Caviar is a special food made from sturgeon fish eggs. It tastes rich and salty. In Korea, caviar is not traditional, but it’s becoming popular. People love it in fancy restaurants. It makes dishes look and taste special. Korea also makes its own caviar now. This makes it easier to find.
How Korea Makes Caviar?
Korea has farms that grow sturgeon for caviar. One is Hamyang Sturgeon Aquafarm in Hamyang County. It started in 2008. The clean water there is great for fish. They raise Siberian sturgeons and keep things natural.
Another farm is Dinoville Aquafarm in Gyeonggi-do. They grow Siberian and Ossetra sturgeons. They focus on fresh caviar, which Koreans love.
| Farm Name | Place | Fish Type | Special Thing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hamyang Sturgeon Aquafarm | Hamyang County | Siberian Sturgeon | Clean water, no chemicals |
| Dinoville Aquafarm | Gyeonggi-do | Siberian, Ossetra | Fresh caviar, eco-friendly |
Dishes with Caviar in Korea
Caviar makes Korean food fancy. Here are some dishes it’s used in:
Yukhoe with Caviar
Yukhoe is raw beef cut into small pieces. It’s mixed with soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic. Sometimes, it has Korean pear and an egg yolk. In nice restaurants, like Kwonsooksoo, they put caviar on top. The caviar’s salty taste goes well with the beef.
To make it, cut cold beef thinly. Mix with soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and a bit of sugar. Add sliced pear. Put an egg yolk in the middle. Add a small spoon of caviar. Mix it all to eat.
Noodles with Caviar
Gamtae Somyeon noodles are thin and soft. They are served cold. Some chefs mix them with cod roe and sesame oil. They add caviar on top for a rich taste. It’s great for a light meal.
Boil the noodles until soft. Rinse them in cold water. Mix with cod roe and sesame oil. Add chopped green onions. Put caviar on top. It looks and tastes fancy.
Snow Crab with Caviar
Snow crab is sweet and soft. In fancy places, like Kwonsooksoo, they serve crab meat with caviar. The caviar adds a salty flavor. It’s a special seafood dish (Elite Traveler).
Steam snow crab legs. Let them cool. Take out the meat in big pieces. Put it on a plate. Add caviar on top. You can add a light sauce, like soy or lemon.
Gimbap with Caviar
Gimbap is rice and fillings wrapped in seaweed. Normal gimbap has vegetables or meat. In places like Jungsik Seoul, they use fancy things like wagyu beef or caviar. Caviar can go inside or on top (Seoulshopper).
Make rice with vinegar and sugar. Spread it on seaweed. Add beef, avocado, or cucumber. Roll it tight. Cut into pieces. Put caviar on each piece for a special touch.
| Dish | Main Stuff | Caviar’s Job | Where It’s Eaten |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yukhoe | Raw beef, pear, egg | Topping | Fancy restaurants |
| Gamtae Somyeon Noodles | Noodles, cod roe, sesame oil | Topping | Light meals, appetizers |
| Snow Crab | Crab meat, light sauce | Topping | Seafood restaurants |
| Gimbap | Rice, seaweed, fancy fillings | Topping or inside | Upscale eateries |
Caviar at Special Events
In Korea, caviar is for big moments. People serve it at weddings or the Lunar New Year. It’s a sign of wealth and care. Caviar makes the meal feel extra special.
Drinks with Caviar
Caviar goes well with Korean drinks. Soju is clean and crisp. It matches caviar’s strong taste. Makgeolli is a sweet rice wine. It’s a fun mix with caviar. Some places serve wine with caviar too.
Is Caviar Healthy?
Caviar is good for you. It has omega-3, which helps your heart. It also has vitamins A, D, and E. There’s iron and selenium too. Koreans like healthy foods, so caviar fits well.
How to Pick and Keep Caviar?
Buy caviar from good stores for the best taste. Keep it in the fridge at a cold temperature, like -2°C to 4°C. Eat it soon after opening. Use a plastic or pearl spoon. Metal spoons can change the taste.
How to Eat Caviar?
There’s no big rule for eating caviar in Korea. Eat it slowly to enjoy it. It’s often an appetizer. Pair it with simple things so the caviar stands out.
Caviar at Home
You can use caviar at home. Put it on rice or porridge for a fancy breakfast. Add it to crackers for a party snack. Try it on pasta, but don’t cook the caviar. It keeps the taste better.
How Much Caviar Costs?
Caviar is not cheap. In Korea, it costs $188 to $926 per kilogram. That’s why it’s for special times or fancy places (Selina Wamucii).
What’s Next for Caviar in Korea
Caviar is getting more popular. Chefs are trying new ideas with it. Korea’s farms are growing better caviar. It might become easier to buy. Caviar Korea will stay a fancy treat for years.
Final Thoughts
Caviar makes Korean food exciting. It adds a special touch to yukhoe, noodles, crab, and gimbap. You can find it in nice restaurants or try it at home. Caviar in Korea is all about luxury and good taste. Next time you eat Korean food, look for caviar. It’s a treat you won’t forget.
