Crazy for Korean

The ingredients, books, and info you need to share in our most recent food infatuation. 

1. Fish SauceYes, it's used in Korean dishes, too, as a shortcut to umami. We love Red Boat.
2. KoreatownLively, recipe-driven required reading by Deuki Hong and Matt Rodboard.
3. Cook Korean!Find this playful comic book of recipes by Robin Ha on shelves next month.
4. Korean Food Made SimpleThe title of this must-have cookbook from Judy Joo says it all.
5. Brown SugarSeems simple, but good luck achieving signature flavors without it.
6. KimchiEmbrace the fab and funky power of fermentation. Try Simply Seoul brand.
7. BarooLA chef Kwang Uh's food is as inspired as it is Instagram-worthy (@baroo_la).
8. GochujangTry it and you won't be able to cook without this sweet, spicy pepper taste.
9. Fresh GarlicThis is a nonnegotiable elemental flavor in the Korean kitchen.
10. Soy SauceAlways have a bottle (or two) on hand. We opt for Kikkoman lower-sodium.
11. GochugaruLike red pepper flakes but roastier-toastier. Fine and coarse are available.
12. Tabletop GrillSchedule a Korean BBQ night; these iconic grills are easy to find online.

• Obsessed with Korean: the Noodles
• Taste Test Award: Annie Chun's Gochujang Seaweed Crisps
• Our Favorite Korean Recipes