Budget-Friendly Korean chili sauce Recipes – Save Money, Eat Well

Cooking with Korean chili sauce doesn’t have to be expensive. Try these cheap, tasty, and filling recipes.

Recipes with Korean chili sauce

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Chicken with Korean spices

This Korean-style chicken features chicken pieces that are deep-fried until golden brown, then coated in a signature Korean sauce—a combination of soy sauce, mirin, garlic, sesame oil, corn syrup, sugar, and dried chili flakes—that imparts a sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavor. The texture is tantalizing: the chicken is crispy on the outside, but the sauce layer remains slippery and rich. The aromas of garlic and sesame oil blend together beautifully, while a sprinkling of fresh scallions adds freshness and a pop of color. This dish is the perfect blend of bold Korean flavors and the familiarity of fried chicken—perfect as a special snack or a fun main course.

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Seafood Scallion Pancakes

Seafood scallion pancakes (해물파전/Haemul Pajeon) are a quintessential Korean pancake dish. Not only are they a daily snack for Koreans, but they're also often enjoyed with makgeolli (rice wine), and are a classic favorite on rainy days. Freshly fried scallion pancakes are a feast for the taste buds. A golden egg crepe encases a soft, tender pancake, with slightly crispy edges. Each bite releases a burst of egg and wheat flavors, while the tender shrimp and soft crab sticks explode in your mouth, and the refreshing aroma of scallions perfectly balances the richness. Dipped in a sweet and sour sauce, the umami flavor is instantly amplified. Whether for breakfast, a late-night snack, or entertaining friends, a plate of seafood scallion pancakes is sure to turn heads!

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Korean Kimchi

Enjoy the pleasures and benefits of eating Korean kimchi, especially homemade kimchi. With no unnecessary additives, the naturally fermented probiotics protect gut health, while lactic acid bacteria regulate the gut and dietary fiber aids digestion. It boasts a rich and layered flavor: a harmonious blend of sour, spicy, and savory. The lactic acid produced during fermentation brings a refreshing tang, while the spiciness of the chili is not overpowering. Paired with garlic, ginger, apple, and pear, it's crisp, tender, and juicy. It can be served as a side dish to cut through richness or to add a touch of soul to rice, noodles, and other staple foods. Every bite is appetizing and satisfying. When chewing, you can feel the collision of the natural sweetness of the ingredients with the fermented flavor. It tastes even more refreshing when chilled, making it a delightful and comforting addition to everyday meals. It's versatile: it can be eaten raw as a side dish, stir-fried with pork belly, used in army stew, or added to kimchi soup. Heating it softens the sourness and enhances the aroma, making it a delightful addition to both casual meals and lavish banquets.

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Korean Cheese Tteokbokki Chicken

The pan-fried rice cake is topped with shredded cheese, which is slightly crispy on the outside and chewy and flaky on the inside. The rice cake has a light aroma of butter, combined with the rich salty flavor of cheese, giving it a rich and flavorful taste. When served hot and spicy, the cheese melts and stretches, satisfying both the visual and taste buds. It is a simple and healing snack or side dish.