Cooking fixes
How to fix watery kimchi fried rice
Cook off excess liquid before adding more seasoning. Adding more soy sauce usually adds more moisture too.
WHATTOCOOK · KITCHEN ANSWERS
Cooking fixes
Fix common cooking problems, use your Korean seasonings and plan what to serve alongside your favorite dishes.
Cooking fixes
Tteokbokki too spicy? Adjust the sauce
Reduce the proportion of spicy sauce by adding an unseasoned component. Sugar changes sweetness but does not remove the chili.
Cooking fixes
Why is tteokbokki sauce too thin?
Check the rice cakes before reducing the sauce: a long simmer can soften them more than you want.
Cooking fixes
Why does gimbap split when rolling?
A thick rice layer and too much filling make a roll difficult to close. Start smaller rather than squeezing harder.
Cooking fixes
How to slice gimbap without crushing it
Use a sharp, clean blade and light pressure. Pressing down with a sticky knife can drag the filling out.
Cooking fixes
Japchae noodles clumping together
Loosen the noodles gently and distribute the dressing. Pulling a cold knot apart forcefully can break the noodles.
Cooking fixes
How to balance salty japchae
Add an unsalted portion of noodles or vegetables. More sugar can hide some saltiness without reducing the salt already in the dish.
Cooking fixes
Why is bulgogi watery in the pan?
An overloaded pan and extra marinade can make the meat simmer in liquid. A larger cooking surface helps you control moisture.
Cooking fixes
Bulgogi marinade burning before the meat cooks
Sweet marinades can darken quickly in a very hot pan. Adjust the heat rather than adding more sugar or sauce.
Cooking fixes
Why is kimchijeon soft instead of crisp?
A thick pancake traps moisture. Make a thinner layer and let the underside set before trying to flip it.
Cooking fixes
Pajeon breaks when flipping: what to change
Make a smaller pancake and wait for the base to hold together. More batter is not always the answer.
Cooking fixes
Why does Korean rolled omelette tear?
Thick layers and oversized vegetable pieces make rolling harder. Build several thin layers instead of one heavy sheet.
Cooking fixes
Korean steamed eggs with a coarse texture
For a gentler texture, use gentler heat and keep the egg-to-liquid balance from the recipe.
Cooking fixes
Why does tofu fall apart in dubu jorim?
Use tofu that can hold a slice and move it gently. Soft tofu behaves differently from a firm block.
Cooking fixes
How to avoid watery bibimbap
Prepare moist vegetables separately and drain them before assembling the bowl. Do not pour every cooking liquid over the rice.