Korean Food Made Simple

JUDY JOO is a French-trained Korean-American chef, writer, and restaurateur whose culinary expertise spans the globe. Ushering Korean flavors into home kitchens, Judy hosts Cooking Channel’s Korean Food Made Simple and is a regular on Food Network.

With the release of Korean Food Made Simple Judy Joo can now add author to her already impressive resume. The chef restaurateur, and TV host, was kind enough to answer a few of our questions about her new book.

What are some of the misconceptions that people have about Korean food?

People tend to think that all of Korean food is spicy.  In reality, there are many dishes that are not spicy at all.  Take Korean BBQ for example— it’s just gorgeously marinated beef with classic Asian aromatics.

Any advice for the home cook who may be feeling a little intimidated with the idea of cooking Korean food?

Start out with something basic, like dumplings or the Kalbi (bbq shortribs).  Both have easily found ingredients and are quite simple to make.

What are the essential pantry items should one keep on hand?

Gochujang (fermented korean chili paste), dwengjang (fermented korean soy bean paste), gochugaru (chili flakes), soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and sesame seeds

How did you decide what recipes to put into your book?

My book represents some of my favorite and most loved recipes.  There is a mix of traditional and fusion… as well as street food.

You seemed to have fun adding some modern twists to traditional Korean cooking.

Yes, I am bicultural and my cooking reflects my worldly upbringing and life.

What’s next/ What are you working on now?          

Season 3 of Korean Food Made Simple is in the works… and perhaps another location of my restaurant, Jinjuu.

 © 2016 Bookaboutfood.com

“This is a stunning book. Forget for a moment it’s about the food of Korea. It’s just so impressive on many levels. I already crave the Disco fries and Korean eggplant and I won’t rest until I have the Korean fried chicken! Judy has written a beautiful, timely, and truly impressive tome, both mouthwatering and so very informative. Julia Child just got a new and wonderful neighbor on my bookshelf.”—Geoffrey Zakarian, Iron Chef

“The tantalizing flavors and techniques of Korean food are just beginning to find their way into our home kitchens. Judy Joo is the perfect teacher to lead us into this exciting new world. Get ready for fireworks on your taste buds.”—Bobby Flay, chef and author

“For those of us not lucky enough to have been raised by a Korean mom whom we can rely on to give us a tight recipe for a childhood favorite, there is Judy Joo’s Korean Food Made Simple. Informative explanations of the Korean pantry, easy to follow recipes, and beautiful photographs will make this your go-to book for Korean cooking.”—Andy Ricker

“Judy Joo is an authority on authentic Korean and American-Korean food. My wife is half Korean so it’s important we celebrate the culture and traditions together and with our kids. Judy’s new book is a refreshing source of inspiration and information that’s open on our bench top every time we cook Korean food.”—Chef Curtis Stone, internationally known chef and chef/owner of Maude Restaurant, Beverly Hills

“From kimchi to bibimbap, Joo—who hosts a show on the Cooking Channel—breaks down intimidating dishes.” —Entertainment Weekly

“Korean American chef Joo’s debut shares a name with her TV show on the Cooking Channel. After introducing familiar and exotic pantry staples, from nutty toasted sesame oil to fiery Korean chile paste, Joo presents 130 recipes that blend traditional Korean home cooking with contemporary and fusion fare. Assorted kimchi and pickles (cubed radish kimchi) can have long fermentation times, but they’re easy to prepare, as are quick stir fries (pork belly and kimchi stir-fry with tofu), soups (instant noodles with spicy rice cakes and fish cakes), and desserts (red bean ice pops). The book also features chapters on sauces, breads, and drinks.VERDICT Like Maangchi’s Real Korean Cooking, this cookbook is an approachable gateway to a popular cuisine. Comparatively, Joo’s recipes are fancier, with more nods to Western palates (think: cheesecakes, ­cheesesteaks, wings, and tacos). Highly recommended.” —Library Journal

“Joo, host of the Cooking Channel’s Korean Food Made Simple, brings her unique style to Korean cuisine in this delightful and original book. Joo was raised in New Jersey by Korean parents and trained at the French Culinary Institute, and her recipes reflect this fusion of cultures and flavors. Her main focus remains on Korean cuisine, but she adds her own modern twists to reflect her complex palate. Kimchi pulled-pork disco fries, ultimate KFC (Korean fried chicken), and kimchi and bacon brioche are just a few examples of her appealing innovations. She provides a useful section on pantry staples and includes recipes for essential components of many Korean meals, including kimchi, pancakes, and dumplings. Crispy anchovies, kimchi fried rice, and “krazy” Korean burgers (made with ginger, pancetta, soybean paste, and seltzer) exemplify the wide range of combinations that Joo embraces. Soy-glazed tofu salad, “magical” chicken ginseng soup, and spicy pork belly cheesesteak are all big on flavor and use easy-to-find ingredients. Joo notes that traditional Korean desserts don’t translate well to a Western palate, so she’s revamped traditional offerings to create tempting combinations such as caramel doenjang ice cream, spicy molten chocolate lava cakes, seaweed shortbread, and Korean coffee brownies. Cooks looking to make a first foray into Korean cooking or those wishing to enhance their knowledge will delight in Joo’s uncommon approach and her tasty creations.” —Publishers Weekly

“Judy Joo’s Korean Food Made Simple is going to be a big cookbook this year… Joo’s book, available in May from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, is attractive, accessible, and full of great food that doesn’t take itself too seriously.” —Departures Magazine