Korean-Inspired Dinners on a Pinoy Budget

Craving Korean food but ayaw gumastos ng bongga? Same! I love Korean flavors — spicy, savory, sweet — but eating out or ordering in can get pricey, especially for the whole family. That’s why I started recreating our K-drama favorites at home, using local ingredients and budget-friendly swaps.

Here are a few go-to Korean-inspired dishes I make on a Pinoy budget — swak sa panlasa, and hindi masakit sa bulsa!

1. Budget-Friendly Beef Bulgogi

Thinly sliced beef is key, but if that’s expensive, I use beef tapa cuts or sukiyaki slices. Marinate in soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, garlic, and a little grated pear (or apple para tipid!). Stir-fry and serve over rice with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Instant Korean feels!

2. Korean Fried Chicken, Lutong Bahay Style

You don’t need to deep fry! I use our air fryer or pan-fry small chicken pieces, then coat in a sweet-spicy gochujang sauce made with banana ketchup, a bit of chili garlic, and honey. Sarap with rice or even as pulutan!

3. Kimchi Fried Rice with Egg

Leftover rice? Kimchi? Fry it with garlic, onions, a splash of soy sauce, and sesame oil. Top with a sunny-side up egg. If I don’t have kimchi, I sauté pechay or repolyo in vinegar and chili as a quick local twist.

4. Korean Garlic Soy Tofu

Crispy tofu tossed in a soy-garlic glaze with chopped scallions and sesame seeds — healthy, mura, and masarap! Even my kids love this one with rice.

🥬 5. Samgyup at Home (Without Breaking the Bank)

When we crave samgyupsal, I just buy liempo cuts from the palengke, marinate in garlic-soy sauce, and grill on a stovetop pan. Serve with lettuce, rice, and homemade dipping sauce (toyo, calamansi, and sesame oil). Tip: Add fried anchovies and kimchi-style ensaladang labanos.

You don’t need a big budget to enjoy Korean-inspired dinners at home. With a little creativity (and Filipino resourcefulness), you can bring the flavors of Seoul to your dining table — even if you’re just watching K-drama in pambahay.