What does it taste like?
Sweet.
Pantry
Sugar
설탕
Common aliases
sugar · white sugar · brown sugar
What is Sugar?
A practical Korean cooking ingredient used to build balanced flavor and texture in everyday dishes such as rice meals, soups, stews, and banchan.
How is it used?
Balance marinades, sauces, and quick pickles.
Where can you buy it?
White or light brown sugar both work.
How should you store it?
Keep airtight and dry.
Possible substitutes
Honey or rice syrup works with a small texture change.
Recipes using Sugar
Side Dishes
Braised Chicken with Dried Radish Greens(시래기닭조림)
Tender chicken braised with dried radish greens, root vegetables, peppers, and a lightly sweet soy-based seasoning.
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Soups & Stews
Budae Jjigae with Crown Daisy(쑥갓부대찌개)
A spicy stew of ham, zucchini, tofu, enoki mushrooms, kimchi, and chili pepper simmered in kelp broth and finished with fresh crown daisy.
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Soups & Stews
Ginseng Beef Short Rib Soup(인삼갈비탕)
A rich beef short rib soup simmered with ginseng, shiitake mushroom, aromatics, glass noodles, jujubes, and egg garnish.
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Side Dishes
Green Garlic and Dried Squid Kimchi(풋마늘오징어김치)
Fresh green garlic and dried squid are coated in a lightly thickened spicy seafood seasoning and served fresh or lightly fermented.
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Rice Dishes
Grilled Brown Rice Balls with Hijiki(구운 주먹밥)
Savory brown rice balls mixed with seasoned hijiki, coated with crushed seaweed and egg, then grilled in a pan.
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Side Dishes
Grilled Seasoned Semi-Dried Pollock(코다리 양념구이)
Semi-dried pollock coated with crisp scorched-rice powder, pan-grilled, brushed with a savory chili-soy glaze, and finished with red chili and scallions.
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Side Dishes
Grilled Tofu with Seasoned Kimchi and Wild Chives(달래두부김치무침)
Golden pan-grilled tofu topped with a savory mixture of kimchi, wild chives, red bell pepper, sesame oil, garlic, and chili flakes.
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Desserts
Mixed Grain Gangjeong(잡곡강정)
A crisp traditional-style snack made with puffed black beans, rice, and buckwheat bound together with a glossy syrup.
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Side Dishes
Pear Water Kimchi(배물김치)
A light water kimchi made with crisp pear, minari, chilies, and a potato-based brine flavored with garlic and ginger.
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