I wonder how many homes in the South serve this kind of meal? I’m guessing not too many parents go all out and serve an extraordinary meal like this to remind one of her heritage. This is the kind of meal that dates back to my childhood. My family of six was blessed with this family memoir that’s etched into my mind forever.
It begins with the fragrant aroma of sirloin tip marinating in a medley of garlic, soy, sesame and sugar. It’s an poignant smell that seeps into your clothing when you leave the room (if you’ve eaten at a Japanese steak house, you know what I mean). The original bulgogi recipe my mom received from a Korean lady in Seoul is archived in my beef category here. Feel free to indulge and make a lot like we did and freeze half of the marinated beef (you don’t have to be a Korean to enjoy it). We began a new tradition–work smarter, not harder, by marinating six or seven pounds of beef and freeze extra for another family heritage night. We’ll be back next month for a repeat
.
Not only did I have the pleasure of eating bulgogi, but my parents duplicated the entire experience for my own children’s enjoyment. The entire menu consisted of pot stickers or dumplings, also referred as yaki mandu, yogurt drinks, sticky rice, kimchi and Asian pears. Here’s a snap shot for anyone wanting to duplicate this experience. Why? If you have a Korean child in your household (I’ve met five families in the past two weeks), it’s a must. Why else? Just trust me, and try this meal if you’re American. Perhaps you’ll glean some ideas for your own family heritage night.
If you have an Asian in your home, you’re passing on a heritage of delicious food that is special to a child not living in his/her culture. I’m grateful to God for my parent’s persistence with this unique experience I will never forget, plus I’m able to share it with my children and my prayer is for them to share it with their children. What a legacy my parents began!
On with the fun foods…
A flurry of excitement begins when the griddle in the middle of the table sizzles with marinated meat.
Chop sticks wildly stir as the family gathers with heaping sticky rice waiting for a sample of savory, sweet beef to hit the lips.
It brings a smile to a child’s face, especially one of Korean ancestry, like my own.
How do you suppose he learned to use those chop sticks so well?
Whether you prefer potstickers and kimchi on the side of the bulgogi or the bulgogi wrapped in lettuce with the kimchi, which is excellent by the way, it’s ALL good.
As my dad said, when I was a child, “It makes your tongue want to slap your brains out.” My son’s contemplating it.
This post is dedicated to my loving parents who adopted me at age one and treated me to a family heritage night growing up. Now I’m all grown up and I share my amazing adoption story with my children; how God knit our family together.
Psalm 145:4
One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts. Thank you, Mom and Dad!!!
How about you? Do you have a childhood family meal you cherish? If not, it’s not too late to begin one with your own children. Research your family history and introduce a new ethnic dish and make a big deal when you do. Tell a mighty act from God and proclaim it from one generation to the next.
This is linked to Tasty Tuesday and We are that family
