Sweet & Aromatic Traditional Baesuk (Korean Pear Drink)
Korean Cuisine Functionary Practical Exam Preparation – Making Soft Baesuk
Introducing Baesuk, a traditional Korean tea known for its excellent efficacy in preventing colds during seasonal changes. The harmony of subtle ginger aroma and sweet pear is exquisite, making it perfect for enjoying warm. I practiced making this while preparing for the practical exam, and I hope you can easily make it at home for a moment of warm tea relaxation!
Main Ingredients
- 2 Korean pears
- About 20 whole peppercorns
- 2 liters of water
- 1 piece of ginger (approx. 20g)
Sweetness Adjustment
- 7 Tbsp sugar (adjust to taste)
- 7 Tbsp sugar (adjust to taste)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, peel the ginger and slice it thinly into rounds. In a pot, add 2 liters of water and the sliced ginger. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer gently for about 10 minutes to fully infuse the ginger aroma.
Step 2
Wash the pears thoroughly and peel them. Cut them into bite-sized pieces and round off the edges. Make a hole in the center of each pear piece using a chopstick. This hole is for inserting the whole peppercorns.
Step 3
Insert one whole peppercorn into each hole you’ve made in the pear. Gently press down with a chopstick to secure the peppercorns in place. The slightly spicy flavor of the peppercorns will enhance the overall taste of the Baesuk.
Step 4
Strain the ginger-infused water, which has been simmering for 10 minutes, through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth. Discard the ginger slices and use only the clear ginger broth.
Step 5
Pour the strained ginger broth back into the pot and add 7 tablespoons of sugar, stirring well. Bring to a boil over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. The amount of sugar can be adjusted based on the sweetness of the pears and your personal preference.
Step 6
Once the sugar water is boiling, carefully add the prepared pear pieces. Handle them gently to prevent them from breaking apart.
Step 7
Simmer over medium or low heat until the pear pieces become translucent and tender. Cooking until the pears are soft all the way through will result in a more delicious Baesuk. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes.
Step 8
When the Baesuk is fully cooked, turn off the heat and let it cool slightly. It’s delicious served warm, but for a more appealing presentation, let it cool completely before plating it nicely.
Step 9
Once completely cooled, store the Baesuk in the refrigerator to chill. It’s best enjoyed cold. If you find the sweetness too strong, you can adjust it by adding a little cold water or boiled water. If you prefer it warm, you can gently reheat it over low heat.
