If you are a lover of Korean cuisine, you definitely cannot miss Korean hot pot – a perfect “representative” of the sophisticated and rich culinary culture of the land of kimchi. With spicy broth, diverse toppings and traditional flavors, this hot pot not only conquers Korean people but also fascinates Vietnamese diners. Let’s explore everything about Korean hot pot, from popular types, typical ingredients to the right way to enjoy it in the article below.
Mục Lục
Why Korean hot pot is loved by many food lovers in Vietnam.
Korean cuisine has long conquered diners around the world thanks to the perfect balance of spicy – sweet – salty – sour flavors, bringing a complete experience to the taste buds. Among them, Korean hot pot is one of the dishes that best represents the spirit of “flavour fusion” of the kimchi land – both spicy and rich, yet light and easy to eat.
In Vietnam, hot pot is always considered a “national” dish during reunions, so it is not difficult to understand why Korean hot pot quickly won the hearts of Vietnamese people. Not just a dish, hot pot is also a symbol of connection, when everyone sits around a pot of steaming boiling water, chatting and enjoying each piece of meat, each strand of spicy and aromatic noodles.
Close but still has a new feature
The point that makes Korean hot pot so popular is the harmonious combination between the familiarity of Vietnamese hot pot and the uniqueness of Korean flavors. While Vietnamese people are familiar with the sweet taste of stewed bones and vegetables, Korean hot pot broth stands out with its mildly spicy gochujang chili sauce and mildly sour fermented kimchi, creating a richer and more stimulating taste.
This “half-familiar, half-strange” quality makes Korean hot pot the perfect choice for those who want to enjoy new flavors without being “shocked by the taste”.
Spicy flavor – irresistible charm
Another factor that makes Korean hot pot attractive is its characteristic spicy flavor. It is not the “hot” spicy type that makes diners uncomfortable, but the spicy spread, mixed with the sweetness of the broth and the fat of the meat, making diners want to eat more and more.
In particular, gochujang chili – the soul of Korean cuisine – not only brings an eye-catching red color but also creates depth of flavor, making the hot pot both rich and lightly fragrant.
Spicy flavor – irresistible charm
Another factor that makes Korean hot pot attractive is its characteristic spicy flavor. It is not the “hot” spicy type that makes diners uncomfortable, but the spicy spread, mixed with the sweetness of the broth and the fat of the meat, making diners want to eat more and more.
In particular, gochujang chili – the soul of Korean cuisine – not only brings an eye-catching red color but also creates depth of flavor, making the hot pot both rich and lightly fragrant.
Suitable for all occasions – from family meals to friends
Not only is it a delicious dish, Korean hot pot is also suitable for many different situations: a cozy family dinner, a romantic date, or a fun gathering of friends.
With a rich hot pot and grill menu, users can choose from a variety of toppings such as beef, seafood, fresh vegetables, Korean noodles or cheese, depending on their taste. It is this flexibility that makes Korean hot pot increasingly popular in restaurants and eateries in Vietnam.
Popular types of Korean hot pot
Korean cuisine is famous for its richness and diversity, especially in Korean hot pot dishes. Each type of hot pot has its own unique flavor, reflecting the culinary culture of each region. From the spicy taste of kimchi to the sweet aroma of seafood or rich bulgogi beef, Koreans have cleverly transformed each hot pot into a “symphony of taste” that diners will never forget.
Let’s explore the most famous types of Korean hot pot today, loved by Vietnamese diners and often appearing in the hot pot menu of Korean restaurants across the country.
Kimchi hot pot (Kimchi Jeongol) – The iconic hot pot dish of Korean cuisine
When it comes to Korean hot pot, we definitely cannot ignore kimchi hot pot – a dish considered the “soul” of every Korean party. Almost any Korean restaurant in Vietnam has this dish on the menu, because this is a dish that is both familiar and strange, suitable for the taste of most Vietnamese people.
The main ingredients of kimchi hotpot include spicy fermented kimchi, thinly sliced pork belly, soft tofu, fresh mushrooms and Korean noodles. All are cooked in a pot of rich broth from stewed pork bones mixed with gochujang chili sauce and red chili powder.
When the hotpot boils, the spicy aroma of kimchi spreads, blending with the fatty taste of the meat and the sweet taste of the bone broth, creating a harmonious whole, stimulating all the senses. Each piece of kimchi is crispy and sour, mixed with the soft, fatty meat, creating a feeling of both warmth and refreshment – especially on rainy days or cold weather.
Not only does it bring a unique flavor, kimchi hotpot is also a dish that helps relieve colds, warms the body and aids digestion thanks to the probiotics from fermented kimchi. Therefore, this dish is both delicious and healthy – a perfect choice for every Korean food lover.
Seafood Hot Pot (Haemul Jeongol) – The Sweet Taste of the Ocean
If you are a lover of seafood dishes, Korean seafood hot pot will definitely captivate you. This dish is considered a “muse” in the world of Korean hot pot, with a refreshing, pleasant flavor but still retains its characteristic richness.
The main ingredients of Haemul Jeongol include fresh shrimp, squid, clams, mussels, fish fillets, combined with Chinese cabbage, enoki mushrooms, leeks and Korean chili. The broth is simmered from fish bones or dried shrimp, then seasoned with gochujang chili sauce and minced garlic, creating a natural sweetness, mixed with a little spiciness.
The special thing about Korean seafood hotpot is that the flavor is not as strong and spicy as kimchi hotpot, but is lighter and fresher. When eating, you will feel the sweetness of seafood mixed with a mild spiciness on the tip of your tongue – just enough to stimulate the taste buds without causing boredom.
This is a hotpot dish that many Vietnamese people love, especially during weekend gatherings. In addition, many restaurants also vary the hotpot menu with a combo of grilled seafood and seafood hotpot, helping diners to fully experience both the flavor of grilled sea and hotpot broth.
Bulgogi Beef Hot Pot (Bulgogi Jeongol) – When Korean BBQ turns into a flavorful hot pot
If you are a “hardcore fan” of Korean BBQ, you are probably familiar with Bulgogi – beef marinated in sweet soy sauce, garlic, onions and sesame, then grilled until golden brown over hot coals. From that famous grilled dish, Koreans created Bulgogi Jeongol – a “wetter” version, retaining the characteristic flavor of the grilled dish but adding a sweet and mild broth.
Bulgogi Hot Pot usually uses beef tenderloin or beef belly, marinated according to a traditional recipe with soy sauce, honey, garlic, onions and sesame oil. When the meat is put into the boiling broth, the aroma of the meat blends with vegetables such as mushrooms, carrots, scallions, and Korean vermicelli, creating a hot pot with a sweet, slightly fatty, and attractive aroma.
Unlike kimchi hot pot or seafood hot pot, Bulgogi beef hot pot has a very mild spicy taste, almost not spicy, so it is especially suitable for those who cannot eat spicy food, children, or the elderly. Thanks to its soft, easy-to-eat, and nutritious flavor, this is a favorite hot pot dish in high-end Korean hot pot and grill restaurants in Vietnam.
Some places also serve a combo set of Bulgogi hot pot and Korean grilled dishes, allowing diners to enjoy fragrant grilled beef while dipping the meat into the rich hot pot broth – bringing a complete experience in both flavor and emotion.
Typical ingredients that create the flavor of Korean hot pot
Each Korean hot pot is a sophisticated combination of traditional ingredients – which creates the unique identity of kimchi cuisine.
Broth – the soul of the hot pot
The broth is usually simmered from beef bones, chicken bones or dried fish, creating a natural sweetness. The difference lies in gochujang chili sauce – a type of sauce made from red chili, glutinous rice and fermented soybeans, giving the broth an attractive red color and a characteristic mild spicy taste.
Kimchi – a symbol of Korean cuisine
Whether it is kimchi hot pot or army hot pot, kimchi is almost indispensable. The sour, spicy, slightly crispy taste of kimchi helps balance the fat of the meat, while stimulating the taste buds.
Fresh meat and seafood
Depending on the type of hot pot, beef, pork, chicken or seafood can be used. Meat is often thinly sliced to cook quickly and absorb spices easily – this is also a typical style of Korean hot pot and grill menu.
Vegetables and accompanying toppings
Mushrooms, cabbage, leeks, Korean instant noodles, tofu… are familiar “companions” in every hot pot. Some restaurants also add cheese to increase the fat content and new flavor – typical of modern Korean cuisine.
How to enjoy Korean hot pot properly
To fully experience the taste of Korean hot pot, you need to know how to enjoy it in a “standard” Korean way.
Eat in order
Koreans often start with vegetables and kimchi, then add meat or seafood. Finally, noodles or rice, helping to make the most of the rich broth.
This way of eating is not only delicious but also helps to preserve the natural sweetness of each ingredient.
Combine with side dishes (banchan)
A Korean hot pot meal often has many small dishes such as radish kimchi, steamed eggs, seaweed salad… These side dishes help balance the spiciness and reduce the richness.
Enjoy with grilled food
Many Vietnamese people today like to combine Korean hot pot and grill, which means having a boiling hot pot and grilling meat on a charcoal or electric stove.
The combination of the hot and spicy taste of hot pot and the aroma of Korean grilled food brings an attractive “two-in-one” experience, especially during weekend gatherings.
Nutritional benefits of Korean hot pot
Not only delicious, Korean hot pot also brings many health benefits thanks to its diverse and natural ingredients.
Providing energy and protein
The meat and seafood in hot pot are high-quality protein sources, helping the body maintain energy and restore muscles.
Good for Digestion
Kimchi and vegetables in hot pot contain a lot of fiber and probiotics, supporting digestion, improving the intestines, and strengthening the immune system.
Rich in vitamins and minerals
Ingredients from vegetables, mushrooms, and seafood help supplement many vitamins A, C, B along with zinc, iron, and calcium – essential nutrients for the body.
Low in fat, suitable for dieters
Compared to fried dishes, Korean hot pot is a healthier choice because it uses broth to cook, helping to reduce the amount of fat but still ensuring delicious flavor.
Conclusion
Not only a delicious dish, Korean hot pot is also a symbol of culinary culture – a place to express the spirit of sharing and connecting people with each other.
From spicy kimchi hot pot, cool seafood hot pot to fragrant Korean grilled hot pot, each type brings a unique experience, making anyone who has tried it unforgettable.
Therefore, if you are a foodie and are looking for a delicious and cozy meal, add Korean hot pot to your must-try list!
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