Gluten-free foods are those that do not contain wheat, barley, rye, or any crossbreeds of these grains. However, most people are gluten-sensitive, and consuming gluten-containing foods regularly produces major negative effects. Most people have celiac disease, which is a singular gluten intolerance, and will undoubtedly choose gluten-free diets to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Gluten allergy awareness is low in Korea since people do not respond negatively to it. However, the majority of their foods are gluten-free, and edible packaged products are clearly labeled to indicate whether they are gluten-free or not.
If you are a foreigner in Korea, you may be unfamiliar with all of their dishes, let alone which ones are gluten-free. Just because you’re vegan or gluten-free doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy Korean cuisine! If you have a vegan or gluten-free friend or family member, tell them about these delicious vegan and gluten-free Korean recipes that can be made at home with simple materials.
12 Gluten-Free Korean Foods You Must Try
We’ve found gluten-free Korean cuisine. These dishes are either gluten-free or may be prepared in such a way. Let’s get started!
1. Kimchi
Korean kimchi is a gluten-free food that is a plant-based version of the traditional Korean side dish made with fermented napa cabbage and Korean radishes, daikon radish, salt, garlic, ginger, and chili spices.
As you may know, Koreans cannot live without kimchi; therefore, it’s no surprise that there are numerous kimchi recipes available. Some kimchi contain flour, generally rice flour, although there are also flour-free variants. Kimchi can be produced in an infinite number of ways by combining various vegetables and seasonings. Kimchi is used as a condiment and to flavor other foods, like soups, in addition to being a popular side dish.
When buying kimchi or eating it at a restaurant, make sure that any flour used is gluten-free. Although not customary, soy sauce could be used in a kimchi dish; however, as with anything you consume but do not create yourself, double-check it.
2. Bulgogi
This is a traditional Korean dish that everyone adores and is likely the most well-known Korean dish. Bulgogi is a type of Korean barbeque. Bulgogi translates to “fire meat.” This is a great gluten-free food.
Bulgogi is famous for its distinct sweet, savory, and slightly smokey flavor. It accomplishes this by using ingredients such as soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and sesame oil. Soy sauce contains gluten and can be replaced with tamari. The marinated beef is grilled on a griddle or a grill. Bulgogi is typically served with kimchi, rice, and a variety of banchan, and it can be wrapped in lettuce leaves.
Bulgogi’s flavor profile is familiar to many cultures throughout the world, which is why the dish is popular even outside of Korea. This meal is gluten-free if soy sauce is not used in its preparation.
3. Samgyetang
Samgyetang is a traditional Korean meal that is especially popular in the hot summer months. It is well known for its nourishing and rejuvenating effects.
A small young chicken, usually a Cornish game hen, is traditionally used. The bird is usually stuffed with glutinous rice, ginseng, jujubes (red dates), garlic, and occasionally other medicinal plants.
In Korean traditional medicine, ginseng is thought to have a variety of health benefits. It is used to boost vitality and stamina.
Samgyetang is also popular on “Chobok,” one of Korea’s three hottest days (according to the lunar calendar). Eating spicy dishes like Samgyetang during this period is thought to help the body combat the heat.
Overall, Samgyetang is a delightful and soothing dish with cultural and medicinal value in Korean cuisine. It’s a dish that highlights traditional Korean culture’s belief in the interdependence of food, health, and nature.
4. Korean Noodles
Gluten-free noodles are widely available in Korea. Korean noodles are manufactured from potato starch, tapioca starch, mung bean starch, or a combination of these ingredients. Glass noodles are a sort of transparent noodle that is semi-translucent when dry and glass-like when freshly cooked. With their pleasant aromas and chewy texture, these Korean noodles are enticing. They are widely available at supermarkets, marketplaces, and online.
Wheat noodles are the most common, so always inquire about them when dining out. When making noodle recipes at home, only use gluten-free noodles.
5. Bibimbap
A traditional Korean cuisine that means “mixed rice” and includes rice with various fresh and fermented veggies, typically pork, and an egg. There are numerous variations of this dish, ranging from simple to sophisticated. According to some stories, Bibimbap was created to utilize various leftover vegetable side dishes. To provide a nice presentation, the various components of the dish are often put on distinct portions of the plate or bowl, topped with a fried egg. You combine all of the ingredients before eating this dish.
6. Bindaetteok
Bindaetteok is a popular gluten-free Korean pancake. It’s cooked using ground mung beans and a variety of vegetables. It’s a popular Korean street meal recognized for its crunchy texture and savory flavor. Bindaetteok is traditionally served with kimchi and rice. It’s a versatile recipe that may be customized by changing the vegetables and extra toppings to your desire.
7. Korean Fish Cakes
This is another gluten-free delicacy that is delicious. This is a simple recipe that you can attempt at home. It is made up of minced fish, squid, prawns, eggs, veggies, flour, seasonings, and other ingredients. Small quantities of batter are formed into small balls and deep-fried in clean oil. Without a doubt, gluten-free main dishes, side dishes, and snacks are plentiful in Korea. When cooking any of them, you can be imaginative. It does not have to be monotonous.
8. Chwi Namul Muchim
Chwinamul muchim is a Korean vegetable side dish popular in the spring. Chwinamul muchim translates as “seasoned aster scaber” in English. Chwinamul is a sort of wild green that Koreans appreciate as a spring side dish.
Chwinamul can be prepared in a variety of ways, including Chwinamul rice, sweet pancakes, Chwinamul soybean soup, and so on. In any case, it is always both delicious and healthy.
Aside from the fact that it is gluten-free, there are several health benefits to eating this dish. It provides calcium, protein, phosphorus, iron, and other vital vitamins to the body. It can also help with physical aches and colds. Some restaurants serve a version of this meal called Chwinamul doenjang muchim. It is made with soybean paste instead of soy sauce. It also tastes fantastic.
9. Galbitang
Galbitang is a tasty and substantial Korean soup prepared with beef short ribs. It’s a popular meal in Korea, especially in the winter. You should always ask about soy sauce, as poorer restaurants may add it to the broth, but this meal is typically a safe bet!
Galbitang is a filling and hearty dish with a rich flavor. It’s a fantastic comfort food that’s frequently shared with family and friends on special occasions or as a warming supper during the winter months.
10. Gukbap
Gukbap is a Korean phrase that means “hot soup with rice.” Everything from cow head to sundae (blood sausage) has its gukbap. Beef gukbap, pork gukbap, chicken gukbap, and intestine gukbap are all options. There’s also a gukbap with soybean sprouts.
However, with unlimited variety comes an infinite number of recipes. Make certain to inquire about “gukganjang” or “soy sauce for soup.” Some restaurants will include it in the soup, while others will not.
11. Salted Grilled Mackerel
The most common way to serve fish in Korea is as an entire, headless fish. Grilled. It is typically seasoned with salt and served with a variety of dipping sauces. It takes some chopstick skill to get around the bones, but once you do, you’re in for a treat! This is one of my favorite Korean dishes to eat out. It’s a terrific cuisine to eat with a group, especially if someone knows how to debone a fish with chopsticks.
This meal is occasionally seasoned with soy sauce, so be sure to inquire about it! This is especially popular around the seaside, so if raw fish isn’t your thing, look into this form of grilled fish.
Warning: Seasoned grilled fish exists, so don’t assume that all grilled fish served in this manner is gluten-free.
12. Sashimi
Korean gluten-free sashimi is a traditional Japanese dish of thinly sliced raw fish that is commonly served with pickled vegetables, soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger. Korean cuisine frequently includes components from neighboring countries such as Japan, China, and Mongolia. This means that Korean sashimi may have different flavor profiles and accompaniments than classic Japanese sashimi.
Korean sashimi is frequently prepared in a visually appealing manner. It’s not just about taste but also about appearance. Furthermore, the garnishes and side dishes with the sashimi can provide additional flavor and texture. The variety of dipping sauces that can accompany Korean sashimi includes gluten-free soy sauce.
These sauces are made up of ingredients such as sesame oil, garlic, green onions, and gochujang (Korean red pepper paste), which can add unique and powerful flavors to the dish.
