Asian pear (nashi)Easy to find
Same weight
Same fruit family, so it is the closest match. Grate it for marinades.
Ingredient guide
Korean pear 배
Bae is a large, round, very juicy Korean pear. Cooks grate it into marinades like bulgogi to add gentle sweetness and help tenderize meat, and serve slices as a refreshing dessert.
Taste
Crisp, juicy and mildly sweet, with a clean, slightly floral taste and a grainy bite.
What to look for
Large, heavy pears with firm, smooth skin in Korean and Asian markets, often sold in padded sleeves. Skip soft or bruised ones.
Storing it
Keep cool in the fridge for 1-2 weeks; wrap cut pieces and use within a few days.
How to find Korean pear, anywhere
Works in any country — look for these names, in these kinds of shops.
Names to look for
- bae
- Korean pear
- Asian pear
- nashi pear
- 배
Show this at the shop배
Where to look
- Korean grocery stores, fresh produce (fall especially)
- Asian supermarkets
- Many large supermarkets sell Asian pears in season
Watch out for
- Western pears (Bartlett, Bosc) are softer and less crisp — usable in a pinch, grate and use a little less.
- Ripe Asian pears are firm; do not wait for them to go soft.
Can't find Korean pear? Use this instead
Honest swaps, with amounts per unit of the original and how the dish will change.
Crisp apple (Fuji or Gala)Easy to find
Same weight, grated
Sweet and juicy; the marinade is a little less floral and the meat tenderizes slightly less.
▼ floral note▲ tangier
Where to buy it near you
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