Spicy and Sweet Delight: Making Flavorful Gochujapchae
A Delicious Combination of Vegetables and Tender Pork: Authentic Gochujapchae Recipe
Craving a delightful Korean-Chinese dish at home? Introducing Gochujapchae, a visually stunning dish that offers both a feast for the eyes and the palate, combining vibrant bell peppers and aromatic vegetables. The tender pork, crisp vegetables, and savory sauce create a perfect harmony, making it an ideal side dish for meals or an impressive option for entertaining guests. Enjoy an even more abundant meal when served with warm steamed buns.
Main Ingredients
- Pork loin 300g
- Red bell pepper 2
- Green bell pepper 2
- Onion 1/2
- Steamed buns (Hwa-bbang) 1 packet
Pork Marinade
- Herb salt, a pinch
- Minced garlic 1 tsp
- Cooking wine (Mirin, etc.) 1 Tbsp
- Cornstarch 2 Tbsp
Spicy and Sweet Sauce
- Oyster sauce 1 Tbsp
- Soy sauce 2 Tbsp
- Cooking syrup (or Oligosaccharide) 1 Tbsp
- Cooking oil 2 Tbsp
- Minced garlic 1 tsp
- Sesame oil 1 Tbsp
- Toasted sesame seeds 1 tsp
- Black pepper, a pinch
- Herb salt, a pinch
- Minced garlic 1 tsp
- Cooking wine (Mirin, etc.) 1 Tbsp
- Cornstarch 2 Tbsp
Spicy and Sweet Sauce
- Oyster sauce 1 Tbsp
- Soy sauce 2 Tbsp
- Cooking syrup (or Oligosaccharide) 1 Tbsp
- Cooking oil 2 Tbsp
- Minced garlic 1 tsp
- Sesame oil 1 Tbsp
- Toasted sesame seeds 1 tsp
- Black pepper, a pinch
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare all the ingredients for your Gochujapchae. Wash the bell peppers and onion thoroughly, remove the seeds, and slice them into bite-sized strips of uniform size. Slice the pork loin into similar strips as well.
Step 2
In a bowl, combine the sliced pork with 1 Tbsp of cooking wine, a pinch of herb salt, and 1 tsp of minced garlic. Gently mix them together to tenderize the pork and remove any gamey odor. Then, add 2 Tbsp of cornstarch and mix well, ensuring the starch evenly coats the pork. This step will result in tender, flavorful pork that absorbs the sauce beautifully.
Step 3
In a small bowl, whisk together 1 Tbsp oyster sauce, 2 Tbsp soy sauce, and 1 Tbsp cooking syrup to create the sauce mixture. Preparing the sauce in advance will allow for a smoother cooking process.
Step 4
Slice the red and green bell peppers and the onion into uniform strips. Aim for a thickness that is neither too thin nor too thick, to ensure a pleasant crisp texture after cooking. Having them pre-sliced will save you time during the stir-frying process.
Step 5
Heat 2 Tbsp of cooking oil in a pan over medium heat. Add 1 tsp of minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Once the garlic is aromatic, add the marinated pork and stir-fry over high heat, breaking up any clumps with chopsticks or a spatula. It’s important to cook the pork quickly to prevent it from becoming tough.
Step 6
Once the pork is mostly cooked and has changed color, add the sliced bell peppers and onion to the pan. Continue to stir-fry over high heat. The goal is to cook the vegetables until they are tender-crisp, retaining their fresh crunch. High heat and quick cooking help preserve the vibrant flavors of the vegetables.
Step 7
As the vegetables begin to soften slightly, pour the prepared sauce mixture into the pan. Stir everything together quickly to ensure the sauce coats all the ingredients evenly. Proper mixing ensures that every bite is infused with delicious flavor.
Step 8
Once all the ingredients are well combined with the sauce and have a glossy appearance, your Gochujapchae is ready! The vibrant colors are not only appealing but also promise a delightful taste.
Step 9
Just before turning off the heat, drizzle in 1 Tbsp of sesame oil and sprinkle 1 tsp of toasted sesame seeds and a pinch of black pepper, if desired, for added aroma. The nutty fragrance of sesame oil and seeds will elevate the dish’s flavor profile. Your delicious Gochujapchae is now complete!
Step 10
To complete the meal, warm the steamed buns (Hwa-bbang) according to the package instructions, usually in a microwave for about 3 minutes. The warm, soft buns are the perfect accompaniment to the rich flavors of Gochujapchae. Now, it’s time to savor your hearty and delicious Gochujapchae!
