This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure for details at the bottom of this page. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases on this article about the rice syrup in Korean cuisine. I hope you enjoy learning about Korean rice syrup, known as ssal-jocheong, ssal-oligo, or ssal-oligotang!
What Is Korean Rice Syrup?
Rice syrup, known as ‘ssal-jocheong’ (쌀조청) or ‘ssal-oligotang’ (쌀올리고당), is used in Korean cuisine as a natural sweetener. It is also used to add a shiny glaze to various sweet and savory dishes.
Rice syrup has a richer, nuttier, earthier flavor compared to sugar or corn syrup. Further, it tastes less sweet.
Rice Syrup Frequently Asked Questions:
Now that we have learned about ssal-jocheong in Korean cuisine, I want to answer some questions you may have about this ingredient! If I do not answer your question, feel free to leave a comment in the section below or email me at [email protected].
Is Korean Rice Syrup Gluten-Free?
Often, Korean rice syrup is naturally gluten-free. That being said, check the packaging and buy 100% rice syrup to ensure it is safe to consume. Some rice syrups contain barley malt if they are not made of 100% rice. Be careful which type you buy!
What About Other Major Allergens?
Besides potential gluten, this ingredient does not contain any dairy, peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, sesame, eggs, soy, and milk. Therefore, it does not contain 8 of the 9 major allergens.
As I stated above, if you have a major allergy, I always recommend checking the packaging to determine if there has been any potential cross-contamination in processing!
Where Can I Buy This Ingredient?
You can buy Korean dried kelp at your local Korean or Asian grocery store, as well as online!
How Do I Properly Store Korean Rice Syrup?
I recommend storing rice syrup in a cool, dry place (such as your pantry).
What Is a Good Rice Syrup Substitute?
Excitingly, there are a variety of substitutes for rice syrup in Korean cooking! I recommend using:
- Corn Syrup
- Honey
- Maesil Cheong (Korean Plum Extract)
- Sugar
While they add a slightly different taste, all of these sweeteners are a great substitute if you cannot find Korean rice syrup!
Where to Buy Korean Ingredients Online?
Nowadays, there are many online options to choose from when ordering Korean food online. These websites are not limited to but include:
- Amazon
- H-mart
- Hanpoom
- Wooltari
- Seoul Mills
I Hope You Enjoyed Learning About Korean Rice Syrup (Ssal-Jocheong)!
In the end, I hope you enjoyed learning about the uses of rice syrup in Korean cuisine. If so, let me know in the comment section!
If you would like to read more about cooking, you can find recipes as well as further Korean ingredient articles on my blog. I listed some of our favorite Carving A Journey Korean recipes below! For reference, many recipes are influenced by my family’s blended Korean and Southern heritage.
Korean Ingredient Articles:
- Dired Kelp (Dashima)
- Dried Persimmon (Gotgam)
- Korean Pepper (Gochu)
- Garlic Chives (Buchu)
- Korean Radish (Mu)
- Hot Mustard in Korean Cooking (Gyeoja)
- Korean Green Plum Extract (Maesil Cheong)
Further Carving A Journey Recipes:
- Korean Anchovy Broth (Myeolchi Yuksu)
- Korean Acorn Jelly Salad (Dotorimuk-Muchim)
- Korean Acorn Jelly (Dotorimuk)
- Korean Plum Tea (Maesil Cha)
- Korean Sausage Stir fry (Sausage Yachae Bokkeum)
- Korean Watercress Salad (Minari Muchim)
If you have any questions or comments, email me at emily@carvingajourney.com. And, finally, I would love to hear from you through our social media as well! You can follow me at @carvingajourney on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. I also started a vlog YouTube channel with my husband! Or, if you would like more articles like these, you can subscribe to the blog by joining the mailing list. Let me know if you try cooking with Korean rice syrup! Thank you so much for stopping by!
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