12 Jan 2016
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5 Korean snacks you should try now

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5 Korean snacks you should try now

Who does not like to munch on some snacks while waiting for meals in between? Good news for snack lovers: Koreans have a wide range of delicious and tasty snacks that will please your taste buds and fill your appetite. Regardless of whether you are fond of gansik (간식), the food Koreans refer those as those eaten between meals, or gwaja (과자), those packaged snacks that are mass-produced and are commonly found in supermarkets, you will not really have a hard time finding your Korean snack of choice. Here is a compilation of 5 Korean snacks that we are sure you’ll get addicted to:

 

1. Saewookkang

saewookkang

Saewookkang (새우깡) or shrimp chips are often regarded as one of Korea’s national snacks. Ask any Korean and we’re so sure they will immediately tell you what this snack is. These chips are given to babies because they are very easy to digest, but the elders also crave for this snack from time to time given that they grew up eating this snack during past times. Saewookkang is so popular that it is not uncommon for many Korean restaurants to serve this as a complimentary snack.

 

2. Chocopie

chocopie

Chocolate lovers, rejoice! Chocopie (쵸코파이) is a chocolate-covered marshmallow cookie that is very famous not only among kids but also among those serving in the military. It is often told that those who are serving in the military experience grueling training days that they consider eating Chocopie during their breaks as their piece of heaven. This snack is so good that a pyramid of Chocopie would actually be considered as a great substitute to a typical birthday cake.

 

3. Matdongsan

matdongsan

Matdongsan (맛동산) is another classic Korean snack that has been in the market since the 70s. Matdongsan is basically made out of flour, fried in oil, glazed, and then covered in bits of peanut. The sweetness and crunchiness of this snack make it a huge hit among young children and elders alike.

 

4. Senbei

senbei

Senbei (煎餅?, or sembei) are Japanese rice crackers that are also very popular in Korea. These crackers are either grilled or baked, covered in mirin or soy sauce, and are available in different flavors. This snack is usually served on the side during meals just like shrimp chips and is also offered to house guests at times. Senbei also goes well with tea or any other refreshing beverage of your choice.

 

5.     Tteok (Rice cakes)

ddeok

Tteok (떡) are glutinous rice flour cakes that are as visually appealing as they are appetizing. These cakes come in different flavors like red and mung bean and are eaten primarily during the Lunar New Year to signify that one is getting older as the new year arrives. But you can of course eat tteok’s to your heart’s content even during an ordinary day because these beautiful flour cakes are just downright addictive.

 

These are just a few of the best snacks that Koreans came to love and willingly introduced to the world. What are your favorite Korean snacks? Make sure you tell us on the comments section below. And remember, Korean snacks go perfectly well with Korean BBQ feasts. Contact us today at Korean BBQ Online so we can assist you in the preparations!

 

 

11 Jan 2016
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5 Korean rice dishes that you’ll surely love

omurice

5 Korean rice dishes that you’ll surely love

It should not come as a surprise anymore that Korea, being an Asian country, is fond of rice. Rice is almost a part of every Korean meal given its versatility to blend well with various meats and vegetables. The wide range of Korean cuisine features a long list of rice dishes that will most likely be a part of your diet soon. Here are our top 5 Korean rice dishes that you will not be able to forget:

1. Bibimbap

bibimbap

You can never call yourself a Korean foodie unless you have tried bibimbap, which is often considered as Korea’s national rice dish. Bibimbap is a bowl of rice topped with egg and various vegetables. If you are planning to make your own bowl of bibimbap at home, then the vegetables that you put on top is completely up to you. However, you will usually see bean sprouts, carrots, spinach, chestnuts, gosari, and bell pepper, among others, in a typical bowl of bibimbap. Chili paste is also served on the side if you want to give the taste of your bibimbap more kick. If ever you will eat in a restaurant, then you will sometimes see a bowl of bibimbap with all the vegetables already mixed in or the vegetables served separately.

 

2. Omeuraiseu

omurice

Another Korean rice dish that is very common and easy to make is Omeuraiseu! The Korean word is abbreviated from the English words Omelette and Rice and is the korean intepretation of the humble English omelette. A paper thin egg layer rests upon a mountain of delicious fried rice. Often topped off with a splashing of tomato sauce, this is a nostalgic comfort food for most Koreans, and one very delicious meal!

 

3. Dolsot Bibimbap

dolsot bibimbap

Dolsot Bibimbap is almost similar to your regular bibimbap because it also features mixed vegetables on top of rice. The difference between the two is that Dolsot is served on a hot crock whereas a regular bibimbap is served on a cool bowl. Dolsot also has more ingredients that a typical bibimbap. Given the variety of ingredients featured in this rice dish, it is then important for the rice and the ingredients to be mixed well. Do not forget to pour some hot water on the crock to remove the rice that got stuck on the sides so you can still eat them.

 

4. Gimbap (Korean sushi)

gimbap   

Gimbap (or Kimbap) is a seaweed-wrapped rice roll that is widely available and distributed in Korea. If you want a cheap yet nutritious Korean dish, then gimbap should be one of your top picks. It is also very easy to make: you spread some cooked rice over a square piece of gim and then you add a variety of meats and vegetables on top. Typically, gimbap has cucumber, spinach, carrots, crab meat, and sausage among others, but you can certainly experiment on some ingredients to make your own version of these savoury rice rolls.

5. Kimchi Bokkeumbap

kimchi bokkeumbap

Don’t throw away that Korean kimchi just yet because you can still use them in making the Kimchi Bokkeumbap. Just fry that kimchi and add it, together with some vegetables and meat of your choice, on your steamed rice. Putting some fried egg into your bokkeumbap will also do some wonders. This dish is so easy to make that a lot of people who are on a tight budget prefer to enjoy this rice dish.

 

Are there any Korean rich dishes that you would like our readers to try? Comment below so we can check them out! And if ever you’re considering to host a Korean BBQ party anytime soon or you just want to stock on some meats for the future rice dishes you are going to create, then do not forget to contact us. Cheers!

08 Jan 2016
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5 Korean desserts to satisfy your sweet tooth

chapssalddeok2

5 Korean desserts to satisfy your sweet tooth

There will always be room for desserts, as they say. A typical Korean meal will never be complete without capping off the dining experience with some savoury sweet treat. Fortunately, the greatness that is Korean cuisine has a ton of desserts that will surely be the preference of every dessert aficionados out there. Today’s article is a compilation of some of the most classic Korean desserts that you should try pronto when you get the chance!

1. Bungeoppang

bungeobbang

Bungeoppang is a type of roasted Korean pastry that is usually shaped like a fish and is filled with red bean paste. You’ll definitely see a lot of street vendors in South Korea selling these delicious sweet treats. Here’s how this fish-shaped snack is made: batter is poured into a waffle iron that has a fish-shaped mold. Afterwards, red bean paste and another round of batter are added before the bungeoppang is roasted. Other versions of bungeopang are the gukhwappang (chrystanthemum cake), which is shaped like a flower, and gyeranppang, which is shaped like a rounded rectangle and is filled with egg. Don’t fret if you cannot find street vendors who sell bungeoppangs on the street as a lot of supermarkets outside Korea already sell this Korean dessert. However, the variation that you might buy will usually be filled with vanilla ice cream in addition to the red bean paste.

2. Chapssaltteok

chapssalddeok

Chapssaltteok, which is also spelled as Chapssalddeok, is a kind of rice cake filled with sweet bean paste. This dessert shares similar characteristics with tteok, a staple during Lunar New Year, and mochi. Actually, think of this dessert as your Korean-style mochi. Chapsaltteok is made from chapssal or sweet rice and comes in different flavors.

3. Gyeongju bread

gyeongjubbang

Gyeongju bread, which is considered as a homegrown dessert of Gyeongju City, South Korea, is another Korean dessert with a red bean paste filling. This dessert is made out of wheat flour and eggs and is just filled with a delicious heap of harder red beans. Another characteristic of this tasty treat is the traditional chrysanthemum imprint that you can see on each gyeongju bread.

4. Patbingsu 

patbingsu

And of course, how can we ever forget including the famous patbingsu in this list of top Korean desserts? This very colorful dessert, which is also sometimes spelled as patbingsoo, is made out of shaved ice and a variety of sweet toppings such as Azuki beans, sliced fruits, fruit syrups and sweetened milk. Feel free to add mangoes, strawberries, melons, peaches, and other fruits in season that you prefer. Actually, the wide variety of ingredients that you can add into this shaved ice dessert makes it a favorite among both Koreans and foreigners alike.

5. Yakgwa

yakgwa

Yakgwa is one classic Korean pastry that is considered as a biscuit and is usually shaped like a flower. The ingredients that constitute this dessert, which include, sesame oil, wheat flour, and honey, make this dessert as one of the top favorites among sweet lovers. This pastry has become popular that it is also being mass-produced by food manufacturers just like bungeoppang.

 

This list of Korean desserts is far from being complete, so make sure you let us know what are your favorite ones in the comments section below. And should you ever plan on doing a Korean BBQ feast soon, then feel free to drop us a line at Korean BBQ Online!

08 Jan 2016
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Celebrating Seollal, the Korean New Year

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Celebrating Seollal, the Korean New Year

Most Western people might already be counting down the days before welcoming 2016, but for Koreans, the Lunar New Year is slated to happen on February 8 next year. This article will focus on Seollal, the Korean New Year, and how it is generally being celebrated. Here’s to another way of appreciating the diversity of Korean culture!

  1. Seollal is a 3-day holiday.

Koreans celebrate the Lunar New Year for 3 days, which gives them enough time to actually go back to their respective home towns, reunite with families and friends for some quality time, pay respect to elders and ancestors, and observe other typical Seollal traditions. This is indeed a great way for Koreans to welcome the new year, hoping that it will abound in prosperity and grace.

  1. Charye and Hanbok

One of the highly observed traditions of Koreans during Seollal is charye¸a ritual where Koreans dress in their traditional clothing called hanbok. This is indeed a sight to behold whether you’re a local or a foreigner. You know that Koreans really regard their traditions highly when you see them donning their traditional costumes while praying to ancestral spirits, playing folk games (four-stick game), eating food, and sharing stories with their loved ones.

  1. Food is serious business

Koreans take their food seriously particularly during momentous occasions like the Seollal. You’ll definitely see them eating the tteokguk (soup with rice cakes) to signify that they are aging a year older as the new year comes. Eating tteokguk has been a central part of Lunar New Year celebrations that Koreans ask one another how much tteokguk they ate. In addition, buchimgae or jeon is also a common Lunar New Year dish where slices of pancakes are served to partakers. Overall, the types of food served and eaten during the New Year just bonds Koreans during a very important occasion. It is not only the quality of the meals that is remembered; the quality time that people have spent on the dining table is also cherished.

  1. Paying respects and receiving blessings

Once all the eating is over, young people will pay respects by bowing and presenting gifts to their elders. This tradition is called sebeh. In return, the elders will bless their younger loved ones so that they can enjoy a more prosperous year ahead. Kids also look forward to this tradition because they usually receive an allowance from the elders for the new year, which is referred to as sebaetdon. The allowance can come in the form of money or food!

  1. Lighting a “moon” house

Some Korean families make moon houses out of firewood and light them so that the evil spirits will be driven away. This practice is considered important so that Korean families will manage to start the new year in luck and that all forms of misfortune will be extinguished.

 

It’s never too early to prepare for your new year celebrations! Korean BBQ Online is your trusted partner in making sure that you will all welcome the new year in the most delicious and unforgettable way possible. Drop us a line today so we can discuss.

 

07 Jan 2016
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5 Korean Dishes to welcome the Lunar New Year

ddeokguk and hanbok

5 Korean Dishes to welcome the Lunar New Year

Countdown to Seollal 2016 has already begun, and nothing is busier in preparing for it than the Koreans. Welcoming the Lunar New Year is such a big deal among Koreans that people take breaks from their usual busy lives to reconnect with loved ones and spend quality time with them. Some even travel at great lengths just to be with family and friends so they can all together welcome the New Year. Food is of course an essential part of the Lunar New Year celebrations, so for your convenience we have a compiled a list of Korean dishes that are traditionally served during Seollal:

 

1. Ddeokguk (rice cake soup)

ddeok guk

Tteokguk (tteok means rice cake; guk means soup) is a traditional dish served during the New Year that all Koreans know. This soup with slices of rice cakes is served in beef broth and is made with garaetteok, a long, cylindrical and unsweetened variety of rice cake that is eventually cut into oval shapes. Koreans believe that the oval-shaped rice cake will bring prosperity to everyone during the New Year and that eating it means that people would have grown a year older and wiser.

 

2. Modeumjeon (pan-fried zucchini, shrimp and fish in egg batter)

modeumjeon

Jeon refers to any battered food that has been pan-fried in Korean cuisine. There are usually two types of jeon:  the first are those that are shaped like a pancake where the main ingredients are all mixed together in a flour mixture and then fried to make everything crisp. The other type involves pan-frying each of the ingredients such as vegetables, fish, mushrooms, and shrimp, among others, to enhance the flavour and tenderness of the overall dish. A combination of these ingredients is what is referred to as modumjeon.

 

3. Galbijim (braised short ribs)

galbijjim

Another irresistible dish that you can cook to welcome the New Year is galbijim. The meat or ribs for this dish are not seared before being braised. The ribs are parboiled to remove the excess blood and fat; ingredients such pine nuts, chest nuts, or basically any nut that you prefer can be added for extra taste and garnishing.

 

4. Manduguk (Korean dumpling soup)

manduguk

This is a traditional version of tteokguk where dumplings are put in the beef broth instead of rice cake slices. This dish originated from North Korea and became a staple when the lands remained arid and unsuitable to grow rice and other crops. This is another flavourful dish because the savoury dumplings and warm broth complement well to provide a simple yet tasty hint of sweetness and saltiness.

 

5. Japchae (starch noodles with vegetables)

japchae

Japchae , which means mixed vegetables when translated to English, is starch or glass noodles that are just chewy and balanced given this dish’s variety of ingredients. Noodles are believed to symbolize longevity, which explains why Koreans don’t even hesitate to eat platefuls of japchae when welcoming the New Year. Again, you are free to add mushrooms, peppers, zucchini, carrots, and other ingredients that you prefer

 

Do you know of any other dishes that Koreans serve when celebrating the Lunar New Year? We would love to know them all through the comments section below. Also, it’s never too late to contact us at Korean BBQ Online so we can assist you in preparing for the most delicious and memorable New Year’s Eve celebration ever!

 

05 Jan 2016
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7 things you never knew about Kimchi

kimchi making

7 things you never knew about Kimchi

A talk about Korean cuisine will never be complete without mentioning kimchi. For Koreans, kimchi is not just your ordinary side dish of sliced cabbage, red chili, radish, garlic, ginger, anchovy paste and scallions. Kimchi is actually a national symbol of Koreans’ strong and passionate character, owing to the dish’s sour and spicy taste. Not a lot of people prefer eating kimchi because of its strong taste, but Koreans certainly appreciate foreigners who have the guts to finish a plate of it.

We know that some of you are not that yet familiar with kimchi, so don’t worry because we’ve done some research for you. Impress your Korean friends with the following interesting facts about kimchi:

 

1. Kimchi has a lot of varieties

kimchi varieties

If you’ve always thought that kimchi is always made out of cabbage, then allow us to enlighten you. Kimchi actually has over a hundred versions that feature a whole lot of main ingredients. Some kimchis are made out of cucumber, bossam, and radish, among others. And just to clarify, the word kimchi itself actually refers to the process of vegetable fermentation and not on kimchi’s ingredients themselves.

 

2. It’s regional and seasonal

kkakduki

Koreans eat different varieties of kimchi depending on the season. If it’s winter time, then the most popular kimchi variety being consumed is radish water. The more common cabbage kimchi is consumed more during the fall, cucumber is eaten more during the summer, and green onions during spring. And as Korea is a vast country, its regions also feature different varieties of kimchi where the strength of the flavors and ingredients generally differ.

 

3. Kimchi can knock out major diseases

kimchi making

Kimchi is actually a very healthy side dish that is packed with antioxidants, important vitamins, and good bacteria. Some credible research has shown that eating kimchi can help strengthen one’s immune system to prevent the human body from contracting bird flu and some forms of cancer. Some even say that kimchi is so healthy it will lower your risk of having a heart attack and diabetes. Keep these in mind, folks, whenever you’re initially turned off by the smell of kimchi. This side dish is actually very good for your body!

 

4. No refrigerators = kimchi

traditional kimchi storage

Kimchi came into existence because Koreans back in the day didn’t have refrigerators to preserve their vegetables. As a result, families gathered together and helped in the fermentation process, which involved cutting, mixing and salting of vegetables, so that they will have enough stock of vegetables to eat come winter time.

 

5. Separate refrigerator for kimchi

kimchi fridge

As you may already know by now, kimchi is such a highly important dish to Koreans. But it might still surprise you that Koreans purchase a separate refrigerator for storing their kimchi. Back in the day, kimchi was just stored in underground clay pots to achieve the desired temperature to complete the fermentation and preservation process. Now, Koreans buy specially designed refrigerators for kimchi that can provide the exact temperature being achieved when stored in clay pots. It also makes sense to store kimchi in a different refrigerator so that its smell won’t affect those of other goods and produce like milk, fruits, vegetables, etc.

 

 6. Kimchi used to be not spicy

wombok

Kimchi used to be not spicy as the red pepper didn’t get introduced to Koreans until the 1500s, and the Koreans didn’t get to add this as an ingredient to kimchi until the 1800s.

 

7. Kimchi has already reached the outer space!

yi-so-yeon

Yi So-Yeon became the first Korean astronaut to fly in space in 2008, and as you may have guessed, she brought some kimchi along with her to outer space. She even hosted a traditional kimchi dinner while she was up there! The Korean government spent millions of dollars for their space program, and included in this venture is the extensive research that was done to figure out how fermentation could be slowed down. Studies had also been conducted to determine how kimchi would behave in space and react to various outer space forces. 

 

Do you know any other interesting facts about kimchi? Share them all below. And if through this article you suddenly experienced some craving for Korean BBQ, then Korean BBQ Online has your back! Check out our menu and see how we can serve you today.

 

05 Jan 2016
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5 must-try side dishes for your next BBQ feast

myeolchi bokkeum

5 must-try side dishes for your next BBQ feast

Banchan or the Korea’s version of side dishes is eaten in almost every Korean meal. You might have noticed these complimentary sides the last time you ate in a Korean restaurant. The awesome thing about these banchans is that they are savoury on their own that it just perfectly starts the awesome Korean meal that is about to happen.

We understand that identifying or even remembering the names of each Korean side dish can be quite a challenge at first on your part because there are hundreds of them. So in addition to your usual kimchi, we at Korean BBQ Online share our list below of 5 tasty banchans that you should look out for the next time:

1. Myulchi Bokkeum (fried anchovies)

myeolchi bokkeum

This is one popular ba   nchan that can be quite addicting due to its crunchiness and perfect combination of saltiness and sweetness. You can also experiment with the taste by adding some honey or sesame seed oil on the anchovies.

2. Sukjunamul (mung bean sprouts)

sukjunamul muchim

This is one of the easiest banchans to make because it is just a combination of mung bean sprouts, garlic, sesame oil, and a dash of salt. You can also try adding some cucumbers into the mix for more variety. This crunchy side dish just tastes so clean and fresh you’ll be tempted to order more.

3. Japchae (glass noodles)

japchae

These are noodles made from sweet potatoes and then stir-fried using sesame oil. People often put some vegetables and meat into this dish which makes it a great main dish as well. This is definitely one of the healthier Korean noodles that you’ll ever get to taste!

4. Yeongeun Jorim (candied lotus root)

Yeongeun Jorim

You’re missing out on a lot if you still haven’t tasted this side dish. The lotus plant is more found in Asia and Australia and has only started to be featured in western dishes. The marinated lotus root has a great combination of saltiness and sweetness which makes it just perfect to munch on before eating a full-course meal.

5. Ojingeochae Muchim (dried shredded squid)

ojingeochae muchim

Here’s another banchan that perfectly executes that salty and sweet taste. Think of this side dish as squid jerky. In fact, this has been a huge hit that shredded squid is now being mass-produced and sold in various stores in the western hemisphere.

 

We hope we gave you some great ideas on other interesting banchans to serve during your Korean BBQ meals. We at Korean BBQ Online can take care of your sides and sauces. Feel free to contact us today so we can deliver them straight to your doorstep!

04 Jan 2016
culture, Tips & Tricks, Uncategorized
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Cheap Korean food for budget travelers

korean street food

Cheap Korean food for budget travelers

Seoul might be one of the most expensive and cosmopolitan cities in the world, but that does not mean that this bustling city does not have affordable food options. You can definitely still enjoy Seoul and its plethora of dining choices without burning a hole in your pocket. So to all the budget travelers out there, today’s article is for you. There’s no need to deprive yourself of some great eating when you can get the following food choices for less than five dollars:

 

1. Food items from kimbap Restaurant

kimbap house

Think of kimbap restaurant as Korea’s version of American fast food. The food served here are generally cheap and not really that bad when it comes to taste and quality. Feel free to feed yourself with affordable ramyeon noodles, bibimbap, dumplings, meat stews, and a whole lot more for a price that usually won’t exceed 6,000 won. 

 

2. Take-away pizza

pizza school itaewon

Nothing can instantly fill your stomach more than a good slice of pizza, but pizza shop giants like Pizza Hut and Domino’s have quite pricey pizzas in South Korea. But pizza lovers should not fret as smaller pizza shops like Pizza School sell whole pies for less than 6,000 won. Not only do these pizza pies come in different flavors, they can also feed approximately 3-4 people.

 

3. Kimbap (Korean Sushi)

homeplus kimbap

If you are craving for a quick sushi fix, then going to supermarkets like Home Plus or E-Mart will be your best bet. These establishments sell a diverse variety of ready-to-eat sushi that sell for less than 600 won per piece. With a per piece rate this cheap, feel free to buy more than 10 pieces for a filling lunch or dinner!

 

4. Bunshik (Street Food)

korean street food

Another way to get immersed into Korean culture without breaking the bank is to try the delicious Korean street food or bunshik. Food trucks selling cheap food can be found almost anywhere in South Korea. Examples of must-try bunshiks are the twigim (fried treats), rice cakes, fish cakes and a lot more. And these savoury street food items generally cost only 5,500 won or even less, which is just perfect for people who have limited budget but still want to be adventurous when it comes to eating.

 

5. Doshirak (lunch boxes)

doshirak

Always be on the look out for supermarkets and other food establishments that actually sell lunch box sets to people who are always on the go. An example of these places is Hansot Doshirak where most lunch box sets sell for less than 6,000 won. For this set you already usually have an egg, a rice dish and two tasty sides. This is not too bad at all!

 

We at Korean BBQ Online would like to know more about your suggestions on where budget travelers can eat affordable meals in Korea. Please share them all in the comments section below!