9 Best Spicy Food In Korea To Challenge Yourself

Spicy Food in Korea Featured- Ling App

Are you one of those brave foodies who can eat tons of spicy food? Korean food, or 음식 (eumsig), is known for its bursting and bold flavors. Upon having it land on your taste buds, it might feel like these dishes can set your mouth on fire— but what’s food without some spice, right? Here we’ll unveil the best spicy food in Korea that you must try today!

Prepare your taste buds for an electrifying journey through the realm of spicy food in Korea, where heat and flavor converge in a fiery symphony. Their cuisine is renowned for its dynamic touch, and spicy dishes hold a special place in the hearts of food enthusiasts worldwide. From tongue-tingling stews to blazing stir-fried meals, they offer a range of culinary experiences that will leave you craving more.

Moreover, their passion for these spicy dishes connects them to their culture, which is maebuism. It refers to their stomach’s capability to withstand the spiciest Korean food. Are you prepared to cram down an overwhelming amount of spicy meals? Before we do so, here are some Korean words to help you out.

EnglishHangeulRoman
Korean Chili Powder고추가루Gochugaru
Roasted Sesame Seeds볶은 참깨Bokken chamggae
Ground Black Pepper 후추Huchu
Salt소금Sogum
Sugar설탕Sultang
Soy Sauce 간장Ganjang
Korean Fish Sauce액젓Aecjeot
Korean Chili Paste/Hot Pepper Paste고추장Gochujang

Must-Try Spicy Food In Korea

Korean dishes are known for their unique flavors and diverse range of dishes. Spicy foods in Korea are loved by many for their fiery and vibrant taste. However, it’s not as spicy as Indian food; that’s totally on a different level. You can start with mild to extremely spicy food to train yourself to a bigger war against the fiery taste.

Spicy Food in Korea (Kimchi) Ling App

1. Kimchi

You’ve probably heard of this staple this in Korean cuisine. Every Korean household won’t miss the chance to get this fermented traditional side dish on their table. It’s made with cabbage and various seasonings, including chili powder, garlic, ginger, and fish sauce. It can be spicy and is often enjoyed as a condiment or a main ingredient in many dishes.

Spicy Food in Korea (Kimchi Stew) Ling App

2. Kimchi Jjigae (Kimchi Stew)

Do you want a stew that’ll tame the icy-cold winter in South Korea? If the cold season has been bothering you for a while, and no ordinary stew can beat the chilly environment, getting a Kimchi Jjigae may do you a favor. It has a combination of kimchi, pork, tofu, and other vegetables. It also gives you a kick of tangy and spicy flavors, making it a comforting and satisfying dish. It’s typically paired with steamed rice, and you’ll feel full right after consuming this hearty meal.

Spicy Food in Korea (Tonkatsu) Ling App

3. Onnuriye Donkatsu (Pork Cutlet)

Starting off strong, we have the Korean version of Japanese Tonkatsu. It’s a pork cutlet that you’ll find in many Korean restaurants. This dish is coated in a special seasoning blend, which includes a harmonious combination of spices like garlic, ginger, and Korean chili flakes. This seasoning infuses the meat with a delightful kick and a touch of heat, making each bite a tantalizing explosion of flavors.

Spicy Food in Korea (Shin Ramen) Ling App

4. Shin Ramyeon

Do you remember those red packets of noodles that you’ll find in the aisles of local grocery stores? People who can read Hangeul won’t miss the sight of these boldly flavored Shin Ramyeon noodles. These instant noodles are the usual highlights in spicy food challenges on YouTube. If you want to challenge yourself, try their 2x Spicy HOT chicken flavor— it has an 8,808 score on the Scoville scale!

Spicy Food in Korea (Tteokbokki) Ling App

5. Tteokbokki (Simmered Rice Cake)

If there’s one thing that K-Dramas often advertise, it’s tteokbokki or simmered rice cakes. Every spicy food lover will drool at the sight of crimson sauce, screaming the fiery flavor it stored for you. Its sauce is a harmonious blend of gochujang, a fermented chili paste that imparts a blazing kick, and other secret spices that dance on your taste buds. While its pillow-like texture gives you a satisfying experience!

Spicy Food in Korea (Braised Short-Rib Stew) Ling App

6. Maeundae Galbijjim (Braised Short-Rib Stew)

Another spicy dish that’ll take your heart away would be the braised short rib stew. You’ll often find it on special occasions like birthdays, New Year’s Day, and Chuseok. Its tender texture would send your tastebuds on a parade of satisfaction. Its flavor is a harmonious blend of soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger, infusing the meat with a heavenly richness that lingers on the palate.

Spicy Food in Korea (Army Stew) Ling App

7. Budae Jjigae (Army Stew)

Korean people can get creative with making their dishes but still give the most interesting and delicious meals. This dish is also known as the Army stew as it came into light after the Korean War and was originally made from canned goods like sausages, spam, spicy gochujang, and different ingredients and spices. Its dynamic combination still captivates the stomachs of its people, which is why you may even find it in a Korean restaurant until this day.

Spicy Food in Korea (Stir-Fried Octopus) Ling App

8. Nakji Bokkeum (Stir-Fried Octopus)

Do you like seafood infused with a different level of spiciness? This Korean stir-fried octopus is well-loved by Koreans, and it’s no doubt that you’ll adore this one too. The spicy flavor mixed with the right amount of sweet and smokey balance makes it a unique and savory dish.

Spicy Food in Korea (Fried Chicken) Ling App

9. Yangnyeom Chicken (Korean Fried Chicken)

Korean dishes won’t be complete without the famous fried chicken. They offer different flavors, but some can’t really get by without eating spicy food— so they also have to offer a spicy chicken! This crispy dish may count as your appetizer, main course, or snack. With a variety of flavors, you get to satisfy your cravings to eat spicy food and explore other flavors as you continue to enjoy other combinations.

Want To Learn More About Korean? Try Ling Today!

Hold on to your taste buds, because we’ve got a spicy revelation about Korean cuisine! While it’s true that spicy food holds a special place in the hearts of many Koreans, not everyone is head over heels for that fiery sensation on their tongues. We totally get it—everyone has their own unique preferences! But here’s the real secret to enjoying Korean food: it’s not just about the flavors; it’s about the fantastic moments shared with friends over a delicious meal. Food has an incredible way of bringing people together, regardless of their spicy tolerance!

Now, here’s the catch: what if you’re eager to join in on the fun but don’t know a lick of Korean? Fear not, fellow adventurer, because we’ve got you covered. We understand the importance of breaking down language barriers to truly connect with others. So, whether you’re craving some mouthwatering bulgogi or have your sights set on a steaming bowl of bibimbap, rest assured that Ling can help!

With Ling, mastering Korean becomes a piece of cake! Perhaps you can’t take spicy noodle soup challenges, but these language quizzes and exercises won’t make your brain throb. You can even learn 60+ languages with this app, so you better check it out to discover more about them! Download the Ling app now for FREE on Play Store and App Store!

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