North Korean cuisine is a hidden gem in the culinary world, offering a unique blend of flavors, textures, and traditions.
While it shares similarities with South Korean food, North Korean dishes have their own distinct identity, shaped by geography, history, and culture.
If you’re a foodie looking to expand your palate, you’re in for a treat. These recipes are not only delicious but also a window into a fascinating culture.
Ready to dive into a world of savory, spicy, and soul-satisfying dishes? From hearty stews.
To mouthwatering street food, we’ve rounded up the best North Korean recipes you absolutely need to try at least once.
Trust us, your taste buds will thank you. Let’s get cooking!
1. Naengmyeon (Cold Noodle Soup)
Naengmyeon is the ultimate refreshing dish, perfect for hot summer days.
This cold noodle soup features chewy buckwheat noodles served in a tangy, icy broth.
It’s light yet satisfying, with a mix of textures from the noodles, crunchy veggies, and a hard-boiled egg.
Ingredients:
- 200g buckwheat noodles
- 4 cups beef or chicken broth (chilled)
- 1 cucumber (julienned)
- 1 Asian pear (thinly sliced)
- 1 hard-boiled egg (halved)
- 1 tbsp vinegar
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp mustard (optional)
- Salt to taste
How to Make It:
Cook the buckwheat noodles according to the package instructions. Rinse them under cold water and set aside.
Mix the chilled broth with vinegar, sugar, and salt. Divide the noodles into bowls, pour the broth over them, and top with cucumber, pear, and egg.
Add a dab of mustard for an extra kick.
Why We Chose It:
Naengmyeon is a staple in North Korean cuisine, known for its unique combination of flavors and textures.
It’s a must-try for anyone looking to explore authentic North Korean food.
2. Kimchi (Spicy Fermented Cabbage)
No North Korean meal is complete without kimchi.
This spicy, fermented cabbage dish is packed with flavor and probiotics, making it as healthy as it is delicious.
Ingredients:
- 1 head Napa cabbage
- 1/4 cup Korean chili powder
- 3 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tbsp minced ginger
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1/4 cup radish (julienned)
- 2 green onions (chopped)
How to Make It:
Cut the cabbage into quarters and soak it in saltwater for 2 hours. Rinse and drain.
Mix the chili powder, fish sauce, garlic, ginger, sugar, radish, and green onions to form a paste.
Spread the paste between the cabbage leaves. Store in an airtight container and let it ferment for 2-3 days.
Why We Chose It:
Kimchi is the heart and soul of Korean cuisine. Its bold flavors and health benefits make it a standout dish.
3. Bibimbap (Mixed Rice Bowl)
Bibimbap is a colorful, nutrient-packed dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
It’s a bowl of steamed rice topped with an array of sautéed veggies, a fried egg, and a dollop of spicy gochujang sauce.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 carrot (julienned)
- 1 zucchini (julienned)
- 1 cup spinach (blanched)
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 1 fried egg
- 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
How to Make It:
Sauté each vegetable separately with a bit of sesame oil and soy sauce. Arrange the rice in a bowl and top with the veggies.
Add the fried egg and a spoonful of gochujang. Mix everything together before eating.
Why We Chose It:
Bibimbap is a versatile dish that’s both nutritious and delicious. It’s a great way to enjoy a variety of flavors in one bowl.
4. Jajangmyeon (Black Bean Noodles)
Jajangmyeon is a comforting noodle dish smothered in a rich, savory black bean sauce.
It’s a favorite among Koreans and a must-try for anyone new to the cuisine.
Ingredients:
- 200g wheat noodles
- 1/2 cup (diced)
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 1 zucchini (diced)
- 1 potato (diced)
- 3 tbsp black bean paste
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (mixed with water)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
How to Make It:
Cook the noodles and set aside. Sauté the oil until browned. Add the vegetables and cook until tender.
Stir in the black bean paste and sugar. Add the cornstarch mixture to thicken the sauce. Serve over the noodles.
Why We Chose It:
Jajangmyeon is a hearty, flavorful dish that’s perfect for a cozy night in.
5. Tteokbokki (Spicy Rice Cakes)
Tteokbokki is a popular street food dish made with chewy rice cakes smothered in a spicy, sweet sauce. It’s addictive and perfect for spice lovers.
Ingredients:
- 200g rice cakes
- 2 cups fish cake (sliced)
- 1/4 cup gochujang
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 green onion (chopped)
How to Make It:
Soak the rice cakes in water for 30 minutes. In a pan, mix gochujang, sugar, soy sauce, and garlic.
Add the rice cakes and fish cake slices. Cook until the sauce thickens and the rice cakes are tender. Garnish with green onions.
Why We Chose It:
Tteokbokki is a quintessential Korean street food that’s bursting with flavor.
6. Kimchi Jjigae (Kimchi Stew)
Kimchi jjigae is a spicy, tangy stew made with fermented kimchi, tofu, and It’s a comforting dish that’s perfect for cold days.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup kimchi
- 1/2 cup (sliced)
- 1/2 block tofu (cubed)
- 1 onion (sliced)
- 2 green onions (chopped)
- 1 tbsp gochujang
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 4 cups water
How to Make It:
Sauté the in sesame oil until browned. Add the kimchi and onion, cooking until softened.
Add water and gochujang, bringing it to a boil. Add the tofu and simmer for 10 minutes. Garnish with green onions.
Why We Chose It:
Kimchi jjigae is a hearty, flavorful stew that’s a staple in Korean households.
7. Bulgogi (Marinated Beef)
Bulgogi is a classic Korean dish made with thinly sliced beef marinated in a sweet and savory sauce. It’s grilled to perfection and served with rice.
Ingredients:
- 300g beef (thinly sliced)
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1/2 onion (sliced)
- 1 green onion (chopped)
How to Make It:
Mix the soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, and garlic. Marinate the beef in the mixture for at least 30 minutes.
Grill or pan-fry the beef until cooked through. Serve with rice and garnish with green onions.
Why We Chose It:
Bulgogi is a crowd-pleaser with its tender, flavorful beef.
8. Hobakjuk (Pumpkin Porridge)
Hobakjuk is a creamy, sweet porridge made with pumpkin and rice. It’s a comforting dish often enjoyed as a dessert or snack.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup pumpkin (cooked and mashed)
- 1/2 cup glutinous rice flour
- 4 cups water
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
How to Make It:
Mix the rice flour with water to form a slurry. In a pot, combine the pumpkin, water, sugar, and salt.
Bring to a boil and add the rice flour mixture, stirring until thickened. Serve warm.
Why We Chose It:
Hobakjuk is a unique, comforting dish that’s perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth.
9. Japchae (Stir-Fried Glass Noodles)
Japchae is a colorful dish made with stir-fried glass noodles, vegetables, and a touch of sesame oil. It’s a favorite at Korean celebrations.
Ingredients:
- 200g sweet potato noodles
- 1 carrot (julienned)
- 1 onion (sliced)
- 1 cup spinach (blanched)
- 1/2 cup mushrooms (sliced)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp sugar
How to Make It:
Cook the noodles and set aside. Sauté the vegetables separately.
Mix the noodles with the vegetables, soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar. Stir-fry everything together until well combined.
Why We Chose It:
Japchae is a vibrant, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
10. Kongguksu (Cold Soybean Noodle Soup)
Kongguksu is a refreshing summer dish made with cold soybean soup and noodles. It’s creamy, nutty, and incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients:
- 200g wheat noodles
- 1 cup soybeans (soaked overnight)
- 4 cups water
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- Salt to taste
How to Make It:
Boil the soybeans until tender. Blend them with water and strain to make the soup.
Cook the noodles and rinse under cold water. Serve the noodles in the cold soybean soup, drizzled with sesame oil.
Why We Chose It:
Kongguksu is a unique, refreshing dish that’s perfect for hot weather.
11. Hotteok (Sweet Pancakes)
Hotteok is a popular street food snack made with sweet, chewy pancakes filled with brown sugar, nuts, and cinnamon.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup flour
- 1/4 cup warm water
- 1 tsp yeast
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
How to Make It:
Mix the flour, water, yeast, and sugar to form a dough. Let it rise for 1 hour. Mix the brown sugar, nuts, and cinnamon for the filling.
Divide the dough into balls, stuff with the filling, and flatten into pancakes. Cook in a pan with oil until golden brown.
Why We Chose It:
Hotteok is a delicious, indulgent treat that’s perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
Conclusion
North Korean cuisine is a treasure trove of flavors, textures, and traditions waiting to be explored.
From refreshing naengmyeon to indulgent hotteok, these dishes offer something for everyone.
So, what are you waiting for? Roll up your sleeves, grab your apron, and start cooking these incredible recipes.
Your taste buds are in for an unforgettable adventure!