July

July 15th, Chobok: Chobok is the day that marks the start of a hot summer in South Korea. There are a total of three “bok” days- Chobok, Joongbok, and finally Malbok. The three days are collectively called bok-nal, or “bok” days. The bok days are determined not by the Gregorian calendar, not the lunar calendar, but a complicated 24 solar term, so the dates vary each year! Traditionally, there are various dishes eaten during on bok days to nourish and hydrate the body during the hot seasons. The most typical dish is SamGyeTang.

Easy Jjajangmyeon Recipe (Black Bean noodles)

Ingredients (1 serving)

• handful of pork (any part really, i used thin sliced butt), cut up to bite size

• 1 medium sized onion, diced

• 1 scallion, chopped

• 1 tsp minced garlic

• 1 portion of noodles (linked)

• canola oil

• 1 tsp of brown sugar, or to taste

• 1 cup water

• 2 Tbsp jjajang powder mix (linked)

• cucumbers, sliced (for garnish)

1. chop the pork into ½ inch cubes. chop the onion and scallions in to small pieces, and mince the garlic

2. boil noodles on the side as per instructions on package. if noodles finish cooking faster, then rinse it in cold water and set aside in a sieve.

3. In a sauce pan, stir fry scallion and garlic in 1 Tbsp of neutral oil

4. add the pork and onions, saute until cooked

5. add 2 Tbsp Jjajang powder mix and 1 cup water

6. reduce until the sauce becomes thick

7. plate the noodles in a bowl and pour sauce over noodles

8. garnish with sliced cucumbers or 3 peas :)

Additional Recipe

Tangsuyook Pancake (sweet and spicy Chinese-Korean Pork)