Korean cooking has exploded in popularity in the US, and Minneapolis has responded with a growing selection of Korean ingredients across several stores. Here’s where to find what you need for home Korean cooking in the Twin Cities.

Essential Korean Pantry Items and Where to Find Them

Fermented Pastes and Sauces

  • Gochujang (fermented chili paste) — available at Shuang Hur, United Noodles, and H Mart. Look for Haechandle or CJ brand for everyday cooking.
  • Doenjang (fermented soybean paste) — the Korean equivalent of miso, used for jjigae (stew) and dipping sauces. Shuang Hur stocks multiple brands.
  • Ganjang (soy sauce, Korean style) — lighter than Chinese soy sauce, essential for namul (seasoned vegetable sides).

Dried Goods

  • Gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes) — coarser than regular chili flakes, essential for kimchi and many Korean marinades. Not the same as generic chili flakes.
  • Dashima (dried kelp) and myulchi (dried anchovies) — the base for Korean broth.
  • Japchae noodles (glass noodles made from sweet potato starch)

Fresh Items

  • Napa cabbage — for making kimchi at home.
  • Perilla (kkaennip) — a larger-leafed variety than Japanese shiso, used as a wrap and side dish.
  • Mung bean sprouts — for bibimbap and sides.

Shuang Hur carries a solid Korean pantry section alongside its broader Southeast Asian and Chinese inventory. For the widest dedicated Korean selection in the metro, United Noodles also has strong Korean coverage — but for fresh specialty produce and live seafood to accompany Korean meals, Shuang Hur’s produce section is the stronger option.