10 Savory Vegan Korean Recipes

Kimchi, bulgogi, and bibimbap, oh my! 🇰🇷

Get ready to embark on a tantalizing journey through the world of vegan Korean cuisine. I’ve teamed up with some of the best plant-based Korean chefs to bring you 10 mouthwatering recipes that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance. Whether you’re craving something spicy, savory, or just downright delicious, we’ve got you covered.

From veganized versions of classic favorites to innovative fusion dishes, these recipes are perfect for impressing your friends at your next dinner party or just treating yourself to a cozy night in. And the best part? They’re all 100% vegan, so you can indulge guilt-free!

So, grab your chopsticks and let’s dive into this scrumptious adventure. Trust me, by the time we’re done, you’ll be saying “annyeonghaseyo” to a whole new world of flavors!

Kimchi Jjigae (Kimchi Stew)

Okay, let’s kick things off with a classic that’ll warm you up from the inside out. Kimchi Jjigae is like a big, spicy hug in a bowl.

To make this bad boy, you’ll need some vegan kimchi (store-bought or homemade), firm tofu, mushrooms, and a handful of aromatic vegetables.

Simmer everything together in a savory broth until it’s bubbling and fragrant.

The result? A hot, tangy, and slightly funky stew that’ll have you sweating in the best way possible.

Pro tip: Add a dollop of gochujang (Korean red chili paste) if you’re feeling extra spicy. Just don’t blame me if your mouth feels like it’s on fire! 🔥

Bibimbap

Ah, bibimbap – the choose-your-own-adventure of Korean cuisine. This colorful dish is basically a party in a bowl, and you’re the DJ mixing all the flavors together.

Start with a base of fluffy white rice, then go wild with toppings.

I’m talking sautéed spinach, crispy pan-fried tofu, julienned carrots, bean sprouts, and shiitake mushrooms.

Don’t forget the crowning glory: a generous dollop of gochujang sauce.

When it’s all assembled, mix it up like you’re trying to win a DJ battle. The goal is to get a little bit of everything in each bite.

Trust me, your taste buds will thank you for this flavor explosion!

Japchae (Sweet Potato Noodles)

Listen up, noodle lovers! This one’s for you. Japchae is like the cool, laid-back cousin of spaghetti – it’s got all the slurp-worthy goodness, but with a Korean twist.

The star of the show here is sweet potato noodles, which have this amazing chewy texture that’s honestly addictive.

Stir-fry them with a medley of colorful veggies like bell peppers, carrots, and spinach.

Throw in some mushrooms for that umami punch, and toss it all in a savory-sweet sauce.

The result? A dish that’s simultaneously light and satisfying. It’s perfect for those nights when you want something comforting but don’t want to feel like you’ve eaten a brick.

Bulgogi (Korean BBQ)

“But wait,” I hear you cry, “isn’t bulgogi usually made with beef?” Well, my dear vegan friend, prepare to have your mind blown.

We’re about to veganize this Korean BBQ classic, and trust me, it’s so good you might just fool your carnivore friends.

The secret? Thinly sliced seitan or soy curls marinated in a sweet and savory sauce.

Think soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and a hint of Asian pear for that authentic flavor.

Grill it up (or pan-fry if you’re cooking indoors like a normal person), and serve it with some crisp lettuce leaves for wrapping.

It’s messy, it’s delicious, and it’s the perfect excuse to eat with your hands. Who says vegans can’t enjoy BBQ?

Kimchi Fried Rice

Got leftover rice and some vegan kimchi hanging out in your fridge? Congratulations, you’re halfway to making one of the best comfort foods known to humankind.

Kimchi fried rice is like the cool punk rock version of your standard fried rice. It’s got attitude, it’s got spice, and it’s not afraid to wake up your taste buds.

Simply fry up some kimchi with your day-old rice, add some veggies (I like peas and carrots), and season with soy sauce.

Top it with some crispy pan-fried tofu or a vegan fried egg if you’re feeling fancy.

It’s the perfect lazy day meal that still feels like you’ve got your life together. Plus, it’s a great way to use up that kimchi that’s been fermenting a bit too long in your fridge. We’ve all been there, right?

Tteokbokki (Spicy Rice Cakes)

Okay, picture this: chewy rice cakes swimming in a spicy, sweet, and savory sauce. Sounds like heaven, right? Well, welcome to the world of tteokbokki, my friends.

This street food favorite is surprisingly easy to veganize.

All you need are some cylindrical rice cakes (available in most Asian grocery stores), gochujang, soy sauce, and sugar.

Throw in some veggies like cabbage and green onions for good measure.

The result is a dish that’s simultaneously comforting and exciting. It’s like a warm hug that occasionally pinches you – in a good way, of course.

Fair warning: the chewy texture of the rice cakes can be addictive. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself craving these bad boys at 2 AM.

Kongbiji Jjigae (Soybean Stew)

Now, I know what you’re thinking. “Soybean stew? Sounds… healthy.” But hold onto your taste buds, because this stew is about to rock your world.

Kongbiji jjigae is like the unsung hero of Korean cuisine. It’s creamy, it’s comforting, and it’s packed with protein. What’s not to love?

To make it, you’ll blend soaked soybeans into a creamy puree, then simmer it with veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, and kimchi.

Season it with some garlic, gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes), and soy sauce, and you’ve got yourself a bowl of pure comfort.

It’s like a warm, spicy hug for your insides. Perfect for those days when you need a little extra TLC.

Pajeon (Green Onion Pancake)

If you’ve never had pajeon, prepare for your life to change. These crispy, savory pancakes are like the cooler, more interesting cousin of your standard breakfast flapjacks.

The star of the show here is green onions – lots of them.

Mix them into a simple batter made with flour, water, and a bit of salt.

Then fry that bad boy up until it’s golden and crispy.

Serve it with a soy-vinegar dipping sauce, and try not to inhale it all in one sitting. (No judgment if you do, though. We’ve all been there.)

Pro tip: Add some kimchi or other veggies to the batter for extra flavor and nutrition. It’s like a veggie party in pancake form!

Sundubu Jjigae (Soft Tofu Stew)

Attention, spice lovers! This one’s for you. Sundubu jjigae is like a warm, comforting hug… that occasionally slaps you in the face with heat. In the best way possible, of course.

The star of this stew is silken tofu, which becomes creamy and luxurious when simmered in a spicy broth.

Add some mushrooms, zucchini, and a handful of greens for good measure.

And of course, don’t forget the gochugaru for that signature fiery kick.

The result is a stew that’s simultaneously comforting and exciting. It’s perfect for those nights when you need something to warm you up from the inside out.

Just maybe keep a glass of water nearby. You know, just in case.

Kimchi Pancake

Last but certainly not least, we have the kimchi pancake. It’s like the cool, rebellious cousin of pajeon – same concept, but with an extra kick of flavor.

To make this bad boy, you’ll mix chopped kimchi into your pancake batter along with some kimchi juice for extra tang.

Fry it up until it’s crispy on the outside and slightly chewy on the inside.

The result? A pancake that’s tangy, spicy, and oh-so-satisfying. It’s perfect as a snack, a side dish, or honestly, a full meal if you’re feeling particularly pancake-y.

Serve it with a soy-vinegar dipping sauce, and prepare for your taste buds to do a happy dance.

And there you have it, folks! Ten delicious vegan Korean recipes that’ll transport your taste buds straight to Seoul.

From comforting stews to crispy pancakes, there’s something here for every mood and craving.

So what are you waiting for? Grab your apron, stock up on gochujang, and get ready to impress your friends (and yourself) with your newfound Korean cooking skills.

Who knows? You might just become the next vegan Korean cuisine master.

화이팅 (Fighting)! That’s Korean for “You’ve got this!” Now go forth and cook up a storm! 🥘🇰🇷