Classic Korean Lunch Box

Summary

This video delves into the history and preparation of a traditional Korean lunchbox, or 'doira,' which was once considered a luxury item in the 1960s and 70s. The meal consists of four key ingredients: white rice, sausage, fried kimchi, and a fried egg. Through a detailed cooking process, the video explains the significance of each ingredient and the nostalgic feelings they evoke. The lunchbox's cultural importance is highlighted, with a reflection on how, during a time of poverty, such a meal symbolized wealth and was a source of pride for students. The video invites viewers to experience a slice of Korean history through food.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Korean lunchbox, 'dosirak' or 'toak,' was once considered a luxury for children from wealthy families.
• 😀 In the 1960s and 1970s, plain white rice was rare and expensive, making it a special ingredient for lunchboxes.
• 😀 Washing rice thoroughly (at least three times) is important to remove excess starch and ensure proper cooking.
• 😀 A 1:1 ratio of rice to water by weight is key to cooking perfect white rice.
• 😀 The sausage used in the lunchbox is a unique Korean fish cake sausage, made from fish meat and flour, and has a strong fishy odor.
• 😀 The fish cake sausage should be cooked gently on medium-low heat, dipped in egg, and fried to a golden brown.
• 😀 Kimchi, a staple of Korean cuisine, is fried with pork fat, garlic, chili powder, and sugar to balance its sourness and create a rich flavor.
• 😀 Fried eggs in the lunchbox symbolize wealth and luxury, especially in the context of the 1960s and 1970s in Korea.
• 😀 The metal lunchbox, made of nickel silver, was commonly used in the past and could be reheated over a charcoal stove in winter classrooms.
• 😀 Assembling the lunchbox involves layering rice, sausage, kimchi, and a fried egg, with the egg being placed last to crown the dish.
• 😀 To eat the dosirak, it's recommended to chop up the sausage and egg, mix everything together, and shake the box to combine the flavors.

Q & A

What is a 'Doira' in Korean cuisine?

A 'Doira' is a traditional Korean lunchbox consisting of rice, sausage, fried kimchi, and a fried egg. It was considered a luxurious meal, especially during the 1960s and 70s when these ingredients were rare and difficult to find.

Why was white rice considered rare in Korea during the 1960s and 70s?

During that time, many people could not afford plain white rice and often had to mix it with grains like beans or barley. White rice was seen as a special treat, reserved for significant occasions.

What is the correct way to wash rice for cooking?

Rice should be washed thoroughly at least three times to remove excess starch. It's important not to squeeze the rice while washing it to avoid bruising the grains. Stir it gently with your hands, and make sure the water runs clear.

What is the importance of the water-to-rice ratio when cooking rice?

The rice-to-water ratio is crucial for cooking perfect rice. The recommended ratio is 1:1 by weight. For every 100 grams of rice, 100 mL of water should be used.

What kind of sausage is used in the 'Doira' lunchbox?

The sausage used is a unique Korean variety made from fish meat and flour, which is different from the typical sausage. This 'nostalgia sausage' was commonly used in the past as a solution to access low-cost protein.

How should the sausage be cooked for the lunchbox?

The sausage should be sautéed in flour and dipped in egg before frying it on medium-low heat until golden brown. Since it's already pre-cooked, it only needs to be heated through and browned.

What is the significance of fried kimchi in the 'Doira' lunchbox?

Kimchi is an essential ingredient in the lunchbox. Traditionally, many families made their own kimchi, but using fried kimchi with pork fat adds extra flavor. Frying the kimchi with garlic and chili powder also helps balance its sharp sourness.

Why was a fried egg considered a luxury item in the 1960s and 70s?

A fried egg was a sign of wealth because eggs were relatively scarce and expensive. Having an egg in your lunchbox was a clear indicator of a family's financial status at the time.

How was the 'Doira' lunchbox typically heated in the winter in Korea?

In the winter, students would often heat their metal lunchboxes over a charcoal stove in the middle of the classroom. This was a common practice as most classrooms were not heated.

What is the proper way to mix the ingredients in the lunchbox?

To mix the ingredients, chop up the sausage and fried egg, and then mix them with the rice and kimchi. Afterward, close the lunchbox lid tightly and shake it to blend the flavors, though it might not look appetizing, it is practical for eating.