Korean Food Buying Guide: How to Buy Korean Food and Ingredients

Korean food has been gaining increasing popularity around the world, with its unique flavors, colorful presentation, and healthy ingredients. If you're one of the many people who have fallen in love with Korean food, you may be wondering how and where to buy the ingredients to make your own delicious Korean dishes at home. This Korean food buying guide will provide you with a comprehensive overview of the ingredients and tools you'll need to create authentic Korean cuisine, as well as tips for finding and sourcing them.

Basic Korean Ingredients

To get started with cooking Korean food, you'll need to stock up on some basic ingredients. These ingredients are used in many Korean recipes and are essential to creating the distinct flavors and textures of Korean cuisine.

Rice

Rice is an essential ingredient in Korean cuisine and is served with almost every meal. Look for short-grain rice, which is stickier and more flavorful than long-grain rice. You can also find special varieties of rice, such as sweet rice used for making rice cakes.

Gochujang

Gochujang is a fermented chili paste that is used in many Korean dishes to add spice and depth of flavor. It's made from red chili peppers, soybeans, and rice or barley malt. Look for gochujang in the Asian section of your grocery store or at Korean markets. You can also find it online.

Doenjang

Doenjang is a fermented soybean paste that is used in soups, stews, marinades, and dipping sauces. It has a savory, umami flavor and is often compared to miso. Look for doenjang in the same places you would find gochujang.

Soy Sauce

Soy sauce is a staple ingredient in Korean cuisine and is used in marinades, sauces, and seasoning. Look for Korean soy sauce, which is less salty and has a milder flavor than Chinese or Japanese soy sauce. You can also find low-sodium options.

Sesame Oil

Sesame oil is used as a seasoning in many Korean dishes and is prized for its nutty flavor and aroma. Look for pure sesame oil, not blended with other oils, for the best flavor.

Sesame Seeds

Sesame seeds are used in Korean cooking as a topping or seasoning. Look for toasted sesame seeds, which are more flavorful than raw sesame seeds.

Rice Vinegar

Rice vinegar is used in Korean marinades, dressings, and dipping sauces. Look for rice vinegar with no added sugar or flavorings.

Garlic

Garlic is used in many Korean dishes and adds a pungent, savory flavor. Look for fresh garlic cloves in the produce section of your grocery store.

Ginger

Ginger is used in Korean marinades, sauces, and soups. Look for fresh ginger root in the produce section of your grocery store.

Green Onions

Green onions are used in Korean cooking as a garnish or seasoning. Look for fresh green onions with long white and green parts.

Red Pepper Flakes

Red pepper flakes are used in Korean cuisine to add heat and flavor to marinades, soups, stews, and sauces. Look for Korean red pepper flakes, which are less spicy than other varieties.

Dried Anchovies

Dried anchovies are used to make broths and stocks in Korean cooking. Look for small, whole anchovies without heads or guts. They can also be found in powdered form.

Korean Dishes and Their Ingredients

Korean cuisine includes a wide range of dishes, from hearty stews to delicate side dishes. Here are some of the most popular Korean dishes and the ingredients they require.

Bibimbap

Bibimbap is a popular Korean rice bowl that is topped with a variety of vegetables, meat, and an egg. The vegetables can include spinach, bean sprouts, carrots, zucchini, and mushrooms. The meat can be beef, pork, or chicken. Bibimbap is typically served with gochujang sauce.

Kimchi

Kimchi is a spicy fermented vegetable dish that is a staple of Korean cuisine. It's typically made with napa cabbage, radish, or cucumber, and is seasoned with gochujang, garlic, ginger, and fish sauce.

Bulgogi

Bulgogi is a Korean dish made with marinated beef or pork that is grilled or stir-fried. The marinade includes soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, garlic, and pear juice.

Jjajangmyeon

Jjajangmyeon is a Korean-Chinese noodle dish that is made with black bean paste, vegetables, and meat. The sauce is made with black bean paste, soy sauce, sugar, and cornstarch.

Tteokbokki

Tteokbokki is a spicy rice cake dish that is made with gochujang, fish cake, and vegetables. It's a popular street food in Korea.

Korean Fried Chicken

Korean fried chicken is a crunchy, crispy dish that is coated in a sweet and spicy sauce. The batter is made with cornstarch, flour, and water, and the sauce includes gochujang, soy sauce, and honey.

Tips for Buying Korean Ingredients

Now that you know what ingredients you'll need for cooking Korean food, here are some tips for finding and sourcing them.

Korean Grocery Stores and Markets

Korean grocery stores and markets are the best places to find Korean ingredients. They offer a wide variety of products and specialty items, and the staff is often knowledgeable about Korean cooking. Some of the popular Korean grocery stores in the US include H Mart, Lotte Mart, and Zion Market.

Asian Grocery Stores

If you don't have a Korean grocery store or market nearby, you can also find Korean ingredients at Asian grocery stores. They may have a smaller selection than Korean markets, but they will still carry many of the basic ingredients.

Online Retailers

If you can't find Korean ingredients at your local grocery stores or markets, you can also buy them online. Many online retailers specialize in Korean ingredients and offer a wide selection of products. Some popular websites include Amazon, YesStyle, and Crazy Korean Cooking.

Growing Your Own

If you're feeling adventurous, you can also try growing some Korean ingredients yourself. You can grow garlic, ginger, green onions, and even chili peppers in your own backyard or indoor garden.

Conclusion

Cooking Korean food at home is a fun and rewarding experience, and now that you have this Korean food buying guide at your fingertips, you'll be able to find and source all the ingredients you need. Remember to start with the basics and build your pantry from there, and don't be afraid to experiment and try new recipes. Happy cooking!