Tag: korean foods

The World’s Love for Korean Cuisine

Korean cuisine is famous around the world, celebrated for its unique flavors and healthy ingredients. In this article, we will explore the characteristics of Korean cuisine and the reasons for its global popularity.

1. Harmony of diverse flavors

The distinctive flavor of Korean cuisine comes from the harmonious blend of various seasonings and spices. Ingredients such as gochujang (red chili paste), gochugaru (red chili flakes), soy sauce, and sugar come together to create a balance of sweet, savory, spicy, and bitter flavors that make Korean dishes truly special.

2. Nutritious ingredients

Korean cuisine focuses on healthy ingredients. Staples such as kimchi, doenjang (fermented soybean paste), gosari (fernbrake), radishes, seaweed, sesame oil, and sweet potatoes are packed with nutrients and provide a healthy and balanced meal.

3. Use of fermented foods

Fermented foods are a hallmark of Korean cuisine. Staples such as doenjang, gochujang, and kimchi are fermented, enriching flavors and promoting intestinal health. This unique feature has garnered international attention and praise.

Gochujang 고추장

4. Abundance of Side Dishes

A distinctive aspect of Korean cuisine is the variety of banchan, or side dishes, served with rice. These side dishes enhance the dining experience by offering a wide range of flavors, textures, and nutrients.

5. Incorporation of Meat and Seafood

Korean cuisine skillfully incorporates a variety of meats and seafood into its dishes. Favorites such as bulgogi, galbi (short ribs), haemul pajeon (seafood pancake), and samgyeopsal (pork belly) have gained worldwide popularity, demonstrating the culinary versatility of Korean cuisine.

Reasons for the Worldwide Popularity of Korean Cuisine

– Healthy eating habits

Korean cuisine emphasizes healthy ingredients and cooking methods, promoting balanced eating habits and well-being.

– Variety of flavors and aromas

The variety of flavors and aromas in Korean dishes cater to a wide range of taste preferences, satisfying global palates.

– Appeal of fermented foods: The use of fermented foods not only adds depth to flavors, but also aligns with the growing interest in gut health and probiotics.

– Rice and Banchan Balance: The combination of rice and a variety of side dishes creates a satisfying and enjoyable dining experience.

Korean cuisine has won the hearts of people around the world with its unique characteristics and focus on health. Its harmonious blend of flavors, nutritious ingredients and fermented delicacies continues to captivate the global palate while promoting a balanced and healthy approach to eating.

 
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Discover Korean-Style Donkatsu

If you’re visiting Korea, don’t miss trying Korean-style Donkatsu (돈까스)! Unlike the traditional Japanese version, Korean Donkatsu is often larger, crispier, and served with hearty, flavorful sauces. Many Korean restaurants offer it with sides like shredded cabbage salad (topped with a tangy, creamy dressing), rice, and kimchi, creating a satisfying fusion of tastes. Korean Donkatsu can be a spicy delight with gochujang-infused sauces or topped with cheese for a modern twist, making it a must-try for food lovers!

*The price of Donkatsu is around 13,000 KRW on average. While the portions of kimchi and rice may be small, they can be refilled at no additional cost upon request.

 
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Japchae – Korean Signature Dish

Japchae is one of Korea’s signature dishes. If you are planning to visit Korea or want to try Korean cuisine, japchae is a must-try dish. In this blog post, we’ll explore the charm of japchae, its popularity, the simple cooking process, and the necessary ingredients.

The Allure of Japchae

Japchae is a traditional Korean dish that combines several ingredients and flavors. Japchae is a food loved by everyone, even foreigners, to exaggerate a bit. Its main ingredients include glass noodles (made from sweet potato starch), a variety of vegetables, meat, and a spicy soy sauce-based condiment. It’s known for its diverse ingredients and harmonious blend of flavors, providing a delightful culinary experience.

Popularity

Japchae is a popular dish both in Korea and internationally. In Korea, you can easily find it on the menu in various places, from home cooking to restaurants. It’s also highly regarded among foreigners and is considered one of Korea’s iconic dishes. That’s why japchae is an excellent choice for sharing with foreign friends or family.

Simple Cooking Process

Let’s go through the simple cooking process for making japchae. First, you’ll need to gather the following ingredients:

  • Glass noodles (soaked in water to soften)
  • Assorted vegetables (carrots, peppers, spinach, onions, etc.)
  • Meat (you can use beef or pork)
  • Soy sauce, sugar, minced garlic, sesame oil

Here’s the Cooking Process

  1. Soak the glass noodles in water, then boil until soft. Rinse them in cold water to keep their texture.
  2. Slice the meat into thin strips and stir-fry with minced garlic.
  3. Prepare the vegetables and stir-fry with the softened glass noodles and cooked meat.
  4. Add the soy sauce, sugar and sesame oil and stir-fry.
  5. When your japchae are ready, transfer to a serving dish.
  6. Ingredients

The ingredients are flexible. You can use more vegetables or leave out the meat to make a vegetarian version. This adaptability makes japchae suitable for a variety of dietary preferences and eating styles.

Japchae is one of Korea’s iconic dishes, appreciated for its unique appeal and popularity. With a simple cooking process and a wide variety of ingredients, it’s an ideal choice for foreigners who want to explore Korean cuisine. Trying japchae is a delightful way to experience the diverse flavors of Korea. Especially if you are someone who cannot eat spicy food, this japchae will be the best dish for you. Enjoy your Japchae!

 
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Samgyeopsal – Korean BBQ

Koreans enjoy grilling pork belly whether at a restaurant or at home. It is definitely one of South Korea’s iconic dishes, ‘Samgyeopsal’ (삼겹살). Samgyeopsal is a dish that everyone in Korea can easily enjoy, making it a must-try for foreigners and tourists. Now it is known to many people around the world, and many foreigners are already familiar with this food. Especially with Soju (소주), which goes well with pork belly.

The Appeal of Samgyeopsal

Samgyeopsal is made from thinly sliced pork belly, and its unique charm lies in the process of grilling it yourself and the rich flavor it offers. Once you’ve tasted it, you won’t forget the exquisite flavor that will captivate your palate.

The Joy of Barbecuing Yourself

Korean Samgyeopsal restaurants offer a self-grilling style where customers can enjoy grilling the meat themselves. Each table is equipped with a built-in grill, and you can enjoy the meat with fresh vegetables after it is cooked. This process enhances the dining experience, making it more appealing and enjoyable.

Variety of tastes and rich combinations

Samgyeopsal is served with a variety of toppings and can be enjoyed with different condiments and sauces that complement the meat. By combining flavors such as spicy garlic, gochujang (red chili paste), gochugaru (red chili flakes), lettuce wraps, ssamjang (spicy dipping sauce), and kimchi, you can tailor samgyeopsal to your personal taste.

Pleasant atmosphere and sharing

Samgyeopsal restaurants are perfect places to enjoy with friends or family. Sitting around the grill, cooking and sharing the meal naturally encourages conversation and laughter, creating precious moments during your travels.

Easily accessible anywhere

Samgyeopsal restaurants are easy to find throughout Seoul and South Korea. The average price for a portion of pork belly is around 15,000 won, and even if you are visiting alone, remember to order at least two portions.

💡 Pork belly is a fairly fatty food. If you feel burdened, I recommend ordering pork neck.

 
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