[Updated 2 June 2021]
Hands up if you love Korean food! We definitely do, which is why we've rounded up a list of one-pot recipes for those busy weeknights you're strapped for time but still want to enjoy Korean flavours ? From hearty stews to savoury noodles, you'll be able to whip these dishes up just like that!
1. Budae jjigae
If you’re looking for a way to use that jar of kimchi that’s been sitting in your fridge for a while, kimchi jjigae is your answer. Spicy, soothing and superbly delicious, it’s a simple dish to make and perfect to chow down on a chilly day. Traditionally, kimchi jjigae uses pork shoulder or pork belly as one of its main ingredients since it pairs well with the soup. But it’s still possible to make a tasty dish using other meats! With this halal kimchi jjigae recipe, prepare to enjoy a mouthwatering bowl of kimchi stew whenever you want.
2. Kimchi jjigae
Budae jjiage, also known as Korean Army Stew, is a hearty kimchi stew that is perfect to indulge on a chilly day. Traditionally, budae jjigae includes pork and processed meats (i.e Spam which is canned cooked ham) but the beauty of this one-pot meal is that you can get creative with the ingredients! So with a little tweaking and swapping around, this simple halal budae jjigae recipe is one that you can easily make at home and indulge in while you catch up on the latest K-drama.
3. Sundubu jjigae
If you're a fan of savoury stews like kimchi jjigae and budae jjigae, then it's only right that you treat yourself to a warm bowl of sundubu jjigae. This popular Korean soft tofu stew is made with everything that you can expect in a comforting meal - extra soft tofu, thinly sliced meat, kimchi and an amazingly flavourful broth ? Perfect for a rainy day to warm you up, dive right into this halal sundubu jjigae recipe and whip up a bowl of yummy Korean stew at home.
4. Kimchi fried rice
Simple, delicious and foolproof - that's the beauty of kimchi fried rice ? Whether you're looking for an easy yet flavourful meal to make or just wanting to satisfy your Korean cravings, this dish is perfect for you. There are plenty of recipe variations on kimchi fried rice online, but as long as you have the basic ingredients like rice, kimchi and a few key pantry essentials that are important for Korean cuisine (e.g sesame oil, gochujang and gochugaru), you're good to go! Of course, you're more than welcome to add other things that you can find in your kitchen, which is what you'll see in this easy kimchi fried recipe.
P.S. For more fried rice recipes, whip up these 8 delicious fried rice recipes from around the world.
5. Jjapaguri
Made with a combination of two types of instant noodles, Chapagetti and Neoguri, save jjapaguri (aka ramdon) for a rainy weeknight! This comfort food is one of the easiest things you can whip up yourself. Just follow Korean Bapsang's recipe and you're good to go. You can omit the beef or switch it up with another protein of your liking. Double or triple the recipe serving accordingly and dig into a perfectly hearty meal while you throw on Parasite (2019) on your computer screen.
6. Jjampong
For those who have attempted making their own halal jajangmyeon, it’s time to move onto jjamppong! This seafood noodle soup is a popular Korean-Chinese dish that’s packed with tons of flavours. Perfect for warming you right up, share this satisfyingly delicious meal with your family while you catch up on the latest K-dramas and reality shows at home (Seaosn 3 of Busted!, anyone ?). Get started with this easy halal jjampong recipe.
7. Dakdori
Also known as dakbokkeumtang (spicy chicken stew), this traditional Korean dish is the perfect one-pot meal to make on weeknights. Made with boiling chunks of chicken, vegetables and various spices, your whole family can enjoy this savoury stew alongside a bowl of white rice. Head over to My Korean Kitchen to check out the recipe.
With this list of Korean one-pot recipes, you'll still get to enjoy a deliciously awesome meal at home even on busy nights where you're strapped for time ?
Ready for desserts? Check these recipes out: