Top 9 Korean Jujube Recipes
I’ve been eating Korean jujubes ever since I was a kid and even today, the smell of jujube ginger tea simmering away on the stovetop still makes me think of my mom.
This superfruit has been trusted for centuries by Koreans as a natural wellness ingredient for menstrual symptoms, cold/flu, and even postpartum recovery and I’d like to show you just how versatile it can be. Here are my favorite things to make with this Korean superfood!
1. Korean jujube ginger tea
A classic for a reason. If you don’t have bellflower root (which is good for cough/sore throat), you can just skip it! Simmer on low for at least 5 hours with a couple knobs of ginger and enjoy with a spoonful of honey. I also sometimes like to add peeled and halved Korean pear to the drink for natural sweetness!
2. Marry Me Galbijjim (Korean braised short ribs)
Savory sweet braised short ribs with soy sauce, chestnuts, and kabocha squash…this recipe is a winner. The short ribs get fall-off-the-bone tender and the sauce thickens from all the tender veggies and jujubes. If you’re hosting guests or celebrating a special occasion at home, this is the perfect impressive dish to serve because shhh, it’s also the perfect “make ahead” dish.
3. Jujube apple butter
The coziest fall recipe, only three ingredients and no added sugar. I love spreading it on toast with salted butter, inside these rose tarts, or even mixed into a grilled chicken marinade with soy sauce, olive oil, and sesame oil, roasted alongside onions and carrots. Heavenly!
4. Korean chicken soup for the soul
Rich in minerals, collagen, and amino acids, this samgyetang soup (aka Korean chicken soup with ginger, ginseng, and garlic) is so healing and comforting to eat all year round. The recipe is basically the first half of the chicken pot pie recipe (below). Just add cooked sweet rice to the dish and season up with salt and pepper.
5. Korean chicken pot pie
I just love smashing together two dishes I love from the West and the East and turning it into something new yet familiar. This Korean chicken pot pie is one of those dishes. Buttery flaky puff pastry combined with the familiar comforting flavors of Korean chicken soup makes this recipe a winner. It’s the perfect weekend project when you just need to make something with your hands and return to mindfulness in your body.
6. Jujube cinnamon rolls
I made these morning buns for my mom and my sister when we were in the throes of newborn life with my niece and I have to say, they were the perfect treat to really elevate our morning coffee! The homemade jujube syrup adds the perfect earthy sweetness to the pillowy soft buns and of course the cream cheese frosting is literally the frosting on top!
7. Jujube peanut butter cups
I’m always looking for ways to eat more jujubes since they’re so high in vitamin C, saponins, and fiber and these Korean-ish peanut butter cups are so fun to make, uses real ingredients, and no added sugar like your average store-bought chocolate candies.
8. Jujube collagen jellies
Bovine gelatin is made from the collagen-rich parts of cows like skin, bones, and connective tissue and it's more than just a thickener. It’s been studied for its beneficial effects on joints, skin, gut, and overall wellness. I like to use this one from Vital Proteins!
To make the jellies, combine 1/2 cup of cold jujube tea with 2 TBSP of bovine gelatin. Mix to combine. In another cup, mix 1/2 cup of hot jujube tea with 2 TBSP of honey (or your sweetener or choice) and add to the cold gelatin mixture. This two-step process helps ensure the gelatin is properly incorporated. Pour into ice cube molds and chill for 2 hours in the fridge to set. Enjoy anytime as a healthy sweet snack!
9. Plain!
I would be remiss if I didn’t tell you that one of my favorite ways to enjoy jujubes is to eat them plain. Whenever I’m in the mood for something sweet, I like to snack on a couple of these jujubes knowing that they’re packed with vitamins and nutrients that are good for me.
