Baby-Approved! Soft Beef Jangjorim (Braised Beef) – Bonjuk Style
Make Bonjuk-Style Tender Beef Jangjorim for Your Baby’s First Side Dish
Jangjorim is arguably the king of make-ahead side dishes! Its perfect balance of salty and sweet makes it a hit with babies, who happily gobble it up. Prepare a generous batch to ensure your little one has healthy meals for days to come.
Ingredients
- 150g Beef brisket or silverside (tender cut)
- 1 stalk Green onion (mainly the white part)
- 1/2 Onion (for sweetness and umami)
- 1/2 Pear or Apple (to tenderize meat and add sweetness)
- 2 pieces Dried kelp (for enhanced broth flavor)
- 10 whole Peppercorns (to remove gamey odor)
- 500ml Water
- 3 Tbsp Baby soy sauce (low-sodium)
- 1/2 Tbsp Sugar (adjust to taste)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, soak the 150g of beef in cold water for 30 minutes to remove any blood. This step is crucial for a clean flavor without any gamey taste. In a pot, combine the drained beef, 1 green onion stalk, 1/2 onion, 1/2 pear (or apple), 2 pieces of kelp, 10 whole peppercorns, and 500ml of water.
Step 2
Now, bring the pot to a boil over high heat. Once the water is bubbling vigorously, skim off any impurities (foam) that rise to the surface. Remove the kelp at this stage to prevent the broth from becoming cloudy. After skimming, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 40 more minutes until the beef is tender.
Step 3
After 40 minutes, carefully remove the cooked beef from the pot and let it cool slightly. While it’s still warm but manageable, shred the beef into small, bite-sized pieces that are easy for your baby to eat. Shredding it finely will make it easier to chew. Strain the remaining broth through a fine-mesh sieve to get a clear liquid.
Step 4
Add the shredded beef back into the clear broth. Stir in 3 tablespoons of baby soy sauce and 1/2 tablespoon of sugar. If your baby has a sweeter palate, you can slightly increase the amount of sugar. For a first-time taste, consider starting with a little less soy sauce and sugar to gauge your baby’s preference.
Step 5
Bring the mixture to a simmer over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and continue to cook for about 10 minutes. Simmer until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the beef beautifully. Be careful not to over-reduce, as it can become too salty for your baby. Adjust the consistency of the sauce to suit your baby’s taste. Serve warm over rice for a delightful baby meal!
