What is soju: what it tastes like and what it pairs well with

If you enjoy strong alcohol but have yet to notice soju, this should definitely be corrected. The drink can be described as a lighter version of vodka with a unique flavor. Let's talk about what to expect from soju and which dishes it pairs best with.

Soju: what is it

This type of alcohol originates from Korea. Moreover, in North and South Korea, it is made from different raw materials. The South Korean product has an alcohol content of 16–25 degrees, while the North Korean one has 25–30%. South Korea exports its products. If you decide to buy soju with delivery in Ukraine, the drink from this country will be brought to you from the alcohol market's warehouse. Therefore, this is what we will discuss.

Thus, the raw materials for Asian vodka traditionally consist of products with a high starch content. Initially, only rice was used to produce soju. Over time, the list of options expanded, and today the drink is made from the following raw materials:

1. wheat;
2. barley;
3. sweet potato;
4. cassava roots;
5. sometimes — acorns.

Part of the grain raw material undergoes fermentation and is pressed into briquettes, while the other part is boiled. Sweet potatoes or cassava are also boiled if they are used as raw materials. After that, the fermented grain — nuruk — is mixed with the other ingredients. Nuruk is a kind of starter that stimulates the fermentation process, during which starch is converted into sugar, and sugar into alcohol. Then, the mixture is distilled in alembics or columns, the middle fraction is separated, diluted to the desired strength, and sometimes slightly sweetened. The result is a drink with a neutral, clean taste, similar to very soft vodka without a pronounced alcoholic aftertaste, slightly sweet. Some producers add fruit, berry, or citrus flavors to the finished drink. If you enjoy flavored vodka, this type of soju will be a great choice.

What to pair with soju

Koreans consume this alcohol with barbecue. It refers to a grilling rack that is integrated right into the dining table. K-BBQ is usually made with beef, pork, or chicken. Soju also pairs well with spicy Asian snacks and salads, fried pancakes called jeon, tofu dishes, spicy kimchi soup, sashimi, and fried pork with various Asian sauces — teriyaki, hoisin, oyster. If your idea is to pair the drink with fruit tarts, ice cream, chocolate, etc., choose one or several soju options with different fruit and berry flavors from the online catalog of the market Maudau. European culinary traditions recommend serving seafood, soft cheeses, pickled vegetables, olives, nuts, ham, chorizo, basturma, pasta, beef, or lamb dishes with soju. By the way, soju is not only consumed in its pure form. This soft yet quite strong drink can serve as a great base for original alcoholic cocktails. The most common companion ingredients are beer, tonic, soda, citrus juices, coffee, and milk.