In recent years, Korean cuisine has gained popularity in the West, thanks in part to the success of Korean TV series and the appeal of the K-food. Scenes of characters sharing traditional foods or enjoying delicious street food have captured viewers' imaginations, bringing dishes such as kimchi, bibimbap and bulgogi to tables around the world.
But what makes Korean cuisine so special?
Millennial origins and philosophy of food
Korean culinary culture has deep roots dating back more than 5,000 years. Food is not only nourishment, but a means of keeping mind and body in balance. This philosophy is even reflected in the traditional Korean greeting: "Did you eat the rice?", a sign of the importance of the meal in daily life.
Korean cuisine follows the rhythm of the seasons, valuing fresh ingredients. Each meal is a balance of carbohydrates, protein and fat, with a diet that promotes health: only 13% of calories come from fat, compared to 35% in Western cuisine.
The secrets of Korean cuisine
1. Healthy cooking techniques
Korean cuisine uses cooking methods that preserve nutrients:
- Boiling: ideal for fat reduction.
- Steaming: to keep the properties of foods intact.
- Grid: to enhance natural flavors.
- Fry: rarely used.
Each dish is prepared with one cooking technique, and the ingredients are not repeated, ensuring a variety of flavors.
2. The Korean table: a harmony of flavors
In Korea, all dishes are served at the same time, in the traditional style called sangcharim. The table includes:
- Bap: A bowl of unseasoned white rice.
- Banchan: small accompanying dishes ranging from kimchi to braised meats.
- Protein: tofu, meat or fish, often cooked lightly.
- Sauces: as the gochujang (fermented chili paste) and the doenjang (fermented soybean paste), which enrich the flavors.
The arrangement and variety of the banchan even reflect social class: three to five dishes for working-class families, up to twelve for royalty.
3. The key ingredients
- Vegetables: Chinese cabbage, seaweed, mushrooms and garlic are undisputed protagonists.
- Seeds and dried fruits: sesame, pine nuts and walnuts provide healthy fats.
- Fermented foods: Kimchi is the king of the table, with more than 200 regional variations. Other examples include the jeotgal, a fermentation based on fish and shellfish.
The iconic dishes of K-food
- Bibimbap: a traditional rice dish mixed with vegetables, eggs and gochujang. Originating as a way to use leftovers, today it is one of the symbols of K-food.
- Bulgogi: marinated and grilled beef, loved for its tenderness and rich flavor.
- Kimchi: a fermented side dish of cabbage and spices, essential in any meal.
- Tteokbokki: stir-fried glutinous rice dumplings with spicy sauce, ideal as street food.
Interesting facts about Korean cuisine
- Fermentation as art: Each region of Korea has its own type of kimchi, influenced by climate and local microorganisms.
- Variety in meals: Dishes are served in odd numbers, following ancient cultural traditions.
- Seasonality: Koreans deeply respect nature, adapting their cuisine to seasonal cycles.
K-food: why do they like it so much?
Korean cuisine is a blend of tradition and innovation, capable of winning over even Western palates. Its intense flavors, health benefits and convivial aspect of meals make it unique and irresistible.
With K-food, every meal is a journey into the age-old culture of a land rich in authentic traditions and flavors. Try it and find out why it has become a worldwide trend!
Korean cuisine in modern catering
The growing popularity of K-food has not only conquered the homes of food lovers, but has had a significant impact on dining globally. Korean restaurants are opening in major cities around the world, and internationally renowned chefs are incorporating Korean techniques and ingredients into their menus.
To bring the authenticity of Korean cuisine to restaurants, proper training is essential. Knowing the traditions, mastering fermentation techniques, and learning the balanced use of ingredients are key skills for those who want to excel in this field.
Italian Food Academy, with its specialized courses, offers comprehensive preparation for those who wish to work in the restaurant industry, including modules dedicated to international cuisine. Training in culinary cultures such as Korea is not just a career choice, but a journey into understanding the flavors and traditions that are changing the global gastronomic landscape.
