[Lunch Review] 12/8 Encore Smoked Barbecue, Soybean Sprout Soup, and Fresh Napa Cabbage Kimchi
A Chilly Early Winter Morning
The crisp chill of early winter is in the air.
On Sunday morning, the kitchen service team at Evergreen Church arrived early to prepare lunch for everyone.
Thanks to Ava’s thoughtful care, the church kitchen was spotless,
and the beautiful flower arrangements he placed on the tables brought a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
'Geu Jaeja,' which means 'The Disciple' in Korean has also done an incredible job nurturing the potted plants, which remain green and vibrant even in the cold of winter. Thank you, Gejeja!
Preparing the Meal
In the kitchen, Pak Iro and Ari Soop were busy preparing side dishes.
Paranbyeol had been leading this task for some time, but recently, Ari Soop has stepped up and taken the reins with great enthusiasm.
A large pot of soybean sprout soup was simmering on the stove, with the bright yellow sprouts looking fresh and appetizing.
Since we had plenty of sprouts, the extras were blanched and seasoned to make a delicious side dish.
To prepare the seasoned sprouts, we mixed them with minced garlic, green onions, sesame oil, and salt. This created a dish that was crunchy in texture with a rich, nutty flavor.
Pak Iro also prepared a special ssamjang (a traditional Korean dipping sauce), which paired perfectly with the barbecue.
Our Oklahoma Joe’s barbecue grill, which we recently purchased, proved to be an excellent addition to our kitchen, allowing us to cook a variety of dishes, from grilled meats to roasted sweet potatoes, potatoes, and even eggs.
Encore Barbecue
Last week’s smoked pork barbecue was such a hit that we decided to make it again this Sunday. The new grill made the process easier and more enjoyable as we became increasingly comfortable using it.
The fire was carefully controlled using oak logs and lump charcoal, and we placed applewood chips near the flames to infuse the meat with a subtle smoky aroma.
Slowly smoking the pork over several hours allowed the meat to stay juicy and tender, with a depth of flavor that only comes from this careful process.
During the smoking, we lightly misted the pork with vinegar, which reduced any greasiness, eliminated unwanted odors, and enhanced the smoky aroma for an even richer flavor.
This time, we raised the temperature slightly to ensure the pork belly and shoulder cuts were even more tender. The meat had also been dry-aged beforehand to improve both its texture and flavor.
We started the smoking process at 6 a.m., and by 11 a.m., the pork was ready. Smoking pork barbecue is truly a labor of love, requiring patience and careful attention to detail.
Sunday Worship
While the barbecue was cooking, the congregation gathered for Sunday worship.
The choir, accompanied by the praise band, led us in singing uplifting hymns.
The heartfelt praise from the "True Light" small group deeply moved everyone, and the pastor’s sermon on the benefits of scripture offered profound insights and practical guidance for daily life.
The message was a powerful reminder of how the Bible continues to provide wisdom and strength in our lives. Thank you, pastor, for such an inspiring message.
A Meal to Remember
After the service, the meal was served. The smoked pork had been rested for 20 minutes before being sliced and plated. Resting the meat allows its juices to redistribute evenly, ensuring that every bite is tender and flavorful.
The wait made the anticipation even greater, as everyone was eager to dig in.
Slices of pork belly and shoulder were served with a side of steak sauce for those who wanted extra flavor.
The tender, juicy barbecue paired wonderfully with the seasoned soybean sprouts and the fresh, spicy napa cabbage kimchi. The combination of smoky, savory, and tangy flavors was a delight to the palate.
We share a delicious lunch and have delightful conversations with the Evergreen family.
For dessert, we enjoyed fresh fruit, and the grilled eggs, though they took some time to cook, were a great addition with their soft, custardy centers.
Fellowship and Reflection
After lunch, we shared stories and reflected on the past week over coffee.
Evergreen Church is a military-affiliated congregation located off-base. It was established to serve and support service members, but civilians are also welcome to join us for worship.
Sundays are a special time for our Faithful Warriors to connect with God and draw strength from their faith. We hope and pray that these moments bring them closer to the Lord and provide the resilience and guidance they need in their military service and beyond.
Being part of Evergreen Church feels like being part of a family. These shared moments of worship, fellowship, and joy bring us closer together, and for that, we are deeply grateful.
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