Korean Food Made Simple

Korean Food Made Simple is a captivating television series that debuted on the Cooking Channel in 2014. The show offers a vivid exploration into the culinary world of Korea as seen and prepared through the lens of its delightful host, Judy Joo. This TV series is not just about cooking Korean food - it's about merging two worlds, representing a beautiful amalgam of East and West, the traditional and contemporary, and the familiar and unfamiliar.

Judy Joo, who is of Korean descent but who grew up and trained as a chef in the US and UK, hosts Korean Food Made Simple. Her goal is to introduce Korean cuisine to a broader global audience, demystifying it and showing just how approachable and delicious it can be. Joo’s passion for Korean food is evident in her vibrant on-screen presence. As a refined chef and a former Iron Chef UK contestant, not only does she skillfully demonstrate how to prepare Korean dishes, but she does so with an edge that fuses her western culinary training with her Korean roots.

The series takes the audience on a journey, not only through the how-to’s of Korean cooking but also through the markets, restaurants, and landscapes of Korea. The episodes often follow Joo's culinary adventures in different regions of Korea, where she highlights the ingredients, techniques, and cultural aspects that define unique local cuisines. From the bustling cities such as Seoul with its 24-hour cafes and street food, to the quiet seaside villages famous for their seafood, each episode unfolds around a theme, ingredient, or aspect of Korean food culture.

In each episode, Joo takes a central ingredient or theme, such as Kimchi, noodles, or barbecue, and explores it thoroughly. She starts by introducing the ingredient, followed by a trip to a local market to source fresh produce. She then collaborates with local experts and chefs who share their kooky cooking tips and insights into Korean food traditions, and finally, presents her own take, using these ingredients in delectable recipes that she recreates her way - easy, simplified, and modernized.

The essence of Korean Food Made Simple is in its ‘simplicity’ and ‘accessibility’. Despite being a professional chef, Judy Joo focuses on dishes that viewers can make at home themselves. From bulgogi to bibimbap, to street food snacks and sweet treats, Joo demonstrates that these recipes can be recreated in your kitchen, without intimidating culinary techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. She makes a concerted effort to suggest alternatives to specific ingredients that may not be easily available outside of Korea, making the show truly accessible to viewers worldwide.

But the show is not just about food. It also explores the fascinating food culture of Korea. One gets to learn about experiences like the peculiar yet mesmerizing tradition of visiting seafood markets at dawn, trying fermented drinks in local breweries, or even experiencing the Korean barbecue tradition first-hand. The vibrant food scenes that the show captures provide valued insights into the culinary lifestyle of Korea, making the show a perfect mix of cultural exploration and culinary instruction.

The production quality of Korean Food Made Simple is top-notch, with magnificent footage displaying the lush landscapes, vibrant markets, comfortable home kitchens, modern restaurants, and serene temples of Korea. The music is lively and fun, adding to the program's overall appeal, and Joo’s dynamic and congenial presence ties the show together, engaging the viewer’s interest throughout.

The show has successfully brought Korean cuisine to international viewers while breaking down cultural and culinary barriers. It equips viewers with the knowledge and confidence to explore this distinctive cuisine and its cooking techniques. For those unfamiliar with Korean food, Korean Food Made Simple provides an excellent introduction to the cuisine. And for those already fond of Korean food, the series offers a chance to delve deeper into the cuisine’s nuances and subtleties. Joo has a knack for making her audience feel like part of the journey, encouraging them to discover the pleasure of Korean cuisine at their own pace and in their own style.

In a nutshell, Korean Food Made Simple is a captivating fusion of culture, cooking, and travel. Whether you're a dedicated foodie, a culinary novice, or just someone who loves travel and culture, this series is sure to both entertain and inspire. If you’re looking to advance your culinary boundaries, or just looking for something unique in your weekday dinner repertoire, this hit Cooking Channel series invites you to spice things up with a dose of Korean cookery.