Best Korean Mezes That Are Easy to Prepare

Korean cuisine is rich in flavors and offers a variety of delicious dishes that can easily be prepared at home. Among these are mezes, or small shared plates, that are perfect for gatherings and social occasions. Here are some of the best Korean mezes that are easy to prepare and will impress your guests.

1. Kimchi

No Korean meal is complete without kimchi. This fermented vegetable dish, often made with napa cabbage and radishes, is rich in probiotics and enhances the overall health benefits of your meal.

Ingredients: napa cabbage, radish, garlic, ginger, Korean chili flakes (gochugaru), fish sauce, sugar.

Preparation: Chop the cabbage and radish, then mix them with salt and let sit for a couple of hours. Rinse off excess salt and mix with the remaining ingredients. Store in an airtight container for a few days to ferment before serving.

2. Japchae

Japchae is a savory-sweet dish made from stir-fried glass noodles, vegetables, and often meat. It is both colorful and flavorful, making it a favorite among many.

Ingredients: sweet potato noodles, spinach, carrots, bell peppers, onions, and beef (optional).

Preparation: Soak the sweet potato noodles in warm water until soft. Stir-fry the vegetables and beef (if using) separately, then combine with the drained noodles. Season with soy sauce and sesame oil for flavor.

3. Tteokbokki

Tteokbokki are spicy rice cakes that are a popular street food in Korea. They are chewy, savory, and slightly sweet, making them an irresistible addition to any meze platter.

Ingredients: rice cakes, fish cakes, gochujang (Korean chili paste), sugar, green onions.

Preparation: Boil the rice cakes until softened. In a separate pan, mix gochujang, sugar, and a bit of water to create a sauce. Add the rice cakes and fish cakes, and let it simmer while stirring until the sauce thickens. Top with sliced green onions before serving.

4. Korean Style Potato Salad (Gamja Salad)

This Korean potato salad is a creamy and delightful dish that can be served cold and is perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients: potatoes, carrots, apples, mayonnaise, mustard, salt, and pepper.

Preparation: Boil the potatoes and carrots until tender, then cube them along with the apple. Mix all ingredients with mayonnaise and mustard; season to taste. Chill before serving.

5. Grilled Garlic Scallion Pancakes (Pa Jeon)

Pa Jeon is a delightful Korean savory pancake made with scallions and garlic. It’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, perfect for dipping.

Ingredients: flour, water, scallions, garlic, salt, and oil.

Preparation: Mix flour with water, add thinly sliced scallions and minced garlic. Heat oil in a pan and pour in the batter, cooking until golden brown on both sides. Serve with a soy dipping sauce.

6. Spicy Cucumber Salad (Oi Muchim)

This fresh and spicy salad is a refreshing dish that balances well with other heavier meze options.

Ingredients: cucumbers, garlic, sesame oil, gochugaru, vinegar, and sugar.

Preparation: Slice the cucumbers and mix them in a bowl with garlic, gochugaru, vinegar, sugar, and sesame oil. Let it sit for a few minutes to soak in the flavors before serving.

7. Sesame Spinach Salad (Sigeumchi Namul)

This traditional side dish is nutritious, simple, and packed with flavor. Sigeumchi Namul is a good way to incorporate mild, healthy greens into your meal.

Ingredients: spinach, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and sesame seeds.

Preparation: Blanch the spinach in boiling water for a minute, then cool it in ice water. Squeeze out the excess water and mix with the other ingredients. Garnish with sesame seeds before serving.

These easy-to-prepare Korean mezes not only offer a burst