Check out our list of our Korean ingredients to make some of our favorite meals!
Whether you are trying to get in touch with your roots or just want to experiment with Korean cooking, there are a number of things you should have in your pantry. So what will you need for your Korean meals? Read on for a list of ingredients.
Soy Sauce
There are three different types of soy sauce that you can choose from guk ganjang, a Korean soy sauce; wheganjang, a Japanese soy sauce; and ganjang, regular soy sauce. The Korean soy sauce is typically used for soups, stews, and to flavor various vegetable side dishes. It is made from fermented soybeans, water, and salt. Guk ganjang is typically the lighter colored soy sauce and is saltier than other types of sauce. WheGanjang is a dark soy sauce and is the Japanese version. This soy sauce is made from soybeans, wheat, bacteria cultures, and other ingredients. It is thicker, sweeter, and less salty than other soy sauces. It should be used for jorims, meat marinades, stir-frys, grilled dishes, and sashimi.
Roasted Sesame Seeds and Sesame Seed Oil
Sesame seeds are typically used in two different ways. The first way is to add the fragrant oil to meats and soups to add a new depth of flavor. Sesame seed oil can also be used in marinades, vegetable dressings, and stir frys. Finish any dish with a garnish of sprinkled sesame seeds to add texture and taste.
Gochujang
Also known as Korean chili pepper paste, gochujang is fermented hot pepper paste that is lightly sweetened. It is usually stirred into stews, stir frys, and other sauces for a spicy flavor.
Gochukaru
Gochukaru is a Korean chili pepper powder made of dried hot peppers that as pulverized into a coarse powder. Generally used for seasoning dishes, Gochukaru is also added to dishes for a flashy red garnish.
Doenjang
Doenjang is also known as Korean soybean paste. This paste is made of fermented beans and is the base for many kinds of soup and sauces. It has a nutty, salty flavor that holds well to many other ingredients.
Dried Anchovies
Dried anchovies are little fish that provides the flavor base for many kinds of soup. Since they are whole, it is important to remove the heads and organs before cooking them in order to avoid a bitter flavor.
These are just some of the ingredients you will need to start your Korean ingredient pantry. For more ingredients and these staple items, visit your local Lotte Plaza Market today!
Korean Ingredients at Lotte Plaza Market!
Lotte Plaza Market is your one stop shop for all of your Asian groceries. With more than 10 locations in Maryland and Virginia, this growing market is always expanding and opening new markets to better serve our customers. Opened since 1976, our goal has always been to provide the best customer service and groceries to our customers. For answers to all of your questions, email us at LottePlaza.com.
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