This video is part two in my Real Korean Cooking Stories, a series of videos I filmed after finishing my first cookbook in 2015 when I traveled to Korea. This episode shows my visit to my friend Ji-hyun’s home, where we made a Hanwoo beef lunch together and enjoyed a wonderful time with her mom.
Has anyone here ever tried Hanwoo beef?
Hanwoo cows are unique to Korea, raised with care and compassion by passionate farmers. Hanwoo beef melts in your mouth with a delicate flavor. Its soft, evenly marbled texture and aroma are beyond imagination! It also has none of the gaminess you can find in some other meats.
Supply is limited and it’s not exported internationally, so I always enjoy it whenever I’m back in Korea. Hanwoo restaurants are so expensive and the portions are usually too small for me, so it’s hard to fully enjoy the experience. I prefer to buy raw Hanwoo beef at a high-quality grocery store where it’s sold with a serial number for the exact cow it came from, and even the individual farmer’s contact details on the label, showing their pride in the beef they raise. That way, I know I’m getting the best quality. Then I cook it at home, the way I like it! My habits are unlikely to change, even if I were a millionaire. : )
The experience made me realize that a true friend feels close even after years apart, like you saw them only yesterday! Cooking and sharing a delicious meal gave us the chance to reconnect and strengthen our friendship.
Recipe notes
All the dishes in this episode are easy to follow. If you can’t get Hanwoo, you can use premium cuts of beef as a substitute. Why don’t you recreate this meal with a long-lost friend or family member? It might bring back the same warmth and connection.
I made these recipes in this episode:
And here are the side dishes on the table my friend set:
This story originally appeared on Maangchi
