Delicious Braised Black Beans: A Perfect Side Dish Recipe
Mastering Kongjaban: A Step-by-Step Guide to Delicious Homemade Braised Beans
Beans are known for their isoflavones, which are great for women’s health, and black beans are particularly noted for their potential benefits in preventing hair loss. Let’s make Kongjaban, a healthy and universally loved side dish that’s both chewy and delightfully sweet and savory. It’s sure to be a hit at any meal!
Ingredients- 250g black beans (about 1.5 cups)
- 150ml soaking water from the beans
- 5 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp canola oil
- 2 Tbsp sugar
- 2 Tbsp corn syrup (oligosaccharide)
- A pinch of toasted sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare 250g of black beans. Rinse the beans thoroughly about 3 times under running water. Place the rinsed beans in a bowl and add enough water to cover them completely. Let them soak for about 1 hour. If you’re short on time, soaking in warm water will speed up the process.
Step 2
Drain the soaked beans using a sieve and transfer them to a pot. Add 150ml of the water used for soaking the beans. The water level should be just enough to partially cover the beans. This water will be used for braising, so measuring it is helpful.
Step 3
Now it’s time to add the soy sauce for that umami flavor. Add 5 tablespoons of soy sauce to the pot. You can adjust the amount of soy sauce according to your taste.
Step 4
Add 1 tablespoon of canola oil to enhance the nutty aroma. You can also use olive oil or other vegetable oils.
Step 5
Add 2 tablespoons of sugar to bring in the sweetness. This helps to balance the slight bitterness of the beans and creates a flavor that even children will enjoy.
Step 6
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium. Cook until the liquid has reduced to a simmer. Once the liquid has reduced significantly, lower the heat to low and let it simmer gently. It’s important to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 7
The ideal consistency for delicious Kongjaban is when the liquid has thickened, the beans are glossy, and the sauce is reduced to a syrupy glaze.
Step 8
Finally, add 2 tablespoons of corn syrup (oligosaccharide) for extra sheen and sweetness. Corn syrup provides a milder sweetness and a beautiful glaze compared to sugar. Adjust the sweetness to your preference.
Step 9
Just before turning off the heat, sprinkle in some toasted sesame seeds for added nuttiness. Lightly crushing the sesame seeds before adding them will enhance their flavor. Stir well, and your delicious Kongjaban is ready!
Step 10
While soaking the beans takes a bit of time, the Kongjaban recipe itself is very simple, and once made, it becomes a staple side dish! Try serving it with freshly cooked warm rice.
Step 11
Kongjaban made with carefully soaked Seoritae beans offers a wonderful chewy texture and a savory-sweet flavor that gets even better with each bite. The perfect balance of salty and sweet makes it a true ‘rice thief’! We highly recommend giving this recipe a try!
