Saturday, May 19, 2012
Kimchi Paste ( 김치 양념 )
Making kimchi is not as difficult as many will lead you to believe. Sure, you can purchase kimchi from your local Korean market in various forms...but, often it is expensive and the portions are too large for a small family like mine. That is why I prefer homemade kimchi. It is inexpensive, and if you make too much, you can give it away to friends.
This post is specifically how to make just the kimchi paste. The paste is used to apply to prepared vegetables of your choice. I will post how to make different kinds of kimchi later on. The recipe I like to use is an adaptation from the above cookbook by Taekyung Chung's,"The Korean Table." I have made various changes to adjust to my family's personal tastes. My family tends to favor kimchi on the sweeter side, more ginger, garlic, and with less seafood taste.
The recipe yields about 3 1/4 cups, stored in a air tight glass jar:
1 cup Korean coarse red pepper flakes
1/4 cup Korean fine pepper powder
1/2 cup water
8 cloves chopped garlic
1/4 cup peeled minced ginger
1 tbsp salt
3 tbsp white sugar
2 tbsp oyster sauce
2 tbsp fish sauce
At the time I was making this recipe, I recently moved and did not have any of my food processors with me, so I chopped the ginger and garlic by hand. It worked just fine. Chop ginger and garlic first, then mix all ingredients together in a bowl. Once it is all mixed, add to a glass jar and store in the refrigerator for up to two months.
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Monthly Korean Food Meet-up
Kimchi Pajeon (김치 파전)
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The stars aligned and my friends and I were not only in town, but available to try out one of these amazing meet ups! Lisa does an excellent job explaining all of the dishes and checking to make sure that everyone is having a blast. She works hard cooking and taking photos at the same time! The entire meet up is completely fascinating- the food is explained, placed on the tables, and then you dine and ask questions.
The FEAST of Korean style cooking started with Kimchi Pajeon (김치 파전) pictured above. I absolutely loved it because the pancake was super crispy and the kimchi inside was cut into just the right size bits. The pancake was also nice and thick, but not too greasy. There are not many places that can make a pajeon this good. If you have never had one before, it is a definite must-try for a savory item. The flavor profile is completely different from a Chinese style scallion pancake or an Indian style bread.
Bulgogi Jongol just when it started to boil. |
Bulgogi Jongol again, being cut up into bite size pieces. |
Kkang Pung Ki (깐풍기) |
Kkang Pung Ki is an addiction of mine... So whenever I dine at a restaurant that serves Korean-Chinese dishes, I have to order it. Everyone makes it differently, some people put bell pepper, corn, jalapeno, and/or even ketchup. No matter what, I have never had a disappointing version of this dish (*knock on wood*). Anyways, the version from Rice freakin' rocks!
Panchan (반찬) side dishes |
I highly recommend checking out the Lets Cook Tampa meet ups if you live in the Tampa area and are interesting in trying Korean cuisine. We cannot wait to go back again!
Rice Restaurant and Lounge 7525 W Hillsborough Ave
Tampa, FL 33615
(813) 889-7766
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Pre-made Ho-ttok Cakes 호떡
Ho-ttok are fairly difficult to make from scratch in small batches. So, if you are really craving Ho-ttok and just want to eat a few cakes- you will be left with about twenty more. However, after searching high and low I was lucky enough to find pre-made frozen Ho-ttuk cakes at Kim Brothers Korean Market located in Tampa, Florida. This brand is made by Wang Korea, come 8 to a bag, and are currently $6.99USD. In my opinion, it is totally worth it!
They are really simple to prepare and already come frozen in patty form. Sweet fluffy breading on the outside and cinnamon sugar and nut filling on the inside. There are two flavors to choose from Regular Original flavor, or Green Tea flavor. I chose the Green Tea flavor because I have never tried that flavor Ho-ttok before. Just quickly fry them in some non-flavored oil or butter in a non-stick skillet until they are heat through, brown, and crispy on the outside.
Kim Bros Market
4021 W Hillsborough Ave
Tampa, FL 33614 United States
(813) 886-8989
They are really simple to prepare and already come frozen in patty form. Sweet fluffy breading on the outside and cinnamon sugar and nut filling on the inside. There are two flavors to choose from Regular Original flavor, or Green Tea flavor. I chose the Green Tea flavor because I have never tried that flavor Ho-ttok before. Just quickly fry them in some non-flavored oil or butter in a non-stick skillet until they are heat through, brown, and crispy on the outside.
Kim Bros Market
4021 W Hillsborough Ave
Tampa, FL 33614 United States
(813) 886-8989
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Gainesville, FL: 2012 Korean Food Festival
Very beautiful Hanbok (traditional Korean clothing) worn by the Greeters upon entering. |
Originally, I am from Gainesville (moved there when I was six years old). After High School, my husband and I moved around quite a bit. When I lived in Gainesville last year, I would come to the Gainesville Korean Baptist Church once a week for Korean language lessons. Also, I was lucky enough to be accepted into the Tower Road Branch Library's Language Exchange Program, where I was able to learn from and teach many adult Korean students. If you are interested in this program, please contact Jin Lyons by submitting your resume and completing a formal application at that branch.
Even though I live in Tampa now, I try to visit at least 1-2 times a month to visit my family (who still live there) and meet with my Korean language teacher/friend at the church. Luckily, I have made a great connection and I am able to learn about the culture and food. It was so nice to see happy familiar faces at this event.
One of the many dining areas. This is the main room where the food stalls were located. |
Spicy Pork Bulgogi (돼지 불고기) with a side of Korean steamed rice and salad. |
Perfectly cooked spicy cold squid with radish kimchi, comes with a side of rolled rice (충무김밥). |
Korean rice punch, (식헤) Shik-hye. |
For the entire photo set, please visit my Flikr Page.
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Next Weekend: Asia Fest 2012 in Tampa, FL
Sadly, we missed this event last year. But, we did make it to the year before and had fun. The event takes place in the park directly in front of the TBT Forum. We usually park in the parking garage next door. There is a large stage set with some food vendor booths around it. But, don't miss the other vendors that are further down by the water.
The event can be quite hot, so bring your sunscreen and a hat. Come early (11:00AM) to grab a bite to eat and a seat in front of the stage to watch the traditional dances and pageantry. My favorite are the costumes from different countries and the more authentic snacks that are served by the vendors. The Thai Sticky Rice and homemade Beef Jerky make a delicious snack. You can also buy some Halo Halo to cool down. Bring cash and your camera!
You can check out more info on the official website:
Asia Fest 2012
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