K-food has remained popular in the global market as it continues to expand its popularity. Even a simple Korean dish like kimchi or the more familiar bulgogi has become apparent that people can never get enough of the bright and attractive colors of Korean food. In our case, as we enter the year 2024, several Korean dishes and ingredients have emerged as the most popular culinary trends.
Bibimbap
This famous Korean-style rice bowl has been featured in many restaurants in many parts of the world. Bibimbap includes white rice, namul (sautéed vegetables), gochujang (Korean chili paste), fried eggs, and beef. It is mixed with teeth before consumption so that each piece has an opportunity to absorb the sweet and spicy sauce. By 2024, the exotic addition of wagyu beef, edamame, and even fried oysters to the bibimbap will have reached its peak in the gourmet food chain. Bibimbap has also led to bibim noodle bowls, where noodles are used instead of rice.
Korean Fried Chicken
Korean fried chicken, it is popularly known, is a dish that continues to gain immense popularity. These chickens are double-fried and extra crispy, and the glazes and spices vary in flavor. Among the most frequently ordered options are soy garlic, spicy curry, and buldak, which, as the name suggests, is fire chicken. There will also be hybrids, for example, Korean fried chicken parmesan with influence from the Italian cuisine. It has also gradually been adopted where it is being served in specialized KFC restaurants and pizza, burger, and other fast causal restaurants.
Tteokbokki
These chewy rice cakes are immersed in the gochujang sauce, which is sweet and spicy and can be served as street food, appetizers, and even the main meals. In 2024, expect more inventive preparations of tteokbokki with such components as dumplings, ramen noodles, fish cakes, eggs, and vegetables. There are also increasing trends in plant-based products such as meat and dairy sub-products. This is why tteokbokki is complete for anyone who loves Korean foods, as it has every aspect one might desire in a dish.
Banchan
Banchan are side dishes that have been a part of Korean cuisine and are served with rice and soup. These tasty morsels, such as kimchi, bean sprouts, fish cakes, and flavored spinach, are staple items in Korean food. Each meal that Banchan provides contains a variety of textures and different flavors. As Korean food is becoming more popular, more types of banchan can be found. Many restaurants already offer exotic banchan in 2024, including lotus root salad and stuffed squid. They also prepare banchan at home to complement their meals instead of buying from restaurants.
Soondubu Jjigae
This spicy, soft tofu stew is quickly gaining popularity all over the world because of the nutritious ingredients and the taste of the food. Sometimes called Korean ‘soul food,’ soondubu jjigae usually features soft silken tofu, meat or seafood, kelp, onions, mushrooms, and gochugaru chili flakes in a stew. In 2024, expect more restaurants to discover ways to present soondubu jjigae’s vegetarian option with mushroom soup and tofu. The simplicity of the stew also makes it a go-to meal kit and an instant pot meal.
Korean Barbecue
What cookout enthusiast does not enjoy standing around a hot grill turning over marinated short ribs, pork belly, and chicken? The Korean barbecued meat, referred to as gogi gui, is not only an exceptional way to dine but also involves the preparation of the food by the diner. By 2024, high end Korean barbecue restaurants become the trends in the first tier cities among both the locals and the foreigners. Customers can also look forward to more Korean barbecue meal boxes for self-cooking at home through grilling. New techniques include barbecue burgers, pizza, and tacos, a fusion of Korean and Western cuisine.
Doenjang Jjigae
This Korean stew is loaded with tender meat and has a rich, nutty soup base from doenjang, fermented soybean paste. It is usually packed with such things as tofu, vegetables, mushrooms and meat or fish. Beloved for its taste and health benefits, doenjang jjigae is slowly taking centre stage as the world embraces more Korean dishes. Despite the increase in fusion stews incorporating doenjang and other ethnic tastes by 2024, Doenjang is also being incorporated more as a seasoning for risotto, pasta sauces, salad dressings, and dips.
Makgeolli
This is a Korean rice wine that has a slight effervescence that accompanies it and tastes a bit sweet with a hint of sourness that comes from the yeast that is used in the fermentation process. Since makgeolli is an unfiltered beer, its color is cloudy white. With the increasing popularity of Korean cuisine and culture worldwide, makgeolli will follow suit. In this case, makgeolli cocktails are being served in Korean and non-Korean restaurants. Fruit makgeolli sweetened with natural fruits such as mango, strawberry, and pomegranate are usually considered fruity makgeolli. We will also find RTD makgeolli products in small and attractive packaging in grocery stores by 2024.
With the ever-growing popularity of Korean cuisine in the international market, these dishes and ingredients will be on the rise in 2024. However, it has maintained its originality of the Korean flavors. At the same time, it is fusing with other cuisines of the world or being introduced in a new Korean style, the Korean spirit of adaptation. More new restaurants, products, and home cooks will keep Korean food trending over the years.
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