Songpyeon (Half-moon Shaped Rice Cake)

September 9, 2019

Songpyeon is a must-have Chuseok delicacy. These little rice cakes are stuffed with sweet fillings. Learn how to make songpyeon with natural food coloring options!

Korean half-moon shape rice cakes in yellow, green and white colors 

What is Chuseok

Chuseok (추석) is coming up! It’s one of the two most celebrated traditional holidays together with the lunar New Year Day (Seollal, 설날). Also referred to as Hangawi (한가위), it falls on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month – the same day many Asian countries celebrate a Mid-Autumn Festival. Families gather and celebrate the year’s harvest, giving thanks to their ancestors. Women of the house work hard for days leading up to this day to prepare a sumptuous holiday feast. See my 15 Chuseok recipes. In Korea, Chuseok is celebrated over 3 days. 

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Filed Under: Chuseok, Chuseok (Korean thanksgiving), Desserts/Sweets, Recipes, Traditional holiday food Tagged With: , , , , 37 Comments

Galbijjim (Korean Braised Beef Short Ribs)

August 25, 2019
Korean braised beef short ribs in a bowl

Galbijjim (kalbijjim) is a Korean traditional braised beef short ribs dish in a rich sauce. You can make these tender, succulent short ribs at home with this easy, authentic recipe!  Galbijjim (or kalbijjim, kalbi jjim) is braised beef short ribs, which is typically served on traditional holidays and special occasions in Korea. I make these Continue reading

Filed Under: Chuseok (Korean thanksgiving), Main Dish, Meat, Recipes, Traditional holiday food 60 Comments

Oiji Muchim (Spicy Seasoned Cucumber Pickles)

August 12, 2019
Red spicy seasoned Korean pickle slices

Oiji muchim is a simple side dish made with Korean pickled cucumbers, oiji! It's crunchy, chewy, spicy and deliciously salty. Oiji muchim (오이지 무침) is a simple side dish made with oiji, Korean cucumber pickles! Fermented simply in salt water, oiji is a traditional way to preserve cucumbers beyond their growing season. During fermentation, a Continue reading

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Oi Naengguk (Chilled Cucumber Soup)

July 14, 2019
Korean chilled cucumber soup in a glass bowl with a spoon

Oi naengguk is a classic chilled soup made with cucumber and seaweed (miyeok). It’s a refreshingly tangy soup that’s perfect for hot summer days! Oi naengguk (오이냉국) is a classic Korean chilled soup. Oi means cucumber, and naengguk means chilled soup. It’s one of those dishes that remind me of my childhood summertime meals! My mother made Continue reading

Filed Under: Recipes, Soup, Vegetables, Vegetarian dish 8 Comments

Kimchi Bibim Guksu (Spicy Cold Noodles with Kimchi)

July 8, 2019
red spicy noodles with Kimchi, cucumbers and egg

Got kimchi in the fridge! Try making this spicy, slightly sweet, savory and tangy cold noodle dish. It's simply made with kimchi and a few staple seasoning ingredients!  What do you make for lunch, or dinner for that matter, when there seems to be nothing in your fridge? For Koreans, it's usually a dish made with kimchi because there is Continue reading

Filed Under: Noodles and Rice, Recipes, Vegetables 25 Comments

Shrimp Salad with Hot Mustard Dressing (Saewu Naengchae)

June 23, 2019
Shrimp salad stacked up on a plate with mustard dressing

This simple and refreshing Korean shrimp salad is packed with flavors and heat! It's an easy recipe that's perfect as an elegant starter, side dish or light meal! Here’s another great Korean-style salad recipe! It’s a shrimp salad with a hot mustard (gyeoja) dressing (겨자소스), which is a classic Korean sauce. As mentioned in the chicken salad Continue reading

Filed Under: Appetizer/Snack, Recipes, Seafood, Side Dish Tagged With: , , , , , 23 Comments

Korean Chicken Salad with Pine Nut Dressing

June 9, 2019
Korean Chicken Salad on a bed of spring mix with red radish slices

This simple chicken salad recipe is made with shredded breast meat and a Korean pine nut dressing! It’s a healthy dish you can easily make for a quick lunch. Or, double/triple the recipe for a potluck or Korean BBQ party. This Korean chicken salad is made with a traditional pine nut dressing. No mayonnaise! The pine nut dressing is light, Continue reading

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Spicy Grilled Shrimp Skewers (Gochujang Saewu Gui)

May 27, 2019
Red spicy shrimp skewers in a grill pan

Easy spicy grilled shrimp flavored with a deeply savory gochujang sauce! The marinade is so easy to prepare, and the shrimp cook up very quickly. It’ll be perfect as a weeknight meal or a simple addition to your summer BBQ! Sometimes it only takes one special ingredient to give a dish a total makeover. In this recipe, that one ingredient Continue reading

Filed Under: Main Dish, Recipes, Seafood Tagged With: , , , , 26 Comments

Stir-fried Garlic Scapes (Maneuljjong Bokkeum)

May 18, 2019
A bowl of stir-fried garlic chives with walnuts

A simple Korean banchan made with spring garlic scapes! This delicious side dish takes less than 20 minutes to whip up.    Garlic scapes (maneuljjong - 마늘쫑 ) are in season. I got a bunch from a Korean market for the first time this season. They are available in the late spring and early summer, when scapes are most tender and Continue reading

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Kongjang (Soy Braised Soybeans)

May 13, 2019
Soy braised soybean side dish garnished with optional sesame seeds

Kongjang is a classic side dish that's made by braising soybeans in a sweet and savory liquid. It's a popular banchan that's easy to make with a few ingredients.  Kongjang (콩장), also called kongjaban (콩자반), is a sweet and savory braised soybean dish. It's a staple side dish in Korean homes.  On weekends, I try to Continue reading

Filed Under: Recipes, Side Dish, Vegan, Vegetables, Vegetarian dish Tagged With: , , , , , , 21 Comments
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