A Home Culinary Adventure

 

Exploring the Meat and Fish Delights of Seoul and Beyond

Back in the day, I was a frequent jet setter to Belgium every three months, all in the name of love and my now ex-boyfriend. I was a carefree soul with no job, just a heart full of passion. But let me tell you, once I landed in Belgium, reality hit me like a ton of Belgian waffles. I had a limited budget and time to make things work.

 

Now, let's talk about the food scene. Compared to my location in Seoul, where I used to hang my hat, few dining options existed. When his fridge resembled a barren wasteland, and I couldn't even whip up a decent meal with the few ingredients left, it was time for a heroic trip to the supermarket. Picture me strutting there, 15 minutes of walking distance away.

As I strolled through the supermarket's hallowed halls, the first stop was always the meat or fish section. Let's be honest. Those guys were the real stars of my plate. Once I chose, the side dishes seemed to fall in line effortlessly, like well-behaved minions.

I love meat and fish, but I imagine something about fish that can make my blood vessels go with the flow. So, most of the time, fish it was. And hey, the portions were generous enough to tackle two meals like a champ.

Living in Belgium introduced me to a cooking style for which I instantly fell head over heels. Each ingredient on the plate had its superhero identity, ready to save the day and tantalize my taste buds. It was like a symphony of flavours, where I could enjoy them individually yet still identify each player in the culinary orchestra.

Fast forward to now, and I find myself in Seoul. Guess what? The joy of heading straight to the meat and fish section remains unbeatable. They all have a unique flair but share a common trait—freshness that can make your taste buds do a happy dance.

Oh, and let's not forget the fish aisle drama. The fish with a splash of colours on their skin? They're the exotic globetrotters, fresh off their international adventures. But the ones with a solid, single hue? They hail from the southern sea of Korea, proudly representing their homeland.

When it's time to order, I confidently ask for a magnificent fish fillet. I bring it home, gently spread it on the plate, and then dress it up with a squeeze of lemon juice. I cook it on top of the golden-cooked chopped garlic and arrange it alongside the ever-so-elegant steamed bok choy and cabbage on the side. A sprinkle of smoked red pepper powder adds that extra pizzazz.

And there you have it. This dish catapults me back into the wild memories I made in Belgium. Bon appétit, with a side of nostalgia!