With only a few more days before Christmas, we are now looking forward to celebrating this special occasion with our loved ones. At this point, we're also thinking about what kind of food we should eat during Noche Buena. While the staple dishes shouldn't leave the table, it's also nice to try new options. As we often say, para maiba naman! And for this year, you might want to feature an all-Korean menu.
Here are some Korean dishes to add to your Noche Buena feast:
1. Gimbap
If you're looking for something that is easy to prepare, this one's the answer to that! Gimbap is a popular street food in South Korea, usually eaten as a snack during picnics. You just have to prepare cooked rice, meat (can be pork, tuna, or beef), and some vegetables before wrapping them in seaweed sheets. It's a bit of a challenge to roll them neatly but the better you do, the more appetizing they will be! With all the ingredients, a roll of gimbap can certainly make your tummy full.
2. Samgyupsal
Who said that the words "Tara, samgyup!" can only be used for ~regular~ days? We firmly believe that samgyupsal is a Korean dish for all seasons that no one can resist! Another reason why it's perfect for Noche Buena is that the time spent grilling can also serve as a bonding moment with the family. Accompanied by traditional Korean side dishes (called banchan), especially kimchi, samgyupsal totally deserves a spot on your table. *grabs chopsticks*
3. Japchae
Upgrade your ~*pampahaba ng buhay*~ a.k.a noodles! Japchae is a stir-fried glass noodle dish filled with mixed vegetables. The sweet taste is ideal for many occasions, which includes Christmas. Think of it as a Korean version of sotanghon. If you have eaten it before, you can attest to why japchae should be recommended! If this is your first time trying it, then we can guarantee that the Korean dish will be one of your favorites.
4. Korean fried chicken
Fried chicken is a go-to dish that everyone loves, mainly because it's delicious and so easy to cook. Level up your usual fried chicken this year by ~making~ it Korean! Just so you know, I'm getting hungry while writing this as I imagine that crispy and spicy Korean fried chicken. A friendly reminder for those who are allergic to chicken like me: It's hard to say no but eat only what is safe for you to consume. *wink*
5. Jjajangmyeon
Here comes my personal favorite! Jjajangmyeon is a noodle dish served in black bean sauce. The savory taste combined with its unique texture is probably the reason why it is a cult favorite. While our local pancit is also top-tier, serving this as an alternative for Christmas will surely satisfy your taste buds.
6. Beef bulgogi
There is no doubt that Noche Buena is best spent at home with the whole family. And right in the comfort of your home, you can prepare something special! Bulgogi is basically a meat dish made with thinly sliced marinated beef. When grilled properly, you'll achieve that tender and flavorful serving that everyone will love.
7. Tteokbokki
If you're a K-drama fan, tteokbokki is no stranger to you as you have probably seen it multiple times in Korean series. Now is the time to have your own main character moment by including this in your Christmas feast! This sweet and spicy simmered rice cake dish will not disappoint. Best paired with soju, the chilly nights of the holiday season are solved already. Let this be your new favorite pulutan!
8. Gyeranmari
Who doesn't love omelets? If you're a big fan of them, you shouldn't miss serving gyeranmari this Christmas! This egg dish is famous in Korean cuisine since it's easy to prepare and you'll only be needing ingredients that are found at home. While gyeranmari is pretty simple, it's still very pleasing to look at it especially if you have the *talent* for plating.
9. Tteokgalbi
This dish is best served if you want something fancy this Noche Buena. Tteokgalbi is made with ground beef short ribs that are marinated once deboned. Once you have formed the beef patties, you can either fry or grill them. Take note: While "tteok" translates to rice cake in Korean, you shouldn't expect any rice in tteokgalbi (unless you want to eat them with it).
10. Hotteok
Hotteok is a Korean sweet pancake nd the delicious secret lies in the filling. It can be an alternative to the usual bread we buy in bakeries and pastry shops. Pancakes are mostly enjoyed during breakfast, but a hotteok can be your in-between snack or dessert after the main courses. Click here for a guide on where to buy them.
MORE KOREAN FOOD STORIES HERE:
Omo, A Korean-Style *Fried Chicken Donut* Exists And Here's Where To Find It
Yum! This Is How You Can Make Jumeokbap At Home
Get Egg-cited: Where To Buy Uju's Fave Egg Sandwich From 'Hospital Playlist' In Manila
