Cooking for One in Korea: Chicken and Zucchini Stir Fry

Here's another quick and easy weekly night meal that I really enjoy. Over time, I've tweaked the sauce to get the flavor and heat that I love. Again, all the ingredients can be found locally at any Korean market- you can also throw just about any vegetables you want! Enjoy!

Chicken and Zucchini Stir Fry

1 chicken breast, chopped
1/2 zucchini, peeled and diced
1/2 red pepper
8 button mushrooms
4 green onions, chopped
1 glove garlic, minced
2 tsp freshly grated ginger
1/2 cup water or chicken stock
1 tbl spoon sesame oil
2 tsp chili flakes
1 tbl soy sauce
2 tsp cornstarch


Before chopping the vegetables, I chop the chicken and place in a bowl. I then sprinkle with salt and pepper and grate a few shavings of fresh ginger over the chicken, and mix by hand. Then let stand until you are ready to start frying.

For the sauce: Mix water, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, chili flakes, and cornstarch. Whisk until smooth, and let stand. If you desire a thicker sauce, add a touch more cornstarch.

1. Heat the pan and stir fry chicken for a few minutes. I add about a tablespoon of the sauce to the chicken while frying. 2.When chicken is golden brown, remove and add a touch more oil to the pan.  3.Throw in your vegetables and stir fry for another few minutes until tender crisp. Add about a tablespoon more of the sauce mixture.
4. Add the chicken to the pan, and stir all ingredients together.

5.Slowly add the sauce micture and coat. Continue to stir fry a few more minutes, and serve over rice or ramen.

Time Flies

It's hard to believe that today marks exactly eight months since I started teaching in Korea. It's even harder to think that my contract will over and I'll be heading back home in four! Today is the day the EPIK program requires you to decide whether you're staying or going.  For some it's been a tough decision, but this adventure ends here for me. It had always been a one a year plan, something I'd always wanted to do and now that I've done it- it's time to return home.

Now, if were in my early twenties I would be renewing my contract without a doubt. The perks alone (money, extra vacation) are enough to keep you grounded. If you live within your means you can save enough to pay off your student loans and possibly even enough for a down payment for a home.

The experience has been truly amazing- and once you get into the swing of things you find yourself immersed in nothing but good times. I've met some wonderful people, seen some beautiful places and have also found a few more wrinkles that are a  constant reminder of  all our late nights having fun.

With less than a 125 days to go, it seems as though there is still so much to do and quite frankly so little time to do it all. I won't be renewing my contract- but instead will be making way for some new Native Teacher to take my place and indulge in the adventures that Dynamic Korea has to offer.

For more information on the perks of the EPIK program in Korea please visit this website: http://www.epik.go.kr/

Headbands and High Heels

When in Rome do as the Romans do. This age old saying has its applications for just about any traveler anywhere in the world. I've succumbed to the chopsticks, the bowing and the soju, but there's just two things that I haven't been able to do is sport  headbands and heels.

On Headbands: Korean women have an obsession with both being cute and sexy at the same time. This is all fine and dandy, most women want to appeal to the opposite sex in both a girlish and womanly manner- but when it means wearing mickey mouse ears at the ripe age of 25, in my opinion it just doesn't work.

When attending any amusement park in Korea, girls, teens and yes, adults  wear ears. It's really big here. Headbands with bows and pointed prints can be spotted on just about every female. I've even witnessed a few adult males wearing them.

For picture purposes only, I tried on a pair. I was complimented beyond measure.  Trust me, its the last time I'll be putting those on.

On High Heels: Every woman loves a fabulous pair of heels. As my girlfriend pointed out, here in Korea, the minute your foot slips in to the heel, the countdown begins.  In Korea, you have to walk just about everywhere you go. The streets are uneven and there are times when you're walking for several miles- putting on heels just isn't an option. However, Korean women are all gussied up for just about any occasion and wearing heels it seems is their only option for footwear.  They wear heels hiking, touring and even at amusement parks. It's ridiculous to me, but I guess when all these women are vying for couple-hood they have to put their best assets forward. Most of my ex-pat (male) friends love Korea for this sole purpose.  The women here choose sex appeal over comfort every day of the week.

Yesterday, we attended a local amusement park here in Daegu. A total of 23 schools arrived with students in elementary, middle and high school levels. Some of the outfits I saw were, well, outrageous. They were at an amusement park for crying out loud. Mini skirts, false eyelashes and heels. I'm not sure about everyone else out there, but when getting ready for a day on the roller-coasters; heels and frilly dresses are not the first items to be pulled out of my wardrobe.  But this is Korea, after all.  Below are some high school students waiting at the park.

I guess the point is that when you are in Korea, try not to stare at the Koreans.

Korean Food Lables

It constantly amazes me how Koreans remain so thin despite the large amounts of foods they eat. Granted, the Koreans are widely known for their many side dishes and many are chock full of healthy low-fat vegetables. Their meats are usually fried, sopped in oil and  indulge in white rice three times a day. Yet- they still they remain as skinny as ever.  From what I've seen over the course of the past few months is that they do eat small portions of meat and use a lot of tofu in their menus. They also of course,  eat fish and seafood at almost every meal.  Below is  a typical lunch served for 6 people.  The tables are usually filled to the rim with plates of side dishes.

Personally, I think they were just blessed with super genes.  I, on the other hand need to work at watching what goes into my mouth and have to exercise to keep my metabolism kicking. When I first arrived in Korea, I definitely lost a few pounds, as I struggled to get accustomed to the new cuisine.  One of the challenges I've had is that I do not eat any fish or seafood, which makes up primarily 90% of a Korean diet. I also have to tell you that  I've tried the Kimchi- but can report that I am not a fan.

As I searched the markets and super stores, which I quickly discovered sold some "North American" staples (at a very high price of course). With my new found treasures,  I relied mostly on the familiar products to enjoy cooking, the weight I had initially lost came back. To make matters worse, the public schools here in Korea provide a full course meal for lunch (served from prison trays). Given the limitations of my diet- I was mostly eating a larger- than -I'd- like- to portion of white rice everyday.

Last month, I put a stop to my Korean lunch buffets, and opted to bring my own lunch. I was healthier and at least enjoying the food I was preparing. I've definitely noticed a difference- since returning to my healthy  lunches.

I've never been a calorie counter and have always enjoyed a good meal- but I'm committed to paying even more attention (they do say your metabolism goes down hill after you've turned thirty).  I may not be a counter, but I always read the nutrition labels back home. This of course has proved to be disastrous given the labels are written in Hangul. So, for anyone out there who is trying to stay healthy in Korea- I found this very helpful when doing my food shopping around town.  Hope this helps you when reading your food labels in Korea.

Understanding Korean Food Labels

열량 Calories
탄수와물 Carbs
당류 Sugar
단백질 protein
지방 Fat
포화지방 unsat fat
트랜스지방 trans fat
콜레스테롤 cholesterol
나트륨 sodium
칼슘 calcium
식이셤유 fiber

Cooking for one in Korea: Pork and Bok Choy Stir Fry

One of the hardest things about being a foreigner in Korea is finding foods to cook and enjoying what you make. I've always had a love for food-- and have created some wonderful dishes for one while here in Korea.  It's easy to pop in some curry in the microwave- but not as easy to create savory dishes on a two burner propane stove, minus an oven.

The ingredients found in the recipe are easy to find in just about any Korean market or supermarket. This recipe is light and tasty and is great served over rice or noodles (and if you're actually in Korea- Ramen). Enjoy

Pork and Bok Choy Stir Fry

3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (you can find this at Home Plus)
pinch of red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons canola oil
Boneless pork loin cut into chunks
1 carrot chopped
2 garlic gloves, minced
1 tsp grated ginger
2 baby bok choy, thinly sliced
4 green onions


1. Combine the soy sauce, hoisin sauce and pepper flakes until smooth. I add a touch of water to the mix.

2. In a large non stick skillet, heat the oil. Add the garlic and half the onions to flavor the oil.


3. Add the pork, carrots until lightly browned. Add the ginger, stir fry for 2 minutes. Slowly add the sauce mixture, and stir. 

4.Add the bok choy and stir fry another 2 minutes, until sauce is thickened and the bok choy is wilted. Add remaining green onions.









5.Serve with rice or noodles (but if your of the low carb variety- serve it on it's own).

 

Spring!

Spring has finally arrived in Daegu, Korea!  The Koreans tell me it's a little late, and after one of the coldest Winters they've had in a long time it's quite a breath of fresh air. (Well with the yellow dust still lingering-- its not quite as fresh as some would like).

Here in Korea, Spring brings forth the start of a slew of festivals. Korea has a festival for just about anything and everything- and I am begining to wonder if its just a label they put on the occassion to spruce it up a little.

Last week-end, Daegu's Cherry Blossom Festival kicked off.   There are two  areas where the crowds flock to encounter the blossoms. The first, and most famous area is Jinhae, located in the South Gyeongsang Province. Their  festival starts on March 31 and runs through April 9. The city  features 300,000 cherry trees.  The second area is in the city of Gyeongju (Kyongju).  The city also hosts an annual marathon named after the blossoms, and has Bomun Lake Resort close by which has blossom trails.

Given the rough start to Spring this year, as we rode our tour bus through Daegu to Gyeongju- we eagerly anticipated the natural beauty that would soon be before our eyes. As we exited the bus, we were bombarded by beautiful bare blossom trees.  We were one week too early!

As we searched the landscape, not a single blossom tree could be seen. We trudged on, through the beautiful park and arrived at the  Bomun Lake resort.  As we scanned some more, we finally found three cherry trees in full bloom (it wasn't quite the hundreds we were expecting- but nevertheless we took the opportunity to shoot some photos).

Bomun Lake Resort was a beautiful scene, despite the cooler winds from the lake- the resort was full of winding walking paths, pagodas and scattered about were a few lone cherry and magnolia trees. It would have been spectacular to have seen the trees at their best- in full bloom!!

Despite the lack of cherry  trees, we managed to have a fabulous day.  We decided to make the best of it and rent some four wheelers (this of course ended up being the highlight of our day).

Get in Shape Girl!

My Korean Gym membership came to an end in late February. With my trip to Australia behind me- I took a little workout break. Well, it actually turned out to more of an extended break. Faced with the choice to return to the gym down the street or to work out on my own- I chose the lesser of two evils.  The thought of paying for an overpriced gym membership for another few months, being stared at again,  for the full  workout session just didn't appeal to me.  Thing is, I  knew that I had to work out somehow, and I needed something to get me motivated.

So last week I committed to doing Tony Horton's P-90X at home program.  I already had the mat, and resistance bands and just needed to push play.  I've opted to do the Lean program and found that
the workouts are tough, but only because there are some moves I haven't done before. I don't sweat as much as I'd like to- but I may add in a couple of running sessions just to up my cardio a little.

I've taken my before photos- and will report back in 30 and 90 days. Let's see how hard Tony can push me and how hard I can push myself.

Thirty Things to do before you're 30 (No.20)

No. 20- Get your Australian Visa:  Okay so this really is one thing you just can't do after your thirty. The minute you've turned thirty-one- it's over, unless of course you can get an employer to help you with a visa (and by that I mean having a job already set up). 

Please read this very carefully. I've been to Australia- and for a limited  two week getaway.  I would have loved to stay a lifetime. This just is not enough time to explore, adventure and have a blast down under. I totally regret not getting my Australian Visa when I was in my twenties.

Australia has so much to offer, and if you have the means- do me  favor and get your working holiday visa.  It basically allows you to stay for a year, working to pay off your travels around the continent.  I promise- you will not regret this opportunity.  

I seriously cannot begin to describe how wonderful this country and continent are-- this is a must before you're thirty... but only because you can no longer get it after you've passed the age!

The article then goes on to say, "but it's not just visas you'll miss out on if you wait until you're 31..."   Perhaps I should just stop reading the damn thing.

"Thirty things to do before you're 30" (No. 15, 16 and 17)

Right... so in case you missed my earlier to posts- I'm ranting on this article, which tells you the thirty things you must do before you're thirty. Obviously, I'm having a bit of a tough time- not because I've passed their so called cut off (i.e. thirty and old) -- but because the article sets out to suggest that once you're thirty you've lost your life (energy, singledom, and sense of adventure).  Shame on this writer. She must be a young twenty something.

No.15 Wallow in Mud South Korea- What are the changes- something that's on the list, and actaully in a country where I find myself presently living. Bad news is... I'll be thirty -one. Just one year over this so called age limit.  I plan on having loads of fun rolling around in the mud. Plus, they say the minerals in the mud are good for your skin. The Boryeong Mud Festival starts in July- and I'll be sure to tell you all about it.

No.16- Get in a Food Fight Italy/Spain- I guess that scene a couple of years back doesn't quite match up. I've been to Italy-- but I'll make it to Spain to throw wine at other people ( let's be honest-- I'd probably just end up licking it off most passerbys). The article explains that the people in Spain mark St Pedro's day by deluging everyone in sight with wine in the Battala del Vino.  Pouring wine on people sounds like my kind of good time- no matter how old you are.
 

No. 17 Stay in style (on a budget)-  So I totally agree with the contributor.  Staying in hostels is a must do before your thirty and if you haven't struck gold before you're 35, I'd say it's still alright to still check out a stylin hostel (just make sure you've reserved a private space). Hostels are kind on the wallet- put pack a pretty punch of young twenty somethings slumming it.  If you can still handle a room with 8 bunk beds- by all means indulge. 

 

In Surfer's Paradise, if you're over thirty  and are willing to hostel it- here's my suggestion: Surf N' Sun Beach Side Backpackers-- but take the private apartment for only a few dollars more.  It houses four people, and are way out from the 6 and 8 dorm rooms--

 

 

If you're headed to Sydney and you're over thirty- I can tell you that Wake Up Sydney Central was a pleasant experience. The hostel was decked out in high style- this is one place I highly recommend.  Great service, staff and a haven where your age doesn't  matter.