Abstract
The purpose of this study was to analyze the characteristics of Chinese foods in main ingredients, sauces, and cooking methods, and to assess the applicability of kochujang in Chinese foods. Twenty Chinese foods and commercial kochujang were selected by a Chinese head cook. The main ingredients were 24 kinds such as pork, chicken, shrimp, bok choy, bean curd, Chinese noodles etc., which were generally used in Korean foods. The main Chinese sauces were 11 kinds, and soy sauce was used in 12 foods, shang loo tau soy sauce in 2, wine in 8, oyster sauce in 7, rice wine in 6. The classification of cooking units in all Chinese foods was performed and the cooking frequency was deep frying>pan frying>boiling>stir frying>steaming>roasting. The proper amount of kochujang (weight ratio) was decided by pre-test of the Chinese head cook and Chinese food added kochujang was assessed by a Chinese focus group. The overall preference of Chinese food added kochujang was assessed highly and was related to the kinds of sauces, and to the kinds of main ingredients. The foods which used soy sauce or shang loa tau soy sauce were preferred. Sweetness by using kochujang wasn't preferred in several foods. Saltiness and aftertaste by using kochujang didn't affect the food preference, and the intensity of color and pungency were evaluated as a moderate level. An increased amount of kochujang would be possible in several foods. However, the increase in the amount of kochujang for intensive color and pungency in Chinese foods was directly related to the increase of sweetness, which had been discussed as the main problem in lowering the preference. Therefore, the screening of various Chinese foods harmonized with kochujang and the determination of the proper mixing ratio with Chinese sauces are very important. The results of this study could be used as basic data for the promotion of kochujang consumption in the Chinese market.
