Korean Food Basics
Korean cuisine is a diverse and flavorful culinary tradition that has gained widespread popularity around the world in recent years. From savory barbeque dishes to spicy stews, Korean food is known for its bold and complex flavors, which are achieved through the use of a wide variety of ingredients and cooking techniques.
If you’re interested in exploring the world of Korean cooking and trying your hand at preparing some of these delicious dishes at home, there are a few basic aspects you’ll need to know.
Ingredients: One of the key elements of Korean cooking is the use of a wide variety of ingredients, many of which are unique to the cuisine. Some common ingredients you’ll find in Korean dishes include gochujang, a spicy and savory fermented red pepper paste; soy sauce; sesame oil; and garlic. Other ingredients that are commonly used in Korean cooking include various types of grains, such as rice and noodles, as well as a variety of meats, seafood, and vegetables.
Techniques: Korean cuisine employs a variety of cooking techniques, including marinating, grilling, stewing, pickling, fermenting, stir-frying, sautéing, blanching, deep-frying, boiling, and steaming. Each of these techniques brings its own unique flavors and textures to the dishes, and learning to master them will help you to create delicious and authentic Korean dishes at home.
Meal structure: Korean meals are typically served in a communal fashion, with a selection of dishes meant to be shared and enjoyed together. At the heart of every Korean meal is a staple grain, such as rice or noodles, which is accompanied by a selection of smaller dishes known as banchan. These might include pickled vegetables, savory pancakes, and various types of meats and seafood. Korean recipes are often rounded out with a selection of side dishes, or “banchan,” which are meant to be shared and enjoyed together.
Kitchenware: In Korean cooking, a variety of kitchenware is utilized to accommodate the diverse array of dishes and cooking techniques used in the cuisine. Cast iron pans and griddles are essential for grilling Korean barbecue and cooking dishes like bindaetteok (mung bean pancake) and jeon (Korean savory pancakes). Woks are also frequently used in Korean recipes for stir-frying, deep-frying, and boiling. Korean stone pots, also known as dolsots, are heavy, heat-resistant pots that are traditionally used for cooking stews like doenjang-jjigae (fermented soybean paste stew) and seolleongtang (ox bone soup).
Korean cuisine is a rich and diverse culinary tradition that is known for its bold flavors and balance of ingredients. By learning about the key ingredients and techniques used in Korean recipes, you’ll be well on your way to preparing a wide variety of delicious dishes at home. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner cook, there is always more to learn and explore in the world of Korean cuisine. With a little practice and patience, you’ll be well on your way to creating mouthwatering dishes that are sure to impress your friends and family.