Korean cuisine never hides from big tastes. You will find powerful flavors ranging from spicy coleslaw to robust kimchi in these 17 recipes.
Cooking authentic dishes is actually less complex than many people believe. Cabbage also provides plenty of fiber plus antioxidants.
Get ready to explore these healthy Korean cabbage meals.
1. Korean Pork Tacos
Mexican and Korean cuisines share similarities regarding spicy and pungent flavors. These fusion tacos prove that point perfectly.
You can assemble them incredibly fast too.
A flour tortilla holds the saucy pork filling flavored with gochujang. Top it with crunchy red cabbage slaw for the perfect finish.
2. Traditional Kimchi
I consider this a true superfood. The flavor profile is pungent and a little bit sour.
It consists of salted and leaves of fermented cabbage that are seasoned well.
Fermenting the vegetables creates natural probiotics for gut health. You need a batch of this in your fridge.
3. Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry
Do you need a flavorful meal while on the go? This dinner comes together in only 15 minutes.
It combines green cabbage that is crispy with tender beef.
Everything gets tossed in a sweet and spicy sauce. Feel free to add any leftover vegetables you have on hand.
4. Asian Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry
I love stir fries loaded with crisp cabbage and savory ground beef. This specific recipe requires minimal time plus very little work.
It is an excellent vehicle for leftover cooked meat or vegetables. The beef cooks with onion, ginger, and garlic for big flavor.
5. Dak Galbi (Spicy Stir-Fried Chicken)
This restaurant favorite is easy to cook in your own kitchen. It packs in sweet potato, cabbage, chicken, and rice cakes.
Fry this up to add heat to your weeknight dinner. The spicy sauce contains Korean curry powder for umami flavor.
Use a large skillet to cook this delicious meal.
6. Quick and Easy Spicy Korean Coleslaw
I make this when I crave a crunchy and fresh slaw. Red peppers that are crushed provide a fiery and addictive kick.
You can throw the whole thing together in just 15 minutes. There is absolutely no cooking required either.
It looks colorful and stunning on a summer table.
7. Gamjatang (Spicy Pork Bone Stew)
This savory sensation checks every box. It is spicy, rich, and hearty all at once.
Pork bones create a milky stew base with deep flavor. The meat becomes tender enough to fall right off the bone.
Soak the bones to remove blood and boil them briefly to clear away impurities for the best broth.
8. Cabbage Pancake
Forget about sweet pancakes for breakfast. You will get addicted to these savory treats.
The batter uses stock made from vegetables for extra depth. You could also use anchovy kelp stock if you prefer.
Dip whole leaves in batter and fry them until golden. Slice them into bite sized pieces for dipping.
9. Tteokbokki – Spicy Stir-Fried Rice Cakes
I found your new food obsession. Chewy rice cakes get smothered in a sauce that is sticky, spicy, and slightly sweet.
Local street vendors often serve this famous comfort meal. You can easily cook it in your own kitchen.
Buy the cakes online or at a local Asian supermarket.
10. Kimchi Chicken Stir-Fry with Zucchini Noodles
Try this recipe when you want a lighter lunch option. It uses noodles made of zucchini instead of heavy pasta.
You still get tasty Korean flavors without the heavy feeling. Tangy kimchi pairs perfectly with juicy chicken pieces.
The entire bowl contains less than five grams of net carbs.
11. Ssambap (Korean Rice Lettuce Wraps)
Ssam translates to food wrapped in seaweed or edible leaves. You can use lightly steamed or fresh leaves.
This interactive dinner helps everyone eat more greens. Enjoy the cabbage leaves with dipping sauce and steamed rice.
I suggest adding barbecue beef from Korea as a filling.
12. Korean Cabbage with Soybean Paste
Turn to this vegetarian side dish next time you cook. It pairs well with fish or meat.
Do not fear the pungent and salty flavor of fermented soybean paste. You will crave the bold taste once you get used to it.
Massage the savory paste into cabbage picked in spring to coat every nook.
13. Gilgeori Toast (Korean Street Toast)
This is a very popular street food for grabbing on the go. One bite reveals why this sandwich is so tasty.
This specific version is known as grandma toast or halmeoni toast. It comes packed with cabbage sliced very thin and fluffy scrambled eggs.
You can enjoy yummy Korean food without traveling there.
14. Non-Spicy White Kimchi (Baek Kimchi)
Try this white kimchi if you dislike spice. The taste is refreshing and mild.
It works great for picky eaters or kids. Napa cabbage sits in a salty brine made from red apple and Korean pear.
Serve this light side dish with fatty cuts of grilled meat.
15. Baby Napa Cabbage Kimchi (Putbaechu)
This might become your top side dish choice. Side dishes are called banchan in Korean cuisine.
It is popular to serve several different sides with every meal. Kimchi is almost always included in that spread.
Small Napa cabbages make perfect bite sized delights.
16. Sweet and Tangy Cabbage Salad
Replace your standard salad with this pink radish and cabbage mix. It is delicious, crunchy, and light.
The real highlight is the roasted sesame seed dressing. That dressing offers sweet and tangy notes.
Slice the cabbage thin so the dressing reaches every single spot.
17. Korean-Style Sauteed Beef with Bean Sprouts and Cabbage
Serve a savory dinner in less than 20 minutes with this recipe. It works well for meal prep or busy weeknights.
You will enjoy the salty and sweet flavors of the bean sprouts and ground beef. Sliced cabbage adds a nice bite of extra crunch.
I guarantee clean plates all around.