Suji's Korean Cuisine: Part I

When I was contacted by a representative of Suji's Korean Cuisine to review their new line of prepared Korean meals, I was curious but hesitant. Living in Houston has afforded me the opportunity to eat a lot of very good Korean food and I knew anything pre-made and mass-produced could never approach the quality of fresh fare made in small batches.

But it sure came admirably close, and therefore receives my blessing as a terrific option when 1) You don't have time to go to Bon Ga (my favorite Korean restaurant in Houston) 2) Your Korean chef-in-residence (husband) is away on business and 3) HEB (which vends Suji's products) is more convenient. 

I received four samples gratis and in Part I, I will share my thoughts on the Chicken Over Rice and Udon Noodles With Chicken.

Small portion but packs a punch.

Preparing both meals is a cinch: rip off (I mean, delicately remove the label) and microwave for 2 minutes. The portion sizes are modest and more suited to lunch rather than dinner (unless you're all fancy/European and eat your biggest meal of the day at noon). 

The Chicken Over Rice boasted large, discernible chunks of carrots and green peppers as well as tender, near translucent slivers of yellow onion. I adored the almost risotto-like consistency, though technically most Korean rice dishes should have a less soupy, more glutinous texture. This dish gets major points for its strong notes of sesame and pepper imbued in the grains as well as bits of moist chicken.

Udon Noodles with Chicken

Again, strangely, I was drawn to the very component of the Udon Noodles with Chicken that made them "inauthentic," the presence of  udon noodles, which find their origins Japanese cuisine.  This is not to say udon noodles are not commonly used in Korean cooking as naturally (or rather, unnaturally, in the case of the Japanese occupation Korea in World War II) styles tend to blend over the years through enhanced travel, trade, and communication. Ultimately, I preferred this dish over the Chicken Over Rice, not just because of the thick, chewy hearty noodles but also the wonderfully robust garlic flavor that contrasted well with a touch of sweetness from the soy sauce.

Look for Part II next week in which I review the Kimchi Rice and Spicy Chicken with Potatoes.

Healthy Choice "Nothing Artificial" Meals

When representatives of ConAgra Foods contacted me to ask if I would be interested in reviewing some new Healthy Choice products, I felt more than a little nostalgic.

There was definitely a period in my life, specifically junior and senior year in high school, in which I relied on Healthy Choice meals as terrific alternatives to the garbage vended by my high school cafeteria. I used the microwave in the Yearbook Room (yes, my school had an entire room devoted to yearbook) to reheat my meal of choice, which I would eat while cramming for whatever test or presentation I had that day.

Back in the day, the majority of the frozen pizzas, pasta, and noodle dishes I consumed from Healthy Choice may have been low in calories, sodium, and fat, but definitely contained some hard-to-pronounce ingredients and were very carb-heavy.  Now, Healthy Choice offers some new options that are more balanced in their components and use nothing artificial, e.g. a Sweet & Spicy Asian Noodle Bowl and an "Unwrapped" Burrito Bowl, both of which I tested.

The Asian noodle bowl gets high marks for a sauce that doesn't rely on salt for flavor and for offering noodles that were tender yet vegetables (edamame, carrots) that weren't soggy. Try it for lunch on Meatless Mondays, or do as I did, and toss in some shrimp for a heartier weeknight dinner.

Colorful but missing something...

The burrito bowl was fine but bland, devoid of any discernible seasoning. I was tempted to dump a cup of queso on the steamed rice, legumes, peppers, and corn to liven up the dish; however, a ladle of fatty dairy is probably incongruous with the whole "healthy" theme. While this straightforward, no-frills meal is perfect is you're simply seeking fuel, those who live to eat rather than eat to live, may be disappointed.

Healthy Choice offers many more options than these and I have no doubt there is one to satisfy every palate.