Spicy Korean Food – 10 Food That Will Make Your Mouth Water!

Are you ready to embark on a fiery culinary adventure? Look no further than the vibrant and tantalizing world of spicy Korean food!

Bursting with bold flavors, tongue-tingling heat, and unforgettable dishes, Korean cuisine is a true treat for those who dare to indulge in some serious spice. 

Be prepared to sweat, savor, and satisfy your cravings as we dive into the top mouthwatering spicy Korean delights that will leave you begging for more. 

Grab your chopsticks and get ready to ignite your taste buds because this blog post is about to take you on a fiery journey through the land of kimchi, gochujang, and all things deliciously hot!

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Spicy Korean Food

Korean cuisine is known for its spicy dishes, and there are many delicious options to choose from. Here are some spicy Korean dishes to try:

1. Dakgalbi

Credit to Maangchi

Dakgalbi is a spicy stir fry korean dish made of marinate chiken mix with arrays of vegetables and gochujang sauce. 

The combination of tender meat, crunchy veggies, and a kick of heat from spicy sauce and ssamjang will have your taste buds dancing in delight!

If you want to taste the best Dakgalbi in Korea, go to Chuncheon Dakgalbi Street, the origin of this delicious fiery food.

2. Tteokbokki

Credit to Shutterstock/Tmon

Tteokbokki is a chewy rice cakes soak in a sweet and spicy gochujang sauce. I believe you all know this street food as it is one of the most famous korean street food all over the world.

3. Kimchi Jjigae

Credit to Eatingwell

No list of spicy Korean foods would be complete without mentioning Kimchi Jjigae. This beloved stew combines the tangy goodness of fermented kimchi with pork belly, tofu, and an assortment of spices to create a true explosion of flavors. 

It’s the perfect dish to warm you up on a chilly day while simultaneously setting your taste buds ablaze.

4. Buldak Chicken

Credit to cookpad

If you’re looking for an intense spice experience, look no further than Buldak chicken.

Buldak, as known as ‘fire chicken’ is a famous dish consists of super-spicy grilled chicken drenched in a scorching hot sauce made from gochujang and other secret ingredients. 

As it name suggest, this spicy korean food is so hot that most people usually eat it together with rice, and other side dish to help tone down the heat.

5. Sundubu-jjigae

Sundubu-jjigae, also known as soft tofu stew, is a popular spicy Korean dish that will definitely make your taste buds tingle with delight. 

This hot and flavorful soup is made with silky smooth tofu, mince meat, egg and a fiery red broth that packs a punch.

What sets Sundubu-jjigae apart from other soups is its spiciness.

The red broth gets its heat from gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) and gochujang (Korean chili paste), giving it a robust kick that will awaken your senses.

Serve this korean dish in a stone pot called ttukbaegi to make sure your dish remain hot.

6. Jjambbong

Jjambbong is a fiery and flavorful noodle soup filled with various seafood stuff.

The delicious dish is made of spicy seafood broth seasoned with gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) topped with seafood and vegetables.

The combination of fresh seafood like shrimp, clams, and squid adds a rich depth to the broth, while vegetables like cabbage, carrots, and onions provide crunchiness.

You can also mix this noodle soup with sliced pork or beef as a topping.

7. Yangnyeom Chicken

Credit to bellycheapcook

Yangnyeom Chicken, also known as Korean Fried Chicken, is a popular and mouth-watering dish that will satisfy any spicy food lover. 

This crispy and flavorful chicken dish is coated in a delicious blend of spices and sauces, making it the perfect combination of heat and flavor.

The secret to the addictive taste of Yangnyeom Chicken lies in its unique marinade. The chicken is typically marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, sugar, and gochujang (Korean chili paste). This combination creates a bold and spicy flavor profile that will leave you craving for more.

Once marinated, the chicken pieces are deep-fried until they become golden brown and crispy on the outside while remaining juicy on the inside.

To add even more depth to this already delicious dish, Yangnyeom Chicken is often served with pickled radish or shredded cabbage for a refreshing crunch. Some establishments even offer different levels of spiciness to cater to varying palates – from mild to extra hot!

8. Maeundae Galbijjim

Credit to flickr

Maeundae Galbijjim is a traditional Korean braised beef short rib dish known for its tender and flavorful meat. This dishes is cooked to perfection with a delicious blend of soy sauce, sugar, garlic, ginger, and other aromatic spices.

The secret behind the amazing taste of Maeundae Galbijjim lies in the slow cooking process. The beef ribs are simmered for hours until they become tender and rich in flavors. 

If you are looking for the origin of this dishes, you can g oto galbijjim street in Daegu. It is the original home of this hot and spicy galbijjim .

9. Dakbal

Dakbal is a unique dish features chicken feet marinated in a spicy sauce and then either grilled or braised. While it may sound unusual to some, Dakbal is an incredibly popular street food in Korea. A little warn for you, this dishes is really spicy, so eat with cautions!

10. Yukgaejang

Yukgaejang is made with shredded beef, vegetables, and a generous amount of red chili pepper flakes. The rich broth combined with the spiciness of the peppers creates a flavor explosion that will leave you craving for more.

Whether you’re a fan of spicy food or looking to challenge your taste buds, Yukgaejang is the healthiest spicy korean food you can try. It has high-calorie, low-carb, high-fat and very high-protein content which will boost your stamina!

How to Handle Spicy Korean Food

When it comes to spicy Korean food, a little preparation goes a long way. Here are some tips and tricks to help you handle the heat and enjoy your meal to the fullest.

  • First of all, start from the mildest.
    If you’re new to spicy food, it’s best to gradually build up your tolerance. Begin with milder dishes before moving on to the spicier ones. This way, your taste buds can adjust without overwhelming your palate.
  • Second, pair spicy dishes with cooling ingredients.
    For example, if you’re enjoying a fiery bowl of kimchi jjigae, have a side of refreshing cucumber slices or a dollop of yogurt nearby. The coolness will provide relief from the heat and balance out the flavors.
  • Third, chewing on bread or rice can help absorb some of the spice and lessen its intensity.
    These neutral-tasting carbohydrates act as buffers between your taste buds and the fiery sensation.
  • Listen to your body!
    If you find yourself struggling with an extremely spicy dish, don’t force yourself to finish it. It’s okay to stop and ask for milder alternatives. Remember that enjoying food should be pleasurable rather than painful.

Cooling Down Spicy Food

Here are some tips and tricks you can try to help colling down the spicy food in your mouth and stomach.

  • Drink Milk and Dairy stuff.
    Milk and other dairy stuff is great at relieving the burning sensation in your tongues.
  • Drink lemonade.
    Lemonade is an acidic drinks that will help reduce and neutralize the capsaicin, the alkaline that makes chilis spicy.

Sum Up

Embarking on a culinary journey through the world of spicy Korean food is a delightful experience that promises to satisfy both adventurous foodies and spice enthusiasts alike.

From the iconic kimchi jjigae to the fiery buldak, each dish tells a story of tradition, flavor, and the indomitable spirit of South Korea.

So, whether you are a seasoned traveler or a curious food lover, be sure to indulge in these spicy delights when exploring the vibrant culinary landscape of South Korea.

Have you ever try one of these spicy korean dish? Let me know in the comment sections below!

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