Do you want to try Korean food but feel a bit nervous about the spice?
Here are 10 delicious, non-spicy Korean dishes you can try!
Quick Summary
- There are plenty of non-spicy Korean dishes that are just as delicious.
- From Bossam and Galbijjim to Japchae and White Kimchi, Korean cuisine offers a wide range of flavors beyond the spice.
1. Korean Fried Chicken
You’ve probably heard of Korean fried chicken.
Extra crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and served with tangy pickled radish on the side.
Yangnyeom chicken is coated in a sweet and spicy red sauce, but it’s not that spicy. To me, it leans more sweet than hot.
But if you’re spice-sensitive, go for the plain (we call it “fried”), soy sauce, or garlic versions.
They’re so flavorful and totally mild.
I always order a “half-half (ban-ban)” combo to mix it up!
2. Bossam
Bossam is, in my opinion, one of the most underrated Korean foods.
It’s pork belly boiled, thinly sliced, and served with lettuce, kimchi, salted shrimp, and more.
You build your own perfect bite by wrapping the pork with garlic, sauce, and veggies.
Bossam is rich, tender, and totally non-spicy!
If you want to spice it up, feel free to add a pepper or some ssamjang (red dipping sauce) in your ssam!
3. Japchae
Japchae is one of my favorites.
It’s a sweet-and-savory stir-fried glass noodle dish made with vegetables and strips of beef.
It’s seasoned with soy sauce and sesame oil, NOT chili, so it’s naturally mild.
Japchae is mostly served at parties, holidays, and family gatherings.
The dangmyeon noodles are made from sweet potato starch, so they’re gluten-free!
4. Bulgogi
Bulgogi is thinly sliced beef, marinated in a sweet and savory soy sauce mix, then grilled or cooked in an earthenware pot (ttukbaegi).
It’s one of the most famous Korean dishes, and for good reason.
The marinade is a blend of soy sauce, garlic, sugar, and sesame oil, making it sweet, savory, and incredibly tender.
Bulgogi is totally non-spicy.
5. Andong Jjimdak
Originally from the city of Andong, jjimdak is a soy sauce braised chicken dish.
It’s made with chicken, vegetables, glass noodles, and a rich, sweet-savory sauce.
Some versions include a bit of chili, but you can always ask for the mild version. That’s what I do!
I used to eat this a lot in college. Since it was considered a treat back then, sunbaes (upperclassmen) would buy jjimdak only for their favorite hoobaes (younger classmates).
After finishing the chicken, we’d mix rice into the leftover sauce, sprinkle roasted seaweed powder on top, and enjoy every bite.
It’s super savory and yum!
6. Galbijjim
Galbijjim is a braised beef short rib dish, mainly reserved for special occasions or holidays.
The beef is slow-cooked in a soy sauce-based broth with mushrooms, carrots, chestnuts, or jujubes.
It’s rich, tender, savory, slightly sweet, and not spicy.
The meat falls off the bone and melts in your mouth.
Making it at home takes time, but it’s totally worth it!
7. Galbitang
If you’re looking for a mild soup, galbitang might be right up your alley.
Galbitang is a clear soup made by simmering beef short ribs for hours.
It’s light, clean, but hearty.
It’s such a soothing meal, perfect for chilly days or when you’re not feeling 100%.
8. Samgyeopsal
I can’t live without samgyeopsal!
Grilled pork belly is a Korean BBQ favorite.
It’s unseasoned before grilling, so no spice sneaks in.
And we cook it right at the table.
Samgyeopsal is perfect for a ssam as well. It’s fun, interactive, and totally customizable.
9. Samgyetang
Samgyetang is a whole young chicken stuffed with sticky rice, garlic, jujubes, and ginseng, then slow-simmered into a hearty soup.
It’s the Korean version of chicken soup for the soul.
We often enjoy it during the summer to replenish energy.
Samgyetang is actually my dad’s favorite dish. I love going to his favorite restaurant in my hometown, having a shot of complimentary ginseng liquor, and slowly sipping the soup.
10. Miyeokguk
Miyeokguk or Korean seaweed soup is a dish, often eaten on birthdays and by new moms for recovery.
It’s made with seaweed, beef or seafood, soy sauce, and sesame oil. It’s so simple, yet nourishing.
The texture might be a bit slippery if you’re not used to it, but the flavor is clean, gentle, and comforting.
Bonus: Baek Kimchi (White Kimchi)
We have a non-spicy version of kimchi!
Baek kimchi, which literally means white kimchi, is made without red chili powder.
Instead, it’s flavored with ingredients like garlic, ginger, radish, green onion, chives, and Korean pear.
So, it’s slightly tangy, refreshing, clean, and subtly sweet.
Baek kimchi is especially perfect during steamy summer months in Korea.
Korean cuisine isn’t all gochujang and red pepper flakes.
From tender meat dishes to soothing soups and savory stir-fries, there are many non-spicy options to explore.
If you’re easing into Korean food or simply prefer milder flavors, I hope you can try these 10 dishes and discover a new favorite!
