Korean cuisine has been gaining immense popularity around the world, and it’s easy to see why. With its vibrant flavors, umami-rich sauces, and emphasis on fresh ingredients, Korean dishes bring a unique and unforgettable experience to the dinner table.
Whether you’re a seasoned food enthusiast or a beginner eager to explore the world of Korean cooking, the dishes in this post will offer you a delicious dive into the flavors of Korea.
The allure of Korean dinner recipes lies in their balance of textures and flavors. From spicy and savory to refreshing and tangy, each dish offers a perfect harmony that can turn any meal into a celebration.
What’s more, Korean food embraces variety, from sizzling bibimbap to comforting kimchi stew. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or hosting a dinner party, Korean recipes can elevate your culinary repertoire and leave everyone asking for seconds.
This guide will not only introduce you to the top 10 Korean dinner recipes but also provide you with step-by-step instructions to make these dishes in the comfort of your own kitchen.
With options like crispy Korean fried chicken, nutritious kimchi jjigae, and tasty dakgalbi, you’ll have a wide array of flavors to choose from. So let’s dive into these mouthwatering dishes that will make your dinner time a true Korean feast!
Contents
- 1 Top 10 Best Korean Recipes for Dinner
- 1.1 1. Korean Fried Chicken (Yangnyeom Chicken)
- 1.2 2. Bibimbap (Korean Rice Bowl)
- 1.3 3. Kimchi Jjigae (Kimchi Stew)
- 1.4 4. Japchae (Korean Glass Noodles)
- 1.5 5. Dakgalbi (Spicy Stir-Fried Chicken)
- 1.6 6. Tteokbokki (Spicy Rice Cakes)
- 1.7 7. Banchan (Korean Side Dishes)
- 1.8 8. Samgyeopsal (Grilled Pork Belly)
- 1.9 9. Kimchi Bokkeumbap (Kimchi Fried Rice)
- 1.10 10. Jjimdak (Braised Chicken)
- 2 Conclusion
- 3 FAQs
- 4 What is a common Korean side dish?
- 5 Is Korean food spicy?
- 6 Can I make Korean food without special ingredients?
- 7 What is the most popular Korean dish?
- 8 What is a traditional Korean dinner like?
- 9 Can I make Korean food ahead of time?
Top 10 Best Korean Recipes for Dinner
1. Korean Fried Chicken (Yangnyeom Chicken)
Korean fried chicken is famous for its crispy coating and sweet-spicy glaze, making it a perfect option for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs chicken wings
- 1 cup potato starch
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
Steps:
- Coat chicken wings with potato starch and fry in hot oil until golden and crispy.
- In a separate pan, combine soy sauce, honey, gochujang, and sesame oil, simmering until the sauce thickens.
- Toss the fried chicken in the sauce and serve with sesame seeds and green onions.
2. Bibimbap (Korean Rice Bowl)
Bibimbap is a classic Korean dish that combines rice, vegetables, egg, and a rich gochujang sauce.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1/2 cup spinach
- 1/2 cup mushrooms
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp gochujang
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
Steps:
- Sauté spinach and mushrooms separately.
- Fry the egg sunny side up.
- Assemble rice, vegetables, and egg in a bowl, drizzle with gochujang and sesame oil, and serve.

3. Kimchi Jjigae (Kimchi Stew)
This spicy, comforting stew is made with kimchi and tofu, perfect for a cold evening.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups kimchi
- 1/2 block tofu, cut into cubes
- 1/2 onion, sliced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tbsp gochugaru (chili flakes)
Steps:
- Sauté kimchi and onions in a pot.
- Add chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Add tofu and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring in gochugaru for heat.
- Serve hot with steamed rice.
4. Japchae (Korean Glass Noodles)
Japchae is a savory dish made with stir-fried glass noodles, vegetables, and sesame oil.
Ingredients:
- 200g glass noodles
- 1/2 cup carrots, julienned
- 1/2 cup spinach
- 1/2 onion, sliced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
Steps:
- Cook glass noodles and drain.
- Stir-fry vegetables until tender.
- Combine noodles, veggies, and soy sauce, and toss together.
- Drizzle with sesame oil and serve.
5. Dakgalbi (Spicy Stir-Fried Chicken)
This spicy chicken stir-fry features tender chicken cooked in a spicy sauce with vegetables and rice cakes.
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced
- 1/2 cup gochujang
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 cup rice cakes
- 1 onion, sliced
Steps:
- Marinate chicken in gochujang and soy sauce.
- Stir-fry chicken, onions, and rice cakes in a pan.
- Cook until chicken is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened.
- Serve with steamed rice.
6. Tteokbokki (Spicy Rice Cakes)
Tteokbokki is a beloved street food in Korea, made with chewy rice cakes and a spicy-sweet sauce.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups rice cakes
- 2 tbsp gochujang
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 2 cups water
Steps:
- Boil rice cakes in water until soft.
- In a separate pan, combine gochujang and sugar with water.
- Simmer the sauce and add rice cakes, cooking until the sauce thickens.
7. Banchan (Korean Side Dishes)
Banchan are small, flavorful side dishes that complement the main course.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup kimchi
- 1/2 cup pickled radish
- 1/2 cup spinach, sautéed
- 1/2 cup seasoned beansprouts
Steps:
- Prepare each banchan by seasoning vegetables or pickling them.
- Serve alongside the main dish for a complete Korean meal.
8. Samgyeopsal (Grilled Pork Belly)
Samgyeopsal is grilled pork belly, usually served with lettuce leaves and a variety of dipping sauces.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs pork belly slices
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 garlic cloves, sliced
- Lettuce leaves, for wrapping
Steps:
- Grill pork belly slices on high heat until crispy and tender.
- Serve with garlic, dipping sauces, and lettuce for wrapping.
9. Kimchi Bokkeumbap (Kimchi Fried Rice)
Kimchi fried rice is a perfect way to use leftover rice and kimchi, served with a fried egg on top.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 cup kimchi, chopped
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
Steps:
- Stir-fry kimchi in sesame oil until fragrant.
- Add rice and stir-fry until heated through.
- Top with a fried egg and serve.
10. Jjimdak (Braised Chicken)
Jjimdak is a hearty, braised chicken dish cooked with vegetables and soy-based sauce.
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken thighs, chopped
- 1 potato, cubed
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
Steps:
- Brown chicken thighs in a pot.
- Add vegetables and soy sauce, simmering for 30 minutes.
- Serve hot, garnished with green onions.

Conclusion
Korean cuisine offers a wide variety of dishes that are both flavorful and satisfying. From the crispy crunch of Korean fried chicken to the comforting warmth of kimchi stew, these 10 recipes offer a glimpse into the rich flavors and textures that define Korean dinners.
With these recipes, you can bring authentic Korean meals into your own home, impressing friends and family with your cooking skills. Whether you’re craving spicy, savory, or sweet, there’s a dish in this list for every taste. So, roll up your sleeves and start cooking your favorite Korean meal tonight!
FAQs
What is a common Korean side dish?
Kimchi is the most popular and iconic side dish in Korea, offering a tangy, spicy flavor.
Is Korean food spicy?
Many Korean dishes, like bibimbap and dakgalbi, use spicy ingredients such as gochujang and gochugaru, but the level of spiciness can be adjusted.
Can I make Korean food without special ingredients?
Some dishes may require gochujang or sesame oil, but you can often find substitutes for certain ingredients if they aren’t readily available.
What is the most popular Korean dish?
Bibimbap and kimchi jjigae are some of the most popular and widely consumed Korean dishes.
What is a traditional Korean dinner like?
A traditional Korean dinner often consists of rice, a main dish, several banchan (side dishes), and kimchi.
Can I make Korean food ahead of time?
Many dishes, like kimchi jjigae and bibimbap, can be prepared ahead of time and even taste better the next day!