Whats in your cabinet?
Korean cuisine is built on essential staples that provide depth, flavor, and balance to every meal. At the center of it all is rice (bap), which is a must-have for nearly every dish. It is often paired with a variety of banchan (side dishes), including kimchi, seasoned vegetables, and marinated proteins. Fermented pastes such as gochujang (spicy red pepper paste), doenjang (soybean paste), and ganjang (soy sauce) add layers of umami to soups, stews, and marinades. Additionally, noodles, seaweed, and fresh vegetables are key components of a typical Korean pantry, making it easy to create comforting and flavorful meals every day. Whether it’s a bowl of kimchi jjigae or a sizzling plate of bulgogi, these staples form the backbone of Korean home cooking.
You can’t cook Korean food without the essentials”.