How to Make Korean Appetizers from Scratch

Korean cuisine is renowned for its vibrant flavors and diverse dishes. Making Korean appetizers from scratch at home can be a fun and rewarding experience. Here, we explore several popular appetizers, guiding you through each step.

Korean Pancakes (Pajeon)

Pajeon, or Korean pancakes, are a delicious way to start any meal. They can be filled with a variety of ingredients, including green onions, seafood, or vegetables.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup green onions, chopped
  • Optional: seafood such as shrimp or squid
  • Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, mix the flour, water, and salt until a smooth batter forms.
  2. Add in the chopped green onions and seafood (if using) to the batter. Stir well.
  3. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a tablespoon of vegetable oil.
  4. Pour a ladle of the batter into the skillet, spreading it to form a circle.
  5. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy.
  6. Serve hot with soy sauce for dipping.

Korean Spring Rolls (Gwangjang Spring Rolls)

These crispy spring rolls are filled with a delightful mix of vegetables and sometimes meat. They make an excellent appetizer for any occasion.

Ingredients:

  • 10 spring roll wrappers
  • 1 cup cabbage, shredded
  • 1 carol, julienned
  • 1 cup glass noodles (dangmyeon), cooked
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Oil for deep frying

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, combine the cabbage, carrot, glass noodles, soy sauce, salt, and pepper.
  2. Take a spring roll wrapper and place a spoonful of the filling in the center.
  3. Roll tightly, folding the sides in as you go.
  4. Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Fry the spring rolls until golden brown.
  5. Remove and drain on paper towels. Serve with a sweet chili sauce.

Steamed Dumplings (Mandu)

Mandu are Korean dumplings that can be steamed, fried, or boiled. They can be filled with a variety of ingredients, making them very versatile.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 300g ground pork or beef
  • 1/2 cup tofu, crumbled
  • 1 cup napa cabbage, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • Sauce: Soy sauce, vinegar, and chili paste for dipping

Instructions:

  1. Mix flour, water, and salt to form a dough. Knead for about 10 minutes until smooth. Let it rest.
  2. In a bowl, combine ground meat, tofu, napa cabbage, sesame oil, and garlic. Mix well.
  3. Roll the dough into thin circles. Place a spoonful of filling in the center.
  4. Fold the dumpling in half and pinch the edges to seal.
  5. Steam the dumplings for about 15-20 minutes until cooked through.
  6. Serve hot with soy sauce, vinegar, and chili paste for dipping.

Korean Kimchi

Kimchi is a staple in Korean cuisine and serves as a perfect appetizer. It can be made with a variety of vegetables, with Napa cabbage being the most common.

Ingredients: