Korean Made Easy

An accessible introduction to Korean cuisine can be achieved by skillfully combining seven key ingredients with a few commonly available extras. Items like kimchi, gochujang, and sesame oil have become staples in kitchens around the globe, reflecting their growing appeal. Although Korean cuisine is often perceived as time-consuming and reliant on hard-to-find ingredients, the book "Korean Made Easy" challenges this notion. It emphasizes that only seven foundational pantry items are needed to capture the essence of Korean flavors: Gochujang, Doenjang, Ganjang (soy sauce), Rice, Sesame oil, Fish sauce, and Gochugaru. With these, and a handful of supermarket-sourced additions, the book encompasses all necessary elements for its recipes. Author Seji offers insight into ingredient substitutions throughout the text. The book is organized into chapters featuring Kimchi, small plates known as banchan, rice, noodles, soups, stews, BBQ, and Seoul-style street food, as well as modern adaptations and soju-infused drinks. Its collection of roughly 80 recipes includes timeless dishes like Bibimbap, Japchae, and Beef Bulgogi, along with modern creations such as Gochujang Sausage Spaghetti, innovative ways to upgrade Ramyeon, and several versions of Korean Fried Chicken, not to mention refreshing soju cocktails, like Watermelon Soju Punch.