How to Make Traditional Korean Breakfast at Home

Cooking traditional Korean breakfast at home can be an exciting and delicious endeavor. The Korean breakfast is not only nutritious but also offers a wonderful array of flavors and textures. Here’s how to make a simple yet traditional Korean breakfast that includes rice, soup, and side dishes.

Essential Ingredients

To create a traditional Korean breakfast, you'll need the following ingredients:

  • Short-grain rice (2 cups)
  • Water (for cooking rice)
  • Kimchi (1 cup, preferably aged for better flavor)
  • Tofu (1 block, firm)
  • Scallions (2, chopped)
  • Garlic (2 cloves, minced)
  • Seaweed (1 sheet, for soup)
  • Eggs (2, for frying or poaching)
  • Sesame oil (2 tablespoons)
  • Gochujang (Korean chili paste, to taste)

Step 1: Cooking the Rice

Start by rinsing the short-grain rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch, ensuring the rice is fluffy. Then, add the rinsed rice and double the amount of water to a rice cooker or a pot. Cook the rice according to the cooker’s instructions or bring the pot to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to low for about 15-20 minutes, or until the water is absorbed.

Step 2: Preparing the Soup

For a simple Korean soup, you can make a soft tofu soup (Sundubu-jjigae). In a pot, heat a tablespoon of sesame oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped scallions, and sauté until fragrant. Add a cup of water and bring it to a simmer. Gently add cubed tofu to the pot and sprinkle with gochujang for a hint of spice. Let it simmer for a few minutes and then top with a sheet of seaweed before serving.

Step 3: Making the Side Dishes

Kimchi is a staple in any Korean meal. If you have some on hand, great! If not, making a quick batch of spicy cucumber salad (Oi Muchim) can be a perfect alternative. Slice cucumbers thinly, mix them with a teaspoon of salt, and let them sit for 15 minutes. Then, drain and mix with gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes), minced garlic, sesame oil, and a bit of sugar for balance.

Step 4: Cooking the Eggs

For the eggs, you can either fry or poach them based on your preference. To fry, heat a non-stick pan with a little oil over medium heat. Crack the eggs into the pan and cook until the whites are firm but yolks remain runny. Alternatively, poaching can provide a healthier option; simply simmer water with a splash of vinegar and gently crack the eggs into the water.

Step 5: Plating Your Breakfast

Once everything is prepared, it’s time to plate. Serve a generous portion of rice in the center of the plate. Add the soup in a bowl on the side, alongside a serving of kimchi or the cucumber salad. Place the fried or poached eggs on top of the rice or beside it. You can drizzle a little sesame oil over the rice for extra flavor.

Enjoying Your Korean Breakfast

Pair your traditional Korean breakfast with a cup of green tea or make it a complete meal with some traditional fermented soybean paste (Doenjang) soup if you desire more depth. This authentic breakfast not only nourishes the body but also brings a delightful array of flavors and homey comfort. Enjoy!