Enjoy a taste of Korea from your very own pantry! Here are some Korean kitchen and cooking staples every foodie loves
There's plenty to love about Korean culture—including the condiments! If you're a habitual diner at your local samgyeopsal restaurant, then you may have noticed some of these before. Otherwise, let us introduce you to some of the most exciting ingredients you'll encounter when dining Korean-style.
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1. Gochujang
You may have heard of gochujang before; after all, this Korean staple has been a favourite in add-on in marinades, stew bases, and samgyeopsal. Its fiery red appearance may seem intimidating, but this condiment packs a punch of sweetness too. It's made from red chilli peppers, glutinous rice, fermented soybeans, and salt. The fermentation process allows the glutinous rice to convert into sugars, giving this spicy side a sweet kick. Soybeans add complexity and umami to the dark, red paste that's a fundamental ingredient to budae jjigae (Korean army stew), and tteokbokki (rice cakes).