Simply Healthy Korean Recipes
Jumuk + Bap = Fist + Rice
A friend of mine once asked me what jumuk bap meant. I told her that it directly translated to “fist rice.” She thought it weird, but I never once questioned the reason behind it. It was always very clear to me. It’s usually about the size a small fist. And you have to theoretically make a fist-motion in order to form these suckers. Apparently, that astute observation and explanation didn’t convince her. Whatever. No jumuk bap for you little lady!
Is this a normal course of a person’s evolution? Little by little over the past few years, I became a person I hardly recognize. I was at an event that was attended by a number of celebrities this Monday, including Justin Timberlake. A few years ago, a JT sighting would have had me giddy as a teenager. But do you know who I was most excited to spot at this event? Marcus Samuelsson. Just in case, you are saying huh? He is the chef/owner of Red Rooster in Harlem.
Continue Reading Korean Sticky, Sweet, and Spicy Chicken Legs . . .
I have chickpeas on the brain. I kind of blame it on Amazon. Among other things, I’m addicted to Amazon. I bought 12 cans of garbanzo beans on subscribe and save. That’s a crap load of beans for a tiny family of two. Now why did I do this? Because among other things, I can’t pass up a seemingly good deal. I’m still feeling the high of getting a stainless steel handheld blender at Costco for only $19.99. I probably didn’t even need it. Yes, I have issues.
I hate to generalize. But I will do it anyway. When Koreans cook, size matters. This is especially true when it comes to marinating meats – always 10+ lbs. If a Korean cook doesn’t follow this general rule of thumb, he/she is relentlessly ridiculed by fellow Korean cooks. They’ll say you have a “small hand.” Nope, it doesn’t mean that. 😉 It just suggests that you are not generous; you think too small. Pretty tough, huh? Ok. It may be a slight exaggeration, but not by much. It may just be my family, but I don’t think so.
Kimchi seems to be ubiquitous in the culinary world these days. Celebrity chefs are enamored with it. Small local markets and even the behemoth Whole Foods is carrying it. Suburbanites and hipsters alike are experimenting with it. And of course, food bloggers cook and write about it. It’s hard to believe that not too long ago, many people pinched their nose when in close proximity to kimchi. I think this is just a small part of a larger trend. I see more and more people embracing new experiences and accepting different types of cultures and lifestyles.