If you are a veteran foodie, then you must know that in this world, nothing can stop human beings from exploring and loving food. From foie gras in France to sushi in Japan, curries in India to tacos in Mexico, each cuisine carries the unique culture and history of a country or region. However, when you hear the names of dishes such as "fried toothpicks" and "boiled straws", do you feel a little curious and confused like me? These foods that sound like pranks are actually the food in the eyes of Koreans? Today, let's step into this mysterious and creative world of Korean food and find out!
1. Deep-fried toothpicks are actually "deep-fried rice cake skewers"!
First of all, we're going to reveal the incomprehensible delicacy of "fried toothpicks". Actually, it's not really about putting a toothpick in a pan to fry it, it's about making rice cake skewers in a unique way in Koreans. In Korea, rice cakes are a very popular food because of their soft and glutinous texture and slightly sweet taste. To make the rice cakes more convenient to eat and carry, Koreans have come up with a brilliant idea: wear the rice cakes on bamboo skewers, then coat them in a layer of batter and fry them in a pan of oil until golden brown and crispy. The resulting rice cake skewers are not only delicious, but also have a unique shape that can be remembered at a glance.
So, why do some people call it a "fried toothpick"? It turns out that this is because during the frying process, part of the bamboo skewer is also wrapped in batter, forming an appearance similar to a toothpick. Coupled with the misinformation and exaggeration of some netizens who do not know the truth, the name "fried toothpick" has spread on the Internet. However, although the name may sound a little weird, if you try this delicacy for yourself, I am sure you will be conquered by its deliciousness!
2. Boiled straws? are actually "boiled squid whiskers"!
Next, we're going to reveal another Korean delicacy that sounds just as puzzling – "boiled straws". Actually, it's not really about putting a straw in water to boil it, it's about making squid whiskers by boiling it in water. Squid whiskers are long strips on the sides of the squid's body that can easily get knotted or tangled together during cooking because of their slender shape and soft texture. To make it easy to eat and maintain its aesthetics, Koreans usually cut the squid whiskers to the appropriate length and then cook them in a boiled manner.
So, where did the name "boiled straw" come about? It turns out that during the cooking process, the squid whiskers shrink and thin, forming a straw-like appearance. Coupled with the ridicule and spoofs of some netizens, the name "boiled straw" has spread on the Internet. However, as strange as the name may sound, if you try it for yourself, you'll be captivated by its tender texture and unique flavor!
3. The foodie philosophy behind Korea's "strange food".
Through the revelation of the above two "wonderful foods", we can find that Koreans are very creative and imaginative in terms of food. Not only are they able to take traditional ingredients and cooking methods, but they are also able to turn seemingly inconspicuous ingredients or waste into delicious food. This love and pursuit of food is the foodie philosophy behind Korea's "Wonderful Food".
In Korea, food is not just a way to satisfy your cravings, but also a way to express emotions, pass on culture, and enjoy life. Whether it's a family gathering or a dinner with friends, Koreans love to use food to bring each other closer and bond stronger. And this love and pursuit of food has also made Korea a food paradise that attracts tourists from all over the world to taste and learn.
4. Conclusion and interaction
Through the introduction of the above content, I believe you have a deeper understanding of the two Korean "wonderful delicacies" of "fried toothpicks" and "boiled straws". Although their names sound a little weird, as long as you try it for yourself, I believe you will be conquered by their deliciousness!
Finally, I would like to ask you a question: What other Korean food do you know that sounds weird but is actually delicious?