Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Drew345]

I brought back a bunch of instant Italian Dressing seasonings, just add Olive oil and Vinegar. I got the olive oil from Costco (probably a 2 year supply). Now I need to get the Vinegar. There seems to be about 100 kinds of Vinegar here in Korea. I am thinking some is for making kimchi, some is for cleaning, some is for washing hair, etc... I have probably never bought a bottle of vinegar in my life. Anyone recommend a type to be used in Italian dressing? or is it all pretty much the same. It's all edible, right?
Thanks, Drew
Oh, I'll probably get it at Home Plus.

[Horangi Munshin]

I don't know which one is best to use. They are all pretty much edible but I'm not sure about the one in a small bottle with a lot of room left for air. It costs about twice as much as bigger bottles. That stuff is concentrated!

[Senior]

Apple vinegar is quite good. I've used it in salads before. You can get it any where in Korea. I drink quite a lot of it (mixed with water, of course) 'cos supposebly it is good for you. Hair, skin and that stuff. I doubt it is authentic Italian, but it's cheap, so if you don't like, it just chuck it out.

[himynameishowie]

Red wine vinegar is good with Italian dressings. I've found it at both Emart and Homeplus... If it doesn't actually say "wine vinegar" then just look for the vinegar with the picture of the grapes on it.

[TDC troll]

I would go with the apple vinegar or balsamic vinegar.
It should be mixed 3:1 oil to vinegar.

[pkang0202]

I second the Balsamic vinegar.

[snowgoose]

Vinegar is not used in making kimchi, nor do Koreans use it to rinse their hair (although I think you can use a little this way, like conditioner, but it does make one's hair smell like vinegar for a short while). Vinegar is used in making seasoning/flavoring for many Korean side dishes, and it's mixed with soy sauce for dipping or red pepper paste for bibim-type sauces and dipping sauces for raw fish etc.

The difference between the different kinds of vinegar is taste, price and body. Balsamic vinegar has a lot of residue, some sugar (therefore can not be used for cleaning, which would be a waste of money anyway) and has more body than other vinegars. Domestically made apple, lemon and rice are all good all-round vinegars without residue or sugar, and have a light taste (can be used in baking etc.) that are cheaper than other types. Buy those other ones for adding extra flavor or for whatever health properties (wild raspberry, red wine, persimmon etc.).

CAUTION: I think that "vinegar in the small bottle with a lot of room left for air " somebody mentioned is NOT vinegar at all, but a chemical used in food processing and pickling. It can be dangerous used incorrectly and in the wrong amounts or when stored incorrectly (that's why there's a lot of empty space in the bottle). I suggest you DO NOT buy that if you don't know exactly how to handle it carefully.

[Gaber]

Balsamic, no question. You can get a 2l bottle at Costco for a reasonable fee

[Drew345]

I went to Home Plus (can't get that song out of my head now) and got the apple vinegar. I didn't see the balsamic there, but I will get some at Costco.
The apple vinegar came in regular 2X and 3X strength. I got regular of course, but maybe 2X would have been fine too. Apple vinegar was dirt cheap, like 1300 won for a small bottle. Thanks

[ChilgokBlackHole]

Balsamic, balsamic... olive oil, apple vinegar, and powdered steak rub. Shake and serve. Add extra pepper.

[hugekebab]