23 Easy Korean Vegetarian Recipes You Need To Try

Korean cuisine is renowned for its bold flavors and vibrant presentations, with many dishes boasting an explosion of color on the plate. While some may assume that vegetarian options are limited in this culinary tradition, they would be pleasantly surprised to discover a wealth of delicious and easily accessible recipes that cater to plant-based diets.

Fortunately, there’s no need to worry about the availability of tasty Korean vegetarian dishes.

In fact, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of 23 mouth-watering recipes that are not only simple to prepare but also bursting with flavor. So, let’s embark on this culinary journey and explore the wonders of Korean vegetarian cuisine together!

Vegan Japchae

Indulge in the unique charm of glass noodles, a culinary delight that’s sure to win your heart! While they may initially appear unusual due to their translucent nature, once you take the leap, you’ll find yourself craving more. And the best part? They’re surprisingly easy to get your hands on. Simply head to your local Asian market and discover a world of possibilities. Experience the thrill of cooking with glass noodles for yourself – just click ‘Go To Recipe’ to start!

Hobak Pyeonsu

This comforting summer vegetarian dumpling recipe, also known as Summer Vegetarian Dumplings, offers a lighter twist on traditional dumpling recipes by omitting meat. The absence of meat makes this dish surprisingly easy to prepare, requiring only zucchini, jalapenos, and soy sauce among its few ingredients. While experimentation with fillings is always an option, these core components are the key to achieving the best results.

To prepare these steamed dumplings, plan to invest around one hour and 40 minutes of your time – a small price to pay for the end product.

The spotlight shines brightly on the Dalgona coffee, a delectable brew that has captured the hearts of many social media users. Its velvety texture and explosion of flavors have earned it a special place in our hearts – and it’s simplicity is what makes it so appealing. With just 5 minutes and 4 ingredients required to whip up this treat, it’s no wonder why Dalgona coffee has taken the digital world by storm.

Kimchi

Kimchi, also known as fermented cabbage, has been an integral part of Korean culture for centuries. This recipe will guide you through the process of creating your own kimchi from scratch, including fermentation. While it may take a bit longer, with a total preparation and fermentation time of 2 days and 1 hour, the end result is well worth the extra effort. Once you’ve mastered this recipe, you’ll be hooked on homemade kimchi for life – no more store-bought alternatives for you! Go to Recipe.

Korean Sweet Rice Drink

Discover a refreshing twist on traditional rice with this sweet rice drink recipe, also known as Sikyhe. Once you’ve tried it, you’ll be hooked – its unique flavor will leave you craving more. With just the right balance of sweetness and creamy texture, this treat is sure to become a new favorite.

Vegetarian Korean Bibimbap Bowls

Discover the delightful world of vegetarian bibimbap bowls! This popular Korean dish typically features a bed of rice topped with an assortment of vegetables, kimchi, gochujang, and a perfectly cooked egg. But what sets this recipe apart is its thoughtful adaptation for vegetarians everywhere. Ditch the meat and indulge in a flavorful, plant-based take on this beloved bowl.

Korean Kimchi Pancakes

While initial encounters with kimchi can be overwhelming, its versatility soon becomes apparent. This zesty condiment surprisingly pairs well with a wide range of dishes. The kimchi pancakes, for instance, boast an incredible balance of salty and tangy flavors, accompanied by a satisfying crunch. It’s little wonder why this dish has won over so many palates.

Crispy Korean BBQ Tofu

For those seeking a culinary experience that balances sweetness, savory flavors, and smokiness, this unique recipe is sure to delight. Despite its meat-free composition, the dish surprisingly packs a satisfying meaty punch. While the recipe may appear complex at first glance, it’s actually quite straightforward once you begin cooking. With its ease of preparation and bold flavor profile, this recipe is perfect for adventurous home cooks looking to mix things up.

Gamja Jorim

Dubbed Korean Braised Potatoes, this beloved recipe typically serves as a supporting act to a meal, but its allure is undeniable. Once you’ve indulged in these irresistible tubers, you’ll find yourself returning to them again and again, drawn by the unspoken promise of satisfaction they hold. The path to potato nirvana begins here.

Hotteok (Sweet Pancake)

Indulge in the scrumptious taste of these breakfast treats, which bear an uncanny resemblance to traditional western pancakes. With their crispy exterior and sweet, cinnamon-spiced centers, it’s no surprise they’ll quickly become a staple in your morning routine. You’ll find yourself craving them again and again, making them a must-try addition to your breakfast repertoire.

Korean Sweet Potato Latte

Indulge in the rich flavors of this unique latte, crafted by combining steamed sweet potatoes with milk and sugar. With its tantalizing taste, this recipe is sure to become a daily obsession – so don’t be surprised if you find yourself craving it morning, noon, or night!

Korean Coleslaw

While this slaw may share a satisfying crunch with its more familiar counterparts, it’s a distinct departure in terms of flavor profile. The unique combination of soy sauce, garlic, sesame oil, and vinegar creates a rich dressing that elevates the humble trio of carrots, cabbage, and onions to new heights.

Sweet Rice Bundt Cakes

Indulge your sweet tooth with these scrumptious mini bundt cakes made from sweet rice flour. This delightful recipe yields mouthwatering treats that will satisfy any craving.

Stir-Fried Eggplant

The versatility of eggplant is truly astounding, and this stir-fry recipe is a perfect example of its culinary potential. Not only does it pack a punch of flavor, but it also adds a spicy kick that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds. If you’re a fan of heat in your cooking, then this dish is guaranteed to become an instant favorite.

Gochujang Sauce

The fermented chili paste, also known as gochujang, is a flavorful condiment that will add depth to any dish. When used in sauce form, the intense flavor profile, characterized by notes of sweetness, saltiness, and spiciness, is tempered, making it suitable for a wide range of culinary applications.

Korean Rice Cakes

Indulge in the quintessential Korean flavors with a plant-based twist – our vegan tteokbokki recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to spice up their mealtime. This iconic dish, also known as tteokbokki, can be enjoyed by all, including those following a vegan lifestyle.

Korean Sesame Broccoli

For those seeking an innovative approach to savoring broccoli, this recipe truly excels. Its appeal transcends age boundaries, making it an ideal option for families with children who are notoriously finicky eaters.

Sweet and Sour Radish Salad

Dubbed Musaengchae by some, this unassuming dish may not immediately capture your attention, yet it has a way of winning you over with its harmonious balance of sweetness and tartness. Once you’ve had the pleasure of savoring it, you’ll find yourself craving it repeatedly.

Korean Seasoned Spinach

While plain spinach can be a bit uninspiring on its own, this recipe transforms it into a flavorful delight. The magic happens when you combine the spinach with a medley of seasonings, including soy sauce, sesame oil, sesame salt, garlic, sugar, and toasted sesame seeds. With these ingredients working together in harmony, you’ll be rewarded with a dish that’s not only delectable but also remarkably effortless to prepare.

Korean Crispy Mushrooms

Indulge in the unique fusion of textures and flavors as you pan-fry mushrooms to perfection before drizzling them with a tangy, sweet, and spicy glaze. This innovative recipe yields a chewy yet satisfyingly meaty result that doubles as an exceptional vegetarian alternative.

Korean Cucumber Salad

Indulge in this delectable cucumber salad, where a harmonious blend of textures and flavors come together in perfect sync. Crunchy freshness, spicy zing, tangy zest, and subtle sweetness meld seamlessly, making it an ideal choice for warm weather or as a delightful accompaniment to your main course.

Kimbap

While this Korean-inspired dish, also known as rolled seaweed with rice, may bear some resemblance to sushi, it boasts distinct characteristics. Unlike traditional sushi, which is typically seasoned with a mixture of vinegar and sugar, Kimbap is elevated by the subtle flavors of sesame oil and salt. This recipe makes for an excellent choice when you’re in the mood for a light, satisfying meal or a quick snack on-the-go.

What’s more, it’s incredibly easy to prepare and can be ready in just 40 minutes, making it an ideal solution for a busy day.

Conclusion

Indulge in the flavors of Korea without compromising on your vegetarian diet. This collection of mouth-watering recipes will transport your taste buds to the Land of Morning Calm, where spices and seasonings come together in perfect harmony.

With each dish more delectable than the last, you’ll be hard-pressed to choose just one as a favorite. So, take a culinary journey through Korea’s vegetarian delights and discover which recipe becomes your go-to dish.