Stir-Fried Korean Hot Peppers: A Delicious Summer Side Dish!
Quick and Easy Stir-Fried Korean Hot Peppers (Ggari Gochu Bokkeum)
Ggari gochu, or Korean hot peppers, are a seasonal delight during the summer. Known for their distinctive wrinkled texture, they are versatile and nutritious. Unlike regular chilies, they have a milder heat and are perfect for braising or stir-frying. Rich in vitamins A and C, and packed with carotene, these green peppers are a valuable source of nutrients beneficial for vision and skin health. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a flavorful side dish that’s sure to become a favorite on your dinner table. It’s so delicious, it’ll disappear in no time!
Main Ingredients
- 300g fresh Korean hot peppers (Ggari Gochu)
Seasoning Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp soy sauce (use regular soy sauce for best results)
- 2 Tbsp fish sauce (adds umami depth)
- 1 Tbsp corn syrup or rice syrup (for glaze and sweetness)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic (enhances aroma)
- Sesame seeds, to taste (for garnish and nutty flavor)
- 3 Tbsp soy sauce (use regular soy sauce for best results)
- 2 Tbsp fish sauce (adds umami depth)
- 1 Tbsp corn syrup or rice syrup (for glaze and sweetness)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic (enhances aroma)
- Sesame seeds, to taste (for garnish and nutty flavor)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by trimming the stems off the Korean hot peppers. Rinse them thoroughly under cool running water to remove any dirt or debris.
Step 2
To ensure the peppers cook evenly and absorb the sauce well, gently prick each pepper 3-4 times with a toothpick. This also helps prevent them from bursting during cooking.
Step 3
Heat your pan over medium heat. Add a generous amount of cooking oil to coat the bottom of the pan.
Step 4
Add the prepared Korean hot peppers to the hot oil. Stir-fry them for about 1-2 minutes. This initial stir-fry lightly coats the peppers in oil, enhancing their flavor and preparing them to better absorb the sauce later. Be careful not to overcook, as they can become too soft.
Step 5
Once the peppers are lightly stir-fried, add the soy sauce (3 Tbsp) and fish sauce (2 Tbsp) to the pan. Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue to stir-fry, ensuring the sauce doesn’t burn.
Step 6
Continue to cook until the peppers soften slightly and the sauce thickens, with most of the liquid absorbed or reduced. You can gently shake the pan or stir with chopsticks occasionally to ensure even coating and prevent sticking.
Step 7
Now, it’s time to add the final touches for sweetness and aroma. Stir in the corn syrup (1 Tbsp) and minced garlic (1 Tbsp). Stir-fry for another minute until everything is well combined. The syrup will give the dish a nice glaze, and the garlic will add a fresh, aromatic finish.
Step 8
Once everything is perfectly cooked and glazed, turn off the heat. Transfer the stir-fried peppers to a serving dish. Sprinkle generously with sesame seeds for added flavor and visual appeal. Enjoy your delicious Korean hot pepper stir-fry with a side of warm rice!
