Are you a vegetarian or vegan looking to explore the vibrant flavors of Korean cuisine? Look no further! In this article, we will guide you through a list of delectable Korean dishes that cater to your dietary preferences. From the savory Bibimbap to the spicy and satisfying Kimchi Jjigae, we’ve got you covered with a variety of mouthwatering options that will surely please your taste buds. So, get ready to embark on a culinary adventure as we introduce you to the world of vegetarian and vegan-friendly Korean dishes! Sure! Korean cuisine is known for its rich flavors and diverse range of dishes. Whether you’re a vegetarian or a vegan, there are plenty of options for you to enjoy the delicious flavors of traditional Korean food. From refreshing soups to hearty stir-fries, here are some of the best vegetarian-friendly and vegan-friendly Korean dishes for you to try.
Vegetarian-Friendly Korean Dishes
Kimbap
Kimbap is a popular Korean dish that is often referred to as “Korean sushi.” It is made by rolling cooked rice and various vegetables in dried seaweed sheets. The fillings can include carrots, cucumber, pickled radish, and omelette. It is a great option for vegetarians as it can be customized with a variety of vegetarian-friendly ingredients.
Buchujeon
Buchujeon is a savory Korean pancake made with garlic chives. The chives are mixed with a simple batter of flour, water, and salt and then cooked until crispy. It is a delicious and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer or as a main course with a side of soy dipping sauce.
Kongnamul Gukbap
Kongnamul Gukbap is a comforting and nourishing soup made with soybean sprouts. The sprouts are simmered in a flavorful broth along with other vegetables and tofu. It is a simple yet satisfying dish that is perfect for a light lunch or dinner.
Vegetable Jeon
Vegetable Jeon is a versatile Korean pancake that can be made with a variety of vegetables such as zucchini, mushrooms, and carrots. The vegetables are mixed with a batter of flour, water, and egg (or a vegan substitute) and then pan-fried until golden and crispy. It is a popular dish that can be enjoyed as a snack or as a side dish.
Dubu Jorim
Dubu Jorim is a braised tofu dish that is full of flavor. The tofu is simmered in a savory sauce made with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. It is a simple yet delicious dish that can be enjoyed as a main course with a side of rice or as a side dish to complement other Korean dishes.
Vegan-Friendly Korean Dishes
Kongguksu
Kongguksu is a refreshing summer soup made with soy milk and noodles. The soy milk is made by grinding soaked soybeans and then straining the liquid. The soup is served cold and garnished with cucumber, sesame seeds, and sometimes, spicy gochujang sauce. It is a light and creamy dish that is perfect for hot summer days.
Bibim Guksu
Bibim Guksu is a spicy cold noodle dish that is packed with flavors. The noodles are typically made from wheat flour or sweet potato starch and are tossed in a spicy sauce made with gochujang (spicy red pepper paste), soy sauce, garlic, sesame oil, and vinegar. It is then topped with thinly sliced vegetables such as cucumber and carrot. It is a delicious and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed year-round.
Doenjang Jjigae
Doenjang Jjigae is a classic Korean stew made with fermented soybean paste, tofu, and vegetables. The paste gives the stew a rich and savory flavor, while the tofu and vegetables add a nice texture. It is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for cold winter days.
Kongbiji Jjigae
Kongbiji Jjigae is a creamy and flavorful stew made with ground soybean paste (kongbiji). The paste is mixed with garlic, tofu, and vegetables to create a thick and hearty stew. It is often served with a side of rice and is a popular dish among vegans in Korea.
Gimbap
Gimbap is a Korean dish that is similar to sushi. It is made by rolling cooked rice and various vegetables in dried seaweed sheets. The fillings can include carrots, spinach, pickled radish, and tofu. It is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit different dietary preferences, including veganism.
Tofu-Based Korean Dishes
Dubu Kimchi
Dubu Kimchi is a spicy and flavorful dish made with tofu and kimchi. The tofu is pan-fried until crispy and then stir-fried with kimchi, garlic, red pepper flakes, and soy sauce. It is a quick and easy dish that is full of flavor and can be enjoyed as a main course or as a side dish.
Dubu Buchim
Dubu Buchim is a Korean side dish made with pan-fried tofu. The tofu is seasoned with soy sauce, garlic, sesame oil, and green onions, and then pan-fried until golden and crispy. It is a simple yet tasty dish that pairs well with rice and other Korean side dishes.
Dubu Jjigae
Dubu Jjigae is a Korean tofu stew that is packed with flavor. The stew is made with soft tofu, vegetables, and a flavorful broth made with soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil. It is a comforting and hearty dish that is perfect for colder days.
Dubu Jeongol
Dubu Jeongol is a Korean hot pot dish that features tofu as the main ingredient. The tofu is simmered in a flavorful broth along with various vegetables such as mushrooms, onions, and zucchini. It is a great dish to share with friends and family, especially during the colder months.
Dubu Gangjeong
Dubu Gangjeong is a sweet and crispy tofu dish that is perfect for snacking. The tofu is coated in a sticky sauce made with soy sauce, sugar, and sesame oil, and then pan-fried until golden and crispy. It is a popular dish in Korea and is often enjoyed as a side dish or as a street food snack.
Vegetable-Loaded Korean Soups
Seaweed Soup
Seaweed Soup, also known as Miyeok Guk, is a traditional Korean soup made with seaweed. The seaweed is simmered in a flavorful broth along with other vegetables and sometimes, beef or seafood. It is a nutritious and comforting soup that is often enjoyed on birthdays and special occasions.
Mushroom Soup
Mushroom Soup is a hearty and delicious Korean soup made with various types of mushrooms. The mushrooms are simmered in a flavorful broth along with other vegetables such as onions, garlic, and carrots. It is a flavorful and earthy soup that is perfect for mushroom lovers.
Corn Cheese Soup
Corn Cheese Soup is a creamy and cheesy soup that is popular in Korea. It is made with corn, cheese, and various vegetables such as onions and bell peppers. It is a comforting and indulgent soup that is perfect for chilly days.
Bean Sprout Soup
Bean Sprout Soup, also known as Kongnamul Guk, is a simple and light Korean soup made with soybean sprouts. The sprouts are simmered in a clear broth along with garlic and sesame oil. It is a refreshing and healthy soup that is often enjoyed as a side dish or as a part of a Korean meal.
Soybean Paste Soup
Soybean Paste Soup, also known as Doenjang Guk, is a staple in Korean cuisine. The soup is made with fermented soybean paste, tofu, and vegetables such as zucchini and mushrooms. It is a hearty and flavorful soup that is often enjoyed with a bowl of rice.
Plant-Based Korean Side Dishes
Sigeumchi Namul
Sigeumchi Namul is a Korean side dish made with spinach. The spinach is blanched and then seasoned with soy sauce, garlic, sesame oil, and sesame seeds. It is a simple yet tasty dish that pairs well with rice and other Korean dishes.
Musangchae
Musangchae is a refreshing Korean side dish made with radish. The radish is thinly sliced and then mixed with vinegar, sugar, and salt. It is a light and tangy dish that is perfect for adding a burst of freshness to any Korean meal.
Oi Muchim
Oi Muchim is a spicy cucumber salad that is popular in Korea. The cucumbers are thinly sliced and then mixed with a spicy dressing made with gochujang (spicy red pepper paste), garlic, vinegar, and sesame oil. It is a refreshing and flavorful dish that is perfect for hot summer days.
Gaji Namul
Gaji Namul is a Korean side dish made with eggplant. The eggplant is sliced and then steamed or pan-fried until tender. It is then seasoned with soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil. It is a simple yet delicious dish that can be enjoyed as a side dish or as a part of a Korean meal.
Gamja Jorim
Gamja Jorim is a Korean braised potato dish that is full of flavors. The potatoes are cooked in a sweet and savory sauce made with soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and ginger. It is a comforting and satisfying dish that pairs well with rice and other Korean side dishes.
Korean Pancake Options
Kimchijeon
Kimchijeon is a savory Korean pancake made with kimchi. The kimchi is mixed with a simple batter of flour, water, and salt and then pan-fried until crispy. It is a popular dish that is enjoyed as a snack or as a side dish to complement other Korean dishes.
Guljeon
Guljeon is a Korean pancake made with oysters. The oysters are mixed with a batter of flour, water, and salt and then pan-fried until golden and crispy. It is a flavorful and indulgent dish that is often enjoyed as a part of a special meal.
Haemul Pajeon
Haemul Pajeon is a Korean seafood pancake made with a variety of seafood such as shrimp, squid, and clams. The seafood is mixed with a batter of flour, water, and salt and then pan-fried until crispy. It is a popular dish that is often enjoyed as an appetizer or as a main course.
Pa Jeon
Pa Jeon is a Korean pancake made with green onions. The green onions are mixed with a batter of flour, water, and salt and then pan-fried until crispy. It is a simple yet delicious dish that pairs well with a dipping sauce made with soy sauce and vinegar.
Vegetable Pancake
Vegetable Pancake, also known as Yachaejeon, is a Korean pancake made with various vegetables such as carrots, zucchini, and onions. The vegetables are mixed with a batter of flour, water, and salt and then pan-fried until golden and crispy. It is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a snack or as a side dish.
Stir-Fried Korean Vegetable Dishes
Bok Choy Namul
Bok Choy Namul is a Korean side dish made with bok choy. The bok choy is stir-fried with garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil, and then seasoned with sesame seeds. It is a simple yet flavorful dish that pairs well with rice and other Korean side dishes.
Kongnamul Muchim
Kongnamul Muchim is a Korean side dish made with soybean sprouts. The sprouts are blanched and then seasoned with soy sauce, garlic, sesame oil, and sesame seeds. It is a refreshing and nutty dish that is often enjoyed as a part of a Korean meal.
Kongnamul Bap
Kongnamul Bap is a Korean rice dish made with soybean sprouts. The sprouts are cooked with rice and a flavorful broth, giving the rice a delicious and nutty flavor. It is a hearty and nutritious dish that can be enjoyed on its own or as a part of a Korean meal.
Sukju Namul
Sukju Namul is a Korean side dish made with mung bean sprouts. The sprouts are blanched and then seasoned with soy sauce, garlic, sesame oil, and sesame seeds. It is a light and refreshing dish that is often enjoyed as a part of a Korean meal.
Mu Saengchae
Mu Saengchae is a spicy Korean side dish made with radish. The radish is julienned and then mixed with a spicy dressing made with gochujang (spicy red pepper paste), garlic, vinegar, and sesame oil. It is a flavorful and refreshing dish that adds a kick to any Korean meal.
Korean Noodle Dishes
Jjolmyeon
Jjolmyeon is a spicy and chewy cold noodle dish that is popular in Korea. The noodles are made from wheat flour or sweet potato starch and are topped with a spicy sauce made with gochujang, soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil. It is then garnished with cucumber, carrots, and hard-boiled eggs. It is a flavorful and refreshing dish that is perfect for hot summer days.
Kalguksu
Kalguksu is a Korean noodle soup made with handmade knife-cut noodles. The noodles are cooked in a flavorful broth along with various vegetables such as zucchini, mushrooms, and onions. It is a comforting and hearty soup that is often enjoyed during the colder months.
Janchi Guksu
Janchi Guksu is a Korean noodle dish that is often served at special occasions and celebrations. The noodles are typically made from wheat flour and are served in a clear broth along with various vegetables and sometimes, a small piece of meat or seafood. It is a light and flavorful dish that is enjoyed year-round.
Acorn Jelly Noodles
Acorn Jelly Noodles, also known as Dotori Guksu, are translucent noodles made from acorn flour. They have a unique texture and are often enjoyed in a cold noodle dish. The noodles are topped with a spicy sauce made with gochujang, soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil, along with various vegetables. It is a refreshing and satisfying dish that is perfect for hot summer days.
Vegetable Noodle Soup
Vegetable Noodle Soup, also known as Yachae Guksoo, is a Korean noodle soup made with various vegetables. The noodles are typically made from wheat flour and are cooked in a flavorful broth along with carrots, onions, mushrooms, and spinach. It is a comforting and nutritious dish that is often enjoyed as a light lunch or dinner.
Korean Rice-Based Dishes
Bibimbap
Bibimbap is a classic Korean dish that consists of a bowl of cooked rice topped with various vegetables, meat or tofu, and a fried egg. The ingredients are typically arranged in a colorful and visually appealing manner. It is then mixed together with a spicy sauce made with gochujang, garlic, sesame oil, and vinegar. Bibimbap is a delicious and satisfying dish that can be customized to suit different dietary preferences, including vegetarian and vegan options.
Kimchi Fried Rice
Kimchi Fried Rice, also known as Kimchi Bokkeumbap, is a popular Korean dish made with leftover rice and kimchi. The kimchi is fried with the rice along with other ingredients such as vegetables, tofu, and sometimes, meat. It is a flavorful and hearty dish that is perfect for using up leftovers and can be enjoyed as a main course or as a side dish.
Vegetable Bibimbap
Vegetable Bibimbap is a vegetarian version of the classic Bibimbap dish. Instead of meat or tofu, it is topped with a colorful array of vegetables such as carrots, spinach, bean sprouts, and mushrooms. It is a nutritious and delicious dish that is packed with flavors and textures.
Yangnyeom Gejang Bokkeum Bap
Yangnyeom Gejang Bokkeum Bap is a spicy rice dish made with marinated crab. The crab is stir-fried along with vegetables and a spicy sauce made with gochujang, garlic, and sesame oil. It is a flavorful and indulgent dish that is often enjoyed as a part of a special meal.
Bulgogi Rice Bowl
Bulgogi Rice Bowl, also known as Bulgogi Deopbap, is a Korean rice dish made with marinated and grilled beef (or tofu for vegans) and served with rice and various vegetables. The beef (or tofu) is cooked with a sweet and savory marinade made with soy sauce, garlic, sugar, and sesame oil. It is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for a quick and easy meal.
With these delicious and diverse options, you can now enjoy the flavors of Korean cuisine as a vegetarian or a vegan. From vegetable-loaded soups to flavorful stir-fries, there is a wide range of dishes to suit your dietary preferences. So go ahead and explore the vibrant world of Korean cuisine!