2024. 10. 22. 16:22ㆍ카테고리 없음
Pepper Japchae, also known as "gochu japchae," is a savory Korean stir-fry made with thinly sliced vegetables, bell peppers, and tender pork or beef. This dish offers a colorful and delicious option for a light meal or side dish. It’s easy to make at home and requires minimal ingredients. Below is a simple 7-step recipe for 2 servings. For those who love a bit of spice, you can always adjust the heat to your liking! Now, let’s dive into the recipe, complete with a few extra tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time.
Ingredients:
- 200g pork tenderloin (or beef, thinly sliced)
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 yellow bell pepper
- 1 green bell pepper
- 1 medium onion
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil (vegetable oil or sesame oil)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for coating the meat)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions (for garnish)
Optional:
- 1 green chili pepper (for added spice)
1. Prepare the ingredients
Before you start cooking, prepare all your ingredients. Thinly slice the pork tenderloin into bite-sized strips. Coat the meat lightly with cornstarch, which will help lock in the juices and give the meat a tender texture when cooked. Slice the bell peppers, onion, and green chili (if using) into thin strips. Mince the garlic.
Tip: Make sure to cut all vegetables into similar sizes to ensure even cooking. This will also make your dish look more aesthetically pleasing.
2. Marinate the meat
In a small bowl, marinate the sliced pork with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, a pinch of salt, and a bit of pepper. Let the meat sit for about 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Tip: If you have time, let the meat marinate for longer (up to 30 minutes) to enhance the flavor. You can also add a dash of sesame oil for a more fragrant aroma.
3. Stir-fry the meat
Heat a large pan or wok over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of cooking oil. Once the oil is hot, stir-fry the marinated pork for about 3-4 minutes until it is browned and fully cooked. Remove the meat from the pan and set it aside.
Tip: Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook the meat in batches if necessary. This prevents steaming and ensures the meat stays crispy.
4. Cook the vegetables
In the same pan, add a bit more oil if necessary, and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Add the sliced onions and stir-fry for about 1 minute. Then, add the sliced bell peppers and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until they are slightly softened but still crisp.
Tip: For extra depth of flavor, you can add a teaspoon of sugar to the vegetables at this point. It will help enhance the sweetness of the peppers.
5. Combine the meat and vegetables
Return the cooked pork to the pan with the vegetables. Add 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce and a splash of water to help distribute the sauce evenly. Stir-fry everything together for another 1-2 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Tip: If you prefer your dish with a bit of spice, add sliced green chili pepper at this stage for an extra kick!
6. Final seasoning
Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add a pinch of salt, pepper, and if you like, drizzle a bit of sesame oil for a richer flavor. Toss the ingredients one last time to ensure everything is evenly coated in the sauce.
Tip: For added texture and flavor, sprinkle some sesame seeds on top before serving.
7. Serve and garnish
Plate your Pepper Japchae on a serving dish, garnish with chopped green onions, and serve hot. This dish goes well with steamed rice or can be eaten on its own as a light meal.
Tip: Pepper Japchae tastes great as leftovers too! Just reheat in a pan for a few minutes, adding a bit of water if needed to keep it moist.
Cooking Tips and Suggestions:
- Cutting technique: Consistency in slicing is key to even cooking and a visually appealing dish. Make sure to cut the meat and vegetables into uniform strips.
- Spice it up: For those who enjoy spicy food, adding sliced green chili or even a dash of chili flakes can elevate the heat.
- Vegetarian option: Simply omit the pork and substitute tofu or mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian alternative.
Perfect Pairing:
Pepper Japchae pairs wonderfully with a bowl of steamed rice and a side of kimchi. You can also serve it with a light soup or salad for a more complete meal.