The Different Kitchen Tools You Need To Cook Korean Food
Korean cuisine has taken the world by storm, and these days, you can pretty much find a Korean restaurant everywhere you go. Whether you're in the mood for Korean fast food or an all-you-can-eat Korean barbecue with unlimited kimchi, you're sure to find a restaurant that will suit your mood.
However, if there is one drawback with Korean food, it's that it can get pretty expensive quickly if you keep eating out. Even endless kimchi refills can hardly justify the amount you will spend if you eat Korean food outside on a regular basis.
So, if you’re a fan of Korean food, don’t worry about burning a hole in your wallet because you can make Korean food at home.
Here’s the list of the different kitchen tools you need to cook korean food:
5 Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Korean Food At Home
Rice Cooker
You simply cannot make Korean food without having a quality rice cooker. Whether you’re making bibimbap or a rice bowl, freshly-cooked white rice is a staple in countless Korean dishes.
Don’t make the mistake of thinking that you can get away with buying a cheap rice cooker if you want to make authentic Korean cuisine. In fact, if you really love making this type of cuisine, you might end up using your rice cooker several times per day!
While top-of-the-line rice cookers can easily go for $500 or more, if you're not prepared to spend such a big amount, you can buy a mid-range rice cooker for around $200-$300. These rice cookers cook rice quickly and efficiently, and you can use them for other cooking methods such as steaming and baking as well.
Cast Iron Skillet
Many Korean dishes are acidic and spicy, which means that it might not be good to use non-stick pans. Cast iron is the best material because it can hold high heat and does not leach into the food.
Cooking Korean fried chicken will be fun and enjoyable if you’re using a cast iron skillet because you’ll get that crunchy exterior and juicy interior every time.
Braising Pot
One of the best things about Korean cuisine is that there are “set it and forget it” dishes that you can leave on the stove to cook while you go about your day. These dishes take a long time to cook, but once they’re ready to serve, they’re sure to be a hit with friends and family.
This is why you need a braising pot if you want to make Korean food at home. Gamjatang, or pork bone soup, is one of the dishes you can make in a braising pot. After a few hours of cooking, you’ll have fall-off-the-bone meat and an intensely flavored soup!
Blender
Whether you’re making a marinade for your bulgogi beef or you’re making the paste for homemade kimchi, a blender is a must-have. Using a blender ensures that you have a smooth marinade with all the ingredients mixed thoroughly.
Mandolin Slicer
Finally, you need a mandolin slicer. Sure, you can use a chef's knife, but many Korean dishes call for a fine and even slice that you can easily make with a mandolin slicer. For example, if you want to make shredded kimchi, it's much easier to use a mandolin slicer to prepare the cabbage rather than slicing the vegetables manually.
Conclusion
Keep in mind that even if you have these five kitchen tools, you still need to buy fresh ingredients to ensure the best tasting Korean food. What’s more, you need to visit your local Asian supermarket or grocery to get authentic Korean spices and condiments to get the taste just right. Happy cooking! Want to know more about making your own Korean food? Click here!
