This video is part two in my Real Korean Cooking Stories, a series of videos I filmed after finishing my first cookbook in 2015 when I traveled to Korea. This episode shows my visit to my friend Ji-hyun’s home, where we made a Hanwoo beef lunch together and enjoyed a wonderful time with her mom.
Has anyone here ever tried Hanwoo beef?
Hanwoo cows are unique to Korea, raised with care and compassion by passionate farmers. Hanwoo beef melts in your mouth with a delicate flavor. Its soft, evenly marbled texture and aroma are beyond imagination! It also has none of the gaminess you can find in some other meats.
Supply is limited and it’s not exported internationally, so I always enjoy it whenever I’m back in Korea. Hanwoo restaurants are so expensive and the portions are usually too small for me, so it’s hard to fully enjoy the experience. I prefer to buy raw Hanwoo beef at a high-quality grocery store where it’s sold with a serial number for the exact cow it came from, and even the individual farmer’s contact details on the label, showing their pride in the beef they raise. That way, I know I’m getting the best quality. Then I cook it at home, the way I like it! My habits are unlikely to change, even if I were a millionaire. : )
The experience made me realize that a true friend feels close even after years apart, like you saw them only yesterday! Cooking and sharing a delicious meal gave us the chance to reconnect and strengthen our friendship.
Recipe notes
All the dishes in this episode are easy to follow. If you can’t get Hanwoo, you can use premium cuts of beef as a substitute. Why don’t you recreate this meal with a long-lost friend or family member? It might bring back the same warmth and connection.
I made these recipes in this episode:
And here are the side dishes on the table my friend set:
I was raised in Ahndong for the 1st 8-9 years of my life before I was adopted. I can’t even imagine how different it must look now. When I was there in the late 60’s it was nothing but country side with dirt roads and mountains. It must have been wonderful to visit with your friend after 20 long years. A true friendship is when you feel like no time has passed and just pick up from where you left off before. I really want to go back to visit Korea with my husband and son to show them where I came from but it is very scary. I would love it if I could meet up with you…you planning on visiting Korea again in 2026? LOL Anyway, I love your cooking and all your videos. My son has learned to cook Korean food watching your videos. <3
Wow! You remember your hometown from childhood so vividly!
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andong
It’s touching to hear that you’d like to visit Korea with your family to show them the place where you were born. If I have the chance to visit Korea in 2026, I’ll let you know in advance through my newsletter.
“A true friendship is when you feel like no time has passed and just pick up from where you left off before.” Yes, yes!