Chef Lee Yeon-bok Reveals Million-Dollar Menu on 'If You Rest, It's a Relief'

Renowned Chinese cuisine chef Lee Yeon-bok has unveiled the menu that once earned him millions.

In the 67th episode of MBC's variety show 'If You Rest, It's a Relief' (directed by Kim Myung-jin, Kim Moon-seop, Shin Hyun-bin, Lee Joon-beom / writer Kwon Jung-hee), viewers witnessed the operation of a deserted island restaurant by Chef Lee Yeon-bok, actress Moon Jung-hee, Shinhwa's Lee Min-woo, 5-star hotel executive chef Shin Jong-chul, and former baseball player Yoo Hee-kwan.

The group, known as 'Meoguri,' set out to redeem themselves after failing to catch an octopus the previous day. Yoo Hee-kwan, demonstrating his veteran skills, spotted an octopus, but the team struggled to catch it as it quickly hid.

However, Lee Min-woo persisted and eventually succeeded in catching the octopus, showcasing his luck as a newlywed and new father. Chef Lee Yeon-bok, who hadn't cooked octopus all year due to fishing bans, was thrilled to finally have the opportunity.

The day's catch was bountiful, with Lee Yeon-bok and Moon Jung-hee discovering sea urchins and sea cucumbers, while Yoo Hee-kwan proudly secured a pair of abalones.

The team then embarked on a fall seasonal crab fishing expedition, with Lee Yeon-bok expressing excitement, stating, "Making crab taste bad is the real skill." He revealed that a crab dish once brought him great success in Japan, allowing him to buy a house in Korea after two years.

The catch was abundant, with large, meaty crabs that even impressed Chef Shin Jong-chul, who remarked, "These crabs could go straight to a hotel kitchen."

The crew worked tirelessly, and the captain provided crab ramen as a snack, which left studio hosts Ahn Jung-hwan, Boom, Nam Bo-ra, and Jung Ho-young envious. Ahn Jung-hwan, who had crabs at home, imagined enjoying them similarly.

After the successful catch, Lee Yeon-bok prepared 'Kkanpung Crab,' a dish that received high praise from Chef Shin Jong-chul, who was amazed by the flavors created on a deserted island.

Lee Yeon-bok also introduced a new octopus dish inspired by 'Bunjeong Galbi,' a dish he served at a state banquet during his time at the Taiwanese embassy. The unique dish featured octopus coated in glutinous rice, offering a chewy texture that impressed Lee Min-woo.

Finally, Lee Yeon-bok created 'Seafood Jjamppong Tteokbokki' using crab broth and rice cakes instead of noodles, incorporating trendy 'Bunmoza' rice cakes for a chewy texture, showcasing his creativity.

Meanwhile, MBC's 'If You Rest, It's a Relief' airs on Monday, October 6th, at 8:10 PM.

Kim Se-ah, TenAsia Reporter haesmik@tenasia.co.kr