Exploring My Favorite Korean Recipes: From Year-Starting Rice Cake Soup to Summer-Freezing Cold Noodle
Introduction to Korean Food Recipes
Among countless Korean food recipes, one stands out to me: the rice cake soup (? NEGADA ?.setWindowTitle). This traditional dish holds a special place in my heart, not just because of its unique taste, but also because it is deeply rooted in the culture of Korea. Every New Year's Day, I make this hearty stew as a symbol of renewing one’s life and getting older, both in a year. The dish is prepared with rice cakes, vegetables, and eggs, all simmered in a rich beef broth seasoned with pepper, salt, and soy sauce. What makes this recipe so special is the deep, comforting taste that it offers.
The unique soup of rice cake soup is often likened to a taste of home, as many foreigners who try this dish fall in love with its charm. It is a perfect way to celebrate the beginning of a new year with loved ones, whether at home or with guests. The rich flavors and comforting atmosphere make it a favorite among those seeking to savor the essence of traditional Korean cuisine.
Kkotgetang: A Spicy Stew with a Seafood Star
Ingredients for Kkotgetang
Another favorite Korean stew is Kkotgetang. Unlike the subtle flavors of rice cake soup, Kkotgetang is a spicy stew that is both robust and flavorful. The star of the show is the Korean flower crab, or any crab that is available. However, you can use any crab that fits your budget or ingredient availability.
To prepare this dish, you start by boiling dried anchovies, daikon radish, soybean paste, and gochujang (hot pepper paste). These ingredients form the base of the broth, which is then enhanced with zucchini, green onions, and green chilies. Once the crabs are added, the stew simmers until it is fully cooked. Finally, garnish with red chilies, chrysanthemum greens, or basil; I prefer using coriander. Additionally, I add red chili flakes for an extra kick.
While Jeongetang is a beloved dish, it is not the only one of its kind. Many other Korean spicy seafood recipes follow a similar formula:
The seafood superstarDaikon radishGochujang and/or soybean pasteDried anchoviesFurthermore, garlic, onions, and/or ginger are almost never absent in Asian dishes, including Korean stews.
Spicy Grilled Squid: A Summer Delicacy
Marinade for Grilled Squid
Spiced seafood is a highlight of Korean cuisine, and among the best is Spicy Grilled Squid. The marinade for this dish is a blend of gochujang, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and mustard, and rice syrup can be added for stickiness. Grilled squid is a delightful accompaniment to soju, a Korean alcoholic beverage that pairs perfectly with spicy dishes.
Grilled squid is particularly enjoyable during cold-weather days in Korea, but it is equally delectable in the summer. I often combine the grilled squid with a cold and refreshing drink, such as soju, to enjoy the chiming flavors of the meal.
NengMyun: A Summer Freezing Cold Noodle Recipe
Ingredients for NengMyun
When the scorching summer arrives and temperatures soar, I turn to NengMyun, a cold noodle recipe that I adore during the hottest summer days. The dish consists of cold, transparent beef broth noodles that are marvelously combined with cold broth, making it a refreshing dish in the sweltering heat. This recipe is perfect for those who do not enjoy cold noodles during the winter.
The experience of eating NengMyun is truly unique. Initially, you might be surprised by the idea of cold noodle and soup, but once you start tasting it, you will want to indulge in it, much like the current weather in Korea. The summer of 2018 was the hottest in my entire life, possibly even in Korea, and the earth seemed to be scorched. NengMyun is the perfect solution for sandy, scorching hot days. I can hardly wait to enjoy it for dinner tonight.