Eric Kim, a New York Times staff writer and author of the bestselling cookbook 'Korean American: Food That Tastes Like Home,' reflects on his childhood in suburban Atlanta shaped by his mother Jean's cooking. He shares heartfelt stories of rediscovering family through food during the pandemic, the complex dynamics of cooking with his mom, and the nostalgia tied to their kitchen experiences. The talk also delves into the cultural significance of kimchi, its preparation, and the joy of culinary traditions that bind families together.
Eric Kim's experiences during the pandemic with his mother in the kitchen deepened their relationship and emphasized the importance of boundary-setting.
His first cookbook intertwines Southern and Korean culinary traditions, showcasing how food serves as a memoir celebrating cultural heritage and personal identity.
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Cooking and Evolving Relationships
Eric Kim discusses the complexities of living with his mother, Jean, during the pandemic, highlighting how their relationship evolved through shared time in the kitchen. Working together on a cookbook allowed Eric to appreciate his mother's culinary skills while also navigating the challenges of boundary-setting between a parent and adult child. This experience not only deepened their familial bond but also provided Eric with a unique perspective on the dynamics of their relationship. He emphasizes the significance of understanding and adjusting to each other's roles within the kitchen space.
The Influence of Culinary Tradition
Eric Kim's cookbook, 'Korean American Food That Tastes Like Home,' encapsulates his upbringing in a household where Southern and Korean cuisines intertwined. The narratives around the recipes reflect personal memories tied to family traditions, particularly those shared with his mother. Each chapter serves as a memoir, reinforcing the connection between food and identity while showcasing the importance of cultural heritage. Eric’s dedication to his mother and the culinary practices she instilled in him forms the foundation of his journey as a food writer.
The Art of Kimchi Making
Kimchi, a staple in Korean cuisine, is presented not merely as a dish but as a verb, illustrating its significance in Eric's life and culinary practice. The process of making kimchi involves salting napa cabbage, creating a flavorful sauce, and allowing the mixture to ferment, which is crucial for flavor development. Eric highlights the essential ingredients that define his mother’s kimchi, such as gochugaru and sesame oil, which play a crucial role in creating distinctive flavors. He also emphasizes the personal nature of cooking, noting that ingredient choices can reflect one's own taste and creativity.
Eric Kim, staff writer and essayist for The New York Times food section, introduces us to his mother Jean’s exceptional Korean cooking, and to the suburban Atlanta kitchen he grew up in. It was there that Eric developed a love for traditional Korean cooking, and it was the same kitchen he would return to as an adult to write his debut cookbook, Korean American: Food That Tastes Like Home. His mother Jean was his chief recipe taster, and his inspiration for the delicious Kimchi Jjigae found in its pages.
Eric Kim is a New York Times staff writer and essayist born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. His debut cookbook, Korean American: Food That Tastes Like Home (Clarkson Potter, 2022), was an instant New York Times Best Seller. A former digital manager for the Food Network and contributing editor for Saveur magazine, he now hosts regular videos on NYT Cooking’s YouTube channel and writes a monthly column for The New York Times Magazine. He lives in New York City with his rescue dog, Q.