Introduction: The Art of Makgeolli Food Pairing
Korean cuisine is known for its vibrant flavors and unique combinations. Makgeolli, a traditional Korean rice wine, is a perfect complement to the diverse dishes found in Korean cuisine.
In this article, we will explore into the top 5 makgeolli food pairings that will take your culinary experience to a whole new level.
1. Classic harmony: Makgeolli with Kimchi
The first makgeolli food pairing on our list is the classic harmony of makgeolli with kimchi.
Kimchi is a key side dish in Korean cuisine, made with fermented vegetables and chili.
Its powerful, spicy, and tangy taste pairs exceptionally well with the fizziness of makgeolli. This classic pairing is a perfect balance of flavors.
Above all, my favorite combination is warm tofu and stir-fried kimchi with makgeolli. This combination is so simple, even so full of protein!
If you can get tofu and kimchi from a nearby Asian supermarket, you are ready for culinary endeavors.
Just put some water and immerse the tofu in a pot, apply gentle heat and warm it. And then cut it into eatable pieces.
For kimchi, add a little oil, 2 teaspoon of soy sauce, and a tablespoon of sugar to the kimchi and fry in a frying pan until it smells yummy.
Thereafter, place the stir-fried kimchi on top of warmed tofu and enjoy. A bite of ‘Tofu Kimchi’ and a glass of cool makgeolli make the perfect pairing!
2. Seafood Sensation: Makgeolli and Grilled squid
If you’re a seafood lover, try pairing makgeolli with grilled squid. The light sweetness of makgeolli enhances the succulent and tender texture of grilled squid.
In Korea, not only fresh squid but also semi-dried squid are often eaten as a side dish with alcohol. If you grill it with a little butter, it has a fantastic savory and salty taste.
It doesn’t matter what kind of squid you use, if you grill salty squid over a fire, it goes amazingly well with makgeolli. The combination provides a unique and delightful taste that is perfect for a summer day.
3. BBQ Extravaganza: Makgeolli with Grilled Pork Belly
The BBQ extravaganza pairing of makgeolli with grilled pork belly is a match made in heaven. Korean BBQ is famous for its grilled meats, and pairing it with makgeolli takes it to a new level.
Actually, Korea’s pork belly BBQ, ‘Samgyeop-sal’, goes well with any alcohol, including soju, makgeolli, and beer.
The rich fat and protein flavor of pork goes well with the refreshing of makgeolli, making it delicious.
Grilled pork belly’s rich flavor and tender texture pair perfectly with the refreshing profile of makgeolli. However another type of combination of pork belly and makgeolli cannot be left out.
During the winter kimchi-making season in Korea, it is famous to eat freshly made kimchi together with boiled pork belly.
When you take a bite of thinly sliced soft pork belly that has been boiled with a spoon of soybean paste, ’Doenjang’ for a long time and top it with freshly made kimchi, it is a taste that can be called a soul mate of makgeolli.
4. Vegetarian Elegance: Makgeolli and Jeon
Have you ever heard of the Korean combination of chicken and beer? We cannot leave out the combination of Jeon and Makgeolli that can compete with this combination.
The crispiness of jeon and the foam of makgeolli combine to create a unique culinary experience.
Vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike can experience the finesse of makgeolli paired with jeon, a Korean-style pancake. Jeon is a popular dish made with various ingredients such as seafood, vegetables, and meat.
I would also recommend a special pancake, the kimchi jeon. Kimchi jeon, one of my favorite is a savory pancake made with kimchi, flour, and eggs.
Pairing it with makgeolli creates a delightful fusion of flavors to satisfy your cravings for something cheesy and spicy.
5. Unexpected combination: Makgeolli and Pizza
I would also like to recommend the combination of pizza and makgeolli, which is a recent trend among the MZ generation in Korea.
MZ people also call this combination ‘pi-mak’, like ‘chi-maek’, short for chicken and beer.
Any flavor of pizza that is loved around the world has the potential to pair well with makgeolli. Experience the rich, creamy flavor of makgeolli harmonizes perfectly with the cheesy and savory taste of pizza.
Conclusion: A Symphony of Flavors
So far, in this post, we have summarized a variety of foods that go well with makgeolli, from kimchi to pizza.
Makgeolli food pairing is truly an art that celebrates the diverse flavors and tastes of Korean cuisine.
Each pairing in this top 5 list is a unique experience that will elevate your palate and take your culinary adventure to new heights.
Experiment with these top 5 makgeolli food pairings and discover the magic of Korean cuisine. Cheers to a gastronomic adventure like no other!