Easy Korean Food Recipes to Pair with Your Favorite K-Dramas

Korean Fried Chicken

When your favorite K-drama OTP goes on a date, where do they always go? A chicken restaurant! Oftentimes, they have classic chimaek, or chicken and beer. Remember that episode of Crash Landing on You where Yoon Se Ri paid for everyone’s chicken and beer during a football match? Chimaek has become a comfort food among Koreans, often enjoyed while celebrating or chilling with friends. In fact, South Koreans love them so much that there are over 87,000 fried chicken restaurants in South Korea, as of 2019.

Banban / Half and Half Chicken

Elevate your Korean fried chicken recipe by attempting to make Banban or half-and-half chicken! It’s literally half-and-half: half plain and half seasoned fried chicken. You’ll oftentimes see this being enjoyed as takeout in dramas, and there are loads of flavors you can try to follow. This recipe teaches you how to make dakgangjeong, which is sweet and spicy Korean fried chicken.

Bibimbap

Bibimbap is a popular Korean dish that you won’t make you feel guilty if you accidentally~ eat too much. It’s basically a mixture of vegetables over rice mixed with gochujang or sweet chili paste. You can also add meat if you like! It’s healthy and most importantly, very filling.

Samgak Kimbap (Triangle Kimbap)

Triangle kimbap always makes an appearance in K-dramas when the actors visit convenience stores. In scenes, it’s often paired with a beverage or even some ramyeon. Samgak kimbap is a popular snack made known for its triangular shape. It’s made with rice wrapped in seaweed and typically comes with tuna and mayo filling.

Kimchi Fried Rice

Because anything with kimchi is always a good idea. Kimchi fried rice or kimchi bokkeumbap is a dish that will become an instant favorite. Just throw in some rice and kimchi (obviously), gochujang or red chili paste, a meat of your choice, green onions, sesame oil, and you’re good to go! Don’t forget to add that sunny side up and a bit of seaweed too. To make it even better, try making the bottom a little crispy for that added texture.

Tteokbokki

Korean food is known for its spicy dishes and one of the best ones is tteokbokki. It’s a popular street food made of rice cakes, fish cakes, boiled eggs, and sweet and spicy sauce that gives it that striking red color. It’s best paired with kimbap or triangle gimbap; dip it in the sauce and it’s a party in your mouth!

Kimchi Soft Tofu Stew

When watching dramas, you’ll oftentimes see the meal staples: a bowl of rice, some side dishes, and a bowl of hot soup. Ever wondered how Park Saeroyi’s stew tasted like in Itaewon Class? Try this kimchi soft tofu stew or kimchi sundubu jjiggae and you’ll feel like you’re dining in DanBam too! Stews are often eaten alone or with rice, and it’s a common aid for hangovers.

Ramyeon

Ramyeon is probably the most popular dish you’ll often spot in K-dramas. And no, they’re not the typical ramen boiled for x hours with a hearty soup. Ramyeon is a favorite snack because it’s instant and totally customizable. You can enjoy it just as is or add different ingredients like eggs, meats, cabbage, and cheese. Don’t forget that side of kimchi because it just makes it better!

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