Korean Dishes You Should Try at Home

Korean cuisine has captivated food lovers worldwide with its harmonious balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors, especially Filipinos. While restaurants and K-drama-inspired restaurants remain popular places to enjoy these dishes, recreating them at home offers both a rewarding cooking experience and the freedom to tailor recipes to your tastes.

Using The Fat Butcher’s Premium Meat and Seafood, here are three Korean-inspired dishes adapted for the Filipino palate, preserving their authentic appeal while ensuring they are accessible and satisfying for home cooks.

1. Korean Fried Pork Belly with Sweet-Spicy Glaze

Inspired by Korean fried chicken, this dish uses Pork Belly (Samgyupsal Cut) for a more flavorful and tender bite. Start with 1 kg of The Fat Butcher Pork Belly, sliced into 2–3-inch pieces. Marinate them in 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice wine (or white vinegar), 1 teaspoon minced garlic, and a pinch of black pepper for at least 30 minutes.

Lightly coat each piece with cornstarch for a crisp exterior. Heat oil in a deep pan to 170°C and fry the pork jowls for 4–5 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. For the glaze, combine 3 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste), 2 tablespoons honey, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, and 2 tablespoons water in a saucepan. Simmer over low heat until slightly thickened, then toss the fried pork in the glaze until evenly coated. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds before serving.

2. Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp (Korean-Inspired)

This dish combines the comfort of garlic butter shrimp with the signature heat of Korean flavors. Use 500g of The Fat Butcher Peeled Shrimp for convenience. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a pan and sauté 4 cloves minced garlic until fragrant. Stir in 1 tablespoon gochugaru (Korean chili flakes), 1 teaspoon sugar, and 2 tablespoons soy sauce. Add the shrimp, cooking for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Finish with 1 teaspoon sesame oil and a garnish of chopped spring onions. Serve hot with steamed rice.

3. Bulgogi-Inspired Beef Stir-Fry

This quick stir-fry uses 500g of The Fat Butcher Beef Shortplate Excel, thinly sliced (partially freezing the meat makes slicing easier). Marinate in 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 1 tablespoon minced garlic, 1 tablespoon grated pear or apple for natural sweetness, and a pinch of black pepper for at least 1 hour.

Heat a large skillet over high heat and stir-fry the beef in batches for 2–3 minutes until browned and caramelized. Add sliced onions and bell peppers, cooking for another 1–2 minutes. Garnish with sesame seeds before serving.

Cooking Korean Food at Home

Preparing Korean dishes in your own kitchen lets you enjoy bold, vibrant flavors without having to dine out. With The Fat Butcher’s high-quality meats and seafood, you can create meals that are as satisfying as they are authentic. Whether it’s the sweet-spicy pork jowls, the rich and fiery shrimp, or the savory-sweet beef stir-fry, these dishes will bring a taste of Korea straight to your table.