Introduction
Chuseok, or Korean Thanksgiving, is a time for family, gratitude, and plenty of delicious food. It’s a holiday where families gather to celebrate the harvest and honor their ancestors by sharing traditional dishes that carry both flavor and meaning. Here are some must-try foods that make this time of year even more special, and recipes so you can bring these holiday flavors into your own kitchen.
1. Songpyeon (송편) - Korean Rice Cakes
Songpyeon is a staple on Chuseok tables, with its delicate half-moon shape and sweet fillings like sesame seeds or red beans. Steamed over pine needles, these rice cakes carry a fresh, earthy aroma that adds to the experience. Making songpyeon is often a family affair, as it's said that whoever makes the prettiest shapes will be blessed with good fortune.
Recipe for Songpyeon:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups sweet rice flour
- ⅔ cup boiling water
- 1 cup finely ground sesame seeds
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- Pine needles for steaming (optional)
Instructions:
- Mix the sweet rice flour with boiling water and knead until smooth. Cover and let it rest for about 30 minutes.
- Combine ground sesame seeds, sugar, honey, and sesame oil to make the filling.
- Roll the dough into small balls, flatten each one, and add a spoonful of filling in the center. Fold and pinch into a half-moon shape.
- If you have pine needles, line a steamer with them, place the rice cakes on top, and steam for about 20 minutes.
- Once steamed, rinse under cold water and lightly brush with sesame oil to give them a glossy finish.
Try delicious foods like these with Seoulbox and celebrate the season with authentic flavors that make the holiday memorable.
2. Japchae (잡채) - Korean Glass Noodle Stir-Fry
Japchae is a colorful stir-fry made with sweet potato noodles, vibrant vegetables, and tender beef, all tossed in a flavorful soy-based sauce. This dish is loved for its balance of sweet and savory flavors, and it’s often served at festive occasions. Each ingredient adds its own texture, making it a lively addition to the Chuseok table.
Recipe for Japchae:
Ingredients:
- 6 oz sweet potato starch noodles (dangmyeon)
- 1 small bunch spinach
- ½ medium carrot, julienned
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 3-4 mushrooms (shiitake or button), sliced
- 100g beef strips (optional)
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions:
- Cook the noodles for 6-7 minutes until tender, drain, and rinse under cold water.
- Blanch the spinach, rinse with cold water, and squeeze out excess water, then cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Stir-fry the beef until browned, then add onions, carrots, and mushrooms, cooking until tender.
- Combine the noodles, spinach, beef, and vegetables in a large bowl. Add soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar, then toss until evenly coated.
- Garnish with sesame seeds before serving.
3. Galbijjim (갈비찜) - Braised Short Ribs
Rich, tender, and deeply flavorful, Galbijjim is the perfect dish to share during Chuseok. The slow-braised beef short ribs soak up the savory, slightly sweet sauce, while chunks of vegetables like carrots and potatoes add even more heartiness to the meal. It’s the kind of dish that brings comfort and joy to the holiday table.
Recipe for Galbijjim:
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef short ribs
- 1 medium carrot, cut into chunks
- 1 large potato, cut into chunks
- 1 onion, quartered
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup soy sauce
- 3 tbsp sugar
- 2 tbsp rice wine (mirin)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 1 cup water
Instructions:
- Soak the short ribs in cold water for 30 minutes to remove excess blood, then rinse.
- Boil the ribs for 10 minutes, drain, and rinse again.
- In a pot, combine ribs, soy sauce, sugar, rice wine, garlic, and water. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes, then add carrots, potatoes, and onions. Cook until everything is tender, about 30 more minutes.
- Finish with a drizzle of sesame oil and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
4. Jeon (전) - Korean Savory Pancakes
Jeon, or savory pancakes, are a must-have during Chuseok. Whether made with vegetables, seafood, or meat, these pancakes are lightly battered and pan-fried to crispy perfection. They're cut into bite-sized pieces, making them perfect for sharing. Each variety of jeon brings its own unique taste to the holiday spread.
Recipe for Jeon:
Ingredients:
- 1 zucchini (or other vegetables, seafood, or meat)
- ½ cup flour
- 1 egg, beaten
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
Instructions:
- Slice zucchini or your chosen ingredients into thin rounds, seasoning with salt.
- Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Coat each slice in flour, dip it into the beaten egg, and fry until both sides are golden brown.
- Serve with dipping sauce made of soy sauce mixed with vinegar and sesame oil.
5. Taro Soup (Torantang, 토란국)
Taro soup is a warming dish that brings comfort to the Chuseok table. The smooth, velvety texture of the taro root blends beautifully with the rich beef broth, creating a soup that’s both hearty and soothing. It’s a simple, yet deeply satisfying dish, perfect for celebrating the holiday with loved ones.
Recipe for Taro Soup:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb taro roots, peeled and sliced
- 200g beef brisket
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 4 cups water
- Green onions for garnish
Instructions:
- Sauté the beef brisket in sesame oil until browned, then add garlic and cook for a minute.
- Add water and bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Add the taro slices and cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Season with soy sauce and garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Conclusion
Chuseok is a time for family, traditions, and good food. The warmth and togetherness shared over these dishes make this holiday so meaningful. With these recipes, you can bring a little bit of that Chuseok spirit to your own table, creating new memories while honoring the old.
Image Credits:
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https://www.maangchi.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/07/japchae_plate.jpg
https://www.koreanbapsang.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/DSC5607-e1613670588766.jpg
https://www.90daykorean.com/wp-content/webp-express/webp-images/uploads/2016/07/bigstock-111530891-1024x797.jpg.webp
https://supernummy.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Taro-Soup-Featured-Image-1.jpg
Author: Saher
