Seasonal Korean cooking with Taeyeon
Why You Should Make Wild Garlic Kimchi This Season This is my original recipe for wild garlic kimchi, based on traditional Korean fermentation methods! It highlights the flavors of wild garlic in a naturally & authentic way! Spring is the perfect time to explore new flavors in fermentation, and wild garlic (San-maneul in Korean) is […]
Kimchi is one of Korea’s iconic fermented foods, packed with complex flavors, crunchiness, and incredible health benefits! Traditionally, kimchi includes fish sauce or salted shrimp for extra depth, but did you know you can make a fully plant-based version that’s just as rich and flavorful? This vegan kimchi recipe is inspired by Salchal-eumsik (Korean Buddhist […]
How to Make Easy Kimchi at Home Kimchi is the heart of Korean cuisine, tasty & crunchy fermented vegetables packed with spice, umami, and gut-friendly probiotics! While traditional kimchi-making can seem overwhelming, this easy kimchi recipe simplifies the process, making it accessible for anyone. Even if it’s your first time! Over the years, I’ve taught […]
When the temperature drops, there’s one dish I always turn to: Hobak-juk (호박죽), a warm, velvety Korean pumpkin porridge that’s smooth, slightly sweet, and so comforting. Traditionally made with bigger pumpkin or kabocha squash, this version uses butternut squash, which is just as delicious and easier to find in many places. Plus, I’m adding a […]
Korean rice soup, or Gukbap (국밥), is the ultimate comfort food—deeply flavorful, nourishing, and satisfying. You may have seen it recently featured on NYT Cooking, but today, I’m sharing the authentic version, just like my grandma makes it. There are many versions of Gukbaps from different regions in Korea. But this Gyeongsang-do style beef radish […]
Crunchy, spicy, and slightly tangy, Mu Saengchae (무생채) is a classic Korean side dish. If you can’t find Korean radish, kohlrabi is the perfect substitute! Let’s make this easy and delicious banchan (side dish) at home. For the simplest meal, try it with a bowl of rice and a fried egg.Watch my Youtube Shorts video […]
Baechu Mandu: Dumplings Without Dumpling Dough That You’ll Love Koreans love dumplings—whether they’re steamed, boiled, pan-fried, or served in a comforting bowl of soup. While 만두 mandu (Korean dumplings) often come wrapped in wheat flour skins, there’s a lesser-known but equally delicious variety: baechu mandu (배추만두), dumplings wrapped in napa cabbage leaves. The star of […]
![Kale Doenjang-guk (Soybean paste soup with kale) ｜케일 된장국 [Vegetarian]](https://i0.wp.com/123kimchi.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Snapshot-31-01-2025-14_44-1.png?resize=360%2C540&ssl=1 "Kale Doenjang-guk (Soybean paste soup with kale) ｜케일 된장국 [Vegetarian]")
How I Got to Love Kale: Kale Doenjang-guk Cold days call for hearty, comforting soups. And with kale in season, there’s no better time to make Kale Doenjang-guk (케일 된장국), a Korean soybean paste soup that’s nourishing, simple, and full of deep, rich flavors. Give it a try! A Kale Revelation I didn’t always love […]
![Tteokguk (Korean rice cake soup) ｜떡국 [vegan/vegetarian friendly]](https://i0.wp.com/123kimchi.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Snapshot-28-01-2025-11_35-3-e1738061389328.png?resize=360%2C540&ssl=1 "Tteokguk (Korean rice cake soup) ｜떡국 [vegan/vegetarian friendly]")
Tteokguk, My Family Style: A Hug in a Bowl to Start the Year Happy Seollal (Korean New Year’s Day)! If you’ve ever celebrated the Korean New Year, chances are you’ve had a warm, comforting bowl of Tteokguk. This traditional soup is made with chewy rice cakes swimming in a delicate broth, topped with colorful garnishes […]
Did you know? Seoul is a treasure box for plant-forward dining. So many restaurants and cafes celebrate fresh, seasonal ingredients and creative veggie dishes! Given Korean cuisine’s long history with plant-based cooking, it’s no surprise these places feel so authentic and inspiring. As a chef who loves sharing Korean food culture, I think these restaurants […]
