Delicious Braised Burdock Root (Ueong Jorim): The Perfect Side Dish & Kimbap Filling Recipe
The Quintessential Home-Cooked Meal! Sweet & Savory Braised Burdock (Ueong) – A Kimbap Filling Recipe
A beloved side dish enjoyed by the whole family, Burdock Root Jorim! It’s a magical recipe I find myself making at least once a week. With its perfectly balanced sweet and savory flavor and satisfyingly crisp texture, it’s a true rice thief. It’s also incredibly convenient for making Kimbap – just add this burdock filling, and a delicious roll is ready in no time. When the kids lack appetite, I can whip up a simple Kimbap with just burdock, carrots, and egg, and they devour it. With this recipe, anyone can create delicious Braised Burdock Root.
Main Ingredients- 300g Burdock Root
- 200ml Water
- 4 Tbsp Soy Sauce (Jin Ganjang)
- 3 Tbsp Rice Wine (Mirin or similar)
- 3 Tbsp Rice Syrup (Jocheong) or Corn Syrup (Mulyeot)
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- 1 Tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds
For Blanching- 1 Tbsp Vinegar
- 1 Tbsp Vinegar
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, thoroughly wash the burdock root under running water, scrubbing off any dirt. Peel the burdock using a peeler, but consider leaving some of the skin on as it’s rich in nutrients.
Step 2
You can slice the burdock into strips with a knife, or use a mandoline slicer for convenience. Using a mandoline will result in thinner, more tender strips, which are especially great for children. If it’s your first time using one, handle it carefully.
Step 3
Burdock root tends to brown quickly once cut. To prevent this, submerge the sliced burdock in water immediately after preparing it.
Step 4
Here’s the first secret to delicious Burdock Jorim! Add 1 tablespoon of vinegar to boiling water. Blanching the burdock in water with vinegar helps to remove any earthy odors and maintain a crisp texture.
Step 5
The blanching time for burdock is very short – just about 1 minute. Avoid over-blanching, as it can make the burdock mushy. Make sure to keep an eye on the time.
Step 6
After blanching, don’t rinse the burdock under cold water. Simply drain off excess water and transfer it directly to a pan. Heat 3 tablespoons of cooking oil in the pan and sauté the burdock for about 3 minutes. This sautéing step helps to bring out the burdock’s natural flavor.
Step 7
Now it’s time to add the base for the burdock braising liquid. First, pour in 200ml of water.
Step 8
Add 4 tablespoons of soy sauce (Jin Ganjang) for a deep, savory flavor. You can adjust the amount of soy sauce according to your preference.
Step 9
Add 2-3 tablespoons of rice wine (like Mirin) to eliminate any unpleasant smells and add a nice sheen. If you don’t have rice wine, you can substitute it with sake or a similar cooking wine.
Step 10
Add 1 tablespoon of sugar to introduce sweetness. Don’t worry too much about the sugar content now, as we’ll be adding rice syrup or corn syrup later for extra gloss and sweetness. Feel free to adjust this initial sugar amount.
Step 11
Now, cover the pan and let it simmer over medium-low heat. Allow it to braise until the liquid is sufficiently reduced and the burdock has absorbed the flavors. This process allows the flavors to deeply penetrate the burdock.
Step 12
Occasionally, lift the lid and stir the burdock, flipping it from top to bottom. This ensures the sauce coats evenly and gives all the burdock an appetizing color.
Step 13
Once most of the liquid has evaporated, remove the lid. Add 3 tablespoons of rice syrup (Jocheong) or corn syrup (Mulyeot). Increase the heat to medium-high and quickly stir, allowing the syrup to coat the burdock and evaporate any remaining moisture. Important tip: don’t add all the syrup at once. Add it gradually and taste as you go to adjust the sweetness to your liking.
Step 14
Just before turning off the heat, stir in 1 tablespoon of sesame oil and 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds for added aroma and nuttiness. A final mix will enhance both the flavor and fragrance.
Step 15
Voila! Your delicious, sweet, savory, and crisp Braised Burdock Root is ready. Tasting a piece, the perfectly balanced sweetness and savory taste make it a hit with kids. It’s a perfect side dish for rice or a fantastic filling for Kimbap. Enjoy your delicious Burdock Jorim!
