15 Authentic Korean Dinner Recipes You Need to Try

Korean cuisine is rich, flavorful, and full of vibrant ingredients that make every dinner memorable.

From spicy stews and savory stir-fries to marinated meats and healthy vegetable dishes, Korean food combines bold flavors with balanced nutrition.

These 15 Korean dinner recipes are perfect for home cooks seeking authentic, delicious meals.

Each recipe is designed to be approachable, using common ingredients and step-by-step guidance.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, these dishes will bring the taste of Korea straight to your dining table.

Experience the perfect blend of spice, umami, and freshness with every bite.

15 Authentic Korean Dinner Recipes You Need to Try

These 15 Korean dinner recipes showcase the best of traditional and modern Korean cuisine.

From comforting stews to flavorful barbecue dishes, there is something for every taste and skill level.

Cooking these meals at home allows you to enjoy authentic flavors without visiting a restaurant.

Each recipe is designed to be easy to follow and satisfying for family dinners or special occasions.

Bring the rich, diverse flavors of Korea to your table and create memorable meals that everyone will love.

Bibimbap (Mixed Rice with Vegetables and Beef)

Bibimbap is a classic Korean dish featuring a harmonious mix of rice, vegetables, and marinated beef.

It’s topped with a fried egg and served with spicy gochujang sauce for a flavorful punch.

Each component is cooked separately to preserve texture and color, then combined just before serving.

This dish is both visually appealing and nutritionally balanced, offering protein, fiber, and vitamins in every bite.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked short-grain rice
• 200g beef, thinly sliced
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 1 zucchini, julienned
• 1 cup spinach
• 4 shiitake mushrooms, sliced
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 egg per serving
• Gochujang (Korean chili paste) to taste
• Sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions:

• Marinate beef in soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar for 15 minutes.
• Sauté each vegetable separately in a lightly oiled pan until tender.
• Cook the marinated beef until browned and cooked through.
• Fry an egg sunny-side up for each serving.
• Assemble cooked rice in a bowl.
• Arrange vegetables and beef on top.
• Place fried egg in the center and drizzle with gochujang.
• Sprinkle with sesame seeds and mix thoroughly before eating.

Bibimbap is vibrant, healthy, and packed with flavor.

It combines a variety of textures, from tender beef to crisp vegetables.

This dish is perfect for a balanced, satisfying Korean dinner at home.

Bulgogi (Korean Marinated Beef BBQ)

Bulgogi is thinly sliced beef marinated in a savory-sweet sauce, then grilled or pan-fried to perfection.

It is tender, juicy, and packed with the rich flavors of garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil.

Bulgogi pairs perfectly with steamed rice, lettuce wraps, or kimchi.

This dish is easy to prepare at home and brings restaurant-quality Korean barbecue to your kitchen.

Ingredients:

• 500g thinly sliced beef ribeye
• 4 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 2 tbsp sesame oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds

Instructions:

• Combine soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and black pepper in a bowl.
• Add beef slices and onion, mixing thoroughly.
• Marinate for 30–60 minutes in the refrigerator.
• Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook beef until browned.
• Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
• Serve with steamed rice or lettuce leaves for wrapping.

Bulgogi is sweet, savory, and bursting with rich flavor.

It is tender, juicy, and perfect for Korean-style dinners at home.

Pairing it with rice or lettuce wraps makes it a complete, satisfying meal.

Kimchi Jjigae (Kimchi Stew)

Kimchi Jjigae is a hearty Korean stew featuring fermented kimchi, tofu, and pork.

It is spicy, tangy, and deeply comforting, perfect for a cold evening.

This stew is simmered slowly to allow flavors to meld, creating a rich, satisfying broth.

It’s a classic Korean comfort food, rich in probiotics and nutrients from fermented kimchi and vegetables.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups kimchi, chopped
• 200g pork belly, sliced
• 1 block tofu, cubed
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tsp gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes)
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 3 cups water or broth
• 1 tsp sesame oil

Instructions:

• In a pot, sauté pork belly until lightly browned.
• Add garlic, onion, and kimchi, cooking until fragrant.
• Pour in water or broth and bring to a boil.
• Add tofu and simmer for 15–20 minutes.
• Stir in soy sauce, sesame oil, and gochugaru.
• Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

Kimchi Jjigae is spicy, tangy, and deeply comforting.

It combines the unique flavors of kimchi with tender pork and soft tofu.

This stew is perfect for a warming, authentic Korean dinner.

Japchae (Stir-Fried Glass Noodles with Vegetables)

Japchae is a colorful Korean dish made with sweet potato glass noodles stir-fried with vegetables and beef.

It has a slightly sweet and savory flavor, with a pleasant chewy texture from the noodles.

This dish is often served at celebrations but is also perfect for weeknight dinners.

The combination of fresh vegetables, marinated meat, and sesame oil creates a fragrant, flavorful meal.

Ingredients:

• 200g sweet potato glass noodles
• 100g beef, thinly sliced
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 4 shiitake mushrooms, sliced
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds

Instructions:

• Cook noodles according to package instructions and drain.
• Marinate beef in soy sauce, sugar, and garlic for 15 minutes.
• Stir-fry vegetables until tender but crisp.
• Cook beef until browned and combine with vegetables.
• Add noodles and drizzle with sesame oil, tossing to combine.
• Garnish with sesame seeds before serving.

Japchae is chewy, sweet, and savory with a delicate aroma.

The colorful vegetables make it visually appealing and nutritious.

It’s perfect for a festive or everyday Korean dinner at home.

Dak Galbi (Spicy Stir-Fried Chicken)

Dak Galbi is a flavorful Korean stir-fried chicken dish cooked with gochujang sauce, vegetables, and rice cakes.

It’s spicy, savory, and slightly sweet, offering a bold taste that excites the palate.

The chicken is tender, and the sauce coats every ingredient, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.

This dish is ideal for sharing with family or friends at the dinner table.

It’s an authentic and satisfying Korean meal that packs a punch.

Ingredients:

• 500g chicken thigh, diced
• 1/2 cup gochujang (Korean chili paste)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 carrot, sliced
• 1 cup cabbage, chopped
• 100g rice cakes (tteok)
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp sesame seeds

Instructions:

• Mix gochujang, soy sauce, sugar, and garlic in a bowl to make the sauce.
• Marinate chicken in half of the sauce for 20 minutes.
• Heat a pan with sesame oil and stir-fry chicken until partially cooked.
• Add vegetables and rice cakes, then add remaining sauce.
• Stir-fry until chicken is fully cooked and sauce thickens.
• Sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving.

Dak Galbi is spicy, savory, and tender with a slightly sweet kick.

It’s perfect for a flavorful, hearty Korean dinner.

Sharing this dish makes it even more enjoyable and memorable.

Samgyeopsal (Grilled Pork Belly)

Samgyeopsal is a popular Korean BBQ dish featuring thick, juicy pork belly slices grilled to perfection.

It is typically enjoyed with lettuce wraps, garlic, and ssamjang sauce for added flavor.

Grilling the pork slowly ensures a crispy exterior and tender, flavorful interior.

This dish is social and fun, perfect for sharing with family and friends at the dinner table.

It’s a staple Korean dinner that is both satisfying and delicious.

Ingredients:

• 500g pork belly, sliced
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• Lettuce leaves for wrapping
• 2 cloves garlic, sliced
• Ssamjang sauce (Korean dipping sauce)

Instructions:

• Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat.
• Lightly season pork belly slices with salt and pepper.
• Grill pork belly until golden brown and slightly crispy on both sides.
• Serve on a platter with lettuce leaves, garlic slices, and ssamjang sauce.
• Wrap grilled pork in lettuce with garlic and sauce before eating.

Samgyeopsal is crispy, juicy, and packed with rich flavor.

It’s perfect for family meals or Korean-style BBQ nights.

The combination of pork, garlic, and dipping sauce creates a satisfying, interactive dining experience.

Haemul Pajeon (Korean Seafood Pancake)

Haemul Pajeon is a savory pancake made with fresh seafood and green onions.

It’s crispy on the outside and tender inside, with a delicious umami flavor.

The batter is made from flour, eggs, and water, ensuring a light and crispy texture.

It pairs perfectly with soy-vinegar dipping sauce and makes a great appetizer or dinner dish.

This traditional Korean dish is flavorful, fun to eat, and ideal for gatherings.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 egg
• 100g shrimp, chopped
• 100g squid, sliced
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1/2 tsp salt
• Vegetable oil for frying
• Soy sauce and vinegar for dipping

Instructions:

• In a bowl, mix flour, water, egg, and salt to make a smooth batter.
• Stir in seafood and green onions.
• Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat.
• Pour batter into the pan and spread evenly.
• Fry until golden brown on one side, then flip and cook the other side.
• Serve hot with soy-vinegar dipping sauce.

Haemul Pajeon is crispy, savory, and packed with seafood flavor.

It’s perfect as a dinner dish or shared appetizer.

The combination of fresh seafood and green onions makes it irresistible.

Tteokbokki (Spicy Rice Cakes)

Tteokbokki is a beloved Korean street food made with chewy rice cakes in a spicy, sweet gochujang sauce.

It’s comforting, flavorful, and has a perfect balance of heat and sweetness.

Fish cakes and green onions are often added for texture and flavor variety.

This dish is easy to prepare at home and is great for a casual dinner or snack.

It’s a vibrant, satisfying Korean meal loved by all ages.

Ingredients:

• 300g Korean rice cakes (tteok)
• 100g fish cakes, sliced
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 2 tbsp gochujang
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 2 cups water
• 1 tsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil

Instructions:

• In a pan, combine water, gochujang, sugar, and soy sauce.
• Bring to a boil, then add rice cakes.
• Cook for 5–7 minutes until rice cakes are soft and chewy.
• Add fish cakes and green onions, cooking for another 3 minutes.
• Drizzle with sesame oil before serving.

Tteokbokki is chewy, spicy, and sweet with a rich, savory sauce.

It’s perfect for dinner, snacks, or a casual Korean meal.

The combination of rice cakes, fish cakes, and sauce creates a comforting and addictive dish.

Sundubu Jjigae (Soft Tofu Stew)

Sundubu Jjigae is a comforting Korean stew made with silky soft tofu, vegetables, and a spicy broth.

It’s often cooked with seafood or pork for added flavor.

The stew is hearty, aromatic, and perfect for cold evenings or a warming dinner.

Gochugaru and gochujang create a balanced spicy-sweet flavor that is uniquely Korean.

This dish is simple, nutritious, and satisfying for family meals.

Ingredients:

• 1 block soft tofu
• 100g pork or seafood
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 green chili, sliced
• 1 tbsp gochugaru
• 1 tsp gochujang
• 2 cups broth
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 egg (optional)

Instructions:

• In a pot, sauté garlic, onion, and pork/seafood until fragrant.
• Add broth, gochugaru, and gochujang, then bring to a boil.
• Add tofu and gently simmer for 10 minutes.
• Optionally, crack an egg into the stew just before serving.
• Drizzle with sesame oil and garnish with green chili.

Sundubu Jjigae is spicy, silky, and aromatic.

It’s perfect for a comforting, nutritious Korean dinner.

The soft tofu and flavorful broth create a warming, satisfying meal.

Galbi Jjim (Braised Short Ribs)

Galbi Jjim is a tender, savory-sweet Korean braised short rib dish.

The ribs are slow-cooked in soy sauce, garlic, sugar, and sesame oil until rich and flavorful.

Vegetables like carrots, radish, and mushrooms are added to create a hearty, satisfying dish.

This recipe is perfect for special occasions or weekend family dinners.

It’s a rich, indulgent Korean dish that highlights authentic flavors.

Ingredients:

• 500g beef short ribs
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 100g shiitake mushrooms
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 2 cups water

Instructions:

• Blanch short ribs in boiling water for 5 minutes and drain.
• In a pot, combine ribs, water, soy sauce, sugar, and garlic.
• Bring to a boil, then simmer for 1–1.5 hours until ribs are tender.
• Add vegetables and cook for another 15 minutes.
• Drizzle with sesame oil and sprinkle with black pepper before serving.

Galbi Jjim is rich, tender, and full of savory-sweet flavor.

It’s perfect for a special Korean dinner or festive meal.

The slow-cooked ribs and vegetables make it a hearty, indulgent dish.

Budae Jjigae (Army Stew)

Budae Jjigae is a hearty Korean stew combining sausages, spam, kimchi, and ramen noodles in a spicy, savory broth.

It was created after the Korean War and blends traditional Korean flavors with Western ingredients.

This dish is comforting, filling, and perfect for sharing with family or friends.

The spicy, umami-packed broth makes it a flavorful, warming dinner option.

It’s both nostalgic and delicious, reflecting Korea’s culinary history.

Ingredients:

• 100g kimchi
• 100g spam, diced
• 100g sausages, sliced
• 1/2 cup baked beans
• 1/2 onion, sliced
• 2 cups water or broth
• 2 tbsp gochujang
• 1 pack ramen noodles
• 1 green onion, chopped

Instructions:

• In a pot, combine water or broth with gochujang and bring to a boil.
• Add kimchi, spam, sausages, onion, and baked beans.
• Simmer for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
• Add ramen noodles and cook until tender.
• Garnish with chopped green onion before serving.

Budae Jjigae is hearty, spicy, and full of flavor.

It’s perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.

The combination of ingredients creates a nostalgic and satisfying Korean meal.

Doenjang Jjigae (Soybean Paste Stew)

Doenjang Jjigae is a traditional Korean stew made with fermented soybean paste, tofu, and vegetables.

It is savory, slightly nutty, and deeply comforting, making it a staple in Korean households.

The broth is enriched with zucchini, mushrooms, and onions for a balanced flavor and texture.

This stew is simple to make yet packed with umami, perfect for weeknight dinners.

It’s a healthy, flavorful, and satisfying Korean dinner option.

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp doenjang (Korean soybean paste)
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1/2 onion, sliced
• 100g mushrooms
• 1 block tofu, cubed
• 2 cups water or broth
• 1 green chili, sliced
• 1 tsp garlic, minced

Instructions:

• Bring water or broth to a boil in a pot.
• Dissolve doenjang into the boiling liquid.
• Add zucchini, onion, and mushrooms, cooking until tender.
• Gently add tofu and green chili, simmering for 5–7 minutes.
• Stir in garlic and serve hot.

Doenjang Jjigae is savory, nutritious, and comforting.

It’s perfect for a simple, authentic Korean dinner.

The rich, umami-filled broth pairs beautifully with steamed rice.

Gochujang Chicken Stir-Fry

This spicy Korean chicken stir-fry is coated in a sweet and fiery gochujang sauce.

It combines tender chicken, vegetables, and aromatic spices for a bold, flavorful dinner.

The dish cooks quickly, making it ideal for a weeknight meal.

Gochujang provides a distinctive Korean flavor that is both spicy and slightly sweet.

It’s a satisfying, protein-packed dish that pairs perfectly with steamed rice.

Ingredients:

• 500g chicken breast, diced
• 1 carrot, sliced
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 tbsp gochujang
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp garlic, minced
• 1 tsp sesame seeds

Instructions:

• Mix gochujang, soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, and garlic in a bowl.
• Marinate chicken in the sauce for 15 minutes.
• Heat a pan over medium heat and stir-fry chicken until cooked through.
• Add vegetables and cook until tender but crisp.
• Sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving.

Gochujang chicken stir-fry is spicy, savory, and slightly sweet.

It’s quick to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner.

The combination of chicken, vegetables, and sauce creates a balanced, flavorful meal.

Kimchi Bokkeumbap (Kimchi Fried Rice)

Kimchi Bokkeumbap is a quick and flavorful fried rice dish made with kimchi and vegetables.

It’s slightly spicy, tangy, and savory, with a delightful depth of flavor from fermented kimchi.

Eggs, green onions, and optional meat add protein and texture to the dish.

This dish is easy, comforting, and ideal for using leftover rice and ingredients.

It’s a classic Korean meal that’s both satisfying and versatile.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 cup kimchi, chopped
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 1 carrot, diced
• 2 eggs
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp vegetable oil

Instructions:

• Heat vegetable oil in a pan and sauté onions and carrots until tender.
• Add kimchi and cook for 2–3 minutes.
• Stir in rice and soy sauce, mixing thoroughly.
• Push rice to one side and scramble eggs on the empty side.
• Combine eggs and rice, drizzle with sesame oil, and sprinkle green onions.

Kimchi Bokkeumbap is spicy, tangy, and satisfying.

It’s quick, easy, and perfect for weeknight dinners.

This fried rice is flavorful, comforting, and a staple in Korean cuisine.

Gyeran Jjim (Korean Steamed Egg Custard)

Gyeran Jjim is a soft, fluffy Korean steamed egg dish often served as a side for dinner.

It is delicate, savory, and melts in your mouth, complementing stronger-flavored dishes.

This dish cooks quickly and is a comforting addition to any Korean meal.

Green onions and sesame oil add aroma and subtle flavor.

It’s a versatile, protein-rich dish that enhances the dinner table.

Ingredients:

• 4 eggs
• 1 cup water or broth
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 green onion, chopped
• 1 tsp sesame oil

Instructions:

• Beat eggs with water or broth and salt until smooth.
• Pour into a small heatproof bowl or pan.
• Steam over medium heat for 10–12 minutes until set but soft.
• Garnish with chopped green onions and drizzle with sesame oil.
• Serve warm alongside main dishes.

Gyeran Jjim is soft, delicate, and flavorful.

It’s perfect as a side dish for any Korean dinner.

The light, fluffy texture balances richer, spicier main dishes beautifully.