Week 25: South Korea

Welcome to the Republic of Korea (ROK, not to be confused with the KROK radio station in Louisiana broadcasting nonstop classic rock!) or "Land of the Morning Calm" referring to the South Koreans' love of sleeping in. According to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, ROK has the world's highest national IQ, which is why they are second only to Japan in creepy female robot development (see EveR-1). They have 2 of the largest 5 car manufacturers in the world and Anyong is the most popular child's name.

But it's not all morning naps and sexy robot ladies. South Korea is bordered on the north by ...something... Korea... the name escapes me right now. The border here is a 4 mile wide strip of land that keeps the two counties from killing each other (at close range). Originally intended as a pedestrian green belt and organic community garden it was filled with land mines due to a mis-communication with the landscaper. Formerly known as the Happy Korea P-Patch, it is now known as the Korean Demilitarized Zone. A hilarious, if tragic, tree-trimming incident took place here involving B-52 bombers, helicopters, US army troops, two axe murders and a single tree (see Operation Paul Bunyan or the Axe Murder Incident).

Bulgogi - Korean Beef Barbecue

The steak turned out so tender it was falling apart, probably because we made the marinade ahead of time and left it in the fridge for two days, instead of just for an hour. It was absolutely delicious.


1 pound steak, trimmed (recipe called for top sirloin, use whatever you like)
1 tablespoon brown sugar
3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon mirin (sweet rice wine)
1 teaspoon minced peeled fresh ginger
1 teaspoon dark sesame oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
Cooking spray

Wrap beef in plastic wrap; freeze 1 hour or until firm. Remove plastic wrap; cut beef diagonally across grain into 1/16-inch-thick slices.

Combine beef, sugar, and next 5 ingredients (sugar through garlic) in a large zip-top plastic bag. Seal and marinate in refrigerator 1 hour, turning bag occasionally.

Prepare grill.

Place a wire grilling basket on grill rack. Remove beef from bag; discard marinade. Place beef on grilling basket coated with cooking spray; grill 5 minutes or until desired degree of doneness, turning frequently.