Introduction to Korean Cuisine
Popular dishes such as bibimbap, bulgogi, and kimchi are some of the famous dishes in Korea. Nevertheless, there are several under-rated and relatively lesser discovered Korean cuisine which are scrumptious enough to be tasted. Here are 10 of the least popular dishes in South Korea that you should try.
1. Tteokguk (rice cake soup) Sundubu Jjigae (Soft Tofu Stew)
Sundubu jjigae is a hot and spicy Korean stew dish with tofu added in soft, uncurdled form. This stew is made with creamy sauce and gets its hotness from gochujang, which is a Korean chili paste. This kind of spread is typically prepared with clams and shrimp. The tender and chewy soft tofu perfectly absorbs all the flavors in this rich and warm stew.
2. Galbi jjim (Braised Short Ribs)
Galbi-jjim is beef short ribs that are slow-cooked in Bulgogi sauce that is both sweet and savory. The meat cooks up so tender that it will fall off the bone after slow-cooking in the sauce for a couple of hours. It is almost a dream as if it melts in your mouth!
3. Haemul Pajeon (Seafood Pancake
A delicious recipe that is pajeon or pancake filled with various seafood, including shrimp and clams. Haemul pajeon is a famous seafood pancake made using wheat flour. It is generally packed with such ingredients as squid, raw or cooked shrimp, scallops, and scallions. The served results in the batter being crisp on the outside yet the consistency of the seafood fillings remains as tender as it is. It accompanies the soy sauce or spicy dipping sauce.
4. Spicy Pork: The Genesis of Korean Cuisine
Jeyuk bokkeum is spicy pork where gochujang is used to make the pork while other vegetables such as onions , carrots, shiitake mushrooms , and spinach are also added. It caramelizes the juicy pork from high heat and adds sweet and crunchy from the vegetables. This tastes best with a portion of hot white rice.
5. Miyeokguk (Seaweed Soup)
Miyeokguk is a nutritious soup made with Korean seaweed consumed during birthdays. It is composed of dried seaweed that is softened in the broth of boiled anchovies. This recipe can include other ingredients such as beef, clams, and vegetables. This soup is rich in salt and has very many health benefits and the taste given by the seaweed is fantastic.
6. Kongguksu (Cold Noodle Soup with Soy Milk)
Kongguksu is a chilled noodle soup that is served coolly. It has thin wheat flour noodles and soy milk broth. Slight seasoning is done by using sesame seeds, cucumber, and chili sauce that are served alongside this food. It is easy to prepare and a great meal on hot summer days.
7. Sujebi (Dough Flake Soup)
Sujebi is a tteokguk-like wheat paste noodle soup cooked in anchovy broth. The flaky dough like texture of the soup further adds to the attractive trait of this dish. It mainly contains ingredients like mushrooms, zucchini, or shellfish.
8. Janchi Guksu
Janchi Guksu is a traditional Korean noodle dish that features thin wheat noodles served in a clear and savory broth, often accompanied by various toppings such as vegetables, egg, and meat. The dish is usually enjoyed at celebrations and special occasions, and its deliciousness makes it a hidden gem for those looking to explore the diverse and delicious world of Korean cuisine.
9. Jeonbokjuk (Abalone Rice Porridge)
Jeonbokjuk is a creamy porridge prepared from rice with abalone, beef broth, and slices of dried abalone mushrooms. The way that abalones are ready makes it a luxurious dish in Korea since the abalones are scarce and are therefore expensive. This dish is an excellent example of the combination of flavors and the chewiness of expensive abalone.
10. HeukdwaejiBossam (Boiled Pork Belly Wrap) is a kind of Korean food
Heukdwaeji bossam is a kind of food that has a delicate boiled pork belly with salted kimchi wrapped in lettuce or perilla leaves. Fatty pork, spicy kimchi, and herbal leaf wrap together in your mouth is a total combination that will delight your taste buds. This is a popular Korean food which, according to the ethnic tradition, is consumed on certain holidays.
Conclusion
In addition to the few Korean dishes that have reached a broad and international audience, there is a vast pool of little-known Korean dishes that remain relatively undiscovered. Korean food does not have to be strange or intimidating: attempting some of these top 10 dishes might introduce you to new flavors, textures, and meals. Go forth and try some different types of Korean food now! There is a lot of diversity, and there are products that match every taste.
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