The Korean peninsula is a land with an interesting and diverse history. The world of cuisine you can find within is no exception. Korea has long been famous for its culinary additions to the world, and that doesn't stop at sauces and seasonings. From ssamjang to guk ganjang, numerous flavors are available to tantalize your taste buds.
There are many unique sauces and seasonings that are used in Korean cooking, and each one has a story behind it.
In the guide, we're diving deep to explore the tastes of Korea through its delicious sauces and seasonings. We'll start with a brief introduction to Korean food culture, then move on to the popular sauces in South Korea.
Finally, we'll take a look at the various seasonings that can enhance your dishes' flavor.
So get ready to discover the flavors of Korea! You're sure to discover some new favorites.
An Introduction to Korean Sauces
Let's start with some world favorites: Korean sauces.
Over the last few decades and centuries, the taste of Korea has been going global. Just like the country's pop music industry, sitcom dramas, and sense of fashion, its gifts of foods and flavors have found a special place in the hearts of many.
Among the most popular Korean sauces are doenjang, gochujang, ssamjang, saewoo jeot, myulchi ek jeot and guk ganjang. All of them have their own distinct flavors and uses, many of which you can now enjoy in the comfort of your own home, whether you're cooking a classic Korean dish or experimenting with foods from your own home country.
Of course, there's no doubt that Korea is famous for its BBQ flavors, but there are so many more wonders waiting to be discovered beneath the surface. In the first part of this guide, we'll take our time diving into the secrets behind these popular Korean sauces.
Your Guide to the Best Korean Sauces
Let's break this down by looking at the best Korean sauces you can find today.
Doenjang
된장, or doenjang, is a fermented soybean paste, similar to the Japanese miso. It has a thick texture and a salty flavor that is perfect for adding depth of flavor to soups and stews. Try adding a spoonful or two to your next noodle dish or soup recipe - you won't regret it!
It's a shame to think that the more traditional methods of making this sauce are slowly becoming extinct. Usually, you would harvest soybeans, ferment them for months in an earthenware pot, and then add salt. This process takes time and skill, so it's easy to see why many are turning to the easier methods of making doenjang today.
However, there are a small number of dedicated producers that are keeping the flame alive. But, whether you're purchasing factory-bought Doenjang or a more bespoke version, you're sure
Gochujang
고추장, or gochujang, is a savory and spicy fermented red pepper paste. Its main ingredients are chili peppers, rice powder, and fermented soybean. It's often used as a condiment for BBQ dishes or in soups and stews. It has just the right balance of sweetness and heat, making it an essential ingredient in Korean cooking.
This sauce has become wildly popular over the last few years and can now be found in many supermarkets. It's a great ingredient to add heat and depth of flavor to any dish - just remember to use it sparingly, or you might end up with something too spicy!
Ssamjang
쌈장, or ssamjang, is a thick paste that is used as a condiment for Korean BBQ dishes. It is made from a blend of doenjang, gochujang, sesame oil, garlic, onion, and various other seasonings. Its sweet, spicy, and savory flavor makes it the perfect accompaniment to any Korean feast.
Ssamjang is often served alongside lettuce leaves and eaten as a type of wrap. It can also be used as a dipping sauce for fried foods or steamed vegetables.
Saewoo Jeot
새우젓, or saewoo jeot, is made from tiny shrimp salted and fermented in a mixture of salt, water, and gochugaru (Korean chili flakes). The shrimp are then seasoned further with a blend of garlic, ginger, and other spices. Lastly, the shrimp are pressed into bricks or blocks.
This is a great condiment to add an umami flavor to dishes like banchan (side dishes). It can also be used as a flavoring for soups, salads, and stews.
Myulchi Ek Jeot
멸치엿, or myulchi ek jeot, is another type of fermented seafood condiment made from anchovies (myulchi). The anchovies are salted, fermented, and then preserved in a mixture of salt, gochugaru, garlic, and other spices.
This condiment is incredibly flavorful, but it can also be quite salty. Try adding it to soups or stews as a seasoning for an extra punch of flavor.
Guk Ganjang
국간장, or guk ganjang, is a type of soy sauce used to season soups and stews. It has a milder flavor than other types of soy sauce, and it adds depth of flavor to dishes without making them overly salty.
Guk ganjang is also great for marinating meat or vegetables. The mild flavor allows the dish's other ingredients to shine through without overpowering them with saltiness.
Ganjang
간장, or ganjang, is a type of soy sauce that has been popular in Korea since ancient times. It's made from fermented soybeans and wheat and is typically used as a dip for various Korean dishes.
It's also often added to soups, salads, and even marinades for barbecued meats. It has a distinct flavor that can be quite salty, so it should always be used in moderation.
Jang Gireum
장기름, or jang gireum, is a type of sesame oil that is made from toasted sesame seeds. It has a strong flavor and aroma that adds depth to any dish it's added to.
It's popularly used as an ingredient in marinades, dressings, and sauces. It can also be used to flavor soups, stir-fries, or even barbecued meats.
Korean food culture is all about the careful balance of flavors and textures that come together in a dish - so it's no wonder that Korean sauces and seasonings play such an important role.
But, of course, we still have the world of seasonings to dive into. So, without further ado...
The Complete Guide to Korean Seasonings
Seasonings are just as, if not more, important than Korean sauces. They are used to add an extra layer of flavor and aroma to dishes. Here are some of the most popular Korean seasonings you should know about:
Gochugaru - 고추가루
A coarsely ground pepper helps to create that signature spicy-sweet flavor in many Korean dishes. This is the kind of seasoning you want to use when you want your meal to have a kick. It's basically the Korean equivalent of chili powder!
Bokken Chamggae - 볶음참깨
A type of sesame seed powder that is used in Korean marinades and sauces. You'd use this seasoning to add a nutty, earthy flavor to meats and vegetables alike.
Huchu - 후추
A type of ground pepper typically used to flavor soups or stews. It has a strong flavor and aroma that can enhance a dish's taste. Huchu is also a great way to add heat to a meal. So if you're looking for something to give your dish an extra spicy kick, this is the seasoning for you!
Sogum - 소금
As the name implies, this seasoning is made from coarsely ground sea salt. It's used to add a subtle flavor to dishes without overpowering them with saltiness. This is just like you would use salt, but it adds a more complex flavor.
Shikcho - 식초
This seasoning is basically vinegar, and it is used to add a mild acidity to dishes. It's great for cutting through rich and fatty flavors while also adding a unique tanginess. You will also find brown rice vinegar (현미식초 - Hyunmee Shikcho), persimmon vinegar (감식초 - Kaamshikcho), and apple vinegar (사과식초 - Saakwashikcho), which all have unique flavor profiles.
Kkul - 꿀
Kkul is honey and is very popular in Korean cuisine. It's used to add a hint of sweetness and balance out the spiciness of dishes. Kkul is also great for glazing and marinades, giving foods a glossy finish. Some of the most popular dishes you'd use Kkul include Bulgogi and Kalbi.
Maesilchung - 매실청
Maesilchung is the term for a sort of plum syrup, which is commonly used to add sweetness to a dish. It's also great for adding depth of flavor and a hint of tartness, so it's a great way to give your dishes a more complex flavor.
Saengkang - 생강
Ginger is a very important part of Korean cuisine, making Saengkang is one of the most popular seasonings. Made from freshly grated ginger root, it has a spicy yet sweet flavor, and it's a great way to add a bit of warmth to dishes.
As you can see, Korean sauces and seasonings are essential to Korean cuisine, differentiating it from other types of food. Whether you're looking for something sweet or spicy, there's a Korean seasoning to suit your needs.
With the right balance of flavors, you can create truly delicious Korean dishes that are sure to be a hit at your next dinner party, or even if you're just relaxing at home and want to experiment with some beautiful Korean dishes that will certainly become a long-term favorite.
How to Get Started with Korean Sauces and Seasonings
Now that you've got the basics of Korean sauces and seasonings down, it's time to start experimenting with them in your kitchen.
You can start out by making some of the classic Korean dishes such as bibimbap, kimchi fried rice, or even japchae. The key is to use the right balance of sauces and seasonings, so make sure you don't go overboard with any one ingredient.
You can also make your own Korean marinades and sauces to give dishes that extra kick of flavor. Use the right ratio of seasonings and sauces to get the flavor profile you want.
We think it's best to follow a recipe and stick with what's suggested first to get an idea of the traditional tastes. This means you should buy authentic Korean sauces and seasonings to make sure you get the true flavor.
Once you're familiar with their work, feel free to experiment and tweak the recipes to create unique dishes. You can even make dishes that deliciously combine Korean flavors with those of other cultures.
For example, you can make a Korean-style burrito with gochujang and ssamjang or combine teriyaki sauce with ganjang for a unique twist on grilled chicken. There are endless possibilities!
Korean cuisine is all about the right balance of flavors and ingredients, making it a great way to explore food culture and creativity in the kitchen. So get ready to take your taste buds on an adventure!
Where Can I Get Authentic Korean Sauces and Seasonings?
If you're looking for authentic Korean sauces and seasonings, there are plenty of great places to find them both online and in-store. If you have a Korean store in your town or city (and there are certainly more of these popping up worldwide), then these are a great place to start.
You can also order various Korean sauces and seasonings online from specialty stores or Asian groceries. This is a great way to get access to products you wouldn't be able to find in a regular grocery store, and it means you can get them delivered straight to your door.
Here at ManduMarket, we strive to offer access to the very best of Korean culture, including the highest quality sauce and seasoning products. With our extensive range, you can find everything from doenjang and gochujang to ssamjang and ganjang.
Whether you are a Korean cuisine enthusiast or just want to try something new, ManduMarket has everything you need to create the perfect Korean dish.
Start your journey into the world of Korean sauces and seasonings today!