Discover delicious and economical easy Korean recipes perfect for budget-conscious living! From flavorful kimchi fried rice to savory soy-braised chicken wings, these dishes offer simplicity, taste, and great value for families and students alike.
A Flavorful and Economical Favorite: Kimchi Fried Rice Recipe
Billy Law's kimchi fried rice recipe is as practical as it is delicious, often considered a staple in many households, especially among university students. This dish requires minimal ingredients and can be whipped up using leftovers, making it a perfect meal solution, particularly for those mindful of their budget.
It's best to use short-grain rice that’s been cooked the day before and refrigerated overnight. This technique reduces excess moisture, ensuring your fried rice has the ideal texture.
### Ingredients
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 cup (150g) cabbage kimchi, roughly chopped
- 500g cooked short-grain rice
- ¼ cup (60ml) kimchi juice
- 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 spring onion, thinly sliced
- 2 fried eggs, sunny-side up, for serving
### Cooking Instructions
1. Heat vegetable oil in a large frying pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and stir-fry for about one minute until fragrant.
2. Stir in the kimchi and cook for another minute.
3. Add the cooked rice, breaking up any clumps with the back of a wooden spoon.
4. Pour in the kimchi juice and gochujang, stir-frying for about three to four minutes until everything is well combined. Adjust heat to prevent sticking.
5. Stir in sesame oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with half of the green onions, divide among bowls, and top each with a fried egg. Serve immediately.
This kimchi fried rice recipe is perfect for two servings, offering a simple yet satisfying meal anyone can enjoy!
Family-Friendly Delight: Soy-Braised Chicken Wings
Soy-braised chicken wings (or dak nalgi jorim) are another fantastic option for weeknight dinners. This dish is especially popular among children and is great for school lunches. Billy Law suggests doubling the recipe, ensuring you have leftovers for easy reheating the following days.
### Ingredients
- 500g chicken wings
- 100ml soy sauce
- 1 tbsp mirin
- ¼ cup (55g) caster sugar
- 5 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 tbsp cornflour mixed with 2 tbsp water
- Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
- 1 spring onion, thinly sliced
### Cooking Instructions
1. Cut chicken wings into three parts for uniform cooking.
2. Place wings into a large saucepan, cover with water, and add soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and garlic. Bring to a boil.
3. Lower the heat, cover loosely, and let it simmer for about one hour, until chicken is tender.
4. Mix in the cornflour mixture to thicken the sauce, stirring gently.
5. Garnish the wings with sesame seeds and spring onions before serving with steamed rice.
This simple yet rich soy-braised chicken wings recipe will win over even the pickiest eaters!
A Sweet Treat: Sticky Rice Dumplings (Chapssaltteok)
For a delightful dessert or snack, look no further than sticky rice dumplings or chapssaltteok. These chewy and sweet dumplings, filled with red bean paste, are a popular Korean treat. Traditionally served with tea, they also symbolize good luck, making them perfect for gifts or special occasions.
### Ingredients
- 200g tinned sweet red beans (anko)
- For the sticky rice dough:
- 1 cup (175g) glutinous rice flour
- ¼ cup (55g) caster sugar
- Pinch of salt
- Cornflour (for dusting)
### Cooking Instructions
1. In a food processor, blend the sweet red beans to form a thick paste, then roll into balls. Set aside.
2. In a heatproof bowl, mix rice flour, sugar, and salt. Gradually stir in water to create a thick paste.
3. Cover and microwave on high for about three minutes. Beat until the mixture is thick and translucent.
4. Roll out the dough and cut out circles of about 10cm in diameter.
5. Place a red bean ball in the center of each circle, fold the edges over, and pinch to seal. Shape into smooth balls and dust with cornstarch to prevent sticking.
6. Store in an airtight container at room temperature and consume within two days.
These sticky rice dumplings offer not just a sweet taste but also carry meaningful symbolism, making them a thoughtful gift for loved ones.
By incorporating these three easy Korean recipes into your kitchen rotation, you can enjoy delicious meals without stretching your budget. Whether you’re a family looking for convenience or a student aiming for affordable meals, Billy Law’s creations are sure to satisfy your cravings and bring joy to your table.