Nasmedia’s guide to Seollal foods and recipes: A culinary journey into Korean Lunar new year
It’s not just about the rituals, it’s a feast for the senses, especially the taste buds!
Welcome to our culinary exploration, where tradition meets taste in a vibrant celebration of Seollal, Korea’s Lunar New Year.
This festival is steeped in centuries-old customs and is a time for family, reflection, and, most importantly, feasting. Every dish served during Seollal is rich in flavor and symbolism, designed to bring luck, health, and prosperity for the coming year. From savory soups to sweet treats, the Korean New Year table is a testament to the art of cooking and the joy of sharing meals with loved ones.
Dive into the tasty world of Seollal, Korea’s Lunar New Year, with our fun series on classic foods and recipes.
It’s more than just traditions — it’s a party for your taste buds! Come along as we explore the yummy dishes that make Seollal a celebration to remember.
1. Tteokguk — Rice cake soup
Popularity: Tteokguk is arguably the most iconic dish associated with Seollal, symbolizing good luck and a fresh start to the new year. Recipe:
Ingredients: 200g sliced rice cakes (tteok), 8 cups beef broth, 200g beef (thinly sliced), 2 eggs, 2 green onions, soy sauce, salt, and pepper.
Instructions:
- Soak sliced rice cakes in cold water for about 30 minutes.
- In a pot, bring beef broth to a boil. Add the beef slices and cook until tender.
- Drain the rice cakes and add them to the boiling broth. Cook until the rice cakes are soft and tender.
- Beat the eggs and thinly slice the green onions.
- In a small bowl, gently beat the eggs and pour into the boiling soup, stirring gently to form soft egg ribbons.
- Add green onions, season with soy sauce, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, wishing for a prosperous new year.
2. Japchae — Stir-fried glass noodles
Popularity: Japchae is a beloved festive dish, known for its sweet and savory flavor and colorful presentation. Recipe:
Ingredients: 200g dangmyeon (sweet potato noodles), 150g spinach, 1 carrot, 1 onion, mushrooms, 2 cloves garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, beef (optional), salt, and pepper.
Instructions:
- Cook the noodles in boiling water, rinse in cold water, and set aside.
- Sauté vegetables individually in a pan with a little sesame oil and garlic, seasoning lightly with salt. Set aside.
- If using beef, marinate in soy sauce, sugar, and sesame oil, then stir-fry until cooked.
- In a large pan, mix noodles with a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, and sesame oil over low heat.
- Add the vegetables (and beef, if used) to the noodles, mixing well.
- Serve garnished with sesame seeds.
3. Yakgwa — Sweet honey cookies
Popularity: These traditional honey cookies are a sweet treat, ending the meal on a note of prosperity and sweetness. Recipe:
Ingredients: 2 cups wheat flour, ½ cup honey, ½ cup sesame oil, ½ cup rice wine, 1 cup sugar syrup, pine nuts for garnish.
Instructions:
- Mix flour with sesame oil, then add honey and rice wine to form a dough.
- Shape the dough into small, flat discs.
- Deep-fry the cookies in oil until golden brown, then soak in sugar syrup.
- Garnish with pine nuts
4. Galbijjim — Braised beef short ribs
Popularity: This dish is a luxurious and flavorful addition to the Seollal table, often reserved for special occasions. Recipe:
Ingredients: 1kg beef short ribs, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, pear (grated), onions, carrots, and green onions.
Instructions:
- Soak ribs in cold water for 1–2 hours to remove blood, then drain.
- Prepare a marinade with soy sauce, sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and grated pear.
- Marinate the ribs in the mixture for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight.
- In a pot, place the marinated ribs and enough water to cover them. Bring to a boil, then simmer until the meat is tender.
- Add sliced carrots and onions, cooking until the vegetables are soft.
- Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.
5. Jeon — Pan-fried delights
Popularity: Jeon is a versatile dish that can be made with various ingredients, making it a staple in Korean festive meals. Recipe:
Ingredients: Sliced vegetables (zucchini, mushrooms, bell peppers), seafood or thinly sliced meat, flour, eggs, salt, and oil.
Instructions:
- Season the chosen fillings with salt.
- Dredge each piece first in flour, then dip in beaten egg.
- Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Cook each piece until golden brown on both sides.
- Serve warm with a side of soy sauce for dipping.
So, as we wrap up our delicious adventure into Seollal’s culinary delights, we hope you’re inspired to try these recipes and bring a piece of Korean New Year celebration into your home. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting out in the kitchen, these dishes promise to fill your table with joy, flavor, and a dash of tradition.
Happy cooking, and here’s to creating new memories with every bite!
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