Spicy and Sweet Gochujang Deodeok Stir-fry
How to Make Delicious Gochujang Deodeok Stir-fry
Revitalize your appetite with this irresistible Gochujang Deodeok stir-fry! This recipe will guide you through creating a perfectly balanced spicy and sweet dish that highlights the unique earthy flavor of deodeok (Korean balloon flower root). It’s the ideal dish to enjoy on days when your appetite is lacking.
Main Ingredients- 3-4 fresh deodeok roots
- A handful of green onions
- A pinch of toasted sesame seeds
Seasoning Oil (for marinating deodeok)- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp sesame oil
Spicy and Sweet Gochujang Sauce- 2 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 Tbsp corn syrup (for gloss and sweetness)
- 1/2 Tbsp sugar (adjust sweetness to taste)
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp vinegar (for a touch of tang)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp sesame oil
Spicy and Sweet Gochujang Sauce- 2 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 Tbsp corn syrup (for gloss and sweetness)
- 1/2 Tbsp sugar (adjust sweetness to taste)
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp vinegar (for a touch of tang)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
To make peeling easier, add a pinch of salt to boiling water and blanch the deodeok for about 30 seconds. This softens the skin, making it much simpler to remove.
Step 2
Carefully peel the blanched deodeok using a knife or a scouring pad. Prepare the cleaned deodeok roots.
Step 3
Slice the prepared deodeok into bite-sized pieces. Typically, they are cut lengthwise in half, but if the deodeok is thick, divide it into 3 or 4 sections. The key is to cut them in a way that allows the sauce to penetrate well during cooking.
Step 4
Deodeok can release a sticky sap when cut or pounded. To prevent this sap from sticking to your hands or utensils, wear vinyl gloves or place the deodeok on a sheet of plastic wrap. Then, gently pound the deodeok with the back of a knife or a mallet. Be careful not to pound too hard, as this can mash the deodeok.
Step 5
Brush the pounded deodeok evenly with the prepared seasoning oil (1 Tbsp soy sauce, 2 Tbsp sesame oil). This step helps to remove any unwanted earthy scent from the deodeok and adds a nutty flavor.
Step 6
Heat a frying pan over medium-low heat. Place the seasoned deodeok in the pan and stir-fry for the first time until lightly browned. This process helps to remove some moisture and enhance the deodeok’s natural savory taste.
Step 7
While the deodeok is cooking, prepare the spicy and sweet gochujang sauce. Combine all the sauce ingredients in a bowl: 2 Tbsp gochujang, 1 Tbsp corn syrup, 1/2 Tbsp sugar, 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic, 1 Tbsp vinegar, and 1 Tbsp sesame oil. Mix them thoroughly. You can adjust the amount of sugar to your preference.
Step 8
Push the lightly fried deodeok to one side of the pan, or temporarily remove them. Add the prepared gochujang sauce to the pan and stir-fry quickly over low heat. Gochujang can burn easily, so maintain a low heat and stir constantly to ensure the sauce coats the deodeok evenly without burning. Finish by sprinkling with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds for a delicious Gochujang Deodeok stir-fry!
