If you’ve never tried Korean food with mutton, you’re in for a treat. While beef and pork often take the spotlight in Korean cuisine, mutton brings a rich, bold flavor that pairs beautifully with the country’s signature marinades, spices, and cooking techniques.
From sizzling barbecued mutton to hearty stews and comforting curries, there are plenty of ways to enjoy this flavorful meat.
I’ve gathered 13 Korean mutton recipes that are guaranteed to impress.
Some are quick and easy, like an easy mutton curry recipe, while others require a little more patience—but trust me, they’re worth it. So, let’s get cooking!
1. Korean-Style Mutton BBQ (Yang-Gogi Gui)
If you’ve ever been to a Korean BBQ restaurant, you know the thrill of sizzling meat right at your table. Now, imagine that with mutton! Korean food is all about bold marinades, and this dish is no exception.
The mutton is marinated in a mix of soy sauce, garlic, sesame oil, honey, and a touch of gochujang (Korean red chili paste) for that perfect balance of sweet, salty, and spicy.
Grill it over an open flame or on a stovetop grill pan, and serve it with lettuce wraps, kimchi, and ssamjang (a thick, flavorful dipping sauce).
2. Spicy Mutton Bulgogi
Bulgogi is typically a beef dish, but mutton takes it to another level.
The key to a great mutton curry recipe like this one is letting the meat soak up the flavors.
A mix of gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes), soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sugar tenderizes the meat while giving it an irresistible taste. Once marinated, cook it on high heat until slightly charred. It’s smoky, spicy, and ridiculously good over steamed rice.
3. Mutton Kimchi Jjigae (Kimchi Stew with Mutton)
Kimchi jjigae is one of Korea’s ultimate comfort foods, and adding mutton gives it a deep, meaty richness.
The slow-cooked mutton absorbs the tangy, spicy flavors of the kimchi, while tofu, mushrooms, and green onions balance it out. A steaming bowl of this with some white rice on a cold day?
Absolute perfection.
4. Easy Mutton Curry Recipe (Korean-Style)
For those who love a fuss-free dish, this easy mutton curry recipe is a must-try. It’s different from Indian-style curries, as it uses a milder, slightly sweet curry powder commonly found in Korean cooking.
The mutton is slow-cooked with potatoes, carrots, onions, and a light but flavorful curry broth.
Serve it with short-grain rice, and you’ve got a dish that’s both comforting and satisfying.
5. Mutton Japchae (Korean Glass Noodle Stir-Fry)
Japchae is a classic Korean food dish made with glass noodles, stir-fried vegetables, and protein. Using mutton instead of the usual beef or chicken adds a richer, more robust taste.
The thinly sliced mutton is stir-fried with sesame oil, garlic, soy sauce, and a little brown sugar before being tossed with the slippery sweet potato noodles and vibrant veggies.
It’s savory, slightly sweet, and completely addictive.
6. Korean Mutton Galbi (Grilled Short Ribs)
This dish is usually made with beef short ribs, but mutton ribs work just as well.
The ribs are marinated in a delicious blend of pear juice (for tenderness), soy sauce, garlic, sesame oil, and a hint of brown sugar. Grill them until they’re caramelized and slightly crispy on the edges.
The combination of smoky, sweet, and umami flavors makes this one of the best Korean mutton recipes you’ll ever try.
7. Mutton Sundubu Jjigae (Soft Tofu Stew with Mutton)
Sundubu jjigae is a silky, spicy tofu stew that usually features seafood or pork. But swap in mutton, and you get a heartier, more comforting dish.
The broth is flavored with anchovy stock, gochujang, and garlic, creating a rich, deep taste that complements the tender pieces of mutton. Crack an egg on top just before serving for extra creaminess.
8. Mutton Bibimbap
This Korean rice bowl dish is usually topped with beef, but why not switch things up with mutton?
Thinly sliced mutton is stir-fried with sesame oil, garlic, and soy sauce, then served over warm rice with sautéed vegetables, a fried egg, and a generous spoonful of gochujang.
Mix everything together before eating, and enjoy a burst of flavors in every bite!
9. Mutton Gochujang Stir-Fry
If you love spicy food, this one’s for you. The mutton is thinly sliced and stir-fried with a fiery mix of gochujang, soy sauce, honey, and garlic.
The sauce clings to the meat, making it sticky, spicy, and incredibly delicious. It’s quick to prepare and goes perfectly with a bowl of steaming hot rice.
10. Korean Mutton Hot Pot (Jeongol)
Hot pots are all about gathering around a bubbling pot of goodness and cooking everything right at the table.
This mutton curry recipe is loaded with tender mutton, mushrooms, tofu, and vegetables, all simmering in a rich, spicy broth. It’s the perfect dish for sharing with family or friends on a chilly evening.
11. Mutton Bossam (Korean Boiled Mutton Wraps)
Bossam is traditionally made with pork belly, but mutton is an amazing alternative.
The meat is slow-boiled with aromatics like garlic, ginger, and bay leaves until it’s melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Serve it with fresh lettuce leaves, kimchi, and a punchy ssamjang dipping sauce. It’s fresh, flavorful, and a great hands-on meal.
12. Mutton Dak Galbi (Spicy Stir-Fried Mutton and Vegetables)
Dak galbi is a popular Korean stir-fry dish, but swapping out chicken for mutton makes it even richer in flavor.
The meat is stir-fried with cabbage, sweet potatoes, and a thick gochujang-based sauce that’s spicy, smoky, and slightly sweet.
It’s best enjoyed straight from the sizzling pan with a side of rice or wrapped in fresh perilla leaves.
13. Mutton Ginseng Soup (Samgyetang-style with Mutton)
Samgyetang is a famous Korean ginseng soup made with chicken, but replacing it with mutton gives it a whole new depth.
The meat is simmered with ginseng, garlic, jujubes, and rice to create a nourishing, slightly sweet broth that’s believed to boost energy and warm the soul.
It’s the ultimate comfort food, especially when you need a little pick-me-up.
Final Thoughts
Who knew mutton could fit so perfectly into Korean food? From smoky BBQ to spicy stews and even comforting rice bowls, there’s a recipe here for every craving.
Whether you’re in the mood for something quick like an easy mutton curry recipe or a slow-cooked dish that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas, these 13 Korean mutton recipes prove that mutton deserves a top spot in Korean cuisine.
So, grab your favorite ingredients and start cooking—you won’t regret it!