On a side note, If you are wondering what in the world Korean Steamed Eggs is doing on my blog, stick around and enjoy this post!
My grandmother cooked breakfast (and lunch and dinner if we were home) everyday for my sister and I. At one of our first meals, she made Korean steamed eggs. This was something familiar for my sister and I so we ate the entire thing. And so, for every meal after that, my loving grandmother proceeded to make steamed eggs for us pretty much every single day for the rest of our summer. Sometimes 3-4 times a week but because she knew we liked it, she made it as often as possible.
Because you see, cooking was her love language. How she showed us she loved us; the grandchildren whom she had only met once (when we were kids) before this summer. We could barely communicate and I tried with my broken Korean phrases and used a lot of hand gestures. We didn’t talk much but it was ok. I knew how much she loved us.
What can I say? She was hot. I remember my friend Jane coming over and saying, “Dude, your grandmother is practically naked gardening in the front yard.”
It was my freshman year of college that she would pass away and go to heaven. We got the phone call from my mother and my brother and I drove back to Dallas from Austin to attend the funeral. This was the first funeral I had ever attended. People crying. Everyone was wearing black. Emotions everywhere. My mother and my aunt were a mess. My aunt threw herself on my grandmother’s casket as they were lowering it into the ground. It was a very intense, emotional day.
These are words to live by.
So, to celebrate my halmonee, my time with her and the things she taught me, I’m sharing the Korean steamed eggs that she made. Eating this reminds me of her and that summer spent in Seoul, South Korea.
I am truly thankful for that summer and understand now why my mother made me stick it out.
This recipe is probably the easiest Korean food recipe ever. It’s extremely simple to make and quick. If you don’t have an earthenware bowl, I provide another link down below to reference.
Simply bring some chicken broth to a boil over medium-high heat in your earthenware bowl. In a separate, medium sized bowl, mix together the eggs, green onions, bell peppers, red chili pepper flakes (if using), milk and season with salt. Beat well.
When the chicken broth begins to boil, lower the heat to a simmer and pour in the egg mixture, stirring well to combine with the chicken broth. Cover with the lid and let cook for another 4-5 minutes.
When ready to serve, garnish with more diced green onions if desired. Serve with white or brown rice.
" ... live life happy and with love." These are words to live by, Alice. Your grandmother was one wise lady! Thank you for sharing her Korean Steamed Eggs recipe and this special story of her with all of us!
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Other Food Memory stories from my friends:
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- 5 eggs
- 1/3 cup finely diced green onions + more for garnish if desired
- 1/3 cup finely diced red bell peppers
- Pinch of red chili pepper flakes for some heat (optional)
- 1 tablespoon milk
- Pinch of salt
- Serve with white or brown rice
- Special equipment: earthenware bowl
Korean Steamed Eggs for A #FoodMemory Guest Post | Hip Foodie Mom says
[…] head on over to Lora’s blog, Cake Duchess, for the rest of this post, to read the story about my grandmother and for this Korean Steamed Eggs recipe. I really really […]
Alice // Hip Foodie Mom says
Lora,
Thanks again so much for this opportunity to be a part of Food Memory! I really really enjoyed this one and know that your father and my grandmother are smiling down on us today. I can't wait to read the next post for Food Memory. . Cheers to you my friend!
Renee says
Alice, I can relate to so much of your story. My mom is German however she never taught the language to my brother or me. She wanted to raise us "American". We would visit Germany and I couldn't talk with my grandmother (Oma) except, like you, with few words and hand signs.
What a great tribute to your grandmother and I'm sure she is looking down and smiling at you now.
Alice // Hip Foodie Mom says
Awh, thank you Renee! Yeah, I think my parents were the same way initially but I'm glad they raised us with full knowledge of Korean customs and traditions.
Jeanette | Jeanette's Healthy Living says
Loved reading about Alice's story - I too am an American born Asian, and my grandparents lived with us growing up. My grandmother wasn't much of a cook, but she did make a mean taro cake. This egg custard is pure comfort food!
Liz says
What a lovely tribute to the women in your family, Alice! No wonder you grew up to be a terrific mother, wife, friend and blogger. I was so thrilled to meet you a few months ago...and then Lora recently. One of the best blogger perks is all the new friends. And now I'm craving eggs...especially steamed Korean eggs!!! xoxo
Nancy @ gottagetbaked says
Lora, I think this is the best series any blogger has created. I love all the stories, the dishes and the emotions behind the words. Alice, I love this post so much. Not only does this egg dish remind me of my childhood because my mom makes something very similar, but I almost choked laughing imagining your lil grandma wearing only a net. Amazing! My grandparents embarrassed me on a daily basis. So hilarious. You're right about your grandmother making this dish to show you her love. She wanted you and your sister to feel at home and what better way to do that than through food? Thank you for sharing, my friend!
Miss Kim @ behgopa says
Yummy. Really enjoyed reading this post. It's one of my favs that my grandma used to make us too. Your story of your grandma wearing the net top on the hot day is priceless. Mine did quirky things that embarrassed me too. Hers was the first funeral I've ever attended as well.
Btw you know what really helps if you are interested in learning more Korean? Well, it worked for me and many people I know....hang out with Koreans that don't speak English and watch a lot of Korean dramas.
foodwanderings says
Alice, such a wonderful post. I belted out laughing at some point mid-way there. Your writing is beautiful and humorous. A matter of fact humor. So real. Capturing life as is and its comical anecdotes. You captured your loving grandmother in this story and dish so beautifully. Lora, Your introduction to the series and Alice is just as well written and engaging. I was at the edge of my seat curious as I plunged into it.
Alice // Hip Foodie Mom says
Shulie, thank you so much!! I really really love this series that Lora started and am honored to be a part of it. . and thanks so much for the sweet words!! 🙂
Vanilla Gelato-Karen's Kitchen Stories — Cake Duchess says
[…] Alice from Hip Foodie Mom and her Korean Steamed Eggs […]