In case you can’t tell from my profile picture, I am Asian (surprise!).
Korean-American, actually.
I consider myself pretty lucky. I grew up being pretty in touch with my Korean culture, despite not having grown up within a larger Korean community. My parents made sure that I grew up speaking Korean (fun fact: Korean is actually my first language, despite me having been born and raised in America), and to this day, I will deem Korean food to be the #1 cuisine.
(Korean food is the shit.)
Korean food is especially central to my identity, which is why I’ve been a bit worried now about how my zero-waste journey will affect the very food that I consider essential both physically and emotionally.
Being based in New York City, my go-to Asian supermarket is H Mart, or Hanareum. I go there for all of my Korean needs, from kimchi to mandoo to yulmucha. And since Korean food is basically 78% of my diet, I have been stressed the FUCK out thinking about how to get Korean food zero-waste.
What if I need to get a new tub of gochujjang? It almost always comes in those little red plastic tubs that’ll just keep stacking up if I save them. What about the million kinds of soy sauces I need (yes, plural) in my pantry?! Anchovy sauce?!? Sesame oil??!!
(I basically need gochujjang more than I need water or oxygen.)
Fortunately, my mom’s already told me that you can get kimchi in bulk from Korean markets, although I don’t know if that means that I can bring in my own container. It’s definitely something for me to try the next time I head out to HMart or Hanyang. And I was pleasantly surprised a couple of days ago when I discovered that the 4th Street Food Co-Op actually carries tamari (basically soy sauce) in bulk!
As for everything else I need... I have to figure it out. So far, I know the 4th Street Co-Op has soba and udon noodles, but I actually don’t really eat either in my daily life. They also have all different types of rice, so I’m glad I can get those package-free at least!
Vegetable Bibimbap with Candy & Spicy Gochujjang Sauce. I by no means favored bibimbap … Vegetable Bibimbap with Candy & Spicy Gochujjang Sauce. I by no means favored bibimbap in Korea 🤷🏻♀️ I feel the sesame oil was too pungent for my then underdeveloped palate.
Candy & Spicy Korean-Model Braised Hen in Gochujjang. A recipe lately made… Candy & Spicy Korean-Model Braised Hen in Gochujjang. A recipe lately made for @Pompeian #advert, most likely certainly one of our favourite meals, which I frequently serve to friends and it is tremendous finances pleasant too!
Scrumptious kimchi & tofu dumplings with tangy gochujjang dipping sauce! I will be m… Scrumptious kimchi & tofu dumplings with tangy gochujjang dipping sauce! I will be making them step-by-step on @Pompeian tales at the moment (#advert), together with a straightforward to customise one pan hen pie topped with crispy phyllo. ♥️ Hope to see you there ☺️ #TrendingInTheKitchen #Pompeian
