Cheese And Kimchi: Perfect Pairings For Korean Food

Korean food is often spicy, and cheese is the perfect antidote to this. The dairy helps to tone down the spice, so it's no surprise that the two are often combined. While Koreans traditionally didn't eat cheese, it has become a staple ingredient in the country, especially in street food and fast-casual restaurants. The most commonly used cheeses are mozzarella and American cheese.

Grilled octopus with cheese fondue, cheese tteokpokki (a spicy rice cake dish), and kimchi and cheese are all popular Korean dishes that feature cheese.

Mozzarella is a popular cheese in Korea

History of Cheese in Korea

The introduction of cheese to Korea is often attributed to the presence of US army bases during the Korean War (1950-1953). American soldiers were given processed cheese, among other foods, which they shared with locals. This led to the creation of dishes like budae jjigae, or army stew, which combines instant noodles, spicy broth, Spam, sausage, tteok (rice cake), and processed cheese.

In the 1960s, a Belgian priest in North Jeolla, Imsil, began making cheese locally, further contributing to the establishment of cheese in Korea.

Mozzarella in Korean Cuisine

Mozzarella is favoured in Korean cuisine for its mild taste and melting properties. Its neutral flavour makes it a good match for spicy dishes as it helps to tone down the spice without overwhelming other ingredients. Mozzarella is commonly used in Korean recipes such as corn cheese, a side dish made with corn, mayonnaise, and shredded mozzarella, and kimchi stews, where it is added to balance the spiciness.

Korean restaurants, both in Korea and internationally, have embraced mozzarella, incorporating it into various dishes. For example, Sinjeon, a Korean chain with nearly 750 restaurants worldwide, serves dishes like fish cakes, fried seaweed rolls, and Korean corn dogs dipped in mozzarella. They also offer Kimbap, a dish of kimchi rice rolled with tuna and mozzarella in nori, demonstrating the creative ways mozzarella is utilised in Korean cuisine.

Mozzarella has become an integral part of Korean cuisine, with its mild flavour and melting qualities making it a versatile ingredient that complements traditional Korean spices and flavours. Its popularity in Korea reflects the country's evolving culinary landscape and the influence of global food trends.

American cheese is also common in Korean dishes

American cheese is a common ingredient in Korean dishes, especially in street food and fast-casual restaurants. The popularity of American cheese in Korea can be attributed to several factors, including:

• US Military Presence: The presence of US troops in South Korea since the Korean War ended has influenced the incorporation of American cheese in Korean cuisine. American soldiers introduced processed cheese to Korea during the war, and it became a staple due to its shelf stability.
• Complementary Flavours: American cheese pairs well with spicy Korean dishes as it helps to tone down the spice. Its mild taste and melting properties make it a good choice for dishes like Army Base Soup, which includes instant ramen, spam, and hot dogs.
• Availability and Marketing: American, mozzarella, and cream cheese are the most readily available types of cheese in Korean grocery stores. Local dairy companies in Korea also marketed cheese as a healthy and nutritious food for schoolchildren in the 1970s.
• Cultural Influence: The popularity of Korean-American fusion dishes, such as Korean corn cheese, has contributed to the use of American cheese in Korean cuisine. Additionally, cultural exports like K-pop and Korean dramas have sparked global interest in Korean food, increasing the demand for cheese in Korea.

Korean dishes with cheese include corn cheese, dakgalbi, and kimchi fried rice

Korean food is often accompanied by cheese, and there are several dishes that include cheese as a key ingredient. Here are some examples:

Corn Cheese

A popular Korean side dish, corn cheese is made with canned corn, mayonnaise, and mild shredded cheese. It is a simple yet comforting dish that pairs well with alcoholic beverages such as Soju. The dish can be prepared in an oven or on a stovetop, resulting in a sweet and savoury treat.

Dakgalbi

Dakgalbi is a spicy Korean chicken dish that often includes cheese. The dish is cooked on a grill at the table, and the cheese is melted on top, creating a rich and indulgent flavour.

Kimchi Fried Rice

Kimchi fried rice is a classic Korean dish that can be enhanced with the addition of cheese. The salty, savoury flavour of cheese complements the spicy, sour notes of kimchi. This dish is a hearty and satisfying meal that can be customised with various ingredients.

Other Korean Dishes with Cheese

Korean cuisine has embraced the inclusion of cheese in various other dishes. Cheese is commonly added to Korean BBQ, creating a unique flavour profile. Street food and fast-casual restaurants often feature American cheese, which has become a staple in South Korea due to its military presence. Dishes like Army Base Soup (Budae Jjigae) include ingredients introduced by the American military, such as American cheese, Spam, and hot dogs.

Cheese can be added to Korean dishes to reduce spice

Korean dishes are often quite spicy, and cheese is an effective way to reduce the heat. While Koreans traditionally did not eat cheese, it has become a popular ingredient in Korean cuisine, especially to balance out the spice.

The addition of cheese to Korean dishes began with the introduction of American food to the country. During the Korean War, US military presence led to an influx of processed cheese, hot dogs, and Spam, which became a common part of the local culinary landscape. This was further exacerbated by the financial crisis of 2008, which caused Koreans to turn to spicy foods as a form of cathartic release. As a result, dishes like Buldak, an intensely spicy chicken dish, became popular. However, the spice level of these dishes was sometimes too much for people to handle.

This is where cheese came in. Dairy products like cheese are known to counter spice, allowing people to control their level of heat tolerance. A popular Korean TV show, "Tasty Road," featured a restaurant that served spicy smoked stewed ribs with melted cheese. This dish sparked a craze, with many other restaurants copying it and creating their own versions. Soon, cheese was being added to various Korean dishes to reduce their spice levels, and it became a common ingredient in Korean street food and traditional cuisine.

Today, there are many Korean dishes that incorporate cheese to reduce their spice. Here are some examples:

• Dakgalbi (Chicken Galbi): This dish is made with marinated chicken in a chili pepper paste base sauce, vegetables, and rice cakes. Adding cheese as a topping helps to balance out the spice.
• Cheese Tteokpokki: Tteokpokki is a classic Korean street food that is typically spicy. Adding cheese tones down the spice and enhances the flavour and texture.
• Cheese Kimbap: Kimbap, or "Korean Sushi Roll," can be made with various ingredients, including kimchi, tuna, and cheese. The cheese helps to balance the spice and adds a creamy texture.
• Octopus and Fondue: This dish combines deliciously marinated octopus with a bowl of hot melted cheese. The cheese helps to temper the spice of the octopus, making it more enjoyable for those who prefer a milder flavour.
• Cheese Bingsu (Shaven Ice): Bingsu is a traditional Korean shaved ice snack that has evolved to include cheese. It is now common to find Bingsu with cream cheese cubes and yogurt, creating a heavenly dessert experience.
• Budae Jjigae (Army Base Stew): This stew combines ramen, spam, hot dogs, cheese, kimchi, and green onions. The cheese helps to balance the spice and create a creamy texture.

Pizza Hut introduced pizza to Korea in the 1980s

Pizza Hut, an American multinational pizza chain, introduced pizza to Korea in the 1980s. The company was founded in 1958 in Wichita, Kansas, by brothers Dan and Frank Carney, and has since expanded globally, tailoring its menu to local tastes.

Pizza Hut's entry into the Korean market in the 1980s marked a significant moment in the country's culinary history. It sparked a pizza culture that has since evolved and grown, with Koreans embracing the dish as their own. The success of Pizza Hut in Korea can be attributed to the company's ability to adapt to local preferences and trends, such as adding unique toppings and experimenting with different crusts. This willingness to innovate has contributed to the brand's enduring popularity in the country.

The introduction of pizza to Korea by Pizza Hut also led to the development of a distinct Korean-style pizza. This style often features unusual toppings and creative combinations that may seem peculiar to Westerners. For example, it is not uncommon to find pizzas with figs and snails, sweet potato crusts, or a variety of meats and seafood all on one pie. Korean pizza-makers embrace a "anything goes" approach, constantly experimenting with new ingredients and flavors.

The success of Pizza Hut in Korea and the subsequent development of Korean-style pizza can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the presence of American troops in South Korea may have influenced the adoption of American foods like pizza. Additionally, the period of compressed modernity after the Korean War created a consumer culture always seeking something new and exciting. This, coupled with the perception of pizza as a malleable foreign dish, provided a perfect canvas for creativity and experimentation in the Korean market.

Today, Korea boasts a diverse pizza landscape, with Koreanized chains, upscale eateries, and casual spots serving everything from New York-style slices to Neapolitan pies. While the big American brands like Pizza Hut may have introduced pizza to Korea, the country has undoubtedly made it their own, reflecting their unique tastes and culinary sensibilities.

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