Korean cuisine differs in every region of the country, but there are a few ingredients that connect its diverse dishes. These components are responsible for the distinctly bold and complex flavors that Korean food is known for. Here are a few elements you’ll find in just about every dish.

A Guide to Essential Korean Ingredients

1. Short-Grain Rice

Sometimes called “sushi rice,” this sticky grain is typically served with every meal. It soaks up and holds flavors, so people eat it with a range of dishes, including soups and sides. Some recipes, such as bibimbap and bulgogi, consist of meats and vegetables served over beds of steaming rice.

2. Hot Pepper Flakes

Called gochugaru, these have a hot and smoky taste with a hint of sweetness. They are traditionally made from finely ground sun-dried chili peppers.

In terms of heat, the flakes can range from mild to spicy, depending on the peppers used. Hot pepper flakes are present in sauces, soups, and kimchi, a favorite in Korean cuisine.

3. Toasted Sesame Oil

Toasted sesame oil, called chamkireum, has a strong nutty taste. Since it brings intense flavor, most chefs use it lightly to produce subtle umami flavors. In Korean cuisine, you can often taste this ingredient in soups, salads, porridge, and desserts.

4. Fermented Soybean Paste

Soybeans are used to make many different ingredients, but one of the most popular is fermented soybean paste. Also known as doenjang, it contains only soybean and brine.

The paste has an earthy flavor and aroma coupled with a salty profile. It is a well-liked condiment, but also the primary ingredient in doenjang jiggae, or soybean paste stew.

5. Garlic

Garlic is a versatile and healthy ingredient that contains protein, potassium, calcium, Vitamin C and B6, and other essential nutrients. 

In Korean cuisine, it is used in several different ways. You may enjoy it pickled as a side dish, grilled with Korean barbecue, minced for seasoning, or in whole cloves for soups and broths.

When you crave Korean food, dine at Han-Mi of Chattanooga, TN. Featuring crowd favorites like bibimbap and Korean fried chicken, this restaurant offers flavorful family recipes perfected over multiple generations. They use only fresh, top-quality ingredients to craft every dish. Browse their menu online, or call (423) 541-7273 to make a reservation.