I recently got into a little friendly debate with my friend Jane. She once wrote on her facebook update: “People I will never understand: dog haters, people who don’t like swimming, and murderers.”
I had to reply immediately: “I’m a dog-hater. I also don’t like swimming. I’m not a murderer though…forgive me?”
Now, the last time I announced that I disliked something (it was avocado), I had an anonymous comment cry out in anguish, “I don’t like you too!” And I imagine that by revealing my dislike for those precious, tail-wagging, doe-eyed furry creatures called dogs, I’ll probably receive more passionate responses than that.
Well, I don’t hate dogs. I’m just insensitive towards them. No matter how small and cute they are, they don’t exactly tug at my heart strings, and I’ve never once went “awwww…” at pictures of adorable puppies (In fact, pictures of adorable creatures kind of annoy me).
“How can you not like dogs?” Jane exclaimed to me over lunch. “They’re so loyal. They love you no matter what. They never judge you. And they come back to you with open paws no matter how badly you treat them.” Her gaze hardened with accusation.
I tried to protest my innocence. I tried to explain that I’ve been bitten and mangled and chased by dogs. I also tried to explain that they were annoyingly officious creatures, always eager to please, and why the heck do they always like to sniff and paw at your crotch?
“Well, that’s the owners fault,” Jane said. “They didn’t train their pets well. And when dogs are mistreated, they can get overly defensive and belligerent. It’s the humans who inflict their messed up natures on dogs.” She shook her head sadly. “Poor dogs. Damn humans.”
I had nothing else to say. She was right. There is no such thing as an evil dog, but there are tons of cruel humans out there. Dogs forgive readily, but humans bear grudges to their graves. All dogs want is love, food, and shelter, but humans always seem to want more and more, never having enough. When you think about it, animals are pretty simple creatures. But us humans…there ain’t no creature as complicated as us.
In my reply to Jane’s facebook status, I also mentioned that I’m not a murderer. But that was a lie. I am a murderer. I haven’t done the physical action yet, but I’ve committed countless atrocities in my mind and heart. I’ve cursed people through both my thoughts and words. I’ve compared myself to others, and stung them with darts of jealousy. I’ve judged and criticized others, crippling them with my prejudices. And I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one.
When it comes to human relationships, you’re bound to face conflicts. You are a flawed complicated human, interacting with flawed, complicated humans. There is no such thing as a perfectly smooth relationship, and if there are no conflicts, well…then you’re not really in a genuine relationship with that person.
What is my point in this? I’m not sure. It’s just something I’ve been struggling with right now, and I’ve been musing. But my basic conclusion is that when it comes to complicated relationships, the easiest route out is: just give in. Sure, that person might have done you tons of wrong, but it’s simplest to just be a “bigger” person and forgive. The more you invest yourself into that relationship, the more you’ll be complicating it.
Instead, the best way to keep your mind off it is to saturate yourself with other positive things. The worst thing to do is to stew on that problem, because let’s face it—you’ll never be able to understand the human mind and emotions…including yours. Leave that to God who created us. You just do your part in staying as positive as you can by trusting that God has His blessings within that relationship. For me, I’ve been trying to read and understand the bible more, visit the library frequently, spend quality time with my parents, and of course, cook fun and delicious foods.
My dear friend Barbara once suggested that I try recreating all my favorite dishes I had tried during my trip to Asian this summer. It’s actually kind of hard to procure all the correct ingredients, equipment, and technique for some of those dishes, but hey, that just means I get an excuse for mutilating their traditional cuisine.
Guess what I found at my local Chinese grocery store:
Wanton noodles! But instead of being the usual skinny kind, these noodles were thicker…a lot like the Mee Pok noodles I so happily enjoyed in Singapore. 
I cannot believe it took me so long to cook with these noodles. I cannot believe I took so long to even consider cooking with it. I’ve been missing Mee Pok like crazy, so I was really excited to try these noodles again. I did not use the traditional Mee Pok sauce and soup, however. I decided to blend together inspirations from both Hong Kong and Korea to create this dish:
Hong Kong-Korean Mee Pok
- 2 bundles wanton noodles (the thicker kind)
- spoonful gochujang
- bit of sesame oil
- soy sauce
- maple syrup
- bit of chicken broth (or water)
- 1 link Andouille sausage, sliced
- 1/2 onion, sliced
- 1 stalk scallion, sliced
- small bunch of torn romaine lettuce leaves
- 1 fried egg (runny!)
- cracked black pepper
Cook the noodles according to package directions. For me, I just dipped the noodles in boiling water for a couple minutes. Drain.
Mix together the gochujang, oil, soy sauce, maple syrup, and chicken broth. I did not specify measurements because there is no need for that. Just mix and taste according to your preference. Just make sure the mixture is not too salty, runny, or thick.
In a drying pan over medium heat, fry together the sausage and onions for a minute or so. Pour the sauce over, and fry together until the sausage and onion is cooked through, and the sauce thickens. Meanwhile, fry up an egg.
To assemble, mix the sausage/onion mixture into the noodles, together with the scallions and romaine lettuce. Top with fried egg. Crack black pepper over, and serve. 
While I was cooking this, my dad was eating his lunch (kimchi stew). But the fragrance of the frying sausage and onions in spicy sauce made him turn his head, and he demanded that I make this dish again for him some day. With pleasure, daddy! 
If you’re wondering where the Hong Kong influence in this dish is, it’s the sausage and egg combination. If you recall from my trip to Hong Kong, it’s a common theme in a lot of Hong Kongese homestyle cafes. Remember this? Hong Kongese really love their hotdogs and eggs! 
As for the Korean influence, obviously it’s the gochujang sauce, a similar sauce used in the traditional spicy Korean rice cake dish, tteok bokki. 
I used chicken Andouille sausages in this dish because I happened to have a couple pounds of it in my fridge, but you can use regular hotdogs, too. If you can’t handle spicy foods, just tame down the amount of gochujang used. 
These noodles are SO good. They’re actually quite flavorful by themselves, but they also absorb the flavors of the sauce really well. I can’t wait to cook with them more! 
Sigh. Why can’t humans be as simple and interchangeable as food? But I guess that’s what makes them so much more rewarding and unique. We humans are one of a kind, indeed.
By the way, my neighborhood dog has been yapping away for hours now. It’s getting on my nerves. Sorry, Jane. As convincing as your arguments for dogs are, I just cannot bring myself to love them. I guess that’s three strikes out for me: dog-hater, unenthusiastic swimmer, and…murderer. Perhaps if I cook something nice for her, she’ll forgive me?
Question of the Day: Dogs vs. Humans. Whose side are you on?
P.S. Thank you for all your input on the name for my column! I have not decided on one yet, but all your suggestions have been very helpful! I’m leaning toward That’s What She Ate and maybe Foodie McSnob. A few of you asked why I don’t just name it Burp and Slurp…Well, the thing is I’m not comfortable in publicizing my blog in my school. But I do agree that Burp and Slurp is awesome. Tee hee!
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I don’t like animals AT ALL. I really hate them actually. I will admit that I want a dog (but ONLY a golden retreiver), just because I grew up with one. But I have no interest in other animals. I think they are gross.
the title is scary! hahahahhaha
but the food is very well presented, just like the one in the restaurant! I seriously think you are very talented at egg-boiling. Everytime I saw this running egg, I just can’t stop wondering, when u gonna have a special post devoted to egg??
I don’t like dogs. Two of them charged at my friends and I in the park on Monday, leaping up and trying to bite us. I think it also depends on whether you have been brought up around animals – I was not, and consequently I’m never sure exactly how to relate to them.
Sarah x
I’m not much of an animal person, to be honest… I love the potential they have to love you no matter what, but … I don’t know, I guess it’s just not my kind of thing. :/
<3 <3
It’s not that I don’t like pets so much. It’s just that I know I prefer not to have one. People always ask and I say, “I’m still trying to figure out the best way to take care of myself. And I am still having issues with keeping a plant alive. Why in the world would anyone think I need a dog?”
I’m on the dog side.
But I don’t particular like cats. And I really don’t like birds. I bought a house like two months ago and I swear, there are like 10 birdhouses around the house. Ugh.
I adore animals of all kinds. My dream is to someday have an animal rescue shelter so that abandoned and abused animals have a safe place to go to. I don’t care if they’re injured or never want to deal with another human being again due to the mistreatment that they’ve experienced. I’m happy to shelter and feed them and allow them to live the rest of their lives out in peace. I’ve stopped traffic for a sloth and a turtle to cross the road (and yes, inconveniencing all the drivers on the road.) I’d be willing to go to jail for an animal. I’ve been bit by a dog. I’ve been bit by a bird. I’ve been scratched by cats. I’ve been tormented by a barking dog for hours at a time while I was trying to rest and relax in my own home. These are all isolated incidents (and I blame their human owners for poor “parenting”) and do not reflect on all animals. I actually hate those cute picture of animals because it makes people feel the need to go out and buy puppies and kittens instead of adopting older animals who need a home from a shelter. Puppies and kittens are hard work and they end up being abandoned and abused. People make poor choices and animals suffer from it.
Ok, important stuff first:
I’m warming up to That’s What She Ate. I love the joke you got it from. I was just saying it in my head like that annoying line “And that’s all she wrote.” Call your column Foodie McSnob and I will poison your gochujang
. If you’re going to thumb your nose at snobby foodies, you need to be more creative than that!
Now, dogs and people. I love dogs. Humans screw them up. But I hate disobedient dogs that have been given bad habits through poor ownership. And I hate it when people treat dogs like people, from baby talk to uselessly gaudy clothing. But the simple loyalty and quiet strength of well-trained dog…one that also has a personality and isn’t a dumb goof…is really amazing. But for my dog, yeah, it has to have a personality. Makes it a damn lot harder to train, but I could never own a dumb dog.
Great dish! And a big hug to you for the things you’re dealing with right now, hope everything works out!
(And I don’t like cats by the way, only small cute baby cats:p)
xxx Julia (Taste of Living)
haha i’m sooo not a dog lover either. they’re fine to play with buttt i’m so happy to be able to give them back to their owners
I am not overly enamoured with either humans or dogs
I do feel terribly guilty and the world’s worst vegan for saying it, but dogs are probably one of my least favourite animals. I do acknowledge that none of the behaviour they exhibit, no matter how irritating or dangerous, can be classified as ‘bad.’ Obviously, they don’t have the higher level of cognitive functioning that allows them to be capable of evil: there are no bad dogs, only bad owners. I get particularly furious with the owners because they’re vicariously inducing anger in me at a defenceless (well, they do have teeth but you know what I mean…) creature. I have been snapped at, knocked down, tripped and frightened daily by dogs while out running. They have been poorly trained and are rarely on leashes, which though illegal doesn’t seem to stop some people. I think people today treat their pets like their children: leave them to their own devices too much and don’t have enough time for them. The result makes for an understimulated, badly behaved entity that likes to act up in public. Barking dogs always worry me because it’s so hard to tell when they’re just excited and when they’re being aggressive.
That said, I can see the appeal of owning a dog…I just wish they’d clear up their own mess
But they are loyal and loving, and I would adore a huge German Shepherd to protect me and basically act as a surrogate husband 
I think it’s more other people’s dogs that I have a problem with.
I am more of a cat person overall though: you really have to earn their love, and they stay with you because they want to, not because they’re incapable of surviving without a pack leader.
Such an interesting post topic, and very timely given that I was beasted by a black labrador when running this morning and nearly threw my back out trying not to fall over while it jumped on me!
<3
~Jess~
xxxxxxxx
I am on the dogs side … there are a LOT of terrible dog owners.
Definitely an animal lover here, specifically dogs. But, that’s OK I’ll like you still anyway.
Right now I’m usually only comfortable with little dogs because that’s the main animal I have been exposed to. Big dogs can be fine and I’ve seen so many well-trained big dogs who are much better trained than a little yapper
Humans definitely play an important role in how an animal will act. Soo I’m on the dog and human side — can I be on both sides?
Humans are INFINITELY more complex than dogs…sometimes for better, sometimes for worse. I love dogs but only my own. I love the way she always loves me and needs me and wants me around…I guess I’m pretty needy.
I second that you should try to recreate all of the food from Korea! Mainly because I want to see how I can make all of it using goods from the US
The mee pok noodles look fantastic!
Dogs warm my heart. Their ability to move on from a horrible situation always amazes me. My dog Eddie was abused before I adopted him and he ist he most loving thing and he doesnt blame me for what happened to him–just loves me.
I’m a dog LOVER but not against those who don’t like them. I think its what you were accustomed to growing up. Anyway, I love this post. Its so nice to be back in town and catching up on blogs, especially yours! Such wisdom, encouragement, etc.
P.S.
Can you teach me how to fry an egg to pefect like that?!?! Mine always fall apart.
That is a beautiful dish Sophia. As always, you do not disappoint with your creations.
As a dog owner and therefore dog lover, I hate that some humans can damage a dog so much. My guess is that those are the same people who also damage other people. If someone can neglect a dog or get angry with a dog and beat it, my guess is they can do the same to another person. Not everyone, but I think there could be some correlation there.
those noodles look SO GOOD! come cook for me!
That looks sooo awesome, Sophia…yum!! I’m on the side of the humans. Sure bad humans “make” mean dogs…but bad humans also “make” bad humans. So, maybe humans should not be allowed to own other living things. I’ve had plenty of dogs in my life…I don’t dislike them at all, I just don’t like picking up their poo. Plus, I have 2 cats (they poo in a box, so dump & go). Go cats!
…bring it on, haters…there’s so muc hfor to it than that. Anyway.
I’m a dog lover, but I think some people treat them like humans, which they obv aren’t. they are animals! Haha!
Those noodles look amazing! I want them, nowwww.
<3 jess
xoxo
I can’t help but laugh just thinking about your dog horror stores. I had a friend in high school who was terrified of dogs, and therefore didn’t like them much, like you. Anyway, we were trick-or-treeting FRESHMAN year of high school (that’s awful) and a dog came up and started sort of attacking her (she was in a clown suit). I soon realized the dog wasn’t really dangerous, just scared, but Michelle was TERRRRRIFIED and I was….laughing. She was in a clown suit! This picture sticks with me forever. Needless to say, she hates dogs too. And swimming…actually.
Humans!
Owners that love their pets more than their friends: sad news. Same goes for buying their pets clothes, houses, organic desserts, and putting their picture in a frame by their bed.
No offense, world. I love dogs. But vs. humans? No comparison. Wuv you, human beings!!
PS: egg on top of noodles looks AMAZING.
How AWFUL would life be all the time if we kept getting stuck on things other people do that bother us? Everyone would be so pissy all the time. Giving in doesn’t necessarily mean giving up, it just means that we have better things to do than to let others ruin our positivity.
I love dogs. Love dogs. LOVE. I have two cats though. How did this happen??!
truth? animals kind of gross me out. they are just so bizarre looking. i do like dogs and cats. and goats absolutely crack me up. other than that, not so much. fish and birds are the worst. yuck!
i swear you have some kind of magical camera that makes all your eats look amazing
omg great post!! i used to have lots of animals. They used the house as their personal bathroom after skylar was born and no amt of training was helping them. they wanted our attn like they always had it for years..well, life changed, we had a child. Skylar was crawling in their waste one day and that was the day we had to re-home them. They are happy, just not with us. I dont have the energy to take care of a child, a house, single parent most of the time, and take care of animals. People can walk a mile in someones shoes before they judge, ya know
and you are freakin psychic!!!! I was ON MY WAY to your blog, when bing, a comment from you popped in my inbox.
xoxo
Your food fotos are just so wonderful. I want to eat everything you’ve cooked. The Korean ingredients fascinate me.
I am a cat person. Dogs, not so much. They shed all over, they jump on you, you have to walk them and pick up their doodoo, they have bad breath and they pee on stuff. Why would you want one?
I love animals a lot but I don’t necessarily want them in my house. They are messy and I don’t like mess! But I can totally appreciate how cute and loving they are. Unconditional love like that is hard to find!
Whenever there is a choice between humans and animals, I will choose animals any day. They are innocent. I know there are many good humans, but since we have the capability of making choices and higher thinking, too many times it is used to a bad end and I am often disgusted with humankind because of it. I personally am a dog lover, but I understand where you’re coming from because I used to detest dogs. Hated them. Didn’t get people who liked them. To me, they were ugly and smelly and annoying b/c they barked too much. And the big ones scared me. I liked cats because they seemed smart and they were small and soft and pretty self-sufficient, not following you everywhere. However, that all changed when I got my first dog. We saved her from a bad home where they were starving the mom so she had eaten all of her puppies for sustenance, except for one. That was our Jessie. And I will never regret saving her from being digested because she is the light of my life. If you ever decide to get a dog, I can’t say that you will be swayed as far to the opposite side as I have, but since you have a good heart, I think you might. It is so nice to come home every day to a smiling puppy face, to a creature that is so thrilled to see you that they jump and frolic and wag their tails and pant happily while you pet their head. I dont’ think my life would be as wonderful without her in it.
Well I happen to love dogs, but I don’t hold it against others who aren’t dog lovers. To each his own! I don’t really enjoy swimming, mostly due to the fact that I’m not very good at it. Give me a float and I’m happy!
I remember seeing the hotdogs and eggs. Didn’t you eat them for breakfast or someone else did while you were on your trip. But seriously that meal looks so good! I really want some wonton noodles, but I’d probably never find any where I live
Out of the two you’re thinking about, I like That’s What She Ate.
<3 Tori
Our differences are what make us more interesting and life more enlightening. If we all liked the same thing, it would be a very boring world, indeed.
I’m a definite dog lover. I’ve always wanted one when I was a kid but never got one until I moved out on my own. My dog was like my child. He became a part of the family and made me into a dog lover. I’m not going to bore you and go on and on telling you how great dogs are but I will say that I’m a human and a dog lover. Everyone is different so I hope people realize that and no one sends you any hate comments. Humans can hate another human for saying something bad or rude about them, so it’s totally understandable for you to hate dogs after being chased and bitten by them. Dog hater or not, we both have one thing in common and that’s our love for food. That’s one great looking dish you created there!I love the fusion of Hong Kongnese and Korean flavors
those noodles look great! i love all your combos – hot dogs, maple syrup and eggs!
Dogs FTW! A life without a dog is a life unlived – to ME. And I totally respect others’ right not to like dogs
Your feelings about dogs are pretty much mine about babies, toddlers and small children. (No hatin’!)
I used to be a bit scared of dogs and had a cat around my mum’s home for 19 years, but I wouldn’t want to live full time with either of them at the moment. Maybe someday…
I used to dislike dogs too as I was chased by a couple of German Shepherds. Now I like other dogs but I can’t say I am too fond of German Shepherds! Ooh and I bought some gochujang yesterday so keep the gochujang recipes coming! It’s a big tub!
I am an animal person and I have to agree that for the most part “bad” dogs are the result of bad owners!
haha well considering i have never seen those here you make the recipe hard to replicate! but i love fried egg on anything.
i am definietly a dog lover and swimming lover lol and murder too damnit haha…i agree with you abou giving in and being the bigger person too
Dogs, for their unconditional innocent love <3
Awesome grocery find! I wish we had a Chinese grocery store around here.
I am a dog person all the way (as you may be able to tell from my posts peppered with canines:))
Mind can be tricky and complicated!! Who has problems with swimmers – I’m one?
Swim a lot and you can eat lot of these wonderful wanton noodles!
Cheers,
Gera
You did a great job with this dish! YUM!!
I love animals…we have a dog and a cat! They are so sweet and love unconditionally!
But you’re NOT a foodie mcsnob! Please name it “That’s What She Ate.” As much as I would love to poison your Daily Trojan newspaper because that would make the Bruin look way better… (^^)v
I am so impressed with the noodle dish you made! I love how you incorporated the two different cultures into what looks like a fantastic dish!
I was chased by a dog as a kid so I still stiffen up a bit when they get close to me. Similarly, I’m a terrible swimmer and thus I don’t love going into the pool.
I really do like calm dogs. However, I hate it when I’m running by yards and a dog starts barking like crazy and I don’t trust that it is hemmed in properly. I don’t trust invisible fences either!!! I also hate it when people don’t control their dogs when I’m running. So humans all the way
dogs
and we are all unique, that’s for sure… great looking recipe!
I love the *concept* of a dog, but too many poorly trained dogs have spoiled it for me. Plus, I’d be washing my hands every thirty seconds if I had a dog. =P
I love eggs. That dish looks fantastic.
I’m on the “human” side, but only because my dog just bit me.
I’m definitely on the dog side. A lot of people get dogs and train them to be defenders, and I get that, but then there’s the people who just train them to be basket cases and go after everything that moves. I always remember my old lab Indy who passed away a few months ago, and think about how whenever I was crying I’d lay on the family room floor and he’d lay down next to me and lick my face. They’re such simple, loving creatures, but they understand human emotion in the realest way. I miss my baby!
So sorry you got mauled. I fault the dog owners for that, not the dogs. As owner of 3 giant pups (1 St. Bernard, 2 golden), I really can’t relate, but must note this new dog appreciation didn’t come to me til 8 years ago. Once you told your friend of the attack, she should’ve just STFU and said: I’m so sorry lah!
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