Dok Suni

by Jenny Kwak, Liz Fried

In Dok Suni , Jenny Kwak offers a loving and delicious introduction to the most exciting cuisine in the food world today-- Korean cooking. Whether you are one of the millions of Americans who are already devotees of the spicy, healthful, home-style world of Korean food or you're trying it for the first time, Dok Suni will delight with flavorful, authentic, easy-to-prepare specialties and a taste of the family traditions that come to life in every dish. Ranging from hearty and spicy soups (said to heal whatever ails you), barbecued beef favorites, and rice and noodle dishes to seafood and chicken specialties and the irresistible appetizers and side dishes that make every Korean meal complete, the recipes sautéed Korean vermicelli with vegetables * ginseng chicken in broth * spicy stewed crab * beef barbecue with sesame-salt dipping sauce * Korean dumplings * seafood pancake * stuffed zucchini * hearty kimchi soup * among many others. More than a recipe collection, Dok Suni (the name means "strong woman") opens the door to an entire cuisine. Sprinkled with handed-down fables, secrets for easy preparation, and loving salutes to an immigrant mom who worked hard to make it in America and shows her love through her out-of-this-world kitchen creations, the book is a truly passionate celebration of Korean cooking and eating.

Genres: Cookbooks, Cooking, Nonfiction, Food

144 pages, Hardcover

First published October 15, 1998

Reviews

[Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

So anyway was attempting to purge some books with the intent to donate (always easier said than done with regard to books) and i came across this cookbook. I am a cookbook hoarder, especially when it comes to Korean cookbooks. Based on the sticker on back i bought this one used although it shows absolutely no wear. So, i decided it was high time to check it out. The next ninety minutes disappeared in a flash as i read recipe after recipe interspersed with stories of the author’s mother and grandmother with a few Korean folk tales thrown in.

One story that stuck with me deals with a very tough time in Korea, the early 1950s. There was very little food and too many people went hungry. The markets were empty, but her mother made soup using bits and pieces of cabbage, soybean paste, bean sprouts, and, if her family was lucky they had a bit of rice. The author presents a simple recipe for this soup that has been enhanced over time with garlic, soy sauce, onion, and scallions. I will try this recipe not just because it sounds good but because my Korean born wife was scavenging for food during the same time frame and often went hungry.

There are other recipes in the book which I have not seen before like the recipe for spicy chive salad. There are many great vegetarian recipes in this book. There are also a number of excellent rice dishes. Finally, the meats. Depending on where you are in Korea the marinades for beef and pork differ slightly. I see some nice variations here that i look forward to trying.

This is an extremely well done cookbook.

[Charles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed it. Some good recipes and tips.

[Joomi Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the only English language Korean cookbook I own and it contains almost all my favorite traditional recipes. I got compliments from my family whenever I followed the recipes and I have tried more than one. It is not a vegan cookbook but does contain multiple vegan recipes.

I own the 1998 edition and have given it as gifts multiple times to different women.

[Greymalkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was happily surprised by this book. It is one of the slimmest korean cookbooks I am looking at right now but it's been the most enjoyable to flip through. I liked the flavor text and the recipes look straightforward and easy to do. The ddukbokki recipe was a hit with my husband (who loves that dish) and the kimchi recipe was tasty (if a bit too salty but we can adjust that).

[K.N. · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is at least one 한글 mistake in this book, but the recipes are nice. I'm sticking with Maangchi's 시금치 나물 recipe, but I was very happy with the 두부 부침, 오이냉국, and 수정과 recipes in here. There are several others I will definitely use or adapt and use. The book is also very pretty to look at with great stories and pictures.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very tasty and authentic recipes!

[Julian · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good take on a lot of Korean classics, but with an individuality to it all.

[Laureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is my favorite korean cookbook because the recipes are authentic and very much like the ones my mom used to make... gonna try some new things on my friends.....

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I own several Korean cookbooks, but this is by far the one I use the most. Great Recipes, great stories.

[Alex]

Dok Suni by Jenny Kwak (1998)