12 Savoury Korean-Inspired Recipes to Spice Up Your Plate

Last updated on March 25, 2021 by Sharon Miki Chan

If you love to fill your meals with bright colours, layers of flavour and a lot of spice, you're likely a fan of Korean cuisine. From new twists to Korean classics like bibimbap to mouth-watering marinades and refreshing salads, you've got to try these delicious Korean-inspired recipes.

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Short Ribs (Galbi)

A <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/fire-masters/photos/flavour-packed-bbq-sauces-condiments-marinades/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">great marinade</a> is the secret to packing a lot of flavour into your meal with minimal effort. With garlic, soy and sesame notes from an overnight marinade — and the delectable taste of a hot grill — these Korean-style short ribs are irresistible. Try them with rice, kimchi and lettuce wraps for a fun and interactive dinner. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/galbi-marinated-beef-short-ribs/14864/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Galbi (Marinated Beef Short Ribs)</a>
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Korean Gochujang Cauliflower Popcorn

There's a reason why this dish topped the list of <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/most-popular-recipes-from-2020/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">our most popular dinner recipes last year</a> — these succulent, lightly battered cauliflower bites get a fiery kick from gochujang, a fermented Korean hot pepper paste. Spicy, flavourful and full of veggies? This could be the perfect healthy side dish for people who crave some heat. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/comfort-food/blog/fiery-korean-gochujang-cauliflower-popcorn/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Korean Gochujang Cauliflower Popcorn</a>
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Daeji Bulgogi

"Daeji" means “pork” and "bulgogi" means “fire meat” in Korean — which gives you a hint at the hot and spicy flavour packed in these marinated and grilled steaks. The marinade is made from Korean red pepper paste known as gochujang to give the dish its irreplaceably succulent flavour. The sesame slaw on the side is must, both because it's delicious and to balance the heat. Love pork? Try one of <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/most-popular-pork-recipes/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">our most popular pork recipes</a>. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/daeji-bulgogi/18060/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Daeji Bulgogi</a>
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Skillet Bibimbap Pizza

Bibimbap — a classic Korean dish of rice with vegetables and meat — gets a playful twist with this simple-to-prepare dinner. Made to serve a la pizza, this recipe pairs crispy rice with gochujang sauce, ground beef, kimchi and veggies for a flavour-packed meal. This recipe is just one delicious way to eat kimchi — <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/global-eats/photos/12-delicious-ways-to-eat-kimchi/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">here are some more</a>. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/skillet-bibimbap-pizza/23270/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Skillet Bibimbap Pizza</a>
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Gochujang Glazed Korean Chicken Skewers With Quick Cucumber Salad

Sticky, sweet and full of spice, Gochujang chicken skewers are a popular South Korean <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/global-eats/photos/best-ways-to-devour-street-food/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">street food</a>. Paired with a quick cucumber salad, the spicy skewers become a satisfying meal. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/blog/30-minute-korean-chicken-skewers/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Gochujang Glazed Korean Chicken Skewers With Quick Cucumber Salad</a>
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Korean Sweet and Sour Seaweed Salad

Miyeok muchim (seaweed salad) is often served with other Korean side dishes all together for a big main meal, but its vinegary, crunchy and cold flavours of the sea can also be the <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/fire-masters/photos/bbq-side-dishes/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">perfect companion to BBQ fare</a> like chicken or beef. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/healthy-eating/blog/korean-seaweed-salad-bbq-side-dish/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Korean Sweet and Sour Seaweed Salad</a>
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Rabokki/Tteokbokki (Spicy Ramen and Rice Cake)

<a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/comfort-food/photos/easiest-ramen-noodle-recipes/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Ramen noodles</a> add a hearty, comforting element to tteokbokki, a spicy rice cake dish that's a popular street food and snack in Korea with this flavour-packed recipe. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/rabokkitteokbokki-spicy-ramen-and-rice-cake/23126/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Rabokki/Tteokbokki (Spicy Ramen and Rice Cake)</a>
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Fugu Kimbap

Filled with cucumber, carrot, pickled radish, thinly sliced beef and egg, these seaweed-wrapped kimbap rolls resemble <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/global-eats/photos/japanese-inspired-recipes/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Japanese</a> sushi, but they're made with sesame rice for a distinctively delicious flavour. The bite-sized rolls make the perfect snack or light meal. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/fugu-kimbap/14837/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Fugu Kimbap</a>
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Budae Jjigae (Korean Army Stew)

Originally invented when American soldiers brought Western ingredients to Korea during the war, this popular Korean spicy stew features a variety of pantry items like Spam, ramen noodles and pork and beans. It's a delicious way to <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/canned-foods-gourmet-recipes/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">turn canned foods into a gourmet dish</a>! Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/budae-jjigae-korean-army-stew/23123/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Budae Jjigae (Korean Army Stew)</a>
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Game Day Korean-Style Chicken Wings

Looking for the perfect <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/entertaining/photos/most-amazing/chicken-wing-recipes/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">finger-licking-yummy chicken wings</a> for game day (or any day)? These fried wings get a pop of heat from Korean-inspired flavours. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/game-day-korean-style-chicken-wings/19619/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Game Day Korean-Style Chicken Wings</a>
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Kimchi and Bacon Ramen

Kimchi, a type of spicy <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/top-chef-canada/photos/fermented-food-recipes/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">fermented</a> cabbage, is a staple of Korean cuisine. In this hearty ramen soup recipe, kimchi brings rich flavour to chicken-and-bacon broth, ginger and scallion. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/kimchi-and-bacon-ramen/23125/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Kimchi and Bacon Ramen</a>
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Ajumama Twe Pajeon

A fluffy batter makes a delicious base for these Korean scallion pancakes, which are full of flavour with marinated pork and a sesame-soy dipping sauce. For more savoury pancake options, try one of these <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/savoury-pancake-recipes/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">recipes worth flipping over</a>. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/ajumama-twe-pajeon-green-onion-pancake/14871/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ajumama Twe Pajeon</a>
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