Learning how to ask for a recipe in Korean is a great way to connect with Korean culture and bring delicious flavors into your own kitchen. This guide provides essential phrases and cultural context for requesting recipes politely and effectively, whether you’re asking a friend, a family member, or even a restaurant owner about their special dish.
Table Of Content
Core Expression
This is the most direct and polite way to ask someone to share a recipe with you.
- Expression: 레시피 좀 알려주세요.
Pronunciation: re-si-pi jom al-lyeo-ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please tell me the recipe. (Lit: Please let me know the recipe a little.)
Asking About Ingredients
Understanding the necessary ingredients is the first step to recreating a dish.
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Expression: 이 요리에 뭐가 들어가요?
Pronunciation: i yo-ri-e mwo-ga deu-reo-ga-yo?
Meaning: What goes into this dish? -
Expression: 재료가 뭐예요?
Pronunciation: jae-ryo-ga mwo-ye-yo?
Meaning: What are the ingredients? -
Expression: 필요한 재료 목록을 받을 수 있을까요?
Pronunciation: pil-yo-han jae-ryo mong-no-geul ba-deul su i-sseul-kka-yo?
Meaning: Could I get a list of the necessary ingredients? -
Expression: 특별한 재료가 있나요?
Pronunciation: teuk-byeol-han jae-ryo-ga in-na-yo?
Meaning: Are there any special ingredients? -
Expression: 이 재료는 어디서 살 수 있어요?
Pronunciation: i jae-ryo-neun eo-di-seo sal su i-sseo-yo?
Meaning: Where can I buy this ingredient? -
Expression: 대체할 수 있는 재료가 있을까요?
Pronunciation: dae-che-hal su in-neun jae-ryo-ga i-sseul-kka-yo?
Meaning: Is there an ingredient I can substitute? -
Expression: 양념은 뭐가 필요해요?
Pronunciation: yang-nyeom-eun mwo-ga pil-yo-hae-yo?
Meaning: What seasonings are needed? -
Expression: 고춧가루는 얼마나 넣어야 해요?
Pronunciation: go-chu-kka-ru-neun eol-ma-na neo-eo-ya hae-yo?
Meaning: How much red pepper powder should I add? -
Expression: 간장 종류가 중요한가요?
Pronunciation: gan-jang jong-nyu-ga jung-yo-han-ga-yo?
Meaning: Is the type of soy sauce important? -
Expression: 신선한 재료를 써야 하나요?
Pronunciation: sin-seon-han jae-ryo-reul sseo-ya ha-na-yo?
Meaning: Should I use fresh ingredients? -
Expression: 마늘은 다진 것을 사용하나요?
Pronunciation: ma-neu-reun da-jin geo-seul sa-yong-ha-na-yo?
Meaning: Do you use minced garlic? -
Expression: 채소는 어떤 종류를 넣어요?
Pronunciation: chae-so-neun eo-tteon jong-nyu-reul neo-eo-yo?
Meaning: What kind of vegetables do you add?
Asking About Steps
Knowing the cooking process is crucial for success.
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Expression: 어떻게 만들어요?
Pronunciation: eo-tteo-ke man-deu-reo-yo?
Meaning: How do you make it? -
Expression: 만드는 방법을 설명해 주실 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: man-deu-neun bang-beo-beul seol-myeong-hae ju-sil su in-na-yo?
Meaning: Could you explain how to make it? -
Expression: 첫 번째 단계는 뭐예요?
Pronunciation: cheot beon-jjae dan-gye-neun mwo-ye-yo?
Meaning: What is the first step? -
Expression: 얼마나 오랫동안 끓여야 해요?
Pronunciation: eol-ma-na o-rae-tto-ngan kkeu-ryeo-ya hae-yo?
Meaning: How long should I boil it? -
Expression: 불 조절은 어떻게 해요?
Pronunciation: bul jo-jeo-reun eo-tteo-ke hae-yo?
Meaning: How do you control the heat? (Lit: How do you do the fire control?) -
Expression: 특별한 조리 팁이 있나요?
Pronunciation: teuk-byeol-han jo-ri ti-bi in-na-yo?
Meaning: Are there any special cooking tips? -
Expression: 언제 양념을 넣어야 해요?
Pronunciation: eon-je yang-nyeom-eul neo-eo-ya hae-yo?
Meaning: When should I add the seasoning? -
Expression: 젓는 것이 중요한가요?
Pronunciation: jeon-neun geo-si jung-yo-han-ga-yo?
Meaning: Is stirring important? -
Expression: 얼마나 자주 저어야 해요?
Pronunciation: eol-ma-na ja-ju jeo-eo-ya hae-yo?
Meaning: How often should I stir? -
Expression: 다 됐는지 어떻게 알 수 있어요?
Pronunciation: da dwaen-neun-ji eo-tteo-ke al su i-sseo-yo?
Meaning: How can I tell if it’s done? -
Expression: 요리 시간은 총 얼마나 걸려요?
Pronunciation: yo-ri si-ga-neun chong eol-ma-na geol-lyeo-yo?
Meaning: How long does the cooking take in total? -
Expression: 미리 준비해야 할 것이 있나요?
Pronunciation: mi-ri jun-bi-hae-ya hal geo-si in-na-yo?
Meaning: Is there anything I need to prepare in advance?
Asking for Clarification
Sometimes you need to ask for more details or repetition.
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Expression: 다시 한번 설명해 주시겠어요?
Pronunciation: da-si han-beon seol-myeong-hae ju-si-ge-sseo-yo?
Meaning: Could you explain that again? -
Expression: 조금 더 천천히 말씀해 주시겠어요?
Pronunciation: jo-geum deo cheon-cheon-hi mal-sseum-hae ju-si-ge-sseo-yo?
Meaning: Could you please speak a little more slowly? -
Expression: 그게 무슨 뜻이에요?
Pronunciation: geu-ge mu-seun tteu-si-e-yo?
Meaning: What does that mean? -
Expression: [단어]가 무슨 뜻인지 모르겠어요.
Pronunciation: [dan-eo]-ga mu-seun tteu-sin-ji mo-reu-ge-sseo-yo.
Meaning: I don’t know what [word] means. -
Expression: 혹시 글로 적어주실 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: hok-si geul-lo jeo-geo-ju-sil su in-na-yo?
Meaning: Could you possibly write it down for me? -
Expression: 이 부분은 이해가 잘 안 돼요.
Pronunciation: i bu-bu-neun i-hae-ga jal an dwae-yo.
Meaning: I don’t quite understand this part. -
Expression: 예를 들어 설명해 주실 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: ye-reul deu-reo seol-myeong-hae ju-sil su in-na-yo?
Meaning: Could you explain with an example? -
Expression: 양을 정확히 알려주세요.
Pronunciation: yang-eul jeong-hwa-ki al-lyeo-ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please tell me the exact amount. -
Expression: 헷갈리는 부분이 있어요.
Pronunciation: het-gal-li-neun bu-bu-ni i-sseo-yo.
Meaning: There’s a part that’s confusing. -
Expression: 다시 한번 보여주시겠어요? (If demonstrating)
Pronunciation: da-si han-beon bo-yeo-ju-si-ge-sseo-yo?
Meaning: Could you show me again? -
Expression: 핵심 포인트가 뭐예요?
Pronunciation: haek-sim po-in-teu-ga mwo-ye-yo?
Meaning: What is the key point? -
Expression: 이것은 꼭 필요한 단계인가요?
Pronunciation: i-geo-seun kkok pil-yo-han dan-gye-in-ga-yo?
Meaning: Is this step absolutely necessary?
Complimenting the Food
Offering praise before asking for the recipe is often a good approach.
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Expression: 정말 맛있어요!
Pronunciation: jeong-mal ma-si-sseo-yo!
Meaning: It’s really delicious! -
Expression: 이 음식 이름이 뭐예요?
Pronunciation: i eum-sik i-reu-mi mwo-ye-yo?
Meaning: What is the name of this food? -
Expression: 너무 맛있어서 그런데, 혹시 레시피 좀 알려주실 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: neo-mu ma-si-sseo-seo geu-reon-de, hok-si re-si-pi jom al-lyeo-ju-sil su in-na-yo?
Meaning: It’s so delicious, could you perhaps tell me the recipe? -
Expression: 직접 만드신 거예요? 정말 대단해요!
Pronunciation: jik-jeop man-deu-sin geo-ye-yo? jeong-mal dae-dan-hae-yo!
Meaning: Did you make this yourself? It’s really amazing! -
Expression: 이 맛은 잊을 수가 없을 것 같아요.
Pronunciation: i ma-seun i-jeul su-ga eop-seul geot ga-ta-yo.
Meaning: I don’t think I’ll be able to forget this taste. -
Expression: 비결이 뭐예요?
Pronunciation: bi-gyeo-ri mwo-ye-yo?
Meaning: What’s the secret? -
Expression: 제가 먹어본 [음식 이름] 중에 최고예요!
Pronunciation: je-ga meo-geo-bon [eum-sik i-reum] jung-e choe-go-ye-yo!
Meaning: This is the best [food name] I’ve ever had! -
Expression: 집밥 맛이 나요.
Pronunciation: jip-bap ma-si na-yo.
Meaning: It tastes like home cooking. -
Expression: 저도 집에서 만들어 보고 싶어요.
Pronunciation: jeo-do ji-be-seo man-deu-reo bo-go si-peo-yo.
Meaning: I want to try making this at home too. -
Expression: 요리 솜씨가 정말 좋으시네요.
Pronunciation: yo-ri som-ssi-ga jeong-mal jo-eu-si-ne-yo.
Meaning: You are a really good cook. -
Expression: 이 소스는 어떻게 만드셨어요?
Pronunciation: i so-seu-neun eo-tteo-ke man-deu-syeo-sseo-yo?
Meaning: How did you make this sauce? -
Expression: 맛의 비결을 배우고 싶어요.
Pronunciation: ma-sui bi-gyeo-reul bae-u-go si-peo-yo.
Meaning: I want to learn the secret to the taste.
Korean Culture Notes
Understanding cultural nuances can make asking for recipes smoother.
* “Son-mat” (손맛): This literally means “hand taste” and refers to the unique, skillful touch a good cook adds, often implying intuition and experience rather than precise measurements. Don’t be surprised if some measurements are approximate (“a pinch,” “a handful”).
* Sharing is Caring: Generally, Koreans are happy to share recipes, especially for common dishes. It’s seen as a compliment that you enjoyed their food enough to want to make it yourself.
* Family Recipes: Some recipes, especially for things like kimchi or specific sauces, might be closely guarded family secrets passed down through generations. Be understanding if someone is hesitant to share every detail.
* Approximation vs. Precision: Traditional Korean home cooking often relies less on exact measurements and more on tasting and adjusting (“간을 보다” – gan-eul bo-da). Recipes might reflect this with less precise instructions.
* Compliments First: It’s generally polite to praise the food sincerely before asking for the recipe. This shows appreciation for the cook’s effort.
Real Conversation Example
- Situation: You are visiting your Korean friend’s home and their mother made delicious Kimchi Jjigae (김치찌개). You want to ask her for the recipe.
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Roles: A: You (the guest), B: Friend’s Mother (the cook)
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Expression: A: 어머님, 김치찌개 정말 맛있어요! 제가 먹어본 것 중에 최고예요.
Pronunciation: A: eo-meo-nim, gim-chi-jji-gae jeong-mal ma-si-sseo-yo! je-ga meo-geo-bon geot jung-e choe-go-ye-yo.
Meaning: A: Ma’am (addressing friend’s mother respectfully), the Kimchi Jjigae is really delicious! It’s the best I’ve ever had. -
Expression: B: 아이고, 맛있게 먹어주니 고맙네. 별거 아니야.
Pronunciation: B: a-i-go, ma-sit-ge meo-geo-ju-ni go-mam-ne. byeol-geo a-ni-ya.
Meaning: B: Oh my, thank you for enjoying it. It’s nothing special. -
Expression: A: 아니에요, 정말 특별한 맛이에요! 너무 맛있어서 그런데, 혹시 레시피 좀 알려주실 수 있을까요? 저도 집에서 만들어 보고 싶어요.
Pronunciation: A: a-ni-e-yo, jeong-mal teuk-byeol-han ma-si-e-yo! neo-mu ma-si-sseo-seo geu-reon-de, hok-si re-si-pi jom al-lyeo-ju-sil su i-sseul-kka-yo? jeo-do ji-be-seo man-deu-reo bo-go si-peo-yo.
Meaning: A: No, really, it has a special taste! It’s so delicious, could you perhaps tell me the recipe? I want to try making it at home too. -
Expression: B: 그럼, 그럼. 어렵지 않아. 잘 익은 김치하고 돼지고기 좀 넣고 푹 끓이면 돼.
Pronunciation: B: geu-reom, geu-reom. eo-ryeop-ji a-na. jal i-geun gim-chi-ha-go dwae-ji-go-gi jom neo-ko puk kkeu-ri-myeon dwae.
Meaning: B: Of course, of course. It’s not difficult. You just need well-fermented kimchi and some pork, then boil it thoroughly. -
Expression: A: 아, 돼지고기를 넣는군요! 양념은 특별한 것이 있나요?
Pronunciation: A: a, dwae-ji-go-gi-reul neon-neun-gun-yo! yang-nyeom-eun teuk-byeol-han geo-si in-na-yo?
Meaning: A: Ah, you add pork! Are there any special seasonings? -
Expression: B: 글쎄, 고춧가루, 마늘, 국간장 조금 넣고… 나중에 두부랑 파 좀 넣으면 더 맛있지. 내가 간단하게 적어줄까?
Pronunciation: B: geul-sse, go-chu-kka-ru, ma-neul, guk-gan-jang jo-geum neo-ko… na-jung-e du-bu-rang pa jom neo-eu-myeon deo ma-sit-ji. nae-ga gan-dan-ha-ge jeo-geo-jul-kka?
Meaning: B: Well, add red pepper powder, garlic, a little soup soy sauce… adding some tofu and green onion later makes it tastier. Shall I quickly write it down for you? -
Expression: A: 네! 정말 감사해요, 어머님! 꼭 만들어 볼게요!
Pronunciation: A: ne! jeong-mal gam-sa-hae-yo, eo-meo-nim! kkok man-deu-reo bol-ge-yo!
Meaning: A: Yes! Thank you so much, Ma’am! I’ll definitely try making it!
Practice Tips
Now you have the phrases, it’s time to practice~! Try watching Korean cooking shows (쿡방 – kuk-bang) or videos online and listen for these expressions. If you have Korean friends, compliment their cooking (if you get the chance!) and maybe try asking for a simple recipe~. Don’t be afraid to ask for clarification using the phrases you learned! The more you practice, the more natural it will become! 화이팅! (hwa-i-ting! – Fighting!)
