If
you're looking for nutritious and delicious meals for kids, Korean food is one
of the best choices! It offers a well-balanced mix of nutrients and flavors,
incorporating various ingredients to ensure health and taste. Today, we’re
introducing 15 Korean dishes that kids particularly love—ones that parents
often prepare for their children. Each dish has a brief description and
nutritional highlights to help you plan your child’s meals more easily. We’ll
also provide simple, easy-to-follow recipes for each dish in upcoming posts!
1.
Kimbap (김밥)
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| Gimbap [Photo Credit] KTO, Kim Jiho |
Bite-sized
and easy to eat, kimbap allows for flexible ingredient choices based on kids'
preferences and nutrition needs. It includes rice (carbohydrates),
eggs/tuna/beef (protein), and vegetables (vitamins), making it a well-balanced
meal.
2.
Bulgogi (불고기)
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| Bulgogi [Photo Credit] Flickr, Achimkkulmul |
This
dish features tender beef marinated in a sweet soy sauce, making it a kid's
favorite. Rich in protein and healthy unsaturated fats, bulgogi pairs perfectly
with rice for a nutritious meal.
3.
Dakgangjeong (닭강정 – Korean Sweet Crispy Chicken)
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| Dakgangjeong [Photo Credit] KTO, Frame Studio |
Crispy
and coated in a sweet-savory sauce, dakgangjeong is an all-time favorite for
kids. It is high in protein and can be baked instead of fried for a healthier
option.
4.
Gyeranjjim (계란찜 – Steamed Egg Custard)
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| Gyeranjjim [Photo Credit] Pixabay, Dongwon Lee |
Soft and
easy to eat, this dish is excellent even for toddlers. Packed with protein,
calcium, and vitamins, it’s a nutritious and simple dish that requires minimal
preparation.
5.
Korean Hot Dog (한국식 핫도그)
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| Potato Corn Dogs [Photo Credit] KTO, Alex Bundo |
Crispy
on the outside and chewy inside, this deep-fried snack pairs well with sweet or
savory sauces. While it's a fried dish, adding cheese or sausage provides extra
protein.
6.
Tteokgalbi (떡갈비 – Grilled Short Rib Patties)
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| Tteokgalbi [Photo Credit] KTO, Studio 4cats |
These
soft, slightly sweet meat patties are a hit with kids. Rich in protein and
essential amino acids, they’re marinated with soy sauce, sugar, and garlic,
enhancing flavor and making digestion easier than steak.
7.
Galbijjim (갈비찜 – Braised Short Ribs)
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| Galbijjim [Photo Credit] KTO, Torai Republic |
Since
it's steamed rather than fried or grilled, the meat becomes tender and easy for
kids to eat. High in protein and essential amino acids, it’s best served with
rice for a well-rounded meal.
8.
Japchae (잡채 – Stir-fried Glass Noodles with Vegetables)
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| Japchae [Photo Credit] Pixabay, pjwpjw140 |
With its
chewy glass noodles and sweet-savory soy sauce, japchae is a delicious noodle
dish. It combines glass noodles (carbohydrates), various vegetables (vitamins
and minerals), and meat (protein), making it nutritionally excellent.
9.
Ganjang Tteokbokki (간장떡볶이 – Soy Sauce Rice Cake
Stir-fry)
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| Gungjung Ganjang Tteokbokki [Photo Credit] KTO, Kim Jiho |
A
non-spicy alternative to traditional tteokbokki, this dish is sweet, chewy, and
kid-friendly. By adding beef (protein) and vegetables, it becomes a more
balanced meal.
10.
Hotteok (호떡 – Sweet Korean Pancakes)
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| Ssiat Hotteok, Pusan [Photo Credit] KTO, Kim Jiho |
With a
crispy exterior and sweet filling, hotteok is a beloved winter snack that can
be enjoyed year-round. While it's an energy-boosting treat, sugar intake should
be moderated. Nuts or seeds can be added for extra nutrition.
11.
Gyeran Mari (계란말이 – Rolled Omelet)
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| Gyeran Mari [Photo Credit] Flickr, Chloe Lim |
This
dish can be customized with various vegetables and is often served with rice as
a bento-box favorite. Rich in protein and vitamins, it’s great for growing
kids.
12.
Jumeokbap (주먹밥 – Rice Balls)
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| Jumeokbap [Photo Credit] Flickr, Chloe Lim |
Even
simpler than kimbap, jumeokbap can be made with various toppings. It provides
both carbohydrates and protein, making it a quick and balanced meal option.
13.
Beef Seaweed Soup (소고기미역국 – Korean Birthday Soup)
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| Beef Seaweed Soup [Photo Credit] Flickr, Lee Seong-yoon |
This
soup is known for its deep umami flavor and is traditionally eaten by
postpartum mothers in Korea. Rich in iron and minerals, it’s excellent for
growing children.
14.
Kimchi Fried Rice (김치볶음밥)
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| Kimchi Fried Rice [Photo Credit] Pixabay, Sharon Ang |
Kids who
dislike kimchi enjoy this dish when cheese or ham is added. It provides both
carbohydrates and protein, with room for ingredient customization.
15.
Gamja Jeon (감자전 – Korean Potato Pancakes)
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| Potato Pancakes [Photo Credit] Flickr, JE Jin |
Crispy
and savory, ganja jeon is a perfect snack for kids. It's high carbohydrate
content makes it a great energy source.
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