Korean street food is known for its bold flavors, inventive combinations, and delightful snacks that are perfect for enjoying on the go. From crispy and savory pancakes filled with kimchi to spicy and chewy rice cakes simmered in a fiery sauce, these dishes capture the essence of Korean culinary culture. In this guide, we’ll explore the world of Korean street food and learn how to recreate two iconic dishes at home.
Region and History
Korean street food has a long and rich history, dating back centuries to the bustling markets and busy streets of ancient Korea. Street vendors would set up stalls to sell an array of snacks and treats to hungry passersby, offering everything from savory pancakes to sweet rice cakes. Today, Korean street food remains a beloved part of the country’s culinary landscape, with vendors serving up delicious dishes at bustling markets and festivals throughout South Korea.
Ingredients
To make Korean street food recipes like kimchi pancakes and tteokbokki, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Kimchi Pancakes:
- 1 cup kimchi, chopped
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Vegetable oil for frying
Tteokbokki (Spicy Rice Cakes):
- 1 pound Korean rice cakes (tteok)
- 2 cups water
- 1/4 cup gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sliced fish cakes
- 2 green onions, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Kimchi Pancakes:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped kimchi, flour, water, soy sauce, sesame oil, and sliced green onions. Mix until well combined to form a thick batter.
- Heat a non-stick skillet or frying pan over medium heat and add a tablespoon of vegetable oil.
- Spoon the kimchi batter into the skillet, spreading it out to form small pancakes.
- Cook the pancakes for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve the kimchi pancakes hot, garnished with extra sliced green onions and a dipping sauce made from soy sauce and sesame oil if desired.
Tteokbokki (Spicy Rice Cakes):
- In a large saucepan, combine the water, gochujang, soy sauce, sugar, and minced garlic. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is dissolved.
- Add the sliced fish cakes, green onions, and Korean rice cakes (tteok) to the saucepan. Stir gently to coat the rice cakes in the spicy sauce.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer the tteokbokki for 8-10 minutes, or until the rice cakes are tender and the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Remove the tteokbokki from the heat and transfer it to a serving dish.
- Sprinkle the tteokbokki with toasted sesame seeds and serve hot, garnished with extra sliced green onions if desired.
FAQ
Where can I find Korean ingredients like gochujang and rice cakes?
Korean ingredients can often be found at Asian grocery stores or specialty markets. You can also purchase them online from various retailers that specialize in Korean food products.
Can I adjust the level of spiciness in tteokbokki?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of gochujang to control the spiciness of the tteokbokki. Add more or less chili paste according to your taste preferences.
Can I make kimchi pancakes and tteokbokki ahead of time?
Both dishes are best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the batter for kimchi pancakes and the sauce for tteokbokki ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to use. Cook the pancakes and rice cakes just before serving for the best results.
Are kimchi pancakes and tteokbokki suitable for vegetarians?
While traditional tteokbokki often includes fish cakes, you can omit them to make the dish vegetarian-friendly. Kimchi pancakes can also be made vegetarian by using a vegetarian kimchi that does not contain any seafood ingredients.
Conclusion
Korean street food offers a tantalizing array of flavors and textures that are sure to delight your taste buds. With recipes for kimchi pancakes and tteokbokki, you can bring the excitement of Korean street markets right into your own kitchen. Whether you’re craving something crispy and savory or spicy and chewy, these dishes are easy to make and bursting with authentic Korean flavors. Experiment with different toppings and variations to customize the recipes to your liking, and enjoy a taste of Korea wherever you are.