A List of Must-Try Korean Vegan Food That is Undoubtedly Delicious

Korean and veg food is considered a mission impossible by all people, but let me tell you that it is a myth. Korea has a range of options that are not just vegetarian but also vegan perfect for all. Regarding food, the word impossible is not just there in the cookbook, and we are here to prove that to you with the list of Korean vegan food.

Korean food is not just all about meats or BBQs, but it is much more than that. Let’s say it is just not so known. As people turn to veganism or vegetarianism, they might think that they have to give up Korean food or maybe there is nothing for them in South Korea, but let me tell you that you do not have to worry even a bit. For instance, Korean temple cooking, which has been there for ages now, is entirely made of fresh, seasonal, and plant-based ingredients only but is filled with flavors that you will forget the Korean street food. The versatility of Korean food is another thing that makes it super easy to convert it into Korean vegan food. Thus keeping this in mind, I have prepared a list of vegan Korean dishes you can enjoy without losing out on Korean flavors.

If you have seen the RunBTS series, then this dish is something you all know very well that Jungkook cooked in one of the cookoff episodes. Matang is a candied sweet potato with a unique taste; the most significant thing is that it is vegan. It can be eaten as it is or with rice and side dishes. Use chunks of sweet potato, fry them, and then toss them in a sweet brown sauce made of sugar and oil, then season it with black sesame seeds, and once they are cooled down, have it as you like.

This Korean vegan food is a comfort in itself that is filled with spices and taste. Made with kimchi juice veggies, tofu, gochujang, ginger, and garlic is just perfect for the day when you want to have something warm and kicking with rice that will satisfy you.

Vegan japchae is simple glass noodles made with veggies. Japchae is one of the dishes that cannot go wrong at any time of the day and will leave you full and happy. Thus for all the vegans, this is a must-have but meatless. The vegan japchae consists of soybean sprouts and sweet potato starch and is simple and the best dish.

Tteokbokki is one of the most famous dishes after ramen seen in K-Dramas and has become quite popular worldwide. Tteokbokki is stir-fried rice cakes in a sauce which in itself is vegan, but then they are served with boiled eggs and scallions. However, you can make your vegan alternative by not adding the eggs and scallions and having it as it is because the dish is filled with flavors because of the tangy, spicy sauce.

A list of Korean food without mandu or dumplings is incomplete, and for all the vegan friends out there, we have an alternative called the hobak mandu. This mandu has a zucchini filling and is popularly eaten at temples during summer. This king dish is an easy and quick meal right here, which you can have with any of your favorite dipping sauces.

You must have heard of dak gangjeong before, which translates to sweet crispy chicken, but you might have always wondered how it would taste as you are vegan. Well, now you don’t have to think much as you can have the experience too by having the best gangjeong, made out of mushrooms and vegan-friendly. This Korean vegan food is made in the same process of deep frying and coating with sticky syrup. It consists of shiitake mushrooms because of their meaty and chewy texture making the dish delicious. Now if you want, you can use temple inspired way of cooking using no garlic in it, or you can add your flavors and spices.

Another excellent alternative for vegans is that it must be noticed. This Korean vegan food is more of a side dish than a full-course meal, but as we all know, Korean cuisine with a side dish needs to be completed. Dubu jorim is braised tofu and is quite a popular one among Koreans. Tofu is one of the most commonly used items in Korea and is found in various forms thus is a go-to for vegans. Dubu jorim is very simple to make. Just pan-fry the tofu slices until golden and then braise them in soy-sauce-based sauce, and it is all set to be eaten.

A perfect dish for the summer that is refreshing, spicy, and healthy. Oi muchim is a tangy cucumber salad usually eaten as a banchan as a side dish. It can be made with any cucumber, be it fresh or pickled. It is also an excellent kimchi substitute if you want a change.

Another braised item you will love is gamja jorim which translates to braised potatoes. If you dislike mushrooms, you can make the same dish with potatoes and get another tasty side dish. Braise the small diced potatoes in the sweet soy sauce-based sauce, and if you want, then add some other veggies like carrots or capsicum, or onion; you can also add gochujang or gochugaru for the spice, and viola, your dish is ready to be served, and eaten.

If you are looking for a filling dish that can become a snack, meal, or appetizer, then look nowhere and try ho bak much now. Hobak muchim is a zucchini pancake, and this Korean vegan food is, without a doubt, delicious and unique for summer. Zucchinis are readily available in summer, and one of its most accessible and best uses are making savory pancakes that are easy to make. Add some veggies with blanched, chopped zucchini, season it, and mix with tasty pancake mix and then fry it. You are all set to enjoy delicious pancakes.

Who doesn’t like rolls but has ever heard of eggplant rolls? If not, then try this out now. A delicious Korean vegan food that tastes good and is healthy. This is also a temple-inspired dish where thinly sliced eggplants are used. They are cooked lightly and then can be rolled up with sprouts, thinly sliced veggies, and a sauce of your choice.

Gimbap is the go-to Korean food because they are just amazing, but it can be a no-no for vegans and vegetarians as it contains meat, egg, or seafood. But not anymore because we have tofu gimbap as an alternative that will taste as fresh and yummy as the other gimbaps. All you need to do is replace the meat with lightly fried and seasoned tofu, and your version of vegan gimbap is ready. 

This Korean vegan food is yet again another super quick and easy to make which will fill you up to the brim and leave you satisfied. Bibimbap is a dish that can be experimented on with different combinations, from using leftover banchan or fresh veggies. Add veggies sauteed and blanched, tofu, make your bibimbap sauce, and serve everything on a bed of cooked rice until your filling meal is ready to be eaten.

You have got the list, you have reached the options, then what are you waiting for, go and try these fantastic vegan alternatives of Korean food now and enjoy the Korean flavors in your way.