All Korean girls love this, Duk-bok-gi (떡볶이)

I am not a big fan of Youtube so didn't even know people are posting recipe clips as well. 

Accidentally, I found her video clip and watched it.

It's cool to watch and she speaks English fluently and cooks in an easy way. 

Must be very helpful for foreigners.

Let's share together!

http://youtu.be/_CrViowUXDU

Kimchi Chronicles

New Korean food show is coming!

In a new PBS series that will begin airing on May 8th, 2011, Korean-born actress/model Marja Vongerichten and three-star Michelin chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten will show an insider’s look at Korea as they travel the country and experience its authentic cuisine and cultural traditions. A 13 episode of this series is a food and travel show that introduce real Korean food and culture. Hugh & Deb Jackman and Heather Graham, who love Korean food participated as guest stars. 
Wow, I am so excited to watch this series and proud of my culture!
Hope Many audience will watch and feel Korea!
http://youtu.be/zWChYlGlh4I

Soju

Back in college, I used to drink a lot. 

Especially, Soju... 

it used to taste sweet occasionally but now I can't even smell it. 

For whom may not know about Soju, Soju is a clear, slightly sweet distilled spirit, is by far the most popular Korean liquor. It is made from grain or sweet potatoes and is generally inexpensive. It typically has an alcohol content of 40 proof (20% alc. by volume). 

Soju makes great combination with food. Sometimes, when I crave for grilled pork belly, I think of Soju, too. It just natually comes up in my mind! 

I think that's why Soju is considered a National drink!

How to enjoy Korean food!

How to Enjoy Korean Food

-       Don’t hesitate to ask many questions! (Whether you are at the restaurant or the market)

The more you know, the more you enjoy. If you go to Korean restaurant for the first time, there will be lot of food on the menu. Some of them have explanation but not all of them. Also, some ingredient in Korean food is what you never heard or seen. (It doesn’t mean it is not edible). Honestly, the situation in the market is more difficult for non-native Korean speakers. Almost everything is written in Korean and even though it has explanation, it is too brief. Therefore, JUST ASK people!

-       Enjoy Banchan (side dishes)

When you go to Korean Restaurant, besides your main order, several side dishes will be served as well. Don’t be freaked out saying you have never ordered side dishes! It is Korean tradition that eating rice, side dishes with each entrée. Variety of banchan is countless because it is made by all different kinds of ingredient and seasoning. It replenishes nutrition which you can’t intake from your main dish. Thus, banchan completes Korean diets well-balanced. If one of the side dishes is empty, just ask more. It’s complementary! Once you know your favorite banchan, you can get a bunch at the Korean market. (Zion Market

-       Don’t stick with MEAT!

So many people think Korean BBQ is the central of Korean food. Forget about it! Thanks to the feature of Korean Peninsula and distinguished weather of four seasons, Korean food is cooked by products from the sea, the mountains, and the field. But, if you are still craving for protein contained food, try seafood dishes. In personal, I recommend Bin-Dae-Dduk (Seafood pancake with scallions). It is even a good match with alcohol drinks.

-       The hotter, the better!

Chili peppers in spicy food contain Capsaicin causing burning sensation. Capsaicin has several health benefits, for example, fighting cancer and inflammation, protect your heart, relief pain and congestion. Also, it helps burn fat and lose weight by increasing metabolic activity. Thus, if anyone who plan to go on a diet or in shape, try hot & spicy Korean food! Endure spiciness!

    

-       Try Korean alcoholic beverage with food!

Koreans are considered heavy drinkers. They know how to enjoy drinking and Korean alcohol adds savor to food. If you are over 21, I recommend Soju and Mak-gul-li. Soju is a distilled beverage made from rice with other starches such as, potato, wheat, barley, sweet potato or tapioca.  It is comparable to Vodka but sweeter. Soju is also good for making cocktails. Mak-gul-li is referred to in English as Korean rice wine. It has milky color and sweetness. It was farmer’s liquor traditionally, however, became more popular in cities with the younger generation. According to recent research, Mak-gul-li also contains lot of lactic-acid bacteria, which is good for digestion so is considered nutritious alcohol beverage. Mak-gul-li has great combination with pork and seafood pancake.

Korean Cuisine: Kimbap (김밥, Korean Rice Rolls)

There are many ways to make kimbap and you can pretty much put whatever you want into them. Tuna, kimchi, beef, etc.

Here I have dan-moo-ji (which is pickled radish), seaweed paper, crab meat, carrots, eggs, spinach, sausage... 

1. thinly slice your carrots and lightly sautee it with some sesame oil. 

2. After cutting the bottom part of your spinach, slightly boil the spinach and put a dash of salt.
   Wash your spinach with cold water, and add a little sesame oil, sesame, soy sauce.

3. Prepare your pickled radish and burdock.

4. Lightly heat your sausage and crab meat.
    Whip your egg and pour the egg onto the frying pan on low heat.

5. Season your rice with some sesame oil and salt, and cool down to room temperature.
    Slice your fried eggs, sausage, and crab meat.

6. Now you are almost done.

Put your seaweed paper on a sushi roller

Spread your rice out thinly and evenly on a seaweed paper and add your ingredients whatever you prepared on the bottom of the seaweed paper.

And roll it up tightly!

7. When you're done with rolling, then you will end up with making kimbap!! :) 

8. Now you can eat !! Enjoy !! :)