Spicy and Sweet Steamed Korean Green Peppers (Ggwari Gochu Jjim)
Ggwari Gochu Jjim: A Flavorful Dish to Awaken Your Appetite
Discover the allure of Korean green peppers (ggwari gochu) with their captivating spicy and slightly pungent flavor. This recipe elevates them into a delightful steamed dish, tossed with a sweet, savory, and tangy dressing that makes it an irresistible side for rice. Prepare for a true rice-thief!
Main Ingredients- 130g Korean green peppers (ggwari gochu)
- 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1 tsp sesame oil
Seasoning Sauce- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1/2 Tbsp red pepper flakes (gochugaru)
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp vinegar
- 2/3 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp minced garlic
Optional Additions- Pork belly (optional)
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1/2 Tbsp red pepper flakes (gochugaru)
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp vinegar
- 2/3 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp minced garlic
Optional Additions- Pork belly (optional)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by washing the Korean green peppers thoroughly under cold running water. Trim off and discard the stems. If the peppers are quite large, you can cut them in half. This step helps ensure they are clean and prepares them for even cooking and better sauce absorption.
Step 2
Place the washed and prepped green peppers into a resealable bag or a large bowl. Add the 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. Seal the bag and shake well, or toss the peppers in the bowl until they are evenly coated with a thin layer of flour. This coating will give the peppers a pleasant texture after steaming and help the sauce adhere beautifully.
Step 3
Fill a steamer pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat. Once steam is actively rising, carefully arrange the flour-coated green peppers in the steamer basket. Cover the pot with a lid and steam over medium heat for approximately 10 minutes, or until the peppers are tender. To check for doneness, gently pierce a pepper with a skewer or fork; it should slide in easily.
Step 4
While the peppers are steaming, prepare the seasoning sauce. In a small bowl, combine all the sauce ingredients: 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1/2 tablespoon gochugaru, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1 teaspoon vinegar, 2/3 teaspoon lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon minced garlic. Whisk until the sugar is dissolved. Once the peppers are steamed and slightly cooled, gently transfer them into the bowl with the sauce. Add 1 teaspoon of sesame oil and 1 teaspoon of toasted sesame seeds. Toss gently to coat everything evenly. Be careful not to overmix, as this can cause the peppers to break apart.
Step 5
If you’re including pork belly, place it in a pot with enough water to cover. Bring to a boil over high heat and simmer for about 5 minutes. This brief boiling helps to remove excess fat and any gamey odors. Drain the pork belly and cut it into bite-sized pieces for serving.
Step 6
Arrange the beautifully seasoned steamed Korean green peppers on a serving plate. Serve alongside the prepared pork belly, if using. This dish offers a delightful combination of spicy, sweet, and tangy flavors with the savory pork, making it an excellent side dish or appetizer. Enjoy your delicious homemade meal!
