Rice is a staple grain.
Rice is a staple grain. You’ve probably enjoyed it your whole life without realizing that it’s just as delicious and crucial a starch as flour and potatoes. The Korean word for it is “bap.” More broadly, it can refer to an individual meal or, on a metaphorical scale, the food itself. It’s that important. Think about how the Chinese refer to it as “fun,” where rice is revered in the same sense of using it to mean food!
Bibimbap
First off, let’s talk about the delicious rice-based dish known as bibimbap. If you’re a regular patron of Korean-themed restaurants or food trucks, you’ll know what this is right off the bat. Besides, it’s iconic and well-loved even outside of its homeland. Various colors, textures, and flavors come together to create something magical, no matter what toppings you adore. You can also choose to add meat and eggs or omit them altogether.
Take a look in your fridge and see what’s available in the vegetable crisper – we recommend sprouts or mushrooms. Even so, any veggies you have on hand are fair game. Pro top: tone down the typical spiciness of Korean cuisine by decreasing the amount of red chili paste you use.
Kimbap
Sushi lovers unite! This unique take on the Japanese classic hand-rolled delight is also easy to take on the go. Much like its cousin, kimbap is incredibly portable. Veggies, meat, and seafood are all popular fillings, but you can swap them out as you like, so even vegetarians and pescetarians can enjoy them!
Bokumbap
Comfort food is always tasty. Even in the summer, when you want something relatively light, some comfort food can go a long way. Besides, these dishes can put a smile on your face after a long, draining day. Bokumbap is Korean-style comfort food that relies on rice as its base. Take that leftover fried rice and punch it up a little bit! Look into your fridge – is there any kimchi hanging around? Put it to work!
While fermented vegetables can last longer, you still don’t want them to linger in cold storage. That sourness doesn’t need to be off-putting, though. Instead, use that to your advantage. Parlay that potentially unappetizing flavor into a dish that features Canadian bacon, thinly-sliced beef, pork, or ham as its protein components. For those out there who do not like meat, substituting shrimp or tofu is perfectly fine!
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 serve our customers better. 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.