Korean Seafood Recipes That Are Easy to Make

Korean cuisine is celebrated for its bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and diverse range of dishes. Seafood plays a significant role in Korean cooking, offering a variety of healthy options that are both delicious and easy to make at home. Here are some simple Korean seafood recipes that can elevate your cooking game and delight your taste buds.

1. Korean Spicy Squid Stir-Fry (Ojingeo Bokkeum)

This dish features tender squid stir-fried with a spicy gochujang (Korean red chili paste) sauce. To make it:

Clean and slice 500g of squid into rings.
In a pan, heat 2 tablespoons of sesame oil and sauté half an onion and 2 cloves of minced garlic until fragrant.
Add the squid and cook for about 2-3 minutes.
Stir in 2 tablespoons of gochujang, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, and a teaspoon of sugar. Cook for another 2 minutes.
Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving.

2. Korean Fish Cake Soup (Eomuk Guk)

This comforting soup is perfect for chilly days and is packed with flavor. Here’s how to prepare it:

In a pot, bring 1 liter of water to a boil. Add 300g of fish cakes and simmer for 5 minutes.
Add 1 sliced zucchini, a handful of bok choy, and 2 sliced green onions.
Season with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and a pinch of salt.
For a finishing touch, sprinkle with fresh parsley or seaweed before serving.

3. Easy Korean Sushi Rolls (Gimbap)

Gimbap is a versatile dish that can be filled with various ingredients, including seafood. Here’s a quick version:

Cook 2 cups of short-grain rice and let it cool.
Add 1 tablespoon of sesame oil and salt to the rice, mixing well.
On a sheet of seaweed, spread a thin layer of rice, leaving some space at the edges.
Add fillings such as cooked shrimp, sliced cucumbers, and pickled radish.
Roll it tightly using a bamboo mat and slice into bite-sized pieces.

4. Korean Steamed Fish (Jureongi Jeongol)

This one-pot meal is simple yet flavorful. To prepare this dish:

Place a whole cleaned fish (like sea bass) in a steaming dish.
Sprinkle with salt and pepper, then add sliced ginger and garlic on top.
Add a mixture of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of gochugaru (Korean chili flakes), and a splash of sesame oil.
Steam for 15-20 minutes until the fish is cooked through and flaky.

5. Korean Seafood Pancakes (Haemul Pajeon)

A perfect appetizer or snack, these savory pancakes are easy to whip up. Here’s how:

Mix 1 cup of flour, 1 cup of water, and a pinch of salt to form a batter.
Add chopped seafood (shrimp, squid) and thinly sliced green onions.
Heat a skillet with a little oil and pour in the batter, spreading it evenly.
Cook until golden brown on both sides, then serve with soy sauce for dipping.

These easy-to-make Korean seafood recipes will not only satisfy your cravings but also bring a taste of Korean culture into your kitchen. Enjoy experimenting with these fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors!