3 DROOLicious Recipes to Try on Chuseok 2023

If there's one thing we can agree on, it's that food is integral to any celebration. Food is not just about sustenance–it's about experience, culture, and celebration.

But have you ever savored the culinary explosion that is Chuseok? It's a time of gratitude, family, and, most importantly, an irresistible feast! Celebrating the autumn harvest, this Korean Thanksgiving offers a gastronomic adventure that'll leave you wanting more.

From the sweet delight of Songpyeon to the comforting Japchae, every dish at Chuseok narrates a tale of Korean tradition and familial bonds. So, ready your kitchen! We're about to dive into 3 DROOLicious recipes that make Chuseok an unforgettable flavor fest!

As we dive into the feast, let's first unfold why Chuseok is celebrated. While it's difficult to trace its history, legend has it that a long time ago, a king from the Silla kingdom came up with an idea: a month-long weaving competition between two groups.

Whoever had woven the most cloth was declared the winner and got to enjoy a grand feast and receive many gifts from the other team. This contest started an age-old tradition–much like our Thanksgiving–nearly 2000 years ago!

Today, food remains integral to Chuseok as it fosters bonding and expresses gratitude.
 

Families unite in the kitchen to prepare traditional dishes, strengthening ties. These meals also play a pivotal role in ancestral worship rituals during Chuseok, reflecting respect for forebears. Lastly, as a harvest festival, Chuseok's food symbolizes the season's bounty, celebrating nature's abundance while expressing gratefulness for its providence.

Chuseok is a time to give thanks and share a bounty of food with loved ones. Here are some fascinating tidbits to spice up your knowledge about this celebration:

• Chuseok marks the end of the harvest season, transforming it into a grand feast shared among family and friends.
• The banquet served during Chuseok isn't just delicious—it's also a symbol of remembrance, respect for ancestors, and thankfulness for life's blessings.
• Songpyeon, ideally made from freshly harvested rice, is a favorite Chuseok treat.
• Another popular Chuseok dish, Samsaek Namul, is presented in three colors: white, brown, and green.
• Each Chuseok dish carries a deep cultural significance, embodying important Korean values.

Disclaimer: These recipes are simplified versions of traditional Korean dishes. They may not fully capture the techniques and ingredients used in authentic Korean cooking. Be mindful of your dietary needs when following these recipes. For a truly authentic experience, consider further research or guidance from a Korean cuisine expert. Happy cooking!

Is this even a legit Chuseok article without mentioning Songpyeon? This traditional Korean dish takes center stage during the festivity. This half-moon-shaped rice cake is not just a treat for the taste buds, but it's also a symbol of the rich cultural heritage of Korea.

The name 'Songpyeon' comes from two Korean words - 'Song,' meaning pine tree, and 'Pyeon,' meaning rice cake. This delicacy is made from rice dough, carefully kneaded, and shaped into small half-moons.

Making Songpyeon is a labor of love and a family activity during Chuseok. Families gather to hand-shape these rice cakes - a tradition believed to bring good luck and prosperity. Making this dish is an excellent idea if you want to spend your Chuseok with the people you're thankful for.
 

What You Need:

• 2 cups of sweet rice flour (also known as glutinous rice flour)
• 1/2 cup of hot water
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 cup of sesame seeds
• 3 tablespoons of honey or sugar
• 1/2 cup of sweet red bean paste (optional)
• Pine needles for steaming
   

Instructions:

1. Prepare the dough. In a large mixing bowl, add the sweet rice flour and salt. Gradually add in hot water while stirring until it forms a dough. Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic. Cover it with a damp cloth and let it rest for about 30 minutes. Songpyeon dough often gets its flavors and colors from natural ingredients like mugwort, kabocha, and dried fruit powders. Feel free to experiment with various natural food dyes for added variety.
2. Prepare the filling. Toast the sesame seeds in a pan until they become golden brown. Transfer them to a mortar and crush them. Add honey or sugar and mix well. If you're using red bean paste, make sure it's ready.
3. Shape the Songpyeon. Take a small piece of dough and flatten it on your palm. Place a spoonful of your filling in the center, then fold and seal the dough into a half-moon shape. Make sure the filling is completely enclosed in the dough. Repeat this process until you run out of dough and filling.
4. Steam the Songpyeon. Line the steamer with pine needles. Arrange the Songpyeon on top, ensuring they don't touch each other. Steam over high heat for about 20-25 minutes.
5. Cool and serve. Once done, carefully remove the Songpyeon from the steamer and let them cool. After cooling, brush them with sesame oil for extra flavor and shine. Serve and enjoy!

Shaping and molding Songpyeon is such a fun activity. If you're looking for other cute and wonderfully molded snacks this Chuseok, we have more for you:

There are plenty of well-known Korean noodles, and one of them is Japchae. It’s a popular Korean dish featuring glass noodles stir-fried with an assortment of vegetables and sometimes meat. It's not just its delicious flavors that make it a crowd favorite during Chuseok (or any gathering, actually), but it's the vibrant color that makes this dish mouth-watering. 

During Chuseok, Japchae takes on special significance. As a dish representing peace and prosperity due to its harmonious mix of ingredients, it's often served as part of the Charye, a ceremonial table offering to honor ancestors. Enjoying Japchae during this holiday is not just about savoring its delicious taste but also appreciating the unity and harmony it symbolizes. 

Cooking Japchae is a great way to match one of Chuseok's purposes: togetherness. The act of preparing the different colorful ingredients not only creates a delicious feast but also strengthens family bonds. If you're looking forward to spending your Chuseok cherishing these moments with your loved ones, creating this flavorful dish together is an excellent choice.
 

What You Need:

• 200g sweet potato starch noodles (also known as glass noodles)
• 3.5 tablespoons of soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons of sugar or brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons of sesame oil
• 100g fresh shiitake mushrooms, cleaned, stems removed & thinly sliced
• 1 medium carrot, julienned
• 1/2 medium yellow onion, sliced
• 4 ounces of fresh spinach
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• Optional: Lean protein like beef or chicken, sliced thin

Instructions:

1.  Boil the sweet potato starch noodles until they are translucent and chewy. Drain and set them aside.
2. In a separate pan, stir-fry your vegetables (carrots, onions, and mushrooms) and optional protein with a bit of oil until they are cooked. Add the minced garlic towards the end to prevent it from burning.
3. In a large bowl, mix the soy sauce, sugar, and sesame oil together. Add the cooked noodles to this and toss until they're well-coated.
4. Add the stir-fried vegetables and optional protein to the noodle mixture. Toss everything together until well combined.
5. Serve warm and enjoy your homemade Japchae!

Love noodles and looking for easy-to-cook ones? Check out some of the MANY delicious noodles we have:

Unlike the regular spicy Kimchi, Water Kimchi is mild, cool, and slightly sweet, making it a refreshing and vibrant dish that is a must-try for Chuseok 2023. It is a perfect palate cleanser between hearty holiday meals.

The significance of Water Kimchi during Chuseok lies in its role as a refreshing counterpoint to the rich, savory dishes traditionally served during the festival. It also symbolizes purification and renewal, aligning perfectly with the spirit of Chuseok–celebrating the harvest and welcoming a period of abundance and prosperity.

The drool-worthy Water Kimchi is a great recipe to try this Chuseok. For one, it's an awesome way to engage in a traditional Korean practice. Health-wise, Water Kimchi is both a prebiotic and probiotic, offering significant health benefits.

But perhaps the most compelling reason for families to make Water Kimchi this Chuseok is that it symbolizes Korean identity and pride. As you prepare and enjoy this dish, you're not just partaking in a delicious meal but also celebrating and honoring Korea's cultural heritage.
 

What You Need:

• 1 large Korean radish
• 1 watermelon radish (optional)
• 1 bunch water dropwort (minari) – optional
• 1/2 Korean pear
• 1/2 yellow onion
• 1 Napa Cabbage ~12-16 oz., outer leaves removed
• 16 oz. Korean Radish paysanne cut (flat squares)
• 2 tbsp. Coarse Sea Salt or kosher salt
• 2 scallions (white and tender green parts)

Instructions:

1. First, dissolve 2 tablespoons of salt in 10 cups of water in a large bowl.
2. Cut the radish, cabbage, pear, and onion into pieces. Add these to the saltwater mixture.
3. If you're using any optional ingredients like watermelon radish or water dropwort, add these in as well.
4. Let the mixture stand for 30 minutes, then gently mix it all together with your hands.
5. Heat water to temp or make this by mixing about 4 cups room temp water and 2.5 cups of HOT boiling water.
6. Strain the soaked gochugaru into the water through a fine mesh.
7. Allow the kimchi to ferment for a few days before enjoying its tangy, refreshing flavor.

Chuseok is more than just a holiday; it's a gastronomic celebration that brings together families and the rich culinary traditions of Korea. From the sweet Songpyeon to the comforting Japchae and the refreshing Water Kimchi, each dish has a story to tell, a flavor to savor, and a tradition to uphold.

This Chuseok 2023, your Daebak Family invites you to create these DROOL-icious recipes at home. Prepare your apron and get ready for a culinary adventure! Let your kitchen be filled with the aroma of authentic Korean cuisine, your taste buds experience the unique blend of flavors, and your heart be filled with the joy of cooking and sharing these traditional dishes with your loved ones.

Hungry for more Korean recipes? Check out the articles below.