What food is commonly eaten in Korean temples?

Girl eating vegetable salad

Korean Temple Food is entirely plant-based, delectable, and nutritious. Temple food refers to the food ingested in Buddhist Temples; it has always played an essential role in the religious lives of Korean Buddhist monks and nuns. The only animal products used in Korean temple cuisine are dairy products. Korean Buddhism forbids flesh. … Read more

Mullaengi Namul – Seasoned Watercress

물냉이나물 A very simple, quick, and easy side dish to add to a Korean Temple Cuisine meal. No animal products and none of the five “hot” vegetables. Degree of Difficulty Degree of Difficulty: Very easy Servings: 2 Cooking Times Preparation Time: 5 minutes Cooking Time: Inactive Time: 15 minutes Total Time: 20 … Read more

Hobak Namul – Fried Squash

Hobak Namul - Fried Squash

A Korean Temple version of Hobak namul, this recipe omits the garlic and green onion commonly found in other versions of this dish. Servings: 4 Ingredients 1 large zucchini — (about 3/4 pound) (or any long round squash) 2 tablespoons vegetable oil — (soybean, sesame, etc) Hot Sauce: 1 teaspoon gochujang — … Read more

Mixed Vegetables with Rice – Bibimbap

Mixed Vegetables with Rice - Bibimbap

(비빔밥) This version of bibimbap omits all animal ingredients, and the five “hot” vegetables. Ingredients Per Serving 1 cup steamed white rice — (Korean, Japanese, or other short-grain variety) Doragi Namul 2 ounces dried pre-cut doragi — (Bellflower root) 1/4 teaspoon kkaesoogeum — (sesame salt) 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil Gosari Namul — … Read more

Baechu Kimchi (Temple Cuisine)

Baechu Kimchi (Temple Cuisine)

This “Temple Cuisine” version of Kimchi excludes garlic and fish sauce, and presents a crisp, clean flavor that is a hallmark of much of Korean Buddhist Temple foods. Servings: 20 Ingredients 2 heads Napa cabbage — (about 5-6 pounds) 1/2 cup non iodized salt 1 small Korean radish — (Daikon) (about 2 … Read more