Dive into Korean Cuisine

Updated August 12, 2008
Randy Mayor; Styling: Jan Gautro

Enjoy an international meal tonight by serving a Korean-style dinner. Give everyone a bowl of soup and a serving of rice, then serve the main dishes family-style for an inspired dinner.

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Bulgogi (Korean Beef Barbecue)

Credit: Photography: Randy Mayor; Styling: Melanie J. Clarke

Bulgogi (Korean Beef Barbecue) Recipe

Bulgogi, beef barbecue, is one of the most popular Korean dishes. It's usually made by soaking thin slices of beef in a sweet-salty marinade, then grilling. Let the sirloin steak marinate for about an hour so that it can absorb the dark sauce made from brown sugar, soy sauce, sweet rice wine, ginger, and garlic.

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Watermelon-Ginger Punch

Credit: Randy Mayor; Styling: Cindy Barr

Watermelon-Ginger Punch Recipe

Serve a beverage inspired by a traditionally Korean drink. Mix blended watermelon with lime juice, sugar, and peeled fresh ginger. Stir in sparking water just before serving to add a light fizz to the fruity drink.

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Korean Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Credit: Justin Walker; Styling: Carla Gonzalez-Hart

Korean Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe

Think of gochujang as Korean steak sauce, adding savory depth to the chicken. You can find it at many supermarkets, or substitute equal parts Sriracha and white/yellow miso (soybean paste).

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Seoul-ful Chicken with Minted Cucumbers

Credit: Howard L. Puckett; Styling: Lydia Degaris-Pursell

Seoul-ful Chicken with Minted Cucumbers Recipe

If you're eager to try kimchi, but don't have time to let the spicy condiment ferment for a week or so, try an adapted version of the sauce. Marinate chicken thighs for 30 minutes in a flavorful mixture of dark sesame oil, fresh ginger, honey, and cloves. Serve with a light, seasonal side, like sliced cucumber.

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Korean Beef Rice Bowl

Credit: James Carrier

Korean Beef Rice Bowl Recipe

Traditional Korean dishes are served with rice, so prepare a dish with a rich sauce that will soak into the grains. This beef bowl calls for a marinade of soy sauce, sugar, garlic, ginger, and Asian sesame oil. A similar sauce is made to drizzle over the flank steak after plating.

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Shang Kimchi (Summer, or Raw, Kimchi)

Credit: Karry Hosford

Shang Kimchi (Summer, or Raw, Kimchi) Recipe

If you want vibrant Korean flavor, but don't have time for fermentation, make a short-cut recipe that packs all the flavor into a quick four-hour marinating time. You can also buy kimchi sauce at Asian markets. Simply pour over the salted cabbage and enjoy.

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Korean Barbecue Wet Rub

Credit: Lain Bagwell; Styling: Jan Gautro

Korean Barbecue Wet Rub Recipe

Add Asian-inspired flavor to salmon, steaks, pork, dark-meat chicken, or any game bird with a simple, yet traditional five-ingredient rub. The rub works well on any meat or fish that are meaty enough to stand up to the week-long marinating time.

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Korean-Spiced Beef and Cabbage Rolls

Credit: Howard L. Puckett; Lydia Degaris-Pursell; Martha Condra

Korean-Spiced Beef and Cabbage Rolls Recipe

Introduce your dinner club to international cuisine with these flaky rolls stuffed with traditional Korean ingredients including cabbage, ginger, and dark sesame oil. Our users raved about being able to serve an authentic dish with easy-to-find ingredients.

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Kimchi-Style Cabbage

Credit: Randy Mayor; Styling: Jan Gautro

Kimchi-Style Cabbage Recipe

Make a cabbage side dish flavored with the Korean condiment kimchi. Kimchi is often fermented and aged, sometimes for months. This recipe, served over lettuce, ferments in the fridge for a week before serving. Pair the spicy side with a mild pork or lamb dish.

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