Korean Dishes to Dash through the Holiday Season!
Holiday months are always hard. Figuring out what to serve and finding the time to plan meals that suit everyone's tastes can be a mind-boggling task in itself. We've crafted a list of some of our favorite Korean dishes that are great to serve for the holidays!
FINGER FOODS
- Korean Fish Cake Balls
Fish cakes, or eomuk (어묵) are boneless fish fillets, as well as squid/prawns, that are filled with an assortment of thinly-sliced vegetables and deep fried (covered in a light batter, of course). This version is a ball-shaped food that's easy to pop in your mouth and keeps your hands clean.
- Kimchi Pancake
A pancake mixed with kimchi. This is a great starter to give those who haven’t tried kimchi yet, as well as getting use out of kimchi you haven’t had the chance to eat. It has a sweet and tangy soy sauce specifically made for it.
MAIN COURSE
- Korean Spicy Pork Stir-Fry
Pork slices (the meat from the belly, preferable) sautéed in a spicy sauce with vegetables, and served with a side of your choice. Rice or kimchi works, too!
- Bo Ssam (Korean Roast Pork)
Pork shoulder gets coated in a salted shrimp sauce (totally optional) or else Ssäm sauce, which is made with Korean chili paste. Like the pork stir-fry, you can use rice and kimchi or even a spicy Korean coleslaw.
DRINKS
- Korean Cinnamon Punch
After all that eating is done and your mouth is slightly on fire, here's a Korean drink that can be served hot or cold to cool down your mouth and soothe your throat. It's made with cinnamon sticks, sliced ginger, brown sugar, and water; and you can also garnish your drink with pine nuts, jujubes or dried persimmons.
DESSERTS
- Hobakjuk (Korean Pumpkin Porridge)
Hobakjuk (호박죽) is a Korean porridge made with pumpkin. Some enjoy eating it first thing in the morning, while others like to eat it after dinner. It's got a party of flavors that all bring together a great taste that's sweet, nutty and even velvety!
- Patbingsu (Korean Shaved Ice)
Patbingsu (팥빙수) is a Korean shaved ice dessert that's popular in the summer months, but you can have it at any time. Sweetened red bean paste is a common addition to this dish, and small-sized mochi or sweet rice cakes are alternative toppings. Berries can also be a topping. Basically, when it comes to patbingsu, anything goes!
- Baesuk (Korean Pear Dessert, Two Ways)
This Korean pear dish can be poached or steamed, and can also be used as a natural remedy to nasty colds this winter season.
- Hotteok (Korean Sweet Pancake)
Sweet Korean pancakes, or hotteok (호떡), are a popular street food filled with syrup and eaten in the winter months when the winds are fierce and the air is cold. You can add crushed nuts in your hotteok as well, which makes for a nice bite.
- Yaksik (Korean Sweet Rice)
Yaksik (약식) is a rice and dried fruit/nuts dish that should be eaten for the Lunar New Year.
Keep warm this winter, eat and drink to your heart's content, and stay healthy this holiday season!
These are just a handful of dishes you can make at home, but there are many more! You can also make these for family events, birthdays or other types of celebrations.
If you decide to try these yourself, don't forget to share pictures with us on Instagram and tag us using #SnackFever.
Written by Maegs
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