Japchae (잡채): Sautéed Vermicelli(glass) Noodles

잡채Japchae (잡채) is one of the most popular dishes in Korea, typically made on special occasions. My husband’s friend D jokingly complained after a friend’s housewarming party that “they didn’t even have japchae. It’s no party without japchae!” Continue reading

Bausut Kalguksoo (버섯칼국수): Mushroom Noodle Soup

버섯칼국수

[bausut: mushroom, kal: knife, guksoo: noodle]

Kalguksoo is a Korea noodle made of flour. It is traditionally made from fresh pasta, rolled out flat, then folded into layers before being cut into thin pasta or noodles with a knife, thus the word “kal,” which means knife in Korean. Continue reading

Myulchi-bokkeum (멸치볶음): Sautéed Tiny Dried Anchovies

멸치볶음

[myulchi: dried anchovies, bokkeum: sauté]

First, I want to thank my growing followers despite my long absence. It’s been a while since I’ve posted a recipe; I’ve been traveling a lot, to Seoul, L.A., Honolulu/Maui and Cleveland (my husband’s hometown). Today, I decided to start with one of my favorite banchans (반찬, side dishes), myulchi-bokkeum (멸치볶음). Continue reading

Chadolbagi-duenjang-jjigae (차돌박이 된장찌개): Soybean Paste Stew with Thinly Sliced Brisket

차돌박이 된장찌개 cover photo

[chadolbagi: very thinly sliced brisket, duenjang: fermented soybean paste, jjigae: stew]

Chadolbagi  (차돌박기) is paper thin brisket that is a popular cut of beef for barbeque. It is not marinated but simply grilled and usually served with a side of sesame oil with salt and pepper, variety of lettuces and ssamjang (쌈장). Continue reading

Sigeumchi Duenjang-guk (시금치 된장국): Spinach Soybean Paste Soup

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[Siguemchi: spinach, Duenjang: Korean soybean paste, Guk: soup]

Sigeumchi Duenjang-guk (시금치 된장국)is a very quick, nutritious soup that I make regularly for my family. Continue reading

Yukgaejang (육개장): Spicy Korean Soup with Shredded Beef

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Yukgaejang (육개장): Spicy Korean Soup with Shredded Beef

Yukgaejang is a popular hearty, spicy Korean soup served with rice. I adore this soup and it is my husband’s family’s favorite, well… except for my husband who doesn’t like spicy foods. Honestly, it is not simple to make but it is not difficult either by any means. Continue reading

Dotorimuk-bap (도토리묵밥): Acorn Jelly Rice Soup

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[Dotori: acorn, Muk: jelly, Bap: rice]

I always stop by this small restaurant near my mother’s art studio in Gonjiam, 1 hour away from Seoul. This restaurant called “Waehalmunijip (외할머니집),” which translates to maternal grandmother, was the first place I tried Dotorimuk-bap (도토리묵밥). This simple light yet delicious one-pot meal has become one of my favorite dishes since then. Continue reading

Gireum-ttuckbokki (기름떡볶이): Spicy and Mild Fried Rice Cakes

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[Gireum: oil, Ttuckbokki: marinated sautéed rice cake]

If you are on a diet, beware of this dish… fried rice cakes! Gireum-ttuckbokki (기름떡볶이) is sinfully delicious and simple to make, although probably not the best for those on diets. I love this version of ttuckbokki especially because it is crispy, soft and chewy. Continue reading