While Christmas dinner is always a fan favorite, serving the same dishes every year can become a bit predictable. This year, surprise your family by spicing up the menu with some Korean fusion additions
The Christmas table is set: a festive red tablecloth, warm-scented candles and a tree gleaming in the background. The family gathers, drawn by the irresistible aroma of Christmas ham and traditional dishes.
But this year could be a good time to introduce new flavors to your holiday feast. Korean cuisine has been making waves in mainstream food culture, with The New York Times, The Atlantic and other outlets highlighting its rise in popularity. Adding Korean dishes to your holiday meal could bring a trendy and exciting twist to any occasion, making them the perfect addition to your Christmas party spread.
Let’s explore four Korean “finger foods” that will elevate your holiday table with bold flavors and vibrant presentation.
Crunchy Chicken Baos
Take a bite of these soft, pillowy bao buns filled with crispy chicken and a savory soy garlic sauce, offering the perfect combination of textures and flavors. A crowd-pleaser at any gathering, they’re as delightful to eat as they are to share. To prepare, use bibigo’s Crunchy Chicken and toss it in a rich soy garlic sauce. Steam the bao buns and fill them with the crispy chicken, then garnish with julienned carrots, fresh cilantro and crushed peanuts. The snack is simple and easy to pair with any sauce, but it is especially flavorful with sweet chili sauce. Head to the grocery store and browse the bibigo website for the recipe.
Cucumber Wonton Bites
To cleanse the palate, these Cucumber Wonton Bites are a refreshing option, combining crunchy cucumber and warm, savory wonton filling. This light dish is perfect for breaking up the monotony of the otherwise warm and hearty Christmas meal and can be served before the main course or as a side dish.
These delectable snacks can be made in minutes, simply slice the cucumber, mix the cheesy filling and top with the wontons. For a more convenient option, skip the homemade wontons and use bibigo’s pre-made Mini Wontons to save time without sacrificing taste or quality. Find the complete recipe and instructions on the bibigo recipe page.
Bulgogi Rice Balls
These Bulgogi Rice Balls bring warmth and heartiness to your Christmas spread, packed with the umami flavor of marinated bulgogi beef. The portable rice balls are easy to share and are perfect for keeping guests satisfied while the rest of the meal is being prepared.
This recipe can be made in as little as thirty minutes. While the rice cooks, combine bibigo’s K-BBQ Sauce with ground beef, marinating it to infuse the rich flavors. Once the beef is ready, form small rice balls with perilla leaves and crumbled seaweed for additional depth. Garnish with sesame seeds, chives or add steak slices. To try the original recipe, click here for more information, or customize it with your family’s favorite flavors.
Kimchi Tuna Gimbap with Spring Veggies
Instead of the usual cheese and ham wheel, shake things up with Korean-style Kimchi Tuna Gimbap filled with cucumber, tuna mixed with mayonnaise and a hint of tangy kimchi for a festive and flavorful bite. These vibrant snacks are the perfect complement to the Cucumber Wonton Bites, sharing overlapping ingredients that make both dishes easy to prepare and serve together.
To assemble, start with bibigo’s Sticky White Rice as the base to keep the roll intact. Layer the rice with a savory tuna and kimchi mixture, perilla leaves, asparagus and cucumber, all wrapped in roasted seaweed sheets. Roll the ingredients tightly, slice into bite-sized pieces and lightly brush with sesame oil for a stunning and delicious snack. Check out the bibigo website for more details on the ingredients and how to roll the perfect gimbap.
These Korean-inspired recipes are the perfect way to add excitement to your Christmas dinner menu. Whether you choose one or all four, you can adapt each dish to suit your personal tastes. Make this year’s holiday party fresh, unique and unforgettable with bibigo.
