Kim Dae-ho and Lee Jang-woo Transform 'Ugly' Ingredients into Gourmet Delights

Lee Jang-woo showcased a perfect 'tiki-taka' with Kim Dae-ho, who is two years his senior, by speaking informally to him.

On the first episode of MBC's variety show 'The Captain's Side Dish' aired on the 10th, 'taste experts' Kim Dae-ho and Lee Jang-woo harvested lotus roots, the first seasonal ingredient, and presented side dishes comparable to fine dining.

The 'Captain Brothers' Kim Dae-ho and Lee Jang-woo created delicious side dishes from less marketable 'ugly' seasonal ingredients, drawing attention with an onion side dish set before their main mission. Using onions farmed by Kim Dae-ho's uncle, Lee Jang-woo prepared onion kimchi and onion japchae for breakfast.

Kim Dae-ho remarked, “I picked only the ugliest ones earlier, but they taste the same. Delicious,” highlighting the successful transformation of 'ugly' onions and raising expectations for future dishes from the 'Captain Brothers.' The scene where Kim Dae-ho mixed rice with the leftover onion japchae sauce and Lee Jang-woo humorously said, “I was going to do that,” added to the fun with their telepathic chemistry.

To meet the first seasonal ingredient, lotus root, the 'Captain Brothers' headed to Anseong, donned work clothes, and jumped into the lotus root field, sweating profusely. They were amazed by the crunchy and sweet texture of freshly dug lotus roots and were captivated by the joy of harvesting them.

Particularly, the transformation of 'ugly' lotus roots into delicious side dishes showcased the 'Captain Brothers'' brilliant ideas and cooking skills. Lee Jang-woo impressed Kim Dae-ho with lotus root menbosha, using lotus root instead of bread, and a simple lotus root bath that can be easily made at home. Meanwhile, Kim Dae-ho made lotus root chueotang with loaches caught in a trap and refreshing lotus root water kimchi, eliciting genuine reactions from Lee Jang-woo.

A table filled with lotus root dishes whetted viewers' appetites. Lee Jang-woo, impressed by the lotus root chueotang, praised Kim Dae-ho's cooking skills, saying, “Is it this good? Dae-ho hyung?” and even dreamed of starting a business. The non-greasy lotus root menbosha and caramelized lotus root bath with a coffee aroma showcased Lee Jang-woo's genuine passion for food.

Kim Dae-ho expressed his curiosity about the reactions of the 'I Live Alone' Palm Oil family, saying, “I really want to sit someone down and feed them.” Lee Jang-woo marveled at the creation of five different dishes from a single ingredient, lotus root.

Above all, the gentle and kind younger brother Lee Jang-woo showed sensitivity regarding food, sparking chemistry with Kim Dae-ho. Scenes like Lee Jang-woo shouting informally at Kim Dae-ho for dropping a fish from a trap, and panicking when Kim Dae-ho dropped a blender, fearing it spilled, revealed their genuine passion for food.

'The Captain's Side Dish' airs every Sunday at 4:50 PM. The upcoming episode on the 17th will feature SHINee's Key and Minho as guests.

Reporter Tae Yuna, Ten Asia youyou@tenasia.co.kr