Korean Street Food Favorites: Recipes for Home Cooks

Korean street food is a vibrant and integral part of the country’s culinary culture. From sweet to savory, the bustling stalls serve up quick bites that are beloved by locals and visitors alike. If you’ve ever wanted to bring the excitement of Korean street food to your own kitchen, you’re in for a treat. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the most iconic Korean street food favorites and provide easy-to-follow recipes for home cooks.

Why Try Korean Street Food at Home?

Korean street food is more than just a snack—it’s an experience. Making these dishes at home allows you to savor the authentic flavors while customizing them to suit your taste. Plus, it’s a great way to explore the culture and tradition of Korea from your kitchen.

Korean Street Food Favorites Recipes

Here are three popular Korean street food recipes you can easily recreate at home. These recipes serve 4-6 people and will transport your taste buds straight to the streets of Seoul.

1. Tteokbokki (Spicy Rice Cakes)

Ingredients:

• 1 pound Korean rice cakes (tteok)
• 3 cups water
• 1 sheet dried kelp (optional)
• ¼ cup gochujang (Korean chili paste)
• 2 tablespoons gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 boiled egg (optional, for garnish)
• Green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Soak the rice cakes in water for 10 minutes if they are hard or frozen.
2. In a pot, combine water and kelp, and bring to a boil. Remove the kelp after 5 minutes.
3. Add gochujang, gochugaru, soy sauce, sugar, and garlic to the boiling water. Stir until the sauce is smooth.
4. Add the rice cakes and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
5. Serve hot, garnished with green onions and a boiled egg.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

• Calories: 220
• Protein: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fat: 3g

2. Hotteok (Sweet Pancakes)

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon yeast
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup warm water
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
• 2 tablespoons crushed nuts (optional)
• Oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Mix flour, yeast, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Gradually add warm water and knead until a smooth dough forms. Cover and let rise for 1 hour.
2. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts for the filling.
3. Divide the dough into small balls and flatten each ball into a disk. Add 1 tablespoon of filling and seal the edges.
4. Heat a skillet with oil over medium heat. Cook each pancake for 2-3 minutes per side, pressing lightly until golden brown.
5. Serve warm and enjoy the gooey, sweet filling.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

• Calories: 180
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fat: 5g

3. Eomuk (Fish Cake Skewers)

Ingredients:

• 1 pack Korean fish cakes
• 3 cups water
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 green onion
• 1 clove garlic, minced

Instructions:

1. Cut the fish cakes into strips and thread them onto skewers.
2. In a pot, combine water, soy sauce, sugar, green onion, and garlic to make the broth. Bring to a boil.
3. Reduce the heat and simmer the fish cake skewers in the broth for 10 minutes.
4. Serve warm, accompanied by a cup of the savory broth.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

• Calories: 150
• Protein: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Fat: 8g

Tips for Making Korean Street Food at Home

1. Use Authentic Ingredients: Visit your local Asian market to source ingredients like gochujang, gochugaru, and fish cakes.
2. Adjust Spice Levels: Customize the heat level by varying the amount of chili paste and flakes.
3. Serve Fresh: Korean street food is best enjoyed immediately for optimal flavor and texture.