Chef Sonny Huh · Celadon Whistler Fine Korean Cuisine
CELADON IS located in the Hilton in Whistler, so if you’re craving some heat and some authentic Korean cuisine or modern Asian food after a day on the slopes, you can get your fill here. The “casserole” in this recipe refers to the dish it’s served in and it’s one hot pot of steaming and spicy soup that will drive away any winter chills. Go easy with the Korean chili paste, which adds serious heat to the already very spicy soup. Start with a tiny amount and add more, to taste. (Keep leftover chili paste in an airtight container for up to 2 days.) Serve this soup with rice both so that you have rice water and so that you can sop up the juices and temper the fire.
2 tsp butter
2 tsp sesame oil
4 tsp Korean red chili powder
½ lb pork belly, in ¼-inch slices
2 tsp minced ginger
2 Tbsp white wine
½ tsp freshly ground white pepper
1 cup kimchi, in 2-inch pieces
½ onion, sliced
2 cups beef stock
1 cup rice water (water used to rinse the rice before cooking)
1 tsp sea salt
2 tsp white sugar
2 tsp corn syrup
2 tsp soy sauce
4 oz firm tofu, in ¼- × 1-inch pieces
1 to 4 green onions, white and green parts, in 2-inch lengths
IN A SMALL saucepan, heat butter and sesame oil on medium, add chili powder, mix well and set aside. This is your very hot Korean chili paste.
Heat a heavy, deep-sided sauté pan or a heat-resistant casserole (if you don’t have a casserole, use a heavy pot) on medium-high. Add pork belly and cook until crispy, 5 to 7 minutes. Add ginger, wine and white pepper and sauté for 1 minute, then add kimchi and onions and sauté for 2 minutes more. Slowly pour in beef stock, 1 cup water and rice water, then stir in sea salt, sugar, corn syrup and soy sauce and bring to a moderate boil for 15 to 20 minutes. Add tofu and green onions, just before serving. Stir in ½ tsp chili paste. Place the remaining chili paste in a small bowl. As guests help themselves to soup, pass the bowl of chili paste so they can add more as desired.
Refrigerate leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 2 days.