Dosirak (Korean Lunchbox) – A Deliciously Balanced Korean Meal

Dosirak, a traditional Korean lunchbox, is a beautifully arranged, balanced meal often consisting of rice, protein, and various side dishes (banchan). The key to this dish lies in the variety of textures and flavors – from the savory fish cakes and seasoned vegetables to the tangy kimchi and fried egg. With its vibrant ingredients and satisfying flavors, dosirak offers a nostalgic, comforting meal. It’s perfect for lunch, a quick dinner, or even to pack for picnics or workdays.

Ingredients:

For the Fish Cakes:

• 5 oz fish cakes, cut into bite-sized pieces
  
  

• 1 tsp soy sauce
  
  

• 1 tbsp gochujang (Korean red pepper paste)
  
  

• 1 tsp gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes)
  
  

• 1 garlic clove, minced
  
  

• 2 tsp mirin
  
  

• 1 tsp sugar
  
  

• 1 tsp rice syrup
  
  

• 1 sliced onion
  
  

For the Banchan (Side Dishes):

• Seasoned spinach (recipe linked below)
  
  

• Seasoned bean sprouts (recipe linked below)
  
  

• Stir-fried anchovies
  
  

• Kimchi
  
  

Extras:

• Seasoned seaweed
  
  

• Fried egg
  
  

Directions:

1. Prepare the fish cakes: Cut the fish cakes into bite-sized pieces. In a pan, heat oil over medium heat and stir fry the onions and fish cakes for 1 minute.
   
   

2. Add the sauce: Add soy sauce, gochujang, gochugaru, minced garlic, mirin, sugar, and rice syrup to the pan. Stir fry for 2-3 minutes, ensuring the sauce doesn't burn. Keep 1 tablespoon of the sauce aside for later use.
   
   

3. Assemble the dosirak: In your lunchbox or container, add a portion of rice as the base. Top it with the fish cakes and any banchan side dishes (spinach, bean sprouts, anchovies, and kimchi).
   
   

4. Add extras: Drizzle the reserved sauce over the rice, add seasoned seaweed, and top with a fried egg.
   
   

5. Shake and serve: Shake the dosirak vigorously to mix everything together like bibimbap or enjoy as is for a more composed meal.
   
   

Nutritional Value (per serving):

• Calories: 350 kcal
  
  

• Carbohydrates: 47g
  
  

• Protein: 20g
  
  

• Fat: 12g
  
  

• Saturated Fat: 2g
  
  

• Cholesterol: 140mg
  
  

• Sodium: 910mg
  
  

• Potassium: 420mg
  
  

• Fiber: 4g
  
  

• Sugar: 5g