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Koreans know how to tell a good story, laced with uplifting and heartwarming narratives, and create amazing pop music with catchy hooks and sing-along lyrics (well, almost) that aren’t easy to let go. And that pretty much explains why many Indians, especially the younger generation, are obsessed with K-drama and K-pop. This influence of Korean culture through entertainment has also helped promote the nation’s flavours and cuisine. And it has stuck around because Korean food ticks all boxes for Indians – from flavour and taste to texture.
Korean food gained popularity amid the pandemic and today, several supermarkets and online stores are brimming with Korean food items – from instant noodles to spices, pastes, and more. According to the ministry of commerce and industry of India, Korean [instant] noodles alone witnessed a growth of 178 per cent in 2021. Post the second wave, what fueled the craze for Korean cuisine in the country was the opening of stand-alone Korean restaurants and eateries in metro cities like Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, and Bengaluru.
If you too enjoy this cuisine too, here’s your chance to learn and whip a few in the comfort of your kitchen. Zee Zest launched Simply Korea, a recipe video series that shows you how to cook some of the most popular Korean dishes.
1. Dubu Jorim
Best paired with steamed rice, Dubu Jorim is golden-brown fried tofu braised in a spicy-savoury sauce, finished off with a sprinkling of sesame seeds and chopped spring onion.
2. Gyeran Mari
Korean omelette aka Gyeran Mari can be a great replacement for that plain ol’ breakfast omelette. It is a roll that is made using eggs and chopped vegetables like spring onions and carrots.
3. Miyeok Guk
A healthy and nutritious Korean seaweed soup, Miyeok Guk is an important part of traditional birthday celebrations. It is traditionally made with beef, but this recipe uses chicken.
4. Korean Fried Chicken
Crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, Korean fried chicken is coated in a thick sweet-spicy sauce. It is garnished with sesame seeds and chopped spring onions.
5. Kimchi
Kimchi is a traditional Korean side dish that promises a burst of flavours. It is made using cabbage and Korean radish.
For more such recipes, check our Zee Zest's newest offering Simply Korea.
Photo: Shutterstock