Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha's Hoe (회)
Why this food?
Hoe is Korea's answer to sashimi, but with a distinctly coastal twist. Unlike Japanese raw fish, Korean hoe is eaten wrapped in fresh perilla leaves, dipped in nutty sesame oil and sea salt — a communal, herbaceous experience. Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha celebrates this seaside tradition as the heart of village life.
🇰🇷 K-Culture Tip
Hoe dates back centuries in Korean coastal cuisine and represents the connection between Korean villages and the sea. Unlike sushi culture, hoe is traditionally enjoyed as a casual, social meal shared family-style. The perilla leaf wrapper is key — it adds a peppery freshness that complements raw fish in ways wasabi cannot, making this distinctly Korean rather than Japanese.
Related Videos & Articles
Substitute Ingredients
All available at Walmart
| Original | Substitute |
|---|---|
Sashimi-grade fish (flounder, sea bream, or salmon) 회용 생선 (sashimi-grade fish) | Sushi-Grade Fish Fillets (Fresh or Frozen & Thawed) Walmart Fresh or Great Value Ask the seafood counter for sashimi-grade fish. If unavailable, purchase frozen sushi-grade fillets — thaw overnight in the refrigerator before use. Shop at Walmart |
Fresh perilla leaves (shiso) 들깨잎 (perilla leaves) | Fresh Basil or Mint Leaves (or frozen perilla if available) Walmart Fresh Produce Perilla has a peppery, herbaceous flavor. Fresh basil is closest in texture; mint works as a cooling alternative. Some Walmart stores carry frozen Korean perilla in the International section. Shop at Walmart |
Sesame oil and sea salt dipping sauce 참기름과 소금 (sesame oil and sea salt) | Toasted Sesame Oil & Fine Sea Salt Walmart Great Value or Kadoya Use toasted (dark) sesame oil, not light. Mix together in a small dipping bowl just before serving. This is the traditional Korean hoe accompaniment. Shop at Walmart |
🛒 Can't find it at Walmart? Try a Korean grocery store
Your Shopping List
Walmart edition
- 1 lb (450g) Sushi-Grade Fish Fillets (Fresh or Frozen & Thawed)
- 12-16 leaves Fresh Basil or Mint Leaves (or frozen perilla if available)
- 3 tbsp sesame oil + 1 tsp sea salt + pinch black pepper Toasted Sesame Oil & Fine Sea Salt
Instructions
- 1
Step 1: Pat your sushi-grade fish completely dry with paper towels. This removes excess moisture and helps the sesame oil and salt coating stick properly.
- 2
Step 2: Using a very sharp knife, slice the fish against the grain into thin, bite-sized rectangular pieces (roughly 2 inches long, ¼ inch thick). Keep your knife wet to prevent sticking.
- 3
Step 3: Arrange fish slices on a chilled plate. Wash and pat dry the perilla leaves completely — they should be crisp and ready to wrap.
- 4
Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together sesame oil, sea salt, and a pinch of black pepper to create your dipping sauce.
- 5
Step 5: To eat the Korean way: place a piece of hoe in the center of a perilla leaf, add a small dab of dipping sauce, fold the leaf around the fish, and enjoy in one bite — just like the characters do in the village scenes.
