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!

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.

 

31 Dec 2015
culture, food, Uncategorized
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What makes Korean food Korean?

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What makes Korean food Korean?

In a world that offers a massive array of cuisines from all over, the Korean food definitely knows how to distinguish itself. Today we are going to feature what makes Korean food distinctly Korean, and we believe that this is especially helpful for people out there who have yet to fully familiarize themselves with Korean cuisine. But for those who are already Korean foodies by heart and soul, we are sure that you will be nodding your heads in affirmation as you go through this article. Now allow us to brief you with the typical characteristics of Korean food:

 

1. Spice.
gochugaru
Koreans know their spice, and man do they use it so well. Vinegar, wine, garlic, sesame, ginger, bean paste, peppers, soy sauce, you name it. Koreans will never back down in intensifying their food’s flavors using a variety of spices. Oh the sensory feast!

 

2. Side dish.
banchan
It’s almost impossible to enjoy a typical Korean meal without a side dish, and honestly, these side dishes are actually already very tasty on their own. From the most popular Korean side dish of all time, kimchi, to the equally common ones like shrimps, fish, cabbage, lettuce, steamed veggies, and beef, ah, your meal is just bound for awesomeness. Make those delectable side dishes by checking out what we offer!

3. Meat, meat, meat.
eat galbi like a pro
Of course! This is why we all love Korean BBQ! We are all too familiar with the cuts, the marinades, and the dipping sauces. And how can we forget that distinct flavor and tenderness that only Korean BBQ meats can deliver? Check out our offering of marinated and non-marinated meats AND wagyus today!

4. Soups.
mae un tang
Koreans love their soups that are just packed with flavor. Regardless of whether you prefer having a hot and spicy soup to feel warm during the cold weather or just a simple vegetable and beef broth on a normal, sunny day, there are always a Korean soup that will suit your preferences and tastes.

5. Healthy balance.
healthy balance
Korean dishes are known for how healthily balanced they are. Yes, you have the meats, but Koreans don’t forget their vegetables and grains on the side. It’s very common for Koreans to wrap their meats using vegetable leaves for eating or to devour veggie-based side dishes to complement their meat-heavy feasts. Regardless of how much Korean cuisine has grown and evolved, this healthily balanced concept of Korean food has always remained.

 

Feel free to comment below on any characteristic of Korean food that we’ve missed! And don’t forget to check out our Korean BBQ Online menu so you can bring that awesome Korean dishy goodness conveniently to your home.

29 Dec 2015
food, how to, Korean BBQ
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Eating samgyeopsal like a pro

samgyeobsal wrapping

Eating samgyeopsal like a pro

Samgyeopsal is one of those pork belly dishes that you will almost always see in any Korean BBQ feast. What can we say – Koreans love their pork so much! The cuts for this meat are much thicker and are often served uncooked and unmarinated. This means that you will be doing all of the grilling and portioning of the cuts into smaller pieces so that they will be cooked evenly and thoroughly. That said, be prepared for all the smoke that will follow because it’s all part of the Korean BBQ fun!

Another delightful thing when ordering samgyeopsal is the variety of colorful side dishes and dipping sauces that will come with it. Kimchi, peppers, mushrooms, garlic, onions, ginger, lettuce, ssamjang, gireumjang – you name it. You’ll really be in for some gastronomic treat!

Once you’ve done your part in the cutting, flipping and grilling of the meat, then it’s time to eat the product of your labor. Don’t go fast in grabbing those chopsticks now because we will brief you on how to best eat samgyeopsal. Here are some basic steps on how you can eat samgyeopsal like a Korean:

  1. Take a piece of your lettuce or of the vegetable leaf that you prefer.
  2. Get a portion of your grilled meat, dip it in your preferred dipping sauce (i.e., gireumjang), and then put it on your leaf.
  3. Add the sides that were served to you depending on your preference. Ssamjang, kimchi, grilled vegetables, rice, mushrooms… the floor is yours!
  4. Once you’re done stuffing your leaf, you roll the leaf up just like a burrito and then eat the entire thing in one go.

And that’s it! Just some delicious explosion in your mouth right then and there thanks to samgyeopsal.

If you wish to enjoy samgyeopsal right at the comforts of your own home, then always remember that Korean BBQ Online is here to deliver.

How about you? How do you eat your samgyeopsal?

29 Dec 2015
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5 Korean dishes for non-spicy food lovers

bibimbap

5 Korean dishes for non-spicy food lovers

Koreans might be known for using a wide variety of spices to enhance the flavor of their dishes, but not all the awesome ones are spicy. So rejoice for lovers of non-spicy foods! You can still enjoy the best of Korean cuisine without the burning sensation and sweat that comes along with spiciness. Today we’ve compiled a list of some Korean dishes that foodies who don’t prefer the heat would definitely enjoy. Let’s get started!

Tteok-galbi (short rib patties)

ddeok galbi

Tteok-galbi (short rib patties) is a dish that is made out of seasoned, finely minced galbi. The grilled meat itself is very tender and is just a delight to eat with tteok (rice cake). This dish is also best eaten with plain noodle soup with non-spicy kimchi because the freshness of the soup will enhance the richness of this dish’s flavor. If this sounds deliciously tempting to you, then why don’t you make yourself one at home? Korean BBQ online has both marinated and non-marinated galbis that are ready to be delivered to your doorstep. Hassle-free on your end!

Bibimbap

bibimbap

Of course bibimbap is a part of this list given its immense popularity. The balanced nature of this meal is one of its appealing factors considering that you’ll get to enjoy strips of meat, vegetables, egg, and rice in one serving of this dish. You can even add your own toppings if you want to! And given that you don’t like spicy food, then you can always use soy sauce or butter to replace the red chili paste that people typically add on bibimbap.

Han-jeongsik (Korean table d’hote)

hanjeongsik

Han-jeongsik (Korean table d’hote) is another proof of how Koreans are fond of enjoying a very balanced dish. This is a traditional “complete” set meal that was historically eaten by the Korean upper class. You have your rice, vegetables and a wide array of side dishes.

Juk (porridge)

juk

Your typical porridge just got some healthy upgrade through juk (porridge). This light yet nutritious dish is just your healthy comfort food that will give you that extra energy and strength that you need on any given day. This porridge can also be digested easily and is really great for those who are recovering from sickness.

Saengseon-hoe (sliced raw fish)

sashimi (1)

Lovers of raw seafood, this is your moment! Saengseon-hoe (sliced raw fish) is not only tasty, it is also packed with nutrients that are not minimized because of the addition of unwanted preservatives. It is equivalent to Japanese “sashimi”. You can enhance the flavor of this dish by dipping the fish in soy sauce. And if you really want to continue your healthy eating streak, then you can even opt to wrap the raw fish in a vegetable leaf of your choice!
There are a lot more non-spicy Korean foods out there that are not included in this list, so feel free to share whatever you know on the comments down below. And if in case you want more non-spicy Korean food goodness, then check out what we offer only at Korean BBQ Online!