Soft and Delicious Braised Black Beans (Geomeun-kong Jorim)
Easy and Simple Recipe for Soft Braised Black Beans
A beloved side dish for the whole family, these savory and sweet braised black beans are a true rice thief! We’ll show you how to make them perfectly soft, not too salty, and incredibly delicious. This recipe is foolproof, even for beginners. Keep this as a staple side dish to enjoy anytime.
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup black beans (approx. 150g)
- 3 cups water (720ml)
Seasoning
- 4 Tbsp soy sauce (60ml)
- 1 Tbsp cooking wine (like Mirin) (15ml)
- 1 Tbsp corn syrup or rice syrup (15ml)
- 1 Tbsp sugar (15g)
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1/2 Cheongyang chili pepper (optional, for a spicy kick)
- 4 Tbsp soy sauce (60ml)
- 1 Tbsp cooking wine (like Mirin) (15ml)
- 1 Tbsp corn syrup or rice syrup (15ml)
- 1 Tbsp sugar (15g)
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1/2 Cheongyang chili pepper (optional, for a spicy kick)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, rinse the black beans thoroughly. Gently rub them under running water about three times to remove any dust or debris. Drain them in a sieve.
Step 2
Place the rinsed black beans in a bowl and add 3 cups (720ml) of water. Let them soak at room temperature for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight, until they are fully plump. Soaking is key to achieving soft, tender beans.
Step 3
Transfer the soaked black beans, along with their soaking liquid, directly into a pot. The liquid helps to cook the beans and infuse them with flavor.
Step 4
Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until the black beans are partially cooked and the liquid starts to reduce. Then, stir in 4 Tbsp of soy sauce.
Step 5
After adding the soy sauce, add 1 Tbsp of cooking wine (Mirin). Cooking wine helps to eliminate any bean odor and adds a nice sheen to the dish. Keep the heat on low and slowly braise the beans, allowing them to absorb the flavors.
Step 6
If you prefer a cleaner, slightly spicy taste, finely chop 1/2 Cheongyang chili pepper (seeds removed) and add it now. The spiciness cuts through the richness and adds another layer of flavor. (Skip this step if you don’t like spicy food).
Step 7
Add 1 Tbsp of corn syrup or rice syrup. This will add a glossy finish and enhance the sweetness. Continue to cook over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent the sauce from sticking or burning.
Step 8
As the sauce thickens and reduces to your desired consistency, stir in 1 Tbsp of sugar and 1 Tbsp of toasted sesame seeds. Cook for another minute or two until the glaze is glossy and coats the beans beautifully. Turn off the heat and let it cool slightly; the flavors will meld even further as it rests. Enjoy your homemade braised black beans!
