Korean Food Made Simple

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. (May)