SHOP WITH CONFIDENCE

Your Korean pantry, explained

Learn what each ingredient does, how its Korean name is written, and what to type when shopping outside Korea.

Substitutions that change the recipe

Soy sauce: regular, soup and concentrated sauce have different salt levels. Begin with less, taste, then adjust. For a gluten-free meal, check the label on soy sauce, stock, noodles and every packaged seasoning.

Gochujang and gochugaru: fermented chile paste brings salt, sweetness and thickness; chile flakes bring heat and texture. They are not equal spoon-for-spoon replacements.

Fish sauce and salted shrimp: soy sauce can replace some savory saltiness, but changes the flavor and does not automatically make a recipe vegetarian if broth or other seafood remains.

Starch and flour: potato starch creates a different coating from wheat flour. Use the recipe-specific alternative rather than a universal ratio.

Check ingredient labels for allergens; alternative brands and substitutions can introduce soy, wheat, sesame, nuts, egg or shellfish. The links below lead to recipes using each item.

Choose a meal in 30 minutes or less →

쌀 · ssal

Short-grain rice

The glossy, softly sticky rice used at everyday Korean tables.

Shopping searchKorean short grain rice Calrose

Cook with itGaji Sotbap (가지 솥밥): Korean Eggplant Pot Rice →

참기름 · chamgireum

Sesame oil

A deeply toasted finishing oil; a little goes a long way.

Shopping searchKorean toasted sesame oil chamgireum

Cook with itGaji Sotbap (가지 솥밥): Korean Eggplant Pot Rice →

물엿 · mulyeot

Rice syrup

A clear syrup used for gloss and gentle sweetness in Korean sauces.

Shopping searchKorean rice corn syrup mulyeot

Cook with itManeuljjong Bokkeum (마늘종 볶음): Korean Pork and Garlic Scape Stir-Fry →Ojingeo Jeyuk Bokkeum (오징어제육볶음): Spicy Squid and Pork →

국간장 · guk-ganjang

Soup soy sauce

A pale-looking but deeply salty soy sauce used to season Korean soups without darkening them.

Shopping searchKorean soup soy sauce guk ganjang

Cook with itGamja Sujebi (감자 수제비): Korean Potato Hand-Torn Noodle Soup →

국물멸치 · gukmul-myeolchi

Soup anchovies

Large dried anchovies used to build a clean, savory everyday broth.

Shopping searchKorean soup anchovies dried large

Cook with itGamja Sujebi (감자 수제비): Korean Potato Hand-Torn Noodle Soup →

감자전분 · gamja-jeonbun

Potato starch

A fine starch that gives blanched vegetables a delicate, pleasantly slippery coating.

Shopping searchKorean potato starch gamja jeonbun

Cook with itSaeu Sujebi (새우 수제비): Korean Shrimp Soup →Kongmul Gaji Naengguk (콩물가지냉국): Chilled Soy Milk Eggplant Soup →

애호박 · aehobak

Korean zucchini

A pale green summer squash with tender skin and a softly sweet flavor.

Shopping searchKorean zucchini aehobak

Cook with itHobak-seon (애호박선): Korean Stuffed Zucchini →

들깨 · deulkkae

Perilla seed option

Some home cooks use ground perilla for a more earthy, distinctly Korean nuttiness.

Shopping searchKorean perilla seed powder deulkkae garu

Cook with itImjasutang (임자수탕): Korean Chilled Sesame Chicken Soup →

고운 고춧가루 · goun-gochugaru

Fine gochugaru

Finely ground Korean red pepper flakes disperse smoothly through the seasoning; their heat is usually rounder than cayenne.

Shopping searchKorean fine red pepper powder goun gochugaru

Cook with itYangbaechu Kimchi (양배추김치): Fresh Green Cabbage Kimchi →Minari Pork Jowl Steak (미나리항정스테이크) →Air-Fryer Nurungji Kimchi Fried Rice (누룽지 김치볶음밥) →

매실청 · maesil-cheong

Maesil-cheong

A sweet-tart syrup made by macerating green maesil plums with sugar, often used to round out Korean dressings and marinades.

Shopping searchKorean green plum syrup maesil cheong

Cook with itYangbaechu Kimchi (양배추김치): Fresh Green Cabbage Kimchi →Pachae Jeyuk (파채 제육): Spicy Pork Belly with Scallions →Yunjumo Musaengchae (윤주모 무생채): Korean Radish Salad →

멸치액젓 · myeolchi-aekjeot

Anchovy fish sauce

A clear, deeply savory fermented anchovy seasoning commonly used in Korean kimchi and vegetable salads.

Shopping searchKorean anchovy fish sauce myeolchi aekjeot

Cook with itYangbaechu Kimchi (양배추김치): Fresh Green Cabbage Kimchi →Yunjumo Musaengchae (윤주모 무생채): Korean Radish Salad →

오이고추 · oi-gochu

Cucumber chile

A long, crisp, mild Korean green chile often eaten raw with ssamjang; it adds crunch with little heat.

Shopping searchKorean cucumber pepper oi gochu 오이고추

Cook with itYangbaechu Kimchi (양배추김치): Fresh Green Cabbage Kimchi →

돼지 안심 · dwaeji ansim

Pork tenderloin

A lean, tender whole muscle from inside the loin. In Korean, ansim means the tenderloin cut rather than the broader pork loin.

Shopping searchpork tenderloin pork fillet dwaeji ansim 안심

Cook with itAnsim Katsu (안심카츠): Sous-Vide Pork Tenderloin Cutlets →

습식 빵가루 · seupsik ppanggaru

Fresh panko

Soft, coarse fresh breadcrumbs used for a light, feathery fried crust. The Korean label literally means “moist breadcrumbs”; they are not dry crumbs soaked until wet.

Shopping searchKorean Japanese fresh panko wet breadcrumbs seupsik ppanggaru

Cook with itAnsim Katsu (안심카츠): Sous-Vide Pork Tenderloin Cutlets →Menchi Katsu (멘치카츠): Crispy Beef-and-Pork Cutlets →

정종 · jeongjong

Cooking sake

A dry rice wine used to soften meat aroma and add gentle sweetness. Korean recipes often use the everyday term jeongjong for this style of sake.

Shopping searchJapanese cooking sake Korean cheongju jeongjong 정종

Cook with itAnsim Katsu (안심카츠): Sous-Vide Pork Tenderloin Cutlets →

카츠 · katsu

Katsu

The Korean spelling for Japanese-style breaded cutlets, now familiar in Korean restaurants, supermarkets, and home cooking.

Shopping searchKorean ansim katsu pork tenderloin cutlet 안심카츠

Cook with itAnsim Katsu (안심카츠): Sous-Vide Pork Tenderloin Cutlets →

멘치카츠 · menchi-katsu

Menchi katsu

A breaded ground-meat cutlet associated with Japanese yōshoku cooking and familiar in Korean restaurants, supermarkets, and television recipes.

Shopping searchKorean menchi katsu frozen ground meat cutlet

Cook with itMenchi Katsu (멘치카츠): Crispy Beef-and-Pork Cutlets →

식용유 · sigyongyu

Frying oil

The everyday Korean term for neutral cooking oil. For deep-frying, choose a refined oil with a high smoke point rather than toasted sesame oil.

Shopping searchKorean neutral cooking oil sigyongyu frying

Cook with itMenchi Katsu (멘치카츠): Crispy Beef-and-Pork Cutlets →

육두구 · yukdugu

Nutmeg

A warm aromatic spice used sparingly in Western-style ground-meat dishes; Korean recipes usually call for only a pinch.

Shopping searchground nutmeg yukdugu Korean grocery

Cook with itMenchi Katsu (멘치카츠): Crispy Beef-and-Pork Cutlets →

짜장라면 · jjajang-ramyeon

Jjajang instant noodles

Korean instant wheat noodles packed with a convenient black-bean-style seasoning. They are a shortcut to the sweet-savory flavor of restaurant jjajangmyeon.

Shopping searchKorean black bean instant noodles jjajang ramyeon

Cook with itHambak Uni-jjajang (함박유니짜장): Hamburger-Steak Black Bean Noodles →

함박스테이크 · hambak-seuteikeu

Korean hamburger steak

A seasoned ground-meat patty related to Japanese hambāgu. Korean freezer and chilled sections often sell fully cooked patties with sauce.

Shopping searchKorean frozen hamburger steak hambak steak

Cook with itHambak Uni-jjajang (함박유니짜장): Hamburger-Steak Black Bean Noodles →

고추가루 · gochugaru

Gochugaru

Korean red pepper flakes with warm fruitiness rather than one-note heat.

Shopping searchKorean gochugaru flakes

Cook with itHambak Uni-jjajang (함박유니짜장): Hamburger-Steak Black Bean Noodles →Hambak Budae-jjigae (함박부대찌개): Hamburger Steak Army Stew →Pachae Jeyuk (파채 제육): Spicy Pork Belly with Scallions →

진간장 · jin-ganjang

Jin-ganjang

A dark Korean brewed soy sauce commonly used for marinades, braises, and stir-fries; brands vary in saltiness.

Shopping searchKorean brewed soy sauce jin ganjang

고추장 · gochujang

Gochujang

Fermented Korean chile paste that brings heat, sweetness, and body.

Shopping searchKorean gochujang fermented chile paste

Cook with itHambak Budae-jjigae (함박부대찌개): Hamburger Steak Army Stew →Minari Pork Jowl Steak (미나리항정스테이크) →Ojingeo Jeyuk Bokkeum (오징어제육볶음): Spicy Squid and Pork →

신김치 · sin-kimchi

Sour kimchi

Well-fermented kimchi with a clean sour edge. Its acidity keeps a rich meat-and-chile broth lively.

Shopping searchwell fermented sour napa kimchi sin kimchi

Cook with itHambak Budae-jjigae (함박부대찌개): Hamburger Steak Army Stew →

사골육수 · sagol-yuksu

Beef-bone broth

Milky Korean stock made by long-simmering beef bones. Shelf-stable pouches and concentrate tablets are common overseas.

Shopping searchKorean beef bone broth sagol yuksu pouch

Cook with itHambak Budae-jjigae (함박부대찌개): Hamburger Steak Army Stew →

대파 · daepa

Korean large green onion

A sturdy, long allium with a substantial white stem and robust green top. Koreans use both parts for aromatic flavor, garnish, and fresh scallion salads.

Shopping searchKorean large green onion daepa

Cook with itHambak Budae-jjigae (함박부대찌개): Hamburger Steak Army Stew →Pachae Jeyuk (파채 제육): Spicy Pork Belly with Scallions →

맛술 · matsul

Korean cooking wine

A seasoned cooking wine used to soften meaty aromas and add gentle sweetness. Check labels because some products contain salt.

Shopping searchKorean cooking wine matsul

Cook with itPachae Jeyuk (파채 제육): Spicy Pork Belly with Scallions →

물엿 · mulyeot

Corn syrup

A clear Korean syrup that gives stir-fries gloss and a clean, neutral sweetness; it is not the same as high-fructose corn syrup.

Shopping searchKorean corn syrup mulyeot

Cook with itPachae Jeyuk (파채 제육): Spicy Pork Belly with Scallions →

청양고추 · Cheongyang-gochu

Cheongyang chile

A small green Korean chile with clean, assertive heat.

Shopping searchKorean Cheongyang green chili pepper

Cook with itPachae Jeyuk (파채 제육): Spicy Pork Belly with Scallions →Minari Pork Jowl Steak (미나리항정스테이크) →Air-Fryer Haemul Pajeon (에어프라이어 해물파전) →

무 · mu

Korean radish

A stout white-and-green radish that is sweeter, crisper, and denser than many daikon varieties.

Shopping searchKorean radish mu fresh

Cook with itYunjumo Musaengchae (윤주모 무생채): Korean Radish Salad →Musaengchae (무생채): Korean Radish Salad with Wasabi →

굵은 고춧가루 · gulgeun-gochugaru

Coarse gochugaru

Korean red pepper flakes with a fruity aroma and moderate warmth; coarse flakes give fresh kimchi-style salads color without turning pasty.

Shopping searchKorean coarse red pepper flakes gochugaru

Cook with itYunjumo Musaengchae (윤주모 무생채): Korean Radish Salad →

함초소금 · hamcho-sogeum

Hamcho salt

Sea salt blended with dried glasswort, a salt-tolerant coastal plant. It brings mineral salinity but should still be measured as salt.

Shopping searchKorean glasswort salt hamcho sogeum

Cook with itYunjumo Musaengchae (윤주모 무생채): Korean Radish Salad →

새우젓 · saeujeot

Saeujeot

Tiny salted fermented shrimp used as a concentrated savory seasoning in kimchi, stews, and pork accompaniments.

Shopping searchKorean salted fermented shrimp saeujeot

Cook with itYunjumo Musaengchae (윤주모 무생채): Korean Radish Salad →

미나리 · minari

Minari

Korean water parsley has crisp hollow stems and a fresh, peppery-herbal flavor that cuts through rich meat.

Shopping searchKorean minari water parsley fresh

Cook with itMinari Pork Jowl Steak (미나리항정스테이크) →

항정살 · hangjeongsal

Pork jowl

A richly marbled cut from the pig's cheek and neck area, prized in Korea for its springy bite and crisp-rendering fat.

Shopping searchuncured pork jowl steak hangjeongsal

Cook with itMinari Pork Jowl Steak (미나리항정스테이크) →

신김치 · sin-kimchi

Aged kimchi

Fully fermented, pleasantly sour kimchi gives pancakes more flavor than freshly made kimchi.

Shopping searchKorean aged napa kimchi sour kimchi

Cook with itAir-Fryer Nurungji Kimchi Fried Rice (누룽지 김치볶음밥) →Spam Kimchi Jeon (스팸김치전): Crispy Kimchi Pancakes →

김가루 · gim-garu

Roasted gim

Crushed roasted seaweed adds a savory, briny finish. Seasoned seaweed snack sheets can be crumbled in a pinch.

Shopping searchKorean roasted seaweed flakes gim garu

Cook with itAir-Fryer Nurungji Kimchi Fried Rice (누룽지 김치볶음밥) →

진간장 · jin-ganjang

Jin soy sauce

A dark, all-purpose Korean soy sauce commonly used for stir-fries and marinades.

Shopping searchKorean jin soy sauce jin ganjang

Cook with itAir-Fryer Nurungji Kimchi Fried Rice (누룽지 김치볶음밥) →

부침가루 · buchim-garu

Pancake mix

A seasoned Korean flour blend made for crisp savory pancakes.

Shopping searchKorean pancake mix buchim garu

Cook with itAir-Fryer Haemul Pajeon (에어프라이어 해물파전) →Spam Kimchi Jeon (스팸김치전): Crispy Kimchi Pancakes →

백간장 · baek-ganjang

White soy sauce

A pale soy seasoning that adds salt and savoriness without strongly darkening the batter or dipping sauce.

Shopping searchKorean white soy sauce baek ganjang

Cook with itAir-Fryer Haemul Pajeon (에어프라이어 해물파전) →

순대 · sundae

Korean blood sausage

A mild, springy Korean sausage commonly filled with glass noodles and seasoned pork blood.

Shopping searchKorean sundae blood sausage frozen

Cook with itSundae Jeongol (순대전골): Spicy Korean Sausage Hot Pot →

들깻가루 · deulkkae-garu

Ground perilla seed

A creamy, earthy seed powder that thickens and perfumes Korean stews.

Shopping searchKorean perilla seed powder deulkkae garu

Cook with itSundae Jeongol (순대전골): Spicy Korean Sausage Hot Pot →

된장 · doenjang

Doenjang

Korean fermented soybean paste adds savory depth to the sweet bulgogi sauce.

Shopping searchKorean fermented soybean paste doenjang

Cook with itSundae Jeongol (순대전골): Spicy Korean Sausage Hot Pot →Cucumber Bulgogi Rice Bowl (오이불고기덮밥) →

사골육수 · sagol-yuksu

Beef bone broth

A milky Korean broth made by long-simmering beef bones, sold in shelf-stable pouches and cartons.

Shopping searchKorean beef bone broth sagol yuksu

Cook with itDak Baeksuk (닭백숙): Easy Rotisserie Chicken Soup →

액젓 · aekjeot

Fish sauce

A salty fermented seasoning used in kimchi and vegetable side dishes.

Shopping searchKorean fish sauce aekjeot anchovy sand lance

Cook with itMusaengchae (무생채): Korean Radish Salad with Wasabi →

유자청 · yuja-cheong

Yuja marmalade

A fragrant Korean preserve of sliced yuja citrus and sugar, used in tea, dressings, and sauces.

Shopping searchKorean yuja citron tea marmalade

Cook with itMemil Guksu (메밀국수): Spicy Cold Buckwheat Noodles →

진간장 · jin-ganjang

Brewed soy sauce

The everyday dark soy sauce used for Korean marinades, braises, and stir-fries.

Shopping searchKorean brewed soy sauce jin ganjang

Cook with itGyeran Jangjorim (계란장조림): Quick Soy-Marinated Eggs →

들기름 · deulgireum

Perilla oil

A fragrant Korean finishing oil pressed from toasted perilla seeds.

Shopping searchKorean toasted perilla oil deulgireum

Cook with itKongmul Gaji Naengguk (콩물가지냉국): Chilled Soy Milk Eggplant Soup →Nogak Bokkeum (노각볶음): Stir-Fried Mature Cucumber →

순두부 · sundubu

Tofu

Sundubu is exceptionally soft, unpressed Korean tofu. Its delicate curds make this stir-fry tender rather than chewy.

Shopping searchKorean sundubu soft tofu tube

Cook with itSundubu Egg Stir-Fry (순두부달걀볶음): Soft Tofu & Eggs →

달걀 · dalgyal

Eggs

Eggs cushion the fragile tofu and help the savory sauce cling without aggressive stirring.

Shopping searchlarge eggs

Cook with itSundubu Egg Stir-Fry (순두부달걀볶음): Soft Tofu & Eggs →

매실청 · maesil-cheong

Maesil syrup

A sweet-tart green plum syrup used in Korean marinades and dressings.

Shopping searchKorean green plum syrup maesil cheong

Cook with itBulgogi Stuffed Onion Cups (불고기쌈구이) →

고사리 · gosari

Gosari

Cooked bracken fern with an earthy chew, essential to classic yukgaejang.

Shopping searchKorean cooked gosari fernbrake

Cook with itMackerel Yukgaejang (고등어육개장): Spicy Korean Fish Soup →

시래기 · siraegi

Siraegi

Dried radish greens rehydrated for soups and stews.

Shopping searchKorean dried radish greens siraegi

Cook with itMackerel Yukgaejang (고등어육개장): Spicy Korean Fish Soup →

소면 · somyeon

Somyeon

Very fine Korean wheat noodles served in both hot and cold broths.

Shopping searchKorean somyeon thin wheat noodles

Cook with itCabbage Pine Nut Noodles (양배추잣국수) →

초회 · chohoe

Chohoe

A Korean cold preparation dressed with vinegar; unlike raw hoe, this version uses cooked octopus.

Shopping searchKorean chohoe vinegared seafood salad

Cook with itMuneo Chohoe (문어초회): Korean Vinegared Octopus Salad →