Cooking Korean: Yubuchobap!

I made some Yubuchobap because I love Inari and this recipe looked to be pretty similar.  I could not find the Yubuchobap kit that Maangchi discriped over at Maangchi.com where I got the recipe, so I improvised a little bit. First, I put my rice on in the rice cooker and I cut up my veg (carrots and cucumber).  I gave them a quick little fry after drain some of the water off.  While that was happening I cut up some garlic pickles (the recipe calls for pickled radish, which I don't love . . . so I mad a substitution). 

Veg ready to go

All mixed together and ready to stuff!

Once the rice was done I let it sit until it was warm not scorching and added a bit of sushi vinegar (remember I didn't have a Yubuchobap kit with the vinegar packet).  Then I mixed all the ingredients together.  I also didn't have the dry topping so I substituted furikake (little bits of seaweed and sesame seeds).  I had triangular tofu pouches which I felt were a bit difficult to stuff . . . it was hard to get stuff down into the tip.  Next time I'll search a bit more and see if I can get the more u-shaped pouches.

Dangerous Yubuchobap ring!

Each ninja protects his own yubuchobap!

Overall, I think it turned out great.  It also tasted great.   I got fresh made umeboshi at T&T while I was there so I made some with Umeboshi added as well.  For fun I decided to make some Haupia (hawaiian Coconut Pudding) as well.  I had a big lunch, so I made myself a small plate for dinner and  packed a bento lunch.

Lite yummy dinner!

Delicious bento lunch!

I hope yubuchobap tastes as good the next day as inari does!

Bento Lunch!

I made my first attempt at a cute lunch . . . it isn't that cute yet as I only had like 10 minutes and was not really prepared.  Yet its passably cute and delicious.

Happy Robot Bento!

I have brown rice with Furikake, curried lentils, stir fried veg and two mini hamburgers.  The lentil recipe can be found over at JustBento.com. Furikake makes everything better.  You can buy it at most Asian grocery stores in many many varieties.  Its pretty up seaweed and sesame seeds and sometimes a flavoring.  If you don't want MSG you'll have to be careful with Furikake brands.  The flavors are nice, but I still prefer original flavor.  I winged the hamburger recipe from over there as well.  Its beef, fried onions, panko, 1 egg, and some feta.  They are delicious.  The stirfried vegetables are based on my Mom's recipe.  Brussel sprouts (if you think you don't like Brussel sprouts you've been cooking them wrong) and baby carrots . . . and onion.  You need enough oil to really give them a nice toasted outside when you cook them in the pan.  Fry the onions first then add both the sprouts and the carrots (cut to about the same size).  Season as you like.  Here I have a bit of curry powder, garlic powder, salt, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper.  Any seasoning will do though.  I topped it off with cheesy robot faces.  It tasted great and I think it is pretty cute! It was definitely cuter than the other lunches.

Bentos: Kawaii Fun for Lunch

I have been making Bentos for a number of years now.  If you don't know Bentos are neat Japanese style lunches.  They range from extremely complicated works of art to delicious simple creations.  In the past I have posted a few bentos here.  All have been of the simple variety.  Just good food in a cute box.

My adorable Clickity Click Monkey Bento . . .

I also have an angry onigiri case.  I also have a nice yellow sandwich case!

I have a bit of a reputation amongst my friends for making everything cute or creep or both.  Previously, my bentos have not really benefited from my creative talent other than the fact that I make delicious meals to go in them.  It seems that my friends what this to change.  For a late Christmas Exchange I recieved - Yum-Yum Bento Box: Fresh Recipes for Adorable Lunches by Crystal Watanabe and Maki Ogawa.

I have not yet made anything from the book, but I did skim it.  It looks like a lot of fun.  The ideas are great, plus the recipes look edible and quick.  My next grocery trip I'll need try getting some ingredients to try out the recipes.  I'm having to eat on campus more and more as I have an increasing amount of work to do in the lab, so I was already thinking I could use another (larger/adult) bento case.  My gift inspired me to finally take the plunge!  I ended up purchasing my bento from Bento & Co.  I felt they had the best selection (so I wouldn't need to go to more than one site) and reasonable prices.  They ship all over the place!

This is my cool new box!

I got the green set!

Condiment cups!

Soy sauce/dressing bottles!

I think I got a nice assortment that should allow me to get started.  I already have a bunch of cutters (though I want a couple nori punches).  I find making bentos to be fun and entertaining.  The point isn't for it to take for ever just so that your lunch looks as good as it tastes.  I would recommend it for all you creative types and for those that want to take lunches, but feel uninspired!

Bento Recipes:

• JustBento.com
• cookingcute.com
• lunchinabox.net
• My Lunch Can Beat Up Your Lunch

Bento Supplies:

• Bento & Co
• JBox
• Amazon.com
• Japonmania