What you eat in the morning sets the tone for your entire day. I think you should kick things off with a spicy and tangy feast found in this collection of 19 Korean breakfast recipes.
There is a little something for every palate here whether you crave savory pancakes or nourishing porridge.
1. Korean Egg Roll
You can make a simple egg pancake and roll it up for a delicious Korean breakfast that is easy to grab and go. I love how you can serve this stuffed with ham and cheese and veggies.
You can also keep it vegetarian by increasing the amount of greens.
2. Korean Pumpkin Porridge
You are missing out if you have not tried Korean pumpkin porridge yet. It is actually one of my favorite vegan Korean recipes because it is so warming and nourishing and creamy.
The porridge gets bulked out with soft rice for extra energy so you will not fall prey to the morning munchies.
3. Korean Street Toast
I always make a point of trying local street food when I travel because it is the best way to find hidden gems. This Korean street toast is a delicious snack for when you are rushing out of the house and need to grab breakfast in a hurry.
You can add all your favorite fillings to this classic street sandwich. The basic recipe features egg and cheese and ham and vegetables but you can just use whatever is in the fridge.
4. Korean Strawberry Milk
This popular Korean beverage is made from ripe and juicy strawberries with absolutely no artificial flavorings. Fresh strawberries and homemade strawberry syrup get blended with creamy milk for a refreshing and filling morning shake.
It is easy to adapt if you want to skip dairy and use coconut or nut milk instead. You can cut the added sugar without compromising the taste or top it with chocolate sauce and ice cream for something decadent.
5. Kimchi Brown Rice Breakfast Bowl
Try this healthy breakfast bowl if you want the taste of fried rice but cannot handle greasy food in the morning. Brown rice gets sautéed with probiotic rich kimchi and garlic and soy sauce.
You finish the whole thing off with a crispy fried egg on top.
6. Korean Sweet Potato Latte
This treat is part dessert and part breakfast and all yum. You have to try sweet potato latte because it is hard to believe root vegetables can be this delicious.
The potato miraculously turns into a creamy and thick milkshake when blended with milk and a little sugar. I like to top mine with frothed milk and a sprinkling of cinnamon and some toasted walnuts if I am feeling fancy.
7. Korean Chicken Porridge
This creamy porridge is a wonderfully warming Korean comfort food. It is made with rich chicken stock and packed with plenty of veggies.
This is a really great breakfast if you want something tasty and nourishing in your system before facing the day.
8. Fried Rice
Fried rice seems simple but nailing the basics can mean the difference between bland rice and a tasty meal. This authentic recipe for traditional Korean rice shows you exactly how it is done.
Cooked short grain rice gets pan fried with crispy bacon and assorted veggies. It is perfect for breakfast or lunch or dinner.
9. Korean Scallion Pancakes
Korea has its own version of the popular morning treat known as pajeon. These savory crispy pancakes may be fried but they are still nutritious.
They are packed with plenty of veggies and protein for a hearty breakfast that will keep you full until lunch. Serve them with the sweet and spicy dipping sauce if you are having a lazy morning.
10. Kimchi Stew
This satisfying kimchi stew is rich and hearty and acts as another great option for cold mornings. It is a one pot breakfast that gets bulked out with juicy chunks of pork and tender tofu.
You can make a big batch on Sunday and enjoy the complex flavors all week long if you are usually running around in a rush on weekdays.
11. Kimchi Eggs
Kimchi eggs are a simple breakfast with a taste you will be dreaming about all day. You simply scramble eggs in a hot pan with plenty of kimchi.
The kimchi releases all its tangy flavors as the eggs set. Serve your kimchi eggs over fluffy rice and garnish with fresh herbs for a hearty brunch.
12. Korean Savory Oatmeal Bowl
Sweet oatmeal is out and savory oatmeal is in. This tasty recipe will change your perspective on porridge.
Oats are simmered in a rich broth with ginger and lemongrass and then topped with kimchi and sesame seeds. Just one spoonful will make your tastebuds sing.
13. Kimchi Toast
Kimchi is a salty and tangy mix of shredded vegetables like cabbage and radish that serves as a staple of Korean cuisine. The fermented veggies are packed full of healthy probiotics so you should have bacteria for breakfast if you suffer from digestive upset.
Kimchi is mixed with cream cheese and scallions and cilantro before being thickly spread on toast. It is crunchy and flavorful and will definitely wake you up in the morning.
14. Korean Mushroom Pancakes
These traditional pancakes known as enoki are usually served with soup or stir fries but they are good enough to enjoy solo. They are tasty mushroom fritters that are a great meatless option if you have any breakfast shy vegetarians in the house.
15. Kimchi Breakfast Pizza
I have good news for fast food fans because you can and should eat pizza for breakfast. It is practically a health food when you cram your pizza with shiitake mushrooms and avocado and eggs and loads of fiery kimchi.
It does not take too long to pull together either. You can have breakfast pizza if you can set aside 30 minutes in your morning.
16. Breakfast Kimchi Tacos
Tacos for breakfast are the yummiest three words in the English language. Get your day off to a great start with these irresistible tacos made with pickled kimchi and crispy bacon and fried egg.
These would be ideal for a decadent weekend brunch too. Serve with noodles or a light green salad to make them more of a meal.
17. Korean Egg Bread
Give this delightful recipe a try if you like the sound of protein laden breakfast bites. A basic batter gets poured into muffin tins and baked until light and fluffy.
You will find a hard boiled egg nestled in the center when you bite into these moist muffins.
18. Kimchi Pancakes
These thin and crispy pancakes will definitely wake up sleepy taste buds. Spicy kimchi goes right into the pancake dough and the mixture is then pan fried until golden brown.
This is a uniquely flavorful breakfast that is also suitable for vegans. You can even follow the directions to make your own kimchi if you are really on your game.
19. Korean Breakfast Egg Dumplings
These healthy and quick egg dumplings are essentially a Korean style breakfast omelette. They are spicy and salty in all the right ways because they are flavored with chili and soy sauce and sesame.