included — deter you. This side dish is characterized by a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors and offers a satisfying crunch that’s hard to resist. Often enhanced with nuts and dried fruits, it serves as a nutritious banchan, or side dish, rich in calcium that is commonly prepared by Korean mothers for their children. Adults also enjoy it paired with a drink, making it an ideal choice for light snack
Dec. 20, 2024 - 19:28:34
9. Seonjitguk (cow blood soup)
At first glance, seonjitguk — literally “cow blood soup” — might raise eyebrows. However, if you can look past the name and the initial sight of blood curds, you’ll find a surprisingly comforting dish. The key ingredient, seonji, consists of tender cubes of cooked and solidified blood, which add a unique depth to the flavor. The broth is gently simmered with ox bones, enhancing its richness, and is complemented by shredded napa cabbage. Often hailed as a Korean hangover remedy, this nourishing s
Dec. 20, 2024 - 19:28:12
10. Chueotang (loach soup)
At first glance, chueotang might not seem remarkable, especially when made with blended loach. However, this dish is highly regarded for boosting energy thanks to the fish’s vigorous swimming. Some people prefer the soup with whole loach for the texture, while others enjoy a smoother version with blended fish. For beginners, it‘s usually a good idea to start with the latter. The addition of perilla powder creates a thick, nutty base, complemented by the savory depth of soybean paste. Chopped chi
Dec. 20, 2024 - 19:28:01
11. Kimchi bibimguksu
If you’re tired of eating kimchi as a side dish, kimchi bibimguksu offers a refreshing twist. This easy-to-make noodle dish features ingredients commonly found in most Korean kitchens, such as kimchi -- preferably the sour, overfermented variety -- alongside gochujang, vinegar and sugar. Typically made with thin wheat noodles called “somyeon,” you can elevate the dish by topping it with a boiled egg, sesame seeds and cucumber for added texture. Its sour and spicy flavor is known to stimulate the
Dec. 20, 2024 - 19:27:39
12. Sundubu jjigae (soft tofu stew)
Sundubu jjigae transforms soft tofu, which might seem bland on its own, into a rich and spicy stew. This comforting dish often features a variety of seafood, including shrimp, clams and squid, which add layers of flavor. Typically cooked and served in a clay pot, sundubu jjigae arrives at the table bubbling vigorously and steaming hot. In some restaurants, diners are invited to crack a raw egg into the boiling stew themselves at the table. The egg will cook if left long enough in the piping-hot
Dec. 20, 2024 - 19:27:17
13. Jajangmyeon (noodles in black bean sauce)
Jajangmyeon is the quintessential dish of Korean-Chinese cuisine, a unique fusion that has evolved into its own distinct genre in South Korea. This comforting bowl of noodles is topped with a thick, savory sauce made from black bean paste, pork and vegetables — a favorite among Koreans of all ages, enjoyed on various occasions. For older generations, jajangmyeon carries a deep nostalgia, once a rare treat reserved for special moments such as graduations, exam days and birthdays. Even today, it r
Dec. 20, 2024 - 19:26:56
14. Chimaek (fried chicken and beer)
Chimaek isn‘t just a single dish; it refers to an entire meal experience. After a long day, Koreans love to unwind with fried chicken and beer — an affordable yet deeply satisfying combination — whether at home, a fried chicken restaurant, a beer place or even an outdoor park. These days, word has spread globally about Koreans’ secret method of double-frying to achieve an extra-crispy texture. But in Korea, it’s about more than just crispiness — there’s a vast array of fried chicken seasonings,
Dec. 20, 2024 - 19:26:34
15. Ramyeon (instant noodles)
Ramyeon is more than just a dish in South Korea; it’s a genre all on its own. The country boasts an impressive array of approximately 550 different instant noodle products, reflecting both the nation’s deep love for instant noodles and the market’s diversity. Now, imagine the endless variety of flavors — from classic spicy to more inventive combinations, each one offering a unique twist on the beloved comfort food. Known for their bold flavors, Korean ramyeon products often combine a mix of spic
Dec. 20, 2024 - 19:26:12
