3 minute read
Oriental Food’s New Kid on the Block
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On the rise for several years, Korean food appears to have truly broken through with its arrival on the UK’s mainstream supermarket aisles.
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From K-pop (Korean pop) to Squid Games, Korean culture has been catapulted into the spotlight in the UK – with authentic Korean food also a key part of its rise to popularity.
Global food leader Surya Foods recently launched a range of Korean staples under its Sun Hee brand into Tesco.
They include Korean classic Kimchi – probably the most recognisable Korean food in the world, made from spicy fermented vegetables (typically napa cabbage and Korean radish) – as well as traditional Korean BBQ Sauce, Gochujang (sun-dried red chilli paste) and Doenjang (soybean paste).
These staples are essential for creating authentic Korean dishes such as Bibimbap (rice bowl) and Samgyeopsal (Korean BBQ).
Harry Dulai, Surya Foods Managing Director, says: “We are excited to bring this spicy and fl avoursome cuisine to the UK. Demystifying ‘Cooking Korean’ is high on our agenda with Sun Hee. The range, made to traditional Korean recipes, is a great and easy entry point for anyone looking to master Korean classics.”
He adds: “It is quite remarkable how the UK has embraced Korean cuisine and culture with food venues popping up across the UK. Surprisingly, it is not just international students driving this demand, there is a genuine interest in ‘eating Korean’ generally. We very much expect Korean to follow in the footsteps of Chinese, Indian and Mexican food and become a UK regular.”
With Korean cuisine continuing to boom, why not add a trendy Korean twist to your menu?
COOK KOREAN
If you want to take an easy step into Korean fl avours, try Sun Hee’s easy Korean style Beef Burger recipe featured on p44. Or simply use Sun Hee Korean BBQ sauce as a side sauce for a Korean twist to your existing beef burger night.
Don’t know your Kimchi from your Gochujang? Take a look at our quick guide to using Korean classics...
The new Sun Hee range, listed in Tesco, features: 01. Sun Hee Kimchi RRP £2.50, 190g
Kimchi is one of Korea’s most iconic dishes, enjoyed all over the world for its distinctive fl avour. Made with fermented cabbage, radish, garlic and red chilli, it’s perfect as a side dish with rice, or mixed into stews, pancakes or stir-fries.
Doenjang soybean paste, which is also known as Korean miso, is full of rich, salty fermented fl avours and is a key ingredient in Korean cuisine. Perfect for making ramen broth, stew or soups, the paste has a satisfyingly seductive boost of umami fl avours. 03. Sun Hee Gochujang (Sun-dried Red Chilli Paste) RRP £2.20, 170g
Gochujang is so moreish and versatile, it’s often known as ‘Korean ketchup’! This hot red pepper paste is deliciously authentic and can be used to spice up anything and everything - from classic Korean recipes to anything else that needs a quick burst of complex heat and sweetness.
04. Sun Hee Korean BBQ Sauce RRP £2.20, 300g
This full-bodied BBQ sauce packs a smoky, sweet and spicy fl avour punch and is inspired from generations of authentic Korean cuisine. Enjoy as a tasty accompaniment to meat and vegetables or enjoy as a side sauce.
KOREAN STYLE BEEF BURGER
SERVES 2 PREP TIME 10 min COOK TIME 15 min READY IN 25min
Ingredients
200g minced beef 1 tbsp ginger garlic paste 2 pinches crushed black pepper 2 tbsp SUN HEE BBQ SAUCE ½ chopped onion 2 burger buns 2 slices of cheddar cheese Few slices of onion Few slices of tomato Few salad leaves Salt to taste
Method
In a mixing bowl combine beef mince, ginger garlic paste, salt, crushed black pepper, Sun Hee BBQ sauce and chopped onion. Mix well to form two burger patties and refrigerate.
Meanwhile prepare a few tomato and onion slices. Cook your burger patty in oven at 180 degrees Celsius for 15 minutes and take out and place sliced cheese over it.
Lightly toast the burger bun, lay a few salad leaves, sliced onions, tomatoes and burger patty, drizzle generous amount of Sun Hee BBQ sauce. Enjoy, burger night with a Korean twist!
