So, we get some Korean food for the first time. At that point I knew nothing about what I was eating. Since then I have educated myself, so I can now tell you what I actually ate. He got a bibimbap and a japchae and then something else for the kids, but that I don't remember. For the record, the restaurant was chosen because of its location, not reputation. So take that in to consideration with the rest of what I have to say. The bibimbap was not to my liking. Too much fermentation, from the banchan it came with to the red pepper paste it was covered in. But the japchae? I was in love! It was delicious! The noodles fascinated me. The sauce was flavorful and not too unfamiliar of a flavor. It was a perfect intro to Korean food for me.
Fast forward to post-vacation. I found myself craving that japchae. First I had to figure out what it was because the Husband couldn't remember what it was called. A fair amount of Googling later and I had a name and a recipe. Since, like I mentioned above, I live in an area with few Korean restaurants to choose from, I had to try and recreate it on my own. It was successful enough that I have since made it a few more times, once was even for a crowd at a Lunar New Year party (I'll have to post about that awesome experience sometime). I have tried a couple of different recipes and have even done a bit of "fusion" with it, mixing it with other Asian stir-fry concepts. It has become a family favorite, with LP#2 especially. He loves it and asks for it all the time. Success!
I now have a growing list of foods I would like to try and have started looking for restaurants in the area that have those foods (and yes, someday I will even give bibimbap another go). I begin this portion of my journey with a bit of trepidation but also excitement. After all, I need to be prepared for the day when I finally get to travel to Korea, right?
So, I'm curious, what's your favorite Korean food? What do you think I, a Korean food newbie, should try?
So, I'm curious, what's your favorite Korean food? What do you think I, a Korean food newbie, should try?
Sounds yummy. Wait, it WAS yummy. I like how you called it a "lunar" new year party. Around these parts we call it Chinese new year : )
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