15 Easy & Delicious Korean Recipes!

Have you ever tried Korean food? I love experimenting with recipes from different cuisines, and over the past few years I’ve really thrown myself into learning how to prepare Korean dishes.

They’re typically fast, fresh, bold, and vibrant, and it’s easier than you might think to create restaurant quality dishes at home! With the right pantry staples (hello, gochujang), you can bring those sweet, savory, spicy, and umami-packed flavors straight into your own kitchen.

This collection pulls together some of the very best Korean-inspired recipes — from quick weeknight dinners to cozy sides, meal-prep-friendly bowls, and even a fun drink.

Why you’ll love this collection:

A wide variety of dinner ideas like Korean BBQ short ribs and fiery buldak chicken.
Sides and snacks that bring bold flavor to your table (crispy gochujang Brussels sprouts, anyone?).
Easy lunches and meal prep options like bibimbap bowls and Korean lunchboxes.
Even TikTok-viral Korean banana milk, which is super easy to prep and tastes like pure nostalgic comfort!
Every recipe is approachable, totally doable at home, and guaranteed to pack in that sweet-spicy-savory balance Korean food does best.

1. Korean Veggie Bibimbap Bowls

If you’re new to Korean cuisine, I highly recommend starting with this one! It’s the dish that got me hooked, and made me super eager to try more dishes. Bibimbap hits every note. Savory, spicy, a little sweet, and totally satisfying. This classic Korean rice bowl is loaded with a mix of sautéed and fresh veggies, a perfectly runny fried egg, and a drizzle of gochujang sauce for that irresistible sweet heat. It’s fresh and cozy all at once, and it comes together quickly for a weeknight dinner that feels extra special.

2. Spicy Korean Chicken Wings

If sweet, spicy, and sticky is your love language, these crockpot Korean chicken wings are going to be your new obsession! They’re coated in a bold gochujang, garlic, honey, and soy sauce blend that cooks down into the most irresistible glaze. With just 5 minutes of prep, the slow cooker does all the work, leaving you with fall-off-the-bone wings that double as the perfect party appetizer or an easy weeknight dinner.

3. Baked Korean BBQ Short Ribs

These baked Korean BBQ short ribs are pure comfort — juicy, fall-off-the-bone tender, and packed with bold flavor. Flanken-style ribs are marinated overnight in a garlicky, gingery, sweet-and-savory sauce, seared to lock it all in, then baked until melt-in-your-mouth tender. It’s a low-effort, high-reward recipe that delivers those classic Korean BBQ vibes right at home.

4. Korean Bulgogi Beef

Bulgogi is a Korean BBQ classic, and it’s shockingly easy to make at home. Thinly sliced beef is marinated in a savory-sweet, umami-packed sauce, then seared in a hot pan until caramelized and juicy. The whole thing takes just a little prep and a super quick cook, making it perfect for busy nights. Pile it over rice with some fresh veggies for a fast and flavorful bowl-style dinner you’ll want on repeat.

5. Korean Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps

These Korean ground beef lettuce wraps are the kind of dinner that feels light and fresh but still totally satisfying. Juicy ground beef gets simmered with garlic, ginger, soy, and gochujang for a rich, savory filling, then tucked into crisp lettuce leaves with crunchy cucumbers, carrots, and a little tangy kimchi. They’re quick (ready in 30 minutes!), naturally low-carb, and endlessly customizable for whatever toppings you’re craving.

6. Korean Banana Milk

Okay, so this one is a little different to the others in this collection as it’s of course a drink and not a dinner idea, but it’s been going viral all over TikTok recently and I absolutely love it, so I wanted to include it here for you to try! Just blend ripe bananas with a few simple pantry staples and you’ve got a smooth, lightly sweet drink that’s part wholesome snack, part fun dessert. It’s perfect with breakfast, as an afternoon pick-me-up, or alongside your favorite Korean bites.

7. Korean Fire Buldak Chicken

If you love bold, fiery flavors with a cheesy twist, this one is a must-try. Tender chicken is coated in a smoky, spicy gochujang-based sauce, then finished with gooey melted mozzarella. It’s the ultimate Korean comfort food — spicy, savory, and ridiculously satisfying!

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

1 ½ lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp sugar (or honey)
3 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
1 tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp ginger, minced
2 tbsp sesame oil
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Sesame seeds, for garnish

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, gochujang, gochugaru, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Add the chicken pieces, tossing to coat well. Marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 1 hour if you want the flavors extra bold.
Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry for 8–10 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and starting to char at the edges.
Make it Cheesy: Turn the heat down to low, spread the chicken evenly in the skillet, and sprinkle mozzarella over the top. Cover the pan for a few minutes until the cheese melts into gooey perfection.
Serve: Top with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve sizzling hot with steamed rice to balance the heat.

8. Korean Beef Sloppy Joes

Sloppy Joes, but make them Korean-inspired! These sandwiches are sweet, savory, and just a little spicy thanks to soy sauce, sesame, and a touch of brown sugar. It’s an easy weeknight twist on the classic, and the flavor-packed beef mixture comes together in one skillet in less than 20 minutes.

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

14 oz ground beef
4 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp brown sugar
¼ cup ketchup
1 tbsp sesame oil
4 burger buns
1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Chopped green onions, for serving

Instructions:

Brown the beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked — about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
Flavor the mixture: Stir in the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and ketchup. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef.
Toast the buns: While the beef simmers, lightly toast the burger buns in a dry skillet or toaster for extra flavor and texture.
Assemble: Spoon the saucy beef mixture onto the bottom half of each bun. Top with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds (if using), then finish with the top bun. Serve hot and messy — the best way to eat a sloppy joe!

9. Korean Loaded Fries

Crispy, savory, and spicy — these Korean-inspired loaded fries are the ultimate snack food! Golden fries get piled high with tender beef, a drizzle of spicy mayo, and fresh green onions for a bold, satisfying bite. Perfect for sharing as an appetizer (or not sharing at all). They’re totally customizable, too, so don’t be scared to get creative with extra toppings if you like. A dollop of kimchi is always a good idea!

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

1 lb frozen or homemade French fries (500 g)
7 oz cooked beef (200 g)
1 tbsp soy sauce (15 ml)
2–3 tbsp barbecue sauce (30–45 ml)
2 tbsp mayonnaise (30 ml)
1 tbsp sriracha (15 ml)
2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

Cook the Fries: Bake or deep fry the fries according to package instructions until golden and crispy.
Prepare the Beef: Slice the cooked beef into thin strips. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sauté with soy sauce and barbecue sauce for 2–3 minutes, until warmed through and well coated.
Make the Spicy Mayo: In a small bowl, stir together mayonnaise and sriracha until smooth.
Assemble the Fries: Spread the hot fries out on a serving plate or in a shallow bowl. Top with the saucy beef, drizzle with spicy mayo, and finish with green onions.
Serve: Dig in immediately while everything is hot and crispy for the best texture and flavor.

10. Korean Corn Dogs

Crunchy on the outside, soft and cheesy on the inside — Korean corn dogs are street food magic. The hot dog and cheese filling gets dipped in a thick batter, rolled in panko breadcrumbs, and fried until golden and crispy. A sprinkle of sugar gives that classic sweet-savory contrast, and with ketchup, mustard, or mayo for dipping, they’re completely irresistible.

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

For the batter:

1 cup all-purpose flour
2 tbsp sugar
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
1 large egg
½ cup milk

For the coating:

½ cup (60 g) panko breadcrumbs

For the filling:

6 hot dogs
6 wooden skewers
6 pieces of cheese

For frying:

Vegetable oil (for deep frying)

Optional for serving:

Sugar (for sprinkling)
Ketchup, mustard, or mayonnaise

Instructions:

Prepare the skewers: Insert a wooden skewer into each hot dog and wrap with a piece of cheese.
Make the batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the egg and milk, stirring until a thick, smooth batter forms.
Prepare the coating: Pour the panko breadcrumbs into a shallow bowl.
Coat the hot dogs: Pour the batter into a tall glass for easier dipping. Dip each hot dog-and-cheese skewer into the batter, then roll in panko breadcrumbs until fully coated.
Fry: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F (180°C). Fry the corn dogs in batches for 3–5 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and crisp.
Serve: Drain on paper towels, then sprinkle lightly with sugar for that authentic Korean touch. Serve hot with ketchup, mustard, or mayo for dipping.

11. Korean Hotteok (Potato Cheese Pancakes)

Crispy on the outside, gooey in the middle, these Korean-inspired potato cheese pancakes are comfort food at its best! Made from mashed potato and rice flour, each golden pancake is stuffed with melty mozzarella for that irresistible cheese pull. They’re simple, fun to make, and best served hot straight from the skillet.

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

1 medium potato
2–3 tbsp rice flour, depending on moisture
1 tbsp granulated sugar
¼ tsp salt
Shredded mozzarella cheese (as needed for filling)
1–2 tbsp cooking oil

Instructions:

Prepare the Potato: Peel and cut the potato into chunks. Steam for 10–15 minutes until fork-tender.
Make the Dough: Mash the steamed potato in a mixing bowl until smooth. Stir in rice flour, sugar, and salt until a soft dough forms.
Shape the Pancakes: Scoop some dough and roll it into a ball, then flatten into a disc about ½ inch thick. Add shredded mozzarella to the center, fold the dough around the cheese to seal, then gently flatten into a pancake.
Cook the Hotteok: Heat oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat, then reduce to medium-low. Place the pancakes seam-side down and cook 5–6 minutes per side, until golden brown and crisp.
Serve: Drain briefly on paper towels, then enjoy hot for maximum cheesy goodness.

12. Korean BBQ Steak Rice Bowl

Juicy marinated steak, fluffy rice, and loads of colorful toppings! Thinly sliced steak gets marinated bulgogi-style with soy, garlic, ginger, sesame, and a touch of gochujang, then seared until caramelized and tender. Pile it over rice with fresh veggies, kimchi, and a drizzle of sauce, and you’ve got a restaurant-worthy meal in a bowl.

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

1 ½ lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
¼ cup soy sauce
2 tbsp brown sugar or honey
1 tbsp sesame oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
1 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
2 cups cooked rice (white, jasmine, or brown)
1 cup sautéed or raw veggies (carrots, zucchini, mushrooms, spinach, bean sprouts)
½ cup kimchi
½ cucumber, quick pickled or thinly sliced
1 avocado, sliced (optional)
2 green onions, chopped
Sesame seeds, for garnish
Optional: fried eggs for topping

Instructions:

Marinate the Steak: In a large bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and gochujang. Add the steak slices, toss to coat, and marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor).
Cook the Steak: Heat a large skillet or grill pan over high heat. Add the marinated steak in a single layer (in batches if needed) and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until caramelized and cooked through. Remove from heat.
Assemble the Bowls: Divide the rice between bowls. Top with steak, sautéed or raw veggies, kimchi, cucumber, and avocado (if using).
Finish & Serve: Sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds. Add a fried egg on top for extra richness if you like. Serve hot with extra gochujang or spicy mayo on the side.

13. Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad (Oi Muchim)

Cool, crisp cucumbers meet a punchy, spicy-sweet dressing in this classic Korean side dish. It’s crunchy, refreshing, and full of bold flavor thanks to gochugaru, sesame, garlic, and rice vinegar. Serve it as a side to any Korean BBQ spread, tuck it into bowls, or enjoy it as a light snack straight from the fridge!

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

2 large cucumbers (English or Persian work best), thinly sliced
1 tsp salt
2 green onions, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tsp sugar or honey
1 tsp sesame oil
1 tsp sesame seeds

Instructions:

Prep the Cucumbers: Place sliced cucumbers in a bowl and sprinkle with salt. Toss and let sit for 15 minutes to draw out excess water. Drain well and pat dry with paper towels.
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together green onions, garlic, gochugaru, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, and sesame seeds.
Combine: Toss the cucumbers with the spicy dressing until evenly coated.
Serve: Enjoy immediately for extra crunch, or chill for 10–15 minutes to let the flavors mingle.

14. Gochujang Brussels Sprouts

These Brussels sprouts are anything but boring! Roasted until golden and crispy, then tossed in a sticky gochujang glaze, they’re spicy, slightly sweet, and totally addictive. Whether you serve them as a side dish or a snack, they bring bold Korean-inspired flavor to the table and will win over even the Brussels sprout skeptics.

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
1 tsp rice vinegar
1 tsp sesame oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
Sesame seeds and sliced green onions, for garnish

Instructions:

Roast the Brussels Sprouts: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, spread on a baking sheet, and roast for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and browned.
Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together gochujang, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and garlic until smooth.
Toss & Finish: Transfer roasted Brussels sprouts to a mixing bowl and toss with the glaze until well coated.
Serve: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve hot as a side or snack.

15. Korean Lunchbox

Think of a Korean lunchbox (dosirak) as the ultimate choose-your-own-adventure meal. It’s basically a bento-style box filled with rice, protein, veggies, and little bites that balance savory, spicy, and fresh flavors. The best part? It’s totally flexible. Use these ideas as inspiration, then mix and match with whatever you’ve got on hand.

Ideas to Include:

Rice base: Classic steamed white rice, brown rice, or even quinoa.
Protein: Bulgogi beef, grilled chicken, pan-fried tofu, pork, or even leftover Korean BBQ.
Egg: Rolled omelet (gyeran mari), a simple fried egg, or hard-boiled slices.
Veggies: Spicy cucumber salad, sautéed spinach, bean sprouts, or roasted veggies.
Fermented side: Kimchi is traditional, but quick-pickled radish or carrots also work.
Extras: A few slices of kimbap, some dumplings, or even fresh fruit to round things out.
Garnishes: Sesame seeds, scallions, or a drizzle of sesame oil for that finishing touch.

Assembly:

Scoop rice into one section of your container, then arrange your chosen protein and sides in the remaining compartments. Keep things colorful and balanced for that satisfying “open-the-lunchbox-wow” moment.

I hope you’ll love these ideas, and that they’ll give you plenty of inspiration for experimenting with Korean cuisine at home! If you try them, I’d love to hear your thoughts and your favorites. Leave a comment below, or tag me in your photos on Instagram @slimmingviolet. Enjoy!