How to Cook Simple Korean Dishes at Home (Even If You’re Busy)

Image source: Pixabay

As a Korean-American living in Michigan, my busy lifestyle often leaves little time for cooking elaborate meals. Still, I crave the comforting flavors of Korean food that remind me of home. Luckily, many beloved Korean dishes can be simplified without sacrificing their delicious taste. In this post, I’ll introduce three easy Korean recipes perfect for busy days. Plus, you’ll find step-by-step instructions that even beginners can follow!

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🥘 1. Kimchi Fried Rice (Kimchi Bokkeumbap)

Image source: Pexels

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked rice (preferably a day old)

• ½ cup well-fermented kimchi, chopped

• 1 egg

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

• 1 green onion, sliced

• 1 teaspoon soy sauce

• Cooking oil

Instructions:

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a bit of cooking oil.

2. Add the chopped kimchi and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.

3. Add the rice and soy sauce. Stir everything together and cook for another 3–4 minutes.

4. Push the rice to one side and crack an egg into the empty side. Scramble it lightly.

5. Mix the egg into the rice. Drizzle sesame oil and sprinkle sliced green onions on top.

6. Serve hot!

Tip:

For extra flavor, add diced spam, bacon, or leftover vegetables.

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🍲 2. Doenjang Jjigae (Soybean Paste Stew)

Image source: Pixabay

Ingredients:

• 3 cups water or anchovy broth

• 2 tablespoons doenjang (fermented soybean paste)

• small potato sliced

• ½ zucchini, sliced

• ½ onion, sliced

• ½ block firm tofu, cubed

• 3 mushrooms, sliced

• 1 green chili (optional)

• 1 garlic clove, minced

Instructions:

1. In a pot, bring water or anchovy broth to a boil.

2. Add the doenjang and stir until dissolved.

3. Add zucchini, onion, mushrooms, and minced garlic. Cook for 5 minutes.

4. Add the tofu and green chili. Simmer for another 5 minutes.

5. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

6. Serve hot with rice.

Tip:

If anchovy broth is unavailable, plain water works fine. For extra depth, add a bit of gochugaru (red pepper flakes).

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🥬 3. Korean Lettuce Wraps (Ssam)

Image source: Pixabay

Ingredients:

• Boiled pork belly (bossam-style) or grilled chicken breast, sliced

• Fresh lettuce leaves

• Ssamjang (Korean dipping sauce)

• Sliced garlic

• Cooked rice (optional)

Instructions:

1. Place a lettuce leaf on your palm.

2. Add a slice of boiled pork belly or grilled chicken.

3. Top with a small spoon of ssamjang and a slice of garlic.

4. (Optional) Add a little rice.

5. Wrap the leaf into a small bundle and enjoy!

Tip:

If you want a healthier option, use grilled chicken breast instead of pork belly.

 On busy weekdays, I usually don't have time to cook from scratch—so I keep a few lifesavers in my pantry and freezer.  

I buy vacuum-packed rice in individual packs (the microwave kind from Costco or H-Mart), and I always have a few containers of pre-cut kimchi, seasoned seaweed, and a box of Korean dumplings (mandu) in the freezer.  

If I have 10 minutes, I can put together a full Korean-style meal: hot rice, pan-fried mandu, a fried egg, and some kimchi on the side.  I drizzle a bit of sesame oil or gochujang on top and call it my lazy bibimbap.  It’s not fancy—but it’s comforting, fast, and feels like home.

These simple Korean recipes prove that you don’t need hours in the kitchen to enjoy the rich and comforting flavors of Korean cuisine. Whether you’re craving a quick kimchi fried rice, a hearty doenjang jjigae, or tasty lettuce wraps, these dishes will bring a little taste of Korea into your busy life.

Stay tuned for more easy recipes and cultural stories in future posts!

"If you're interested in Korean cultural habits beyond food, check out my post on Why Koreans Take Off Shoes Indoors."

🔗 References

• Maangchi - Kimchi Bokkeumbap
• Korean Bapsang - Doenjang Jjigae
• https://cooking.nytimes.com/search?q=korean