Crispy and Savory Daejeon-Style Fried Beans
A Beloved Side Dish in Daejeon, More Popular Than Stir-Fried Anchovies! Let’s Make Daejeon’s Famous Fried Beans ♥
Did you know that different regions enjoy unique side dishes? Introducing ‘Kongtwigim’ (Fried Beans), a dish as beloved in Daejeon as stir-fried anchovies! Its savory yet sweet flavor and crispy texture are reminiscent of eating nuts within stir-fried anchovies, offering a delightful chew and satisfying crunch. This incredibly appealing side dish, loved by all ages, is perfect to make at home right now!
Essential Ingredients- Dried beans, 1 measuring cup (e.g., Mejukong, Seoritae, or your preference)
- Sweet rice flour (glutinous rice flour), 1 measuring cup
Seasoning Ingredients- Soy sauce, 2 tablespoons
- Sugar, 2 tablespoons
- Water, 1 tablespoon
- Minced garlic, 1/3 tablespoon
- Soy sauce, 2 tablespoons
- Sugar, 2 tablespoons
- Water, 1 tablespoon
- Minced garlic, 1/3 tablespoon
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, thoroughly wash the beans and soak them in cold water for 8 to 10 hours. Soaking the beans until they are soft is crucial for achieving a good texture after frying.
Step 2
Place the soaked beans and half of the sweet rice flour (1/2 cup) into a resealable plastic bag. Seal the bag tightly and shake vigorously so that the sweet rice flour evenly coats each bean. Ensuring a thorough coating is key.
Step 3
Line a steamer basket with a damp cheesecloth or kitchen towel. Spread the flour-coated beans evenly in the steamer. Cover and steam for about 10 minutes. This step helps the sweet rice flour adhere firmly to the beans.
Step 4
Once steamed, remove the beans and let them cool slightly. Then, coat the beans with the remaining sweet rice flour (1/2 cup). After coating, let the beans air dry in a well-ventilated area for at least 1 hour, or until the surface feels completely dry. This drying process prevents the beans from breaking apart during frying and ensures maximum crispiness.
Step 5
In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce (2 tablespoons), sugar (2 tablespoons), water (1 tablespoon), and minced garlic (1/3 tablespoon). Stir well until the sugar is dissolved to create a delicious seasoning sauce. This sauce is the heart of the fried bean’s flavor.
Step 6
Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a deep pan or wok over medium heat to about 170°C (340°F). Carefully add the flour-coated beans to the preheated oil and fry for about 3 to 4 minutes, until they turn a golden brown and crispy. Remove the fried beans and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 7
In a clean pan, bring the prepared seasoning sauce to a simmer over medium heat. Once the sauce starts bubbling, add the fried beans and quickly toss them to coat evenly with the sauce. Continue to stir until the sauce thickens and coats the beans like a glaze. Once glazed, remove from heat, plate, and serve your delicious Daejeon-style fried beans!
