What's For Dinner: Shrimp Cocktail, Udon Noodles And Meatballs

Heat things up with a Korean-inspired menu

Not feeling inspired by your usual dishes? Here's what's for dinner.

Korean food is so much more than barbecue and soju paired with karaoke. It's time to appreciate its spicy, nuanced flavors, so bust out the gochujang sauce and get cooking with this fiery menu of Korean dishes.

① Appetizer: Kimchi Shrimp Cocktail

Juice up the classic shrimp cocktail with all that extra liquid in your kimchi jar. Be sure to save the cabbage itself—you'll want it for tonight's udon, plus it makes a great addition to lunchtime grain bowls.

② Main Course: Mentaiko Udon

Chicago chef Edward Kim coats thick, pan-fried udon noodles in a kimchi-based sauce for this Japanese Korean mash-up. Slurp them hot and straight from the pan or cool them down in the fridge à la chilled Asian noodles.

③ Side Dish: Spicy Pork Meatballs

These juicy meatballs rely heavily on gochujang, a Korean chile paste made from fermented soybeans. Pop a few into your bowl of noodles for a Korean version of spaghetti and meatballs.