Spicy and Savory Stir-fried Peppers with Doenjang
Simple and Delicious Doenjang-Seasoned Peppers: The Golden Recipe
The weather is absolutely lovely today! On hot days, simply dipping peppers into water with leftover rice is a treat. Today, I’m sharing a recipe for ‘Gochu Doenjang Muchim’ (Seasoned Peppers with Doenjang) that I made for my dad last summer using doenjang and fresh peppers. It’s a simple yet incredibly flavorful side dish that makes you want to finish a whole bowl of rice!
Main Ingredients
- 4 Tbsp Doenjang (Korean soybean paste)
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 0.5 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 5 Peppers (use Cheongyang peppers for extra spice)
Optional Ingredients (For Enhanced Flavor)
- 0.5 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- 0.5 Tbsp Sesame Seeds
- 0.5 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- 0.5 Tbsp Sesame Seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
In a bowl, combine 4 tablespoons of doenjang, 1 tablespoon of minced garlic, and 0.5 tablespoon of gochugaru. If you’re using store-bought doenjang, adding just gochugaru can be delicious, but homemade doenjang will add a richer, more savory flavor. If you plan to eat it right away, you can also add sesame oil and sesame seeds at this stage. Personally, I prefer to add these just before serving!
Step 2
Mix the prepared seasoning ingredients thoroughly. (The doenjang I use is homemade and low-sodium, so it might look a bit crumbly, but the taste is fantastic!)
Step 3
Ensure the doenjang mixture is well combined. Once it’s smoothly blended without lumps, move on to the next step.
Step 4
Wash the peppers thoroughly, remove the stems, and chop them into bite-sized pieces. You can also thinly slice garlic or cut it into rounds (about 3 cuts) to add, or include thinly sliced onions for extra crunch.
Step 5
Add the chopped peppers to the doenjang mixture and toss gently to coat evenly. While ‘asahi’ peppers are commonly used, if you enjoy a spicy kick, opt for Cheongyang peppers. I often make this with Cheongyang peppers for my parents, as they love spicy food.
Step 6
Here’s the beautifully completed Gochu Doenjang Muchim! The vibrant green peppers and savory doenjang create a visually appealing and appetizing side dish that’s perfect with rice.
