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Korean Ingredients #07: Meju (Fermented Soybean Brick)

March 14, 2026 by LudenSmith
A square-shaped brown fermented soybean block tied with rice straw sits on a wooden table surrounded by scattered yellow soybeans.

Doenjang, soy sauce, gochujang, and ssamjang—some of Korea’s most iconic flavors all begin with the same humble source: Meju.
Discover how this simple fermented soybean brick became the foundation of Korean fermentation culture.

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What Are These Korean Side Dishes? 10 Banchan Explained — Part 2

March 13, 2026March 12, 2026 by LudenSmith
Ten small white bowls filled with various colorful Korean side dishes arranged in two neat rows on a light wooden surface.

What is that jelly-like dish? And how do you eat those leaves?
This guide explains 10 unique Korean side dishes—from acorn jelly to seasoned perilla leaves—so you can explore Korean dining with confidence.

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What Are These Korean Side Dishes? 10 Banchan Explained — Part 1

March 13, 2026March 10, 2026 by LudenSmith
Ten small white ceramic bowls filled with various colorful Korean side dishes arranged in two neat rows on a light wooden table.

Curious about the small dishes served in Korean restaurants? Discover 10 essential banchan, including kimchi, kongnamul, and other classic Korean side dishes.

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Korean Ingredients #06: Kkaennip (Perilla Leaves)

March 10, 2026March 7, 2026 by LudenSmith
A stack of fresh green serrated perilla leaves next to a stone bowl filled with small brown perilla seeds and a wooden spoon on a neutral background.

What are Korean perilla leaves (kkaennip)? Learn about their flavor, cultural significance, iron content compared to spinach, and how they’re used in dishes like samgyeopsal and pickled banchan.

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Korean Ingredients #05: Kongnamul (Soybean Sprouts)

March 10, 2026February 28, 2026 by LudenSmith
A glass bowl filled with blanched yellow soybean sprouts sits on a light wooden cutting board, surrounded by dry yellow soybeans on a bamboo mat.

From medieval survival ration to modern wellness staple, Kongnamul has sustained Korea for centuries. Discover how these humble soybean sprouts became a symbol of resilience and everyday affordability.

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Korean Ingredients #04: Sukjunamul (Mung Bean Sprouts)

March 10, 2026February 21, 2026 by LudenSmith
Green mung beans spilling from a glass jar next to fresh white and yellow sprouts on a wooden surface.

Mung bean sprouts, known in Korea as Sukjunamul, are more than a simple side dish. From a satirical tale in the Joseon Dynasty to an unexpected breakthrough in the American market, this humble ingredient carries centuries of political irony and resilience.

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Recent Posts

  • Korean Ingredients #07: Meju (Fermented Soybean Brick)
  • What Are These Korean Side Dishes? 10 Banchan Explained — Part 2
  • What Are These Korean Side Dishes? 10 Banchan Explained — Part 1
  • Korean Ingredients #06: Kkaennip (Perilla Leaves)
  • 2026 Korea Cherry Blossom Forecast: Best 5 Spots & Festival Dates
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