Book overview
The Art of Korean Cooking is a definitive introduction to Korean cuisine and a beautifully crafted cookbook. It compiles more than eighty recipes, each meticulously researched and tested by Onjium---a cultural research institute and Michelin-starred restaurant in Seoul dedicated to reviving and modernizing Korean culinary traditions, preserving past tastes for future generations.
The book includes a series of cultural essays, interspersed throughout, grounding readers in Korean cuisine and culture. Together, these trace the history of traditional flavors and ingredients back thousands of years through the Joseon and Goryeo dynasties. A particular emphasis is placed on Royal Court Cuisine, accompanied by numerous modern spins on dishes once served at Joseon--era royal banquets.
Organized by season, the recipes range from familiar dishes like bibimbap with spring vegetables or seafood hot pot to the lesser known: azalea rice cakes, chestnut porridge, beotgul (oyster) salad, or stir-fried ueong (burdock root) with sweet--potato noodles. Each recipe is accompanied by a stunning photograph of its final plating, while artfully designed double pages depict ingredients and scenes from nature during the changing seasons. Bookending the recipes are a series of illustrated sections covering essential drinks, garnishes, and condiments. These include alcoholic beverages; bugak (dried deep--fried vegetables or seaweed); jangajji (pickles); tea; and fruit and vegetable jellies.