I Actually Won!!!

I was one of the LUCKY 100 people to win a box of Korean Readymade Meals from YouTube Queen Maangchi. 

Kam sa ham mi da (thank you)

Maangchi is a true blessing and generously shares and teaches us all how to cook authentic Korean in our home kitchens from scratch. This box was filled with the opposite, ready made foods or as she called it - Emergency Food. I am so excited to try them all!

Taegu - Spicy Korean Seasoned Cuttlefish

Taegu is Hawaii’s version of Spicy Korean Seasoned Cuttlefish.

This recipe is a mild version of Taegu that is perfect for my husband. If you prefer it spicier add more Korean pepper paste (gochujang) and/or Korean pepper powder (gochugaru). Taste the sauce as you are making it and adjust according to your taste.

Easy Kimchi (Mak Kimchi)

The hardest part about making kimchi is washing the giant bowl.

I never thought that I would put the words “easy” and “kimchi” together, until now. I was a skeptic and avoided taking on the challenge because there were too many unanswered questions about the process.

However, today there is no reason for anyone to be fearful of taking on a cooking challenge because we are blessed with generous and talented bloggers who allow us to take a seat in their kitchens as they share their family secrets.

Korean Beef Radish Soup

Korean Beef Radish Soup

Korean Beef Radish Soup is flavorful and cooks up in about 30 minutes. This recipe marinates and browns the beef, which gives it a cooked all day taste in a short amount of time.

BCD Soon Tofu Soup Starter

Do you ever crave Korean Soon Tofu Soup?  I most certainly DO!!!

I was introduced to BCD Tofu House a couple of years ago when visiting LA (thanks Dustin) and though I have eaten many soon tofu soups since. I have not had one as good as BCD.

BCD in my opinion makes the best or at least the best Soon Tofu Soup that I have ever had. Custardy tofu in a bubbling stone pot with beef and seafood. This simple bowl of soup was so memorable that we all went back 2 nights in a row. Truth be told, we would have gone back for round three if we didn't have to head back home. It left such a memorable impression that I've been craving it ever since and that was back in the summer of 2013.

Maangchi's Mandu (Korean Dumplings)

Mandu Soup

I have yet to meet a foodie - that would say no to a dumpling. 

I’m a big fan of dumplings and have been making won tons for most of my life.  Truth be told, I think I learned how to fold wontons before I could read or write.  However, I find myself at a turning point in my life and am in search of my inner Korean. I know my ancestors are shaking their heads at me.

Korean Spicy Bean Sprout Soup

Korean Spicy Bean Sprout Soup

Though I have cooked and eaten many Korean soups. I have never eaten or attempted to make Bean Sprout Soup.  To be honest, it just looked boring.  How can this soup be tasty when all it has are bean sprouts?  “Where’s the Beef”?  So, you’re probably wondering why I decide to make it.

Kimchi Jjigae (Kimchi Stew)

The first time I tasted the flavor of cooked kimchi and pork together was at my favorite (hole in the wall) Korean restaurant - almost 20 years ago (they are now closed).  The dish was appropriately named Kimchi Pork, which was cooked in thickened spicy gravy - I craved this combination and ate it at least once a week, for 10 years – until they closed.

Lindsey's Shin Noodle Bowl

My daughter Lindsey is a big fan of the Shin Noodle Bowl and could easily eat them every day if I let her.   Shin noodles are a type of very spicy instant ramen.  Like any instant ramen it can be ready for consumption in, not 3, but more like 8 -10 min. (you do have to wait for the water to boil). 

What Lindsey loves about this instant meal is of course the instant part.  But what she craves is the spicy broth.  I always assumed that she ate the noodles and left the broth behind (that's what I do), but I was wrong.  I cringed the day I witnessed her drinking the broth, scolding her and telling her how unhealthy it was.  I could feel the sodium overload coming on!  That's when the shin bowl got the boot.

Kimchi Pancakes

Kimchi pancakes are a great way to eat up your overripe kimchi and this recipe makes only two pancakes (just enough for one) but can easily be doubled, tripled or quadrupled.

The trick to making kimchi pancakes is to strain the kimchi to remove the juice.  This will keep the pancake from getting too dark while cooking.  Then after it is cooked, pour the drained kimchi juice over the pancakes to really bring out the kimchi flavor.  In my opinion these pancakes don't need a dipping sauce, but if you would like to eat these with dipping sauce here’s the recipe.

Hamburger Jun - Korean Hamburger Patties

Hamburger Jun is the poor man’s version of MeatJun.  I think it was dreamt up in Hawaii because I haven't seen it anywhere else.  In my opinion, hamburger jun taste like a beef bulgogi burger with a meat jun finish.  Delish!

Korean Beef Bulgogi

Korean style BBQ beef (Bulgogi) is very easy to make and has a wonderful balance of sweet and savory .  I got this recipe from my father in law about 25 years ago and have not made any changes to it, because its just that good.  Irresistible tender thin slices of beef rib-eye marinated in a garlicky soy sauce.  Once you have tried this dish you will become an instant fan.

Bo Ssam Noodle Bowl

Now that I have had the pleasure of experiencing amateur Momofuku Bo Ssam at home, “What do I do with the leftovers”?

Make a Bo Ssam Noodle Bowl, of course.  Ginger scallion flavored capellini (you could stop here, it was pretty tasty), topped with kim chee, bo ssam and finished with ssam sauce.   This is was a noodle bowl with punch!

Momofuku Bo Ssam

I took one look at the photo of the Momofuku Bo Ssam and knew I had to make it.  After wiping up the drool from the side of my face, I got to work.

Korean Blanched Spinach

Korean restaurants always bring out an assortment of yummy sides to go along with the meal, but at home it’s usually just a dish of kim chee. Tonight I am serving up a small assortment of side dishes, blanched spinach, fried tofu and of course kimchi.

This simple spinach dish was absolutely delish and made me feel as if I were eating a dish that was truly authentic.

Korean Fried Tofu

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When I’m in the mood for Korean I always visit Hyosun Ro at her Eating & Living Blog. This is one of her delicious recipes. I served it as a side dish along with my father in laws Kal Bi (Korean BBQ Short Ribs).

I love trying new recipes and this was a keeper. The tofu was soft in the middle with a meaty exterior from the pan frying. The sauce was delicious with just the right amount of spice. The braising allowed the tofu to soak up the sauce, flavoring the tofu inside and out.

Korean Green Onion Pancakes

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Tonight my theme is Korean.  All items chosen are comforting and repeats requested by my family.  Kim Chee Pork and Spicy Tofu will be the main event with Korean green onion pancakes as the appetizer.

These deliciously light and chewy pancakes make for a wonderful appetizer as well as a quick and easy snack.  You can add a lot more things than the green onions such as finely sliced kim chee, shrimp, onions, carrots or bell peppers.  For tonight I am sticking with the basics.

Kimchi Pork

Kimchi pork is one of my favorite Korean one pot… or should I say one wok meals.  There is no mystery to this dish.  The title describes it perfectly, kimchi and pork.

Kal Bi Tang (Korean Beef Short Rib Soup)

I am not Korean but I love, love, love Korean food. I started making Korean beef soup about six years ago when my favorite Korean restaurant closed. It was a sad day…

Korean Meat Jun with Vinegar Soy Dipping Sauce

Meat Jun is one of those dishes that turns a simple slice of meat into a moist and tender delight that satisfies the pickiest meat eater.

Every culture has their version of a meat fritter and this is the Korean version.