H0003-2 | Korean Ingredient Prep Guide | Potatoes • Carrots • Korean Zucchini • Cucumbers

5.🥔 Potatoes

- Energy Booster: High in healthy carbohydrates that provide sustained energy for your daily routine.
- Gut Health: Rich in dietary fiber and resistant starch that support smooth digestion.

STEP 1. Wash the Potatoes

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Scrub the potatoes gently under running water to remove dirt, especially if you'll keep the skin on.

STEP 2. Peel the Potatoes

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Remove only a thin layer of skin to reduce waste and preserve nutrients.

STEP 3. Rinse Again

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Rinse the peeled potatoes to remove any remaining peel and excess surface starch.

CUTTING STYLE 4. Julienne

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Soak julienned potatoes in cold water for 10–15 minutes for crispier stir-fries and hash browns.

CUTTING STYLE 5. Thin Slices

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Keep the slices evenly thick so they cook at the same speed.

CUTTING STYLE 6. Diced

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Cut evenly sized cubes for consistent cooking in soups, curry, and fried rice.

CUTTING STYLE 7. Chunks / Large Pieces

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Larger pieces hold their shape better in stews and braised dishes.

🍳 COOKING TIP

Cook Longer
Perfect for mashed potatoes, soups, and creamy dishes.

Add Later
Keeps potatoes firmer and helps them hold their shape in stews and stir-fries.

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6.🥕 Carrots

- Eye Protection: Loaded with beta-carotene which converts to Vitamin A to keep your vision sharp.
- Glow Skin: Powerful antioxidants help repair skin cells and slow down aging.

STEP 1. Wash the Carrots

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Rinse under cool running water and gently scrub away any dirt.

STEP 2. Peel the Carrots

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Peel only a thin layer to reduce waste while keeping more nutrients.

STEP 3. Rinse Again

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Give the peeled carrots a quick rinse to remove any remaining peel.

CUTTING STYLE 4. Julienne

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Cut into even matchsticks so they cook quickly and evenly.

CUTTING STYLE 5. Thin Slices

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Uniform slices ensure even cooking and a better texture.

CUTTING STYLE 6. Diced

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Even cubes help carrots cook at the same rate.

CUTTING STYLE 7. Chunks / Large Pieces

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Large pieces keep their shape during long cooking.

🍳 COOKING TIP

Cook Longer
Carrots become naturally sweeter and softer the longer they cook.

Add Later
Add later for a firmer texture and brighter color.

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7.🥒 Korean Zucchini (Aehobak)

- Super Low-Calorie: Extremely low in calories and high in water content, perfect for weight management.
- Detox & De-bloat: Helps flush out sodium from the body to reduce swelling and bloating.

STEP 1. Wash the Korean Zucchini

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Rinse under cool running water and gently scrub away any dirt.

STEP 2. Trim the Ends

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Cut off both ends before slicing to create clean, even pieces.

STEP 3. Rinse Again

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Give the trimmed zucchini a quick rinse before cutting.

CUTTING STYLE 4. Rounds

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Keep slices even for consistent cooking.

CUTTING STYLE 5. Half-Moons

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Perfect for stir-fries and soups because they cook quickly.

CUTTING STYLE 6. Julienne

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Thin strips are ideal for pancakes, bibimbap, and side dishes.

CUTTING STYLE 7. Spears / Sticks

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Great for grilling or roasting while keeping their shape.

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Remove Seeds
Best for stir-fries when the zucchini is large or has soft seeds.

Keep Seeds
Young Korean zucchini has tender seeds that add moisture and natural sweetness.

8.🥒Cucumbers

- Ultimate Hydration: Made of 95% water to keep your body refreshed and hydrated throughout the day.
- Skin Soothing: High in Vitamin C and caffeic acid to lower body heat and reduce inflammation.

STEP 1. Wash the Cucumbers

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Rinse under cool running water to remove dirt and debris.

STEP 2. Trim the Ends

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Cut off both ends before slicing for a cleaner finish.

STEP 3. Rinse Again

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Give the trimmed cucumbers a quick rinse before cutting.

CUTTING STYLE 4. Rounds

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Perfect for salads, pickles, and kimbap.

CUTTING STYLE 5. Half-Moons

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Great for stir-fries, salads, and Korean side dishes.

CUTTING STYLE 6. Julienne

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Ideal for bibimbap, cold noodles, and cucumber salads.

CUTTING STYLE 7. Spears / Sticks

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Perfect for snacks, dipping, and pickling.

🍳 COOKING TIP

Salt Before Using
If cucumbers are watery, lightly salt the slices and let them sit for 10 minutes. Rinse and drain before cooking.

Remove Seeds
Best for stir-fries or salads when using large cucumbers to reduce excess moisture.

Keep Seeds
Young cucumbers have tender seeds that add freshness and natural flavor.

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📦 Storage Tips

🥔 Potatoes

Store in a cool, dark, well-ventilated place.
Keep away from onions to prevent sprouting.

🥕 Carrots

Refrigerate in a plastic bag or airtight container.
They stay crisp longer when kept dry.

🥒 Korean Zucchini (Aehobak)

Refrigerate in the vegetable drawer.
Use within 5–7 days for the best texture.

🥒 Cucumbers

Refrigerate in the vegetable drawer.
Wrap with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture.

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🍽️ Final Tip

Learning how to properly prepare these everyday vegetables will make Korean cooking faster, easier, and more enjoyable.