Food lovers rejoice! Even if you are a homebody who doesn’t prefer to travel outside of the country, that doesn’t mean you can’t experience amazing fusion cuisine.
Food lovers rejoice! Even if you are a homebody who doesn’t prefer to travel outside of the country, that doesn’t mean you can’t experience amazing fusion cuisine. While you may have heard of Chinatowns that are spread out across North America, you may not know that Koreatowns exist as well. Because of Korea’s proximity to China, it should come as no surprise that a melding of their cooking traditions would be so delicious!
Jjajangmyeon (Black Bean Noodles)
The Chinese concept of black bean noodles (Zhajiangmian) differs from its Korean counterpart. Every restaurant that claims to offer Korean Chinese fusion cuisine will feature this as a staple on its expansive menu. You’re also far more likely to find these noodles at Asian supermarkets equipped with their own little food courts.
Jjamppong (Spicy Seafood Noodle Soup)
Asian cuisine enthusiasts are well-versed in the various spicy dishes on offer across this massive continent. Spicy seafood noodle soup combines a fiery broth with fresh seafood and noodles thick and chewy enough to deserve that elusive “QQ” mouthfeel. It is one of the heavyweight champions of Korean Chinese fusion food. However, you should refrain from mixing it up with champon – a highly similar Japanese noodle dish from Nagasaki that excludes the spiciness.
Tangsuyuk (Korean-Style Sweet and Sour Chicken)
Now we’re getting closer to something you’ll see on American takeout menus everywhere you look. Sweet and sour chicken is iconic, even if it isn’t always reflective of truly authentic cuisine from its supposed homelands. Tangsuyuk is the Korean take on this fantastic chicken dish. It unites a fabulous mixture of fruits and vegetables – carrots, cucumbers, onions, apples, and pineapples. Beef and pork are often used in place of chicken; the crispy skin on top and delectable jelly sauce help elevate this concoction from its cousins.
Kkanpunggi (Spicy Garlic Protein Dishes)
You might be wondering why we included the word “protein” in the header above. Well, that’s easy enough to explain: meats such as pork, beef, and chicken are commonly used. However, one unusual twist you might not predict is the substitution of savory tofu. Anyone who adores General Tso’s chicken will swoon over this kicked-up variation as well.
Mapa Dobu (Spicy Sichuan Tofu)
Speaking of tofu, let’s take a few minutes to talk about mapa dobu. This wonderful example of Korean and Chinese fusion owes its origin to mapo doufu, which hails from the Sichuan region of China. You know how powerful Sichuan peppercorns are? That should give you an idea of what to expect. Common ingredients include hardened tofu, minced beef, red peppers, and green onions. It has a relative in Japanese Chinese cuisine as well – that version is called mabodofu. In any case, you’ll be glad to have the side dish of rice to help neutralize how angry this dish is.
Get All Your Asian Groceries at Lotte Plaza Market
Lotte Plaza Market is your one-stop shop for all of your Korean and Asian grocery needs. With more than 10 Maryland and Virginia locations, this growing market is continually expanding and opening new markets to better serve our customers. Since we opened in 1976, our goal has always been to provide the best customer service and groceries to our customers. For answers to all of your questions, please email us at LottePlaza.com.