Korean cuisine has been taking the world by storm. And Korean fusion foods, in particular, are all the rage! There’s something about Korean gochujang’s hot and spicy taste, the multi-layered flavor profile of kimchi, and the sweet and spicy sauces with ginger, sesame oil, and fermented soybeans that made Korean food perfect for various food fusion creations.
Blending culinary worlds to create new flavor profiles and hybrid dishes has been around for centuries. The more our cultures overlap, the more we learn about different cooking styles from other countries and new exciting ingredients to try, the more delicious mashups will happen. And we could not be more excited about it!
It’s no surprise that Korean fusion cuisine is the one we are all collectively obsessed with. It might have started when “mukbang” first started trending on Youtube back in 2018 and then completely blew up into a mega-trend in 2021.
The “K-wave,” empowered by the growing popularity of K-pop, K-dramas, and movies often circulating around Korean food and snacks, constantly crosses over into the world of food.
And now, with Korean culture in the limelight, when the South Korean boy band BTS has taken over McDonald’s and “Squid Game” is topping Netflix, Korean food has wholly blended into our world. It is starting to make impressions on our familiar favorite dishes.
Deliciousness ensues!
We welcome any delicious culinary combinations! If you haven’t yet tried adding gochujang to your grilled cheese or making your tacos with beef bulgogi, this list will start you on a flavorful Korean fusion food recipe journey - tangy, salty, sweet, spicy, and everything in between.
1. Korean Style Beef Tacos
Korean-Mexican fusion is a match made in heaven. Originally started in Los Angeles, this delicious combo brought together American-style Mexican food and spicy Korean flavors.
It became so popular and spread so fast that you can find Korean Mexican restaurants even in Seoul now! If anything, that means Korea has given this culinary combo its seal of approval.
2. Kimchi Enchiladas
Adding kimchi to enchiladas makes them even more addictive! One of those world-famous Tex-Mex Korean foods everyone must try.
3. Clam Chowder with Korean Gochujang
The most flavorful clam chowder you will ever taste - this New England classic chowder with a dollop of miso paste and a generous portion of spicy Korean gochujang paste will blow you away!
4. Best Kimchi Mac and Cheese
Who doesn’t love a good old cheesy and comforting mac and cheese? Adding kimchi to the American classic macaroni and cheese results in the BEST mac and cheese you have ever had! Kimchi Mac and Cheese is cheesy, spicy, creamy, rich, and anything but bland. You are guaranteed to fall in love with this Korean fusion deliciousness
5. Kimchi Shakshuka
Kimchi, in general, seems to go well with almost everything. Add it to the delicious Mediterranean favorite shakshuka, and you won’t regret it. Creamy eggs with kimchi tomato sauce make a fantastic combination.
6. Korean Style Breakfast Burrito
Add kimchi to scrambled eggs, mix in some gochujang paste into cooked rice, and then roll it all into a tortilla. The Korean breakfast burrito is a great choice to start your day right.
7. Cheesesteak with Bulgogi Beef
Put a spin on the Philly Cheesesteak and make it with the flavorful and tender Korean bulgogi beef. A fantastic fusion food idea with intense flavor.
8. Grilled Cheese with Gochujang Mayo
A MUST TRY grilled cheese variation! Gochujang aioli and gochujang mayo have gained popularity for a reason. Imagine the ooey-gooey cheesy goodness of a good grilled cheese sandwich and mix in the layered heat from gochujang mayo… heavenly!
9. Salmon Bulgogi
Bulgogi doesn’t mean only “beef.” It actually translates to “fire meat” and refers more to the sweet and spicy bulgogi marinade for Korean BBQ. Try marinating salmon in the flavorful bulgogi sauce, and you will definitely enjoy the outcome.
10. Gochujang Spiced Up Margarita
This Korean fusion food recipe list wouldn’t be complete without a spiced-up boozy co*cktail. Gochujang is such a versatile ingredient; it works with drinks as well. And if you’re not a fan of Margaritas, try adding it to a Bloody Mary.
