Kimchi Ramen with Korean Fried Dumpling

Kimchi Ramen with Korean Fried Dumpling

Seafood Kimchi Ramen (Haemul Kimchi Ramyun)
Shrimp & Kimchi Fried Dumpling (Goon Mandu)
Quail Egg, Fishcake, Roasted Seaweed, Shrimp, Scallion

We’re celebrating the re-dedication of our beloved Korean Friendship Bell by enjoying Korea’s most celebrated pickle dish – kimchi! There are several hundred types of kimchi which are made from various vegetables, fish, seafood, fruit, and herbs. Our recipe uses the most popular of all types of kimchi – napa cabbage kimchi – for the base of the soup and the filling for the fried dumplings.

Korean Friendship Bell

Kimchi is made by pickling vegetables (or other foods) with seasonings such as chili, ginger, garlic, and salt. Generally, there are two categories of kimchi – the “quick” kind which is made for immediate consumption or eaten within a few days just slightly fermented, and the other type in which the mixture is allowed to ferment and mature. Both methods result in Korea’s favorite dish – a delightfully pungent, robust food that is so much more than a side dish.

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Kimchi & Cheddar Omelette

Kimchi & Cheddar Omelette

Kimchi & Cheddar Omelette

Even if you are not among those of us who crave kimchi on a regular basis, you may still find this omelette irresistible. Korea’s most celebrated pickle dish – kimchi – is super flavorful! Here, napa cabbage kimchi’s zingy fermented flavors are balanced by light fluffy eggs, melting cheddar and rich sour cream. The result is an omelette that is tangy, spicy, even a bit crunchy. A real eye-opener. Good morning! Breakfast. Is. Served.

Sunrise over the Port of LA

Kimchi & Cheddar Omelette Recipe

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Holiday Spiced Purple Sweet Potatoes

holiday spiced purple sweet potato
Holiday Spiced Purple Sweet Potatoes

Do you make the same dishes every Thanksgiving? Over here, some dishes appear every year of course – like  turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and gravy. But the vegetables vary, so does the soup. I also make my Holiday Spiced Sweet Potatoes each year, but this time they are getting a twist. I’m making them with purple-fleshed sweet potatoes that I find at the Korean market. Spiced Sweet Potatoes are a seasonal favorite. Rich with cream and warm spices, it’s a perfect winter holiday dish. And the purple potatoes add a dash of mystery.

purple sweet potato

Holiday Spiced Purple Sweet Potatoes Recipe

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Braised Oxtail for Halloween?

braised oxtail with korean jeju mandarin orange, yuzu, and gooseberry

Braised Oxtail

in a sauce flavored with
Shiitake, Star Anise, Red Wine, Tamari, Garlic
Radish, Ginger, Chile, Brown Sugar, Beef Stock

garnished with
Dried Korean Jeju Mandarin Orange, Cape Gooseberry
Yuzu Zest, Cilantro, Scallion

Serve braised oxtail for Halloween? Well, you certainly could. With its rich spicy flavors and warm autumn colors… Oxtails are browned then braised for 3 hours in a two day process resulting in a sauce that is deep and layered and unctuous. Shiitake imparts earthiness while hot chiles give it a kick.

The oxtail is butter-tender but it is really the garnish that puts this dish over the top. Dried Korean Jeju mandarin orange slices add that crispy texture and a sweet-tart component that brightens the meat. Cape Gooseberries add a flavorful pop while yuzu zest adds bitter-citrusy freshness and cilantro and scallions bring the vegetal notes.

 Braised Oxtail Recipe

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Spicy Korean Beef Soup with Smoky Baby Oyster Mushrooms {Yukgaejang}

Spicy Korean Beef Soup with Smoky Baby Oyster Mushrooms {Yukgaejang}

A Spicy Korean Beef Soup with Smoky Baby Oyster Mushrooms

Yukgaejang 육개장

Beef, Mushroom, Bean Sprout, Leek, Fiddlehead, Chili

Yukgaejang is a haunting red-hued beef soup that is simultaneously spicy, smoky, earthy, and addicting… The rich color comes from gochugaru, a Korean red chili powder that is definitely spicy – but also has a balanced fruitiness, slight smokiness and depth of flavor from the sun-dried red peppers.

In addition to the gochugaru, the pronounced smoky flavor in my non-traditional version of this soup is derived from the charred baby oyster mushrooms. Earthy notes come from gosari (charmingly referred to as beef-of-the-mountains) along with the shiitake. Gosari are young fiddlehead stems harvested from moist wooded forests when the fronds emerge from the ground. Beef flank and beef stock bring the deep meaty component while garlic, leek, and toasted sesame oil round out the flavor profile.

Yukgaejang Recipe

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