korean food
 
If you’re a fan of bold, spicy, and flavorful food, Korean street food is right up your alley. From the bustling streets of Seoul to your home kitchen, we’ve rounded up three must-try recipes that capture the essence of Korea’s famous street food scene. With the right ingredients and a bit of love, you can recreate these iconic dishes easily at home. Ready to get cooking? Let’s dive into these delicious Korean recipes!

1. Tteokbokki (Spicy Rice Cakes)

korean rice cake

Tteokbokki is one of Korea’s most popular street foods—spicy, chewy rice cakes simmered in a rich and flavorful sauce. This dish is a true comfort food, perfect for chilly days or whenever you need a little spice in your life.
 
Servings: 2-3
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
 
Ingredients:
Instructions:
  1. Prepare the Rice Cakes: If using frozen or hardened rice cakes, soak them in warm water for 10-15 minutes until softened.
  2. Create the Sauce: In a large pot, combine water (or dashi), gochujang, gochugaru, soy sauce, sugar, and minced garlic. Stir well to dissolve the chili paste and bring to a boil.
  3. Cook the Rice Cakes: Add the softened rice cakes and fish cakes to the pot. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  4. Add Extras: If you like, add a hard-boiled egg to the mix. Garnish with chopped spring onions.
  5. Serve: Once the sauce thickens and clings to the rice cakes, serve hot for a spicy, savory treat.

 

2. Kimbap (Korean Rice Rolls)

korean rice rolls

Kimbap is Korea’s answer to sushi—delicious rice rolls filled with a variety of tasty ingredients, wrapped in nori seaweed, and perfect for a light meal or a picnic snack. These rolls are as fun to make as they are to eat!
 
Servings: 4
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
 
Ingredients:
Instructions:
  1. Prepare the Rice: Mix the cooked rice with sesame oil and a pinch of salt for flavor.
  2. Assemble the Ingredients: Place a sheet of nori on a bamboo mat. Spread a thin, even layer of rice over the nori, leaving a 2 cm margin at the top.
  3. Add the Fillings: Place carrot, cucumber, pickled radish, spinach, and crab sticks (or beef) in the center of the rice.
  4. Roll the Kimbap: Using the bamboo mat, carefully roll the kimbap tightly from the bottom, pressing firmly as you go.
  5. Cut and Serve: Slice the roll into bite-sized pieces. Serve with soy sauce for dipping.

 

3. Dakgangjeong (Sweet Crispy Chicken)

crispy chicken korean

Dakgangjeong is a favorite Korean street food—a sweet, crispy fried chicken dish with a sticky, flavorful sauce. It’s crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside, and irresistibly delicious. Perfect as a snack or a main course!
 
Servings: 4
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
 
Ingredients:
  • 500g Boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 100g Korean fried chicken flour mix (or cornstarch)
  • 30g Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
  • 30ml Soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp Honey or corn syrup
  • 1 tbsp Rice vinegar
  • 3 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp Sesame seeds
  • Oil for frying
Instructions:
  1. Coat the Chicken: Toss the chicken pieces in the Korean fried chicken flour mix until they are well coated.
  2. Fry the Chicken: Deep-fry the chicken in hot oil until golden brown and crispy. Drain on a paper towel.
  3. Make the Sauce: In a pan, combine gochujang, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and minced garlic. Cook until the sauce thickens slightly.
  4. Toss in the Sauce: Add the fried chicken to the pan and toss until every piece is evenly coated.
  5. Serve: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve hot. Perfect with a cold drink!

 

Tips for Making Korean Street Food at Home

Cooking Korean food at home is easier than you think! Here are some tips to help you master these street food favorites:
  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables, garlic, and herbs make a huge difference in taste. Choose quality ingredients for the best results.
  • Don’t Skip the Gochujang: This Korean chili paste is key to getting the authentic spicy flavor in many dishes. It’s worth finding!
  • Prep Ahead: Many Korean dishes involve some prep work—chopping, marinating, or soaking. Get everything ready before you start cooking for a smoother experience.
  • Adjust Spice Levels: Not everyone can handle the heat. Feel free to adjust the amount of gochugaru or gochujang to suit your taste buds.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Where can I find authentic Korean ingredients?
A: Check out your local Asian grocery store or visit Asia Market’s online store for a wide selection of authentic Korean ingredients, including gochujang, rice cakes, and more.
 
Q: Can I make these recipes vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! Swap the meat for tofu or mushrooms in Tteokbokki and Kimbap. Use vegetarian-friendly sauces to keep the flavors traditional without the meat.
 
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For dishes like Tteokbokki, you may need to add a splash of water when reheating to get the sauce back to its original consistency.
 

Wrapping Up

There you have it—three delicious Korean street food recipes that you can easily make at home! Whether you're craving the spicy chewiness of Tteokbokki, the fresh flavors of Kimbap, or the sweet crunch of Dakgangjeong, these dishes are sure to hit the spot. Ready to bring the bustling streets of Seoul to your kitchen? Happy cooking!
Don’t forget to share your Korean culinary creations with us on social media using #AsiaMarketRecipes—we’d love to see what you whip up!