10 Famous Korean Dishes Made Vegan

There is plenty on a Korean menu that works well for vegans, from bibimbap and rice cakes to kimbap and kimchi bokkeumbap (as long as the kimchi is fishless).

That said, while Korean food can be heavy on vegetables, it does have a lot of traditional meat dishes, too.

Thankfully, there are lots of fun and easy ways to create Korean-inspired food that is plant-based. Here are 10 OGP recipes that completely veganize some tasty traditional Korean dishes.

We also highly recommend downloading the Food Monster App  — with over 15,000 delicious recipes, it is the largest meatless, vegan, plant-based, and allergy-friendly recipe resource to help you get healthy!

1. Korean Barbecue Tofu ‘Wings’

Source: Korean Barbecue Tofu ‘Wings’

There’s nothing like the sweet, tangy, hot taste of Korean barbecue — especially in this recipe for Korean Barbecue Tofu ‘Wings’ by Lydia Filgueras! Tofu triangles are marinated in a homemade Korean barbecue sauce and then baked until the edges are just a tiny bit crispy, and the sauce on the outside is that addictive stickiness that makes barbecue wings so crave-able. These are the perfect appetizers for any occasion.

2. Jap-chae: Korean Stir-Fried Glass Noodles

Source: Jap-chae: Korean Stir-Fried Glass Noodles

Jap-chae literally means “mixed veggies.” It’s a popular dish at Korean parties and potlucks, and considering the traditional cooking method, it deserves to be a celebration dish. Various julienned vegetables are stir-fried separately to maintain their vibrant colors. Then, they are gently tossed with seasoned glass noodles to create a colorful and elegant Jap-chae: Korean Stir-Fried Glass Noodles by OGP Admin.

3. Hotteok: Korean Pancakes Stuffed With Ground Nuts

Source: Hotteok: Korean Pancakes Stuffed With Ground Nuts

These Hotteok: Korean Pancakes Stuffed With Ground Nuts by Pavani Nandula are sweet stuffed Korean pancakes made with yeasted dough and stuffed with cinnamon brown sugar and ground nuts. This is a popular street food in Korea. The soft, fluffy dough is made with half all-purpose flour and half-sweet rice flour.

4. Sujebi: Korean One-Pot Hand-Torn Noodle and Potato Soup

Source: Sujebi: Korean One-Pot Hand-Torn Noodle and Potato Soup

Sujebi is a Korean one-pot hand-torn noodle potato soup that is comforting, hearty, and wholesome. The noodles are soft and chewy, and the broth is rich in umami flavor. You’re going to fall in love with this Sujebi: Korean One-Pot Hand-Torn Noodle and Potato Soup by Julie Park!

5. Vegetable Tteokbokki: Korean Spicy Rice Cakes

Source: Vegetable Tteokbokki: Korean Spicy Rice Cakes

If you are looking for something with a little heat, this Vegetable Tteokbokki: Korean Spicy Rice Cakes by Adam Merrin and Ryan Alvarez is the perfect recipe. Tteokbokki is a Korean dish traditionally made with rice cakes, fish cakes, and a sweet, spicy, thick sauce. However, this version cuts out the fish cakes and covers the rice cakes in a rich, sweet, spicy, red miso sauce. These chewy rice cakes and bold, fiery sauce make this dish a perfect meal for cold weather.

6. Cast-Iron Skillet Bibimbap

Source: Cast-Iron Skillet Bibimbap

Bibimbap is a traditional Korean dish that consists of cooked rice and varied toppings, traditionally served in a hot stone pot called a dolsot. This Cast-Iron Skillet Bibimbap by Maikki Vasala is made with carrots, red cabbage, mung bean sprouts, cucumbers, pan-fried mushrooms, and spicy tofu. A cast-iron skillet is used in place of a dolsot, making the rice crispy.

7. Homemade Kimchi

Source: Homemade Kimchi

Besides just snacking, kimchi can also be served as a side dish by itself and is irresistibly delicious on top of a warm bowl of rice, but that is just the beginning! This spicy, garlicky, gingery delicacy can be used in many creative ways: Kimchi fried rice, kimchi grilled cheese sandwiches, kimchi burritos… Have fun, and let your culinary imagination go wild with this Homemade Kimchi by Adam Merrin and Ryan Alvarez!

8. Mu Ssam: Korean White Radish Wraps

Source: Mu Ssam: Korean White Radish Wraps

Mu Ssam is a Korean dish that is traditionally served on special occasions because it’s so elegant and beautiful, but these mini wraps do take a bit of time to prepare. These delightful Mu Ssam: Korean White Radish Wraps by Julie Park are crunchy, refreshing, and tangy. It’s perfect to start or finish a heavy meal as its light, sharp flavor makes for the perfect palate cleanser.

9. Gochujang Tofu

Source: Gochujang Tofu

This Gochujang Tofu by Rika and Doni is a favorite among Asian comfort food meals – Taiwanese-style Pickled Cucumbers, baked gochujang tofu, and vegan floss served over steamed rice. The term floss may appear rather foreign to most vegans, but then it can just as easily appear foreign to anyone not too familiar with Asia. So, what is floss? Floss is a salty, slightly sweet, dried, and flaked protein topping, usually made from pork, fish, chicken, beef, or, in our case, GMO-free soybean fiber.

10. Doenjang Jjigae: Korean Soybean Paste Stew

Source: Doenjang Jjigae: Korean Soybean Paste Stew

A very quick and easy, super healthy Korean vegan stew. This Doenjang Jjigae: Korean Soybean Paste Stew by Hyeon Jeong Yoon is made with soybean paste, vegetables, and fresh tofu. It has anti-aging and anti-cancer properties, vitamin A, vitamin C, and tons of minerals.

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