Shang Kimchi (Summer, or Raw, Kimchi)

RECIPE

You can buy kimchi from an Asian market or make your own. Most kimchi is fermented for days or weeks to develop a pungent flavor. Although this recipe skips the fermentation step, it tastes authentic.

Yield
4 cups (serving size: 1/4 cup)

Ingredients
14 cups coarsely chopped napa cabbage (about 2 pounds)
3 tablespoons kosher salt
1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted
2 1/2 tablespoons sambal oelek or Thai chile paste
2 tablespoons minced fresh garlic
2 teaspoons dark sesame oil

Preparation
Place cabbage and salt in a large bowl, tossing gently to combine. Weigh down cabbage with another bowl. Let stand at room temperature 3 hours, tossing occasionally. Drain and rinse with cold water. Drain and squeeze dry.

Combine cabbage, sesame seeds, and remaining ingredients. Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours before serving.

Nutritional Information
Calories:19 (47% from fat)
Fat:1g (sat 0.2g,mono 0.4g,poly 0.4g)
Protein:0.9g
Carbohydrate:2.5g
Fiber:1.9g
Cholesterol:0.0mg
Iron:0.3mg
Sodium:302mg
Calcium:51mg

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Korean-Style Seared Tuna

RECIPE

Soy sauce, sesame oil, scallion, garlic, dried chiles--these traditional Korean flavorings, combined with chicken stock, make an intense and delicious sauce for the tuna. Sautéed spinach or broccoli rabe tossed with a touch of soy sauce and a sprinkling of sesame seeds would be a delicious accompaniment.

Yield
4

Ingredients
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon sugar
1/8 teaspoon dried red-pepper flakes
1/2 cup canned low-sodium chicken broth or homemade stock
4 tuna steaks, about 1 inch thick (about 2 pounds in all)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon fresh-ground black pepper
2 tablespoons cooking oil
1 teaspoon Asian sesame oil
1 scallion including green top, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced

Preparation
1. In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, sugar, red-pepper flakes, and broth. Sprinkle the fish with the salt and black pepper. Heat the cooking oil in a large frying pan over moderately high heat. Add the tuna and cook until brown, about 3 minutes. Turn and cook the fish until done to your taste, 3 to 4 minutes longer for medium rare.

2. Reduce the heat to moderately low and put the sesame oil in the pan. Stir in the scallion and garlic and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add the soy-sauce mixture; simmer until reduced to approximately 1/3 cup, about 2 minutes. Cut the tuna into slices and serve with the sauce.

Fish Alternatives: Salmon fillets or steaks will also go well with this highly seasoned sauce.

Test-Kitchen Tip: We like fresh tuna cooked to a succulent medium rare. If you prefer your tuna cooked through, just add a few more minutes to the cooking time. Be careful not to overcook it, though, or it will most assuredly be dry.

Wine Recommendation: An aromatic white wine with just a touch of residual sweetness will buffer the spiciness of this dish and balance the saltiness from the soy sauce. Try a luscious sauvignon blanc from New Zealand or California.

SS recipes

Korean Barbecue Burgers

RECIPE

These burgers are based on bulgogi, a traditional Korean barbecue specialty of marinated sirloin. If you prefer more authentic flavor, just top with a splash of rice vinegar and kimchi, the spicy-hot pickled vegetable condiment available at Asian markets. Serve with rice crackers.

Yield
6 servings (serving size: 1 burger)

Ingredients
1/2 cup chopped green onions
1 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons minced peeled fresh ginger
3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon dark sesame oil
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 pounds ground sirloin
Cooking spray
6 (1 1/2-ounce) whole wheat hamburger buns, split
6 red leaf lettuce leaves
6 tablespoons thinly sliced radishes

Preparation
Prepare grill.

Combine first 8 ingredients. Divide the mixture into 6 equal portions, shaping each into a 1/2-inch-thick patty.

Place patties on a grill rack coated with cooking spray; grill 6 minutes on each side or until a thermometer registers 160°. Remove from grill; let patties stand 5 minutes.

Place buns, cut sides down, on grill rack; grill 1 minute or until toasted. Place 1 patty on bottom half of each bun; top each serving with 1 lettuce leaf, 1 tablespoon radishes, and top half of bun.

Nutritional Information
Calories:343 (38% from fat)
Fat:14.4g (sat 4.7g,mono 5.7g,poly 2.3g)
Protein:26.7g
Carbohydrate:27.4g
Fiber:3.7g
Cholesterol:72mg
Iron:3.8mg
Sodium:534mg
Calcium:72mg

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Korean-Spiced Beef and Cabbage Rolls

RECIPE

Yield
12 servings (serving size: 1 roll)

Ingredients
Filling:
1/2 cup chopped green onions
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
1 tablespoon dark sesame oil
1 tablespoon dry sherry
2 teaspoons sugar
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon bottled ground fresh ginger
1/4 teaspoon bottled minced garlic
1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper
1/2 pound ground sirloin
Cooking spray
2 cups thinly sliced green cabbage
Dough:
4 cups all-purpose flour (about 18 ounces)
2 tablespoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/3 cups water
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 tablespoon water
1 large egg white, lightly beaten
1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Preparation
Preheat oven to 375°.

To prepare filling, combine first 11 ingredients in a large bowl.

Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Add beef mixture to pan; cook 8 minutes or until done, stirring occasionally. Stir in cabbage; cook 4 minutes or until cabbage is tender. Remove from heat; cool completely.

To prepare dough, lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl, stirring with a whisk. Combine 1 1/3 cups water, honey, and canola oil, stirring with a whisk. Add water mixture to flour mixture; stir until a soft dough forms. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead until smooth and elastic (about 5 minutes); cover and let stand 5 minutes.

Roll dough into a 16 x 12–inch rectangle (about 1/4-inch-thick) on a lightly floured surface. Cut dough into 12 (4-inch) squares. Working with 1 square at a time (cover remaining dough with a towel to prevent drying), spoon about 1/4 cup beef mixture into center of each square. Moisten edges of dough with water; bring 2 opposite corners to center, pinching points to seal. Pinch 4 edges together to seal. Place rolls, seam side down, on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Combine 1 tablespoon water and egg white in a small bowl, stirring with a whisk. Lightly brush tops of dough with egg white mixture; sprinkle each with 1/4 teaspoon sesame seeds. Bake at 375° for 25 minutes or until rolls are lightly browned. Remove from baking sheet; cool on wire racks.

Nutritional Information
Calories:247 (20% from fat)
Fat:5.4g (sat 0.8g,mono 2.5g,poly 1.7g)
Protein:9.1g
Carbohydrate:40.7g
Fiber:1.8g
Cholesterol:10mg
Iron:2.8mg
Sodium:564mg
Calcium:152mg

SS Recipes

Cucumber Salsa

RECIPE

Korean-inspired salsa on grilled pork, chicken, or beef. The juices also make a good marinade. Prep Time: about 15 minutes

Yield
Makes 5 cups salsa (serving size: 1/4 cup)

Ingredients
2 cucumbers (1 1/2 lb. total), peeled
2 Roma tomatoes (8 oz. total), rinsed and cored
1 red onion (6 oz.), peeled and chopped
5 green onions, rinsed and thinly sliced (including green tops)
3 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
1/2 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
3 tablespoons distilled white vinegar
About 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
About 1/4 teaspoon cayenne

Preparation
Dice cucumbers and tomatoes into 1/4-inch cubes and combine in a bowl. Add red and green onions, garlic, soy sauce, vinegar, and black pepper and cayenne to taste. Mix well. Cover and chill at least 30 minutes.

Nutritional Information
Calories:14 (6.4% from fat)
Protein:0.6g
Fat:0.1g (sat 0.0)
Carbohydrate:3g
Fiber:0.5g
Sodium:124mg
Cholesterol:0.0mg

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Pork and Kimchi Dumplings

RECIPE

Yield
8 servings (serving size: 3 dumplings and about 2 teaspoons sauce)

Ingredients
Dumplings:
1/2 cup finely chopped shiitake mushroom caps
1/2 cup finely chopped Shang Kimchi
1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon minced peeled fresh ginger
2 teaspoons mirin (sweet rice wine)
2 teaspoons low-sodium soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon dark sesame oil
4 ounces ground pork
24 gyoza skins
1 teaspoon cornstarch
Cooking spray
Sauce:
1 tablespoon minced green onions
3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
1 1/2 tablespoons mirin (sweet rice wine)
1 1/2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 teaspoon sesame seeds, toasted
1/2 teaspoon dark sesame oil

Preparation
To prepare dumplings, combine first 10 ingredients. Working with 1 gyoza skin at a time (cover remaining skins to prevent drying), spoon about 1 1/2 teaspoons pork mixture into center of each skin. Moisten edges of skin with water. Fold in half, pinching edges together to seal. Place dumplings, seam sides up, on a baking sheet sprinkled with 1 teaspoon cornstarch (cover loosely with a towel to prevent drying).

Arrange half of the dumplings in a single layer in a bamboo or vegetable steamer coated with cooking spray. Steam dumplings, covered, for 10 minutes. Remove dumplings from steamer; keep warm. Repeat procedure with remaining dumplings.

To prepare sauce, combine 1 tablespoon onions and remaining ingredients. Serve sauce with dumplings.

Nutritional Information
Calories:131 (24% from fat)
Fat:3.5g (sat 1g,mono 1.4g,poly 0.8g)
Protein:5.8g
Carbohydrate:17.7g
Fiber:1.2g
Cholesterol:12mg
Iron:1.3mg
Sodium:466mg
Calcium:29mg

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Watermelon-Ginger Punch

RECIPE

Loosely based on a Korean watermelon and ginger beverage, this refreshingly sweet drink will maximize lycopene if you allow the whole fruit to ripen at room temperature instead of putting it in the fridge right after purchase. You can chill the punch (and any leftover melon) for up to two days without significantly reducing the amount of antioxidant in the fruit.

Yield
6 servings (serving size: 1 cup)

Ingredients
8 cups seedless watermelon cubes, divided
1/2 cup fresh lime juice
1/2 cup sugar
2 tablespoons grated peeled fresh ginger
18 (1-inch) seedless watermelon balls
1 cup sparkling water, chilled
Cracked ice, optional

Preparation
Put 4 cups watermelon in a blender; process until smooth. Strain through a sieve into a pitcher; discard solids. Repeat procedure with remaining watermelon cubes. Combine lime juice, sugar, and ginger in a bowl; stir with a whisk until sugar dissolves. Add lime juice mixture and watermelon balls to watermelon mixture; stir in sparkling water just before serving. Serve over cracked ice, if desired.

Nutritional Information
Calories:143 (3% from fat)
Fat:0.3g (sat 0.0g,mono 0.1g,poly 0.1g)
Protein:1.6g
Carbohydrate:36.8g
Fiber:1.1g
Cholesterol:0.0mg
Iron:0.6mg
Sodium:11mg
Calcium:22mg

SS Recipes

Korean-Inspired Sautéed Tofu

RECIPE

Serve this as a first course for an Asian-themed meal, or make brown rice and steamed spinach to go with it for an entrée. Draining and pressing the tofu yields a crisp crust when pan-fried; it also helps the tofu absorb more flavor from the zesty pan sauce.

Yield
6 servings (serving size: about 1/2 cup)

Ingredients
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons mirin (sweet rice wine)
1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
1 teaspoon dark sesame oil
1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper, divided
1 (14-ounce) package water-packed soft tofu, drained
2 tablespoons canola oil, divided
1 ounce fresh ginger, peeled and julienne-cut
3 tablespoons diagonally sliced green onions
1 teaspoon minced fresh garlic
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon sesame seeds

Preparation
1. Combine vinegar, mirin, soy sauce, sesame oil, 1/8 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon red pepper in a medium bowl; stir with a whisk.

2. Cut tofu crosswise into 8 (1/2-inch-thick) slices. Arrange tofu on several layers of paper towels. Top with several more layers of paper towels; top with a cast-iron skillet or other heavy pan. Let stand 30 minutes. Remove tofu from paper towels. Cut tofu into (1-inch) cubes. Sprinkle tofu with remaining 1/8 teaspoon red pepper.

3. Heat 1 tablespoon canola oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu to pan; sauté 8 minutes or until crisp, carefully turning to brown on all sides. Remove tofu from pan; keep warm. Heat remaining 1 tablespoon canola oil in pan. Add ginger and green onions to pan; sauté 30 seconds. Add garlic to pan; sauté 30 seconds or just until golden. Add ginger mixture to vinegar mixture; stir well. Pour vinegar mixture over tofu; sprinkle evenly with 1/4 teaspoon salt and sesame seeds.

Nutritional Information
Calories:128
Fat:9.1g (sat 0.9g,mono 3.9g,poly 3.7g)
Protein:6.3g
Carbohydrate:4.9g
Fiber:0.5g
Cholesterol:0.0mg
Iron:1.1mg
Sodium:208mg
Calcium:135mg

SS Recipes

Sesame Green Beans

RECIPE

The rich sesame flavor of these green beans reflects traditional Korean cuisine.

Yield
8 servings

Ingredients
2 pounds green beans, stemmed
3 tablespoons sesame oil
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
2 tablespoons sesame seeds
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Preparation
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook, uncovered, until crisp-tender, 3 to 4 minutes. Drain and set aside.

In a large bowl, whisk together the remaining ingredients until well blended. Add the green beans and toss to combine well. Season to taste with freshly ground pepper.

Nutritional Information
Calories:99 (1% from fat)
Fat:7g (sat 1g)
Protein:3mg
Carbohydrate:9g
Fiber:4g
Cholesterol:0mg
Iron:1mg
Sodium:74mg
Calcium:52mg

SS Recipes

Korean Sesame Beef with Lettuce Wraps

RECIPE

Based on the classic Korean barbecue dish bulgogi, this recipe offers savory-sweet-garlicky beef wrapped in lettuce leaves with rice and kimchi. Kimchi is a traditional Korean condiment of fiery fermented cabbage. Look for it at Asian markets or in the supermarket's produce section.

Yield
4 servings (serving size: 4 filled lettuce leaves)

Ingredients
3/4 pound flank steak, trimmed
1/3 cup thinly sliced green onions, divided
1 tablespoon sugar
2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon dark sesame oil
2 tablespoons canola oil, divided
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
4 cups hot cooked short-grain rice
1 cup kimchi
16 red leaf lettuce leaves

Preparation
1. Cut steak across grain into 1/4-inch slices; cut slices into 1/2-inch-wide strips. Cut strips into 3-inch-long pieces. Combine steak pieces, 1/4 cup onions, sugar, soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil.

2. Heat a 14-inch wok over high heat. Add 1 tablespoon canola oil to wok, swirling to coat. Add half of steak mixture to wok; stir-fry 2 minutes or until lightly browned. Spoon cooked steak mixture into a bowl. Repeat procedure with remaining 1 tablespoon canola oil and remaining steak mixture. Sprinkle with remaining onions and sesame seeds. Spoon 1/4 cup rice, about 2 tablespoons steak mixture, and 1 tablespoon kimchi onto each lettuce leaf; roll up. Serve immediately.

Nutritional Information
Calories:498 (27% from fat)
Fat:14.8g (sat 2.7g,mono 6.8g,poly 3.3g)
Protein:25.2g
Carbohydrate:62.2g
Fiber:3.2g
Cholesterol:28mg
Iron:8.7mg
Sodium:581mg
Calcium:88mg

SS Recipes

Seoul-ful Chicken with Minted Cucumbers

RECEPE

Yield
4 servings

Ingredients
Cucumbers:
1 English cucumber, peeled, halved lengthwise, and thinly sliced (about 2 1/2 cups)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup minced shallots
2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
1 tablespoon seasoned rice vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon dark sesame oil
1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper
1 serrano chile, seeded and minced
Chicken:
8 skinless, boneless chicken thighs (about 1 1/4 pounds)
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons dark sesame oil
1 tablespoon minced peeled fresh ginger
1 tablespoon honey
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
Cooking spray
1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions
4 teaspoons sesame seeds, toasted

Preparation
1. To prepare cucumbers, place cucumber slices in a colander; sprinkle with salt, tossing well. Drain 1 hour. Place cucumber slices on several layers of paper towels; cover with additional paper towels. Let stand 5 minutes, pressing down occasionally. Combine cucumber, shallots, and next 6 ingredients (through chile) in a large bowl; toss gently. Cover and set aside.

2. To prepare chicken, place each chicken thigh between 2 sheets of heavy-duty plastic wrap; pound to 1/2-inch thickness using a meat mallet or small heavy skillet. Combine soy sauce and next 5 ingredients (through garlic) in a large zip-top plastic bag. Add chicken to soy sauce mixture in bag; seal. Marinate in refrigerator 30 minutes, turning bag occasionally.

3. Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Remove chicken from bag; discard marinade. Place 4 thighs in pan; cook 6 minutes on each side or until done. Repeat procedure with remaining 4 thighs. Place 2 thighs and 1/2 cup cucumbers on each of 4 plates; sprinkle each serving with 1 tablespoon green onions and 1 teaspoon sesame seeds.

Wine note: Serve an herbaceous sauvignon blanc to echo the crisp freshness of the dish's cucumber and mint. Chilean versions, like Veramonte Sauvignon Blanc Reserva 2007 ($11), strike a balance between the crisp, green flavors of the New Zealand–style wine and the juicy tropical fruit and melon of California versions in an affordable package. —Jeffery Lindenmuth

Nutritional Information
Calories:262 (31% from fat)
Fat:8.9g (sat 1.9g,mono 3g,poly 2.8g)
Protein:29.9g
Carbohydrate:14.9g
Fiber:1.5g
Cholesterol:115mg
Iron:2.7mg
Sodium:502mg
Calcium:40mg

SS Recipes

Seasoned Spinach

RECIPE

You will need to steam the raw spinach in two batches, since there is so much of it. Combining the cool ingredients with your hands is easiest.

This recipe goes with Bibimbop (Rice and Vegetable Medley)

Yield
6 servings (serving size: 1/4 cup)

Ingredients
2 (10-ounce) packages fresh spinach, divided
1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
1 teaspoon sesame seeds, toasted
2 teaspoons low-sodium soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon dark sesame oil
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
2 garlic cloves, minced

Preparation
Steam half of spinach, covered, for 5 minutes or until the spinach wilts; place steamed spinach in a colander. Repeat procedure with remaining spinach. Cool slightly, and squeeze dry.

Place spinach in a bowl. Add onions and remaining ingredients; toss mixture well to combine. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Nutritional Information
Calories:31 (26% from fat)
Fat:0.9g (sat 0.1g,mono 0.3g,poly 0.4g)
Protein:2.9g
Carbohydrate:4.2g
Fiber:2.8g
Cholesterol:0.0mg
Iron:2.7mg
Sodium:214mg
Calcium:96mg

SS Recipes

Korean Clear Noodles with Mixed Vegetables

RECIPE

Notes: Use the hard-to slice end pieces saved from the uncooked Korean Barbecued Beef steak for this recipe.

Yield
Makes 6 servings

Ingredients
6 ounces dried bean threads (saifun)
8 dried shiitake mushrooms (1 oz.)
About 6 ounces beef flank steak (see notes)
4 tablespoons Asian sesame oil
5 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons sliced green onion, plus 3 whole green onions
1 tablespoon sugar
1 clove garlic, peeled and pressed or minced
1 yellow onion (8 oz.), peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch-thick slivers
1 cup coarsely shredded carrots
1 cup diagonally sliced (1/4 in. thick) green beans
About 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Salt
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

Preparation
1. In a 3- to 4-quart covered pan over high heat, bring 2 quarts water to a boil. Immerse bean threads in water and stir to separate; cover and remove from heat. Let stand until noodles are soft, 3 to 5 minutes. Drain well. With scissors, cut into 6-inch lengths.

2. Rinse mushrooms and place in a small bowl with enough hot water to cover; let stand until soft, about 15 minutes. Lift mushrooms from soaking liquid (reserve liquid for another use or discard) and squeeze dry. Cut stems off mushrooms and discard. Cut mushroom caps into 1/4-inch-wide strips.

3. Rinse beef and pat dry. Chop beef into 1/4-inch pieces. In a bowl, mix meat with 1 teaspoon sesame oil, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, sliced green onions, 1 teaspoon sugar, and the garlic. Cover and chill at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.

4. Meanwhile, trim root ends from green onions; cut into 2-inch lengths, including green tops.

5. In a 12-inch nonstick frying pan or a 5- to 6-quart nonstick pan over medium-high heat, stir 2 teaspoons sesame oil and the yellow onion until slightly softened but not limp, about 2 minutes. Pour into a large bowl. Return pan to medium-high heat, and add 1 more teaspoon sesame oil, the carrots, and the green onion lengths. Stir until green onions are slightly wilted, about 1 minute; add to bowl. Return pan to medium-high heat and add 2 more teaspoons sesame oil, the mushrooms, and the green beans; stir until mushrooms are lightly browned, about 2 minutes. Add to bowl.

6. Return pan to medium-high heat; add 1 tablespoon sesame oil and the beef mixture. Stir until lightly browned, 2 to 3 minutes; add to bowl. Return pan to heat and add drained noodles, 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 2 teaspoons sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper; stir until noodles are hot, 1 to 2 minutes. Pour into bowl with vegetable-beef mixture. Mix well, adding salt and pepper to taste. Pour into a bowl; sprinkle with sesame seeds.

Nutritional Information
Calories:299 (39% from fat)
Protein:8.2g
Fat:13g (sat 2.7)
Carbohydrate:39g
Fiber:3.3g
Sodium:892mg
Cholesterol:15mg

SS Recipes

Korean Recipes

Although many ingredients used in Korean cooking are widely used in surrounding countries like Japan and China the style, preparation, and taste are different. Korean cuisine is known for its variety of fermented vegetables, soups, seafood, and barbequed meats. Like many other East Asian countries, rice plays a dominant role. Although many sweet treats are made in the country, dessert is usually sliced fresh fruit.

For those not familiar with Korean dishes many can be quite pungent and/or spicy. Red chile peppers, sesame oil, and fermented vegetables are used often in many dishes.

Here you can learn how to cook Korean food by yourself from many popular Korean recipes. Just do it and enjoy the great taste now!

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