Jeon-ga-bok: A Luxurious Chinese Dish Infused with Health and Flavor
Jeon-ga-bok: A Special Dish That Makes You Feel Healthier with Every Bite
Experience the rich flavors and aromas of Jeon-ga-bok, a dish where fresh seafood and precious ingredients harmonize beautifully. Feel a sense of well-being with just one spoonful. Recreate this exquisite Chinese delicacy at home with ease, and delight in its visually appealing presentation.
Jeon-ga-bok Ingredients- 3 fresh abalones
- 3 plump shrimp
- 3 scallops
- 1 squid, cleaned
- A small amount of bamboo shoots
- 3 shiitake mushrooms
- 1 king oyster mushroom
- 1/2 onion
- 3 heads of bok choy
- 5 cloves of garlic
- 1 knob of ginger
Jeon-ga-bok Seasoning- 2 Tbsp cooking oil
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp tuna extract (or fish sauce)
- 2 Tbsp oyster sauce
- 2 Tbsp chicken stock
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 2 Tbsp cornstarch
- 1/2 cup water for cornstarch slurry
- 2 Tbsp cooking oil
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp tuna extract (or fish sauce)
- 2 Tbsp oyster sauce
- 2 Tbsp chicken stock
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 2 Tbsp cornstarch
- 1/2 cup water for cornstarch slurry
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Let’s introduce the diverse ingredients that go into Jeon-ga-bok. From tender scallops and fragrant shiitake mushrooms to crisp bamboo shoots and plump shrimp, all these ingredients will harmonize wonderfully.
Step 2
Fresh abalone is the star of Jeon-ga-bok! Properly preparing fresh abalone is practically the entire essence of this dish. Clean and prepare it meticulously to elevate the dish’s quality.
Step 3
For the cleaned squid, we’ll only use the mantle. To eliminate any gaminess and ensure the sauce is well-absorbed, make diagonal scores on the inside. Scoring it in a diamond pattern will also make it look more appealing.
Step 4
Score the fresh abalone as well, cutting it into bite-sized pieces. Making scores on the abalone will make it look even more appetizing when cooked. Score it with fine, close cuts.
Step 5
Here are all the ingredients we’ll be using today: 3 fresh abalones, 3 shrimp, 3 scallops, 1 cleaned squid, a small amount of bamboo shoots, 3 shiitake mushrooms, 1 king oyster mushroom, 1/2 onion, 3 heads of bok choy, 5 cloves of garlic, and 1 knob of ginger.
Step 6
We’ll briefly blanch all the vegetables except for the bok choy and onion in boiling water. Cook them for just a short time to maintain their crispness; overcooking will make them mushy.
Step 7
After blanching, rinse the vegetables in cold water to stop the cooking process. Drain them well in a colander and set them aside on a plate. This prevents excess water from forming when stir-frying later.
Step 8
Now, we’ll lightly blanch the seafood in the same water used for the vegetables. Rinsing seafood in cold water before cooking helps maintain its freshness.
Step 9
Drain the blanched seafood thoroughly in a colander. Ensure all excess water is removed, as any remaining moisture can cause oil to splatter when stir-frying.
Step 10
Set aside the blanched vegetables and seafood. Don’t discard the water used for blanching the vegetables; we’ll use it later as part of our broth.
Step 11
Heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil in a pan over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced garlic and ginger to release their fragrant aroma. Gently sautéing them will bring out their best flavor.
Step 12
Once the garlic is fragrant, add all the blanched vegetables and seafood (ensure they are well-drained) and stir-fry them together. Use high heat to quickly cook and preserve the freshness of the ingredients.
Step 13
At this stage, pour in about half a shot glass of cooking wine (like sake or mirin) to effectively remove any fishy or unpleasant odors from the seafood. The alcohol will evaporate, leaving a clean taste.
Step 14
Stir-fry until most of the liquid has evaporated and the ingredients are evenly cooked. Then, it’s time to add the seasonings. Be careful not to dry out the ingredients while stir-frying.
Step 15
Here’s the core seasoning for Jeon-ga-bok! Prepare 2 Tbsp cooking oil, 1 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 Tbsp tuna extract (or fish sauce), 2 Tbsp oyster sauce, 2 Tbsp chicken stock, and 1/2 cup of vegetable broth. Don’t forget 1/2 tsp black pepper and 1 Tbsp sesame oil.
Step 16
Jeon-ga-bok focuses on highlighting the natural flavors of the ingredients rather than being overly strong, so precise seasoning is key. Add chicken stock for a deep umami flavor, and pour in 1/2 cup of the reserved vegetable broth to bring it to a simmer. (Note: The original input suggested 1.5 cups of vegetable broth, but combining the mentioned 1/2 cup with another implied 1/2 cup results in 1 cup total, so it’s clarified here as 1 cup for consistency.)
Step 17
Once the sauce has simmered and the flavors have melded, add the crisp bok choy and sliced onion. Cook them briefly to maintain their fresh texture.
Step 18
After adding all the ingredients, gradually pour in the cornstarch slurry (2 Tbsp cornstarch mixed with 1/2 cup water) while stirring constantly to achieve the desired consistency. Add it little by little, stirring until you reach the perfect thickness.
Step 19
Aim for a consistency that is neither too thick nor too thin. Stir and cook rapidly after adding the cornstarch to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth texture. The mixture will thicken quickly once the cornstarch is added, so minimize the cooking time.
Step 20
Finally, drizzle in the sesame oil for a nutty aroma and sprinkle with black pepper for a final touch of flavor. Your homemade Jeon-ga-bok is now ready, rivaling any high-end Chinese restaurant dish!
Step 21
With its delicate yet tender texture, Jeon-ga-bok offers a satisfying feeling of well-being with every spoonful. The harmonious blend of healthy ingredients invigorates your mind and body, especially the subtly visible abalone, which can help revive your spirits on a hot day. You might find yourself reaching for your chopsticks non-stop, perhaps even adding more of the stunning abalone that will surely catch your eye!
Step 22
While cooking, one usually aims to make just enough for the number of people, but after preparing such a delicious dish like this, the regret of not making more is almost inevitable. Make a generous portion and create a happy mealtime for your whole family to enjoy together.
