Korean Rice Dishes for Dinner: 6 Recipes to Try for Your Weekend Dinner

Korean cuisine is famous for its vibrant colors and bold flavors. Among its diverse offerings, rice dishes hold a special place, providing comfort and satisfaction at the end of a long day. Prepared alongside a variety of vegetables and meat, rice recipes can become a healthy option for a hearty and comforting dinner. So, if you’re looking to enjoy a nice weekend dinner with some international flavors, here are six Korean rice dishes which are perfect for a late night dinner.

Fried rice with kimchi

Kimchi fried rice or kimchi bokkeumbap is a classic comfort dish in Korean homes. This dish is a tasty way to use up leftover rice. The sour and spicy notes of fermented kimchi pair perfectly with the flavorful soy sauce, garlic, and a hint of sesame oil. It is often accompanied with a fried egg. It can also be mixed with vegetables, chunks of meat, or tofu to make the dish more delicious.

Bibimbap

Bibimbap, which means “mixed rice,” is one of Korea’s most iconic dishes. Not only is it visually stunning, but it’s also highly nutritious. Bibimbap consists of a bowl of hot rice topped with stir-fried vegetables, gochujang (Korean chili paste), and chicken or tofu. A fried egg is also placed on top before serving.

Korean Gochujang Fried Rice

This dish is perfect for those who love spicy notes in their dinners. The key ingredient in this rice dish is gochujang, a sweet and spicy fermented chili paste that is a staple in Korean cuisine. The rice is stir-fried with gochujang, garlic, and vegetables and then served with diced chicken, tofu, or mushrooms.

Gimbap

Gimbap is also known as the Korean version of sushi. It consists of rice and various fillings such as vegetables, eggs, and meats, all rolled in sheets of seaweed (gim). The rice is lightly seasoned with sesame oil and salt, while the fillings can range from traditional pickled radishes and spinach to more modern options such as cheese or tuna.

Gyeran bread

Gyeran bap or egg rice is a simple yet incredibly satisfying Korean dish, perfect for a quick, comforting dinner. It features a fried or poached egg placed over steamed rice. The rice is usually seasoned with a drizzle of soy sauce, sesame oil, and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. The runny egg yolk gives the humble rice a rich, creamy texture.

Kongnamul Bap

This nutritious and tasty dish is made with rice and bean sprouts. This dish is a staple in Korean households and to prepare the recipe, rice is cooked together with bean sprouts. Kongnamul bap is commonly served with a side of soy sauce mixed with sesame oil, green onions, and garlic.