Authentic Ingredients From

KOREA

ORIGINS

Korean cuisine is a diverse and flavorful culinary tradition that reflects the country’s rich history and cultural heritage. The cuisine is influenced by various regions and ethnic groups, as well as the country’s history of trade and colonization.

The origins of Korean cuisine can be traced back to the Three Kingdoms period, which existed around 57 BCE. Over time, Korean cuisine evolved to become one of the most unique and exciting cuisines in the world.

Korean cuisine is known for its use of bold flavors and spices, which give dishes their unique and distinct taste. Some of the most common spices used in Korean cuisine include garlic, ginger, and chili pepper. Korean cuisine is also known for its use of fermented ingredients, such as kimchi, which is a spicy and tangy fermented vegetable dish.

EVOLUTION

Today, Korean cuisine is evolving in many ways. One of the most significant changes is the growing emphasis on health and wellness. Many Korean restaurants are now offering healthier options, such as grilled meats and vegetables, to meet the demands of health-conscious diners. Additionally, traditional Korean ingredients like ginseng and jujube are gaining popularity for their health benefits.

Another way that Korean cuisine is evolving is through fusion cuisine. Korean cuisine is being fused with other cuisines, such as Mexican, Japanese, and Chinese, to create unique and exciting dishes. For example, Korean-style tacos filled with spicy pork or beef have become a popular dish in many Korean restaurants.

Plant-based options are also becoming more common in Korean cuisine. With the rise of veganism and vegetarianism, many traditional Korean dishes, such as bibimbap and japchae, are already vegetarian friendly. However, more and more restaurants are offering vegan and vegetarian menus to cater to this growing trend.

Popular Korean Ingredients
Garlic
Gochujang
Korean Black Bean Paste
Korean Chili Powder
Korean Fish Sauce
Napa Cabbage
Rice Wine
Roasted Sesame Seeds
Sesame Oil
Short Grain Rice
Soy Sauce
Soybean Paste

Bibimbap

Bibimbap, sometimes romanized as bi bim bap or bi bim bop, is a Korean rice dish. The term bibim means "mixing" and bap is cooked rice.

Soondubu Jjigae

Sundubu-jjigae is a jjigae in Korean cuisine. The dish is made with freshly curdled soft tofu which has not been strained and pressed, vegetables, sometimes mushrooms, onion, optional seafood, optional meat, and gochujang or gochugaru.

Korean Fried Chicken

Korean fried chicken, usually called chikin in Korea, refers to a variety of fried chicken dishes created in South Korea, including the basic huraideu-chicken and spicy yangnyeom chicken.

WHAT NEXT?

Korean cuisine is a diverse and flavorful culinary tradition that has evolved over time to become one of the most unique and exciting cuisines in the world. Today, Korean cuisine is evolving to meet the demands of health-conscious diners, while also incorporating new flavors and techniques through fusion cuisine. As Korean cuisine continues to evolve, it will undoubtedly continue to delight diners around the world with its unique flavors and culinary traditions.