In the event that you are looking for a fresh approach to preparing eggplant, it is highly recommended that you give this dish a shot. Taking this tip into consideration is something that is strongly suggested. There is no doubt that it will provide you with something to contemplate, regardless of the circumstances that you find yourself in. The consumption of these banchan, which are often served as a side dish, is an excellent method for incorporating additional vegetables into your meal. Due to the fact that banchan are often served as a side dish, this is the case. In the culture of Korea, the bulk of meals consist of a variety of vegetable-based side dishes and/or soups or stews, with only a very little quantity of meat being consumed. This is because meat is used in very small amounts. The majority of the meals are vegetarian, which is another point of interest.
This is as a result of the fact that the vast bulk of the food that is consumed is composed of fruits and vegetables. It is reasonable to anticipate that you will be served a large selection of side dishes to accompany your meal at any Korean restaurant in the United States where you choose to dine. Furthermore, this holds true even if you decide to consume your lunch at a restaurant that serves traditional Korean cuisine. It makes no difference in this regard which kind of restaurant you choose to eat at because there is no difference in this regard. The fact remains that this is going to be the case regardless of whether or not you explicitly want to have a dining experience that is typical of Korean restaurants.
For the perfect complement to this Korean spicy stir-fried eggplant side dish, a bowl of freshly steamed rice is the appropriate companion. It is the best option since it is the perfect complement to this dish, so it is the best pick. It would be unreasonable to anticipate that anyone would be taken aback by any of this. Delicious, without a doubt! Alternatively, if you are attempting to reduce the quantity of rice or carbohydrates that you take in, you should have this side dish in conjunction with the protein that you have decided to consume rather than eating it on its own.
EGGPLANT
This is because rice and carbohydrates are both considered to be carbohydrates. In order to clarify why this is the case, it is important to note that rice and carbohydrates are both sources of energy. The culinary marvel that is this dish is not just the kind of food that makes your mouth water, but it is also very simple to prepare. Undoubtedly, it is a gastronomic marvel.
INGREDIENTS
2 long Japanese/Chinese-style eggplants (about 3 cups), cut in half lengthwise then diagonally sliced (slice on the bias)
1 medium-sized yellow onion (about 1 cup), thinly sliced
2 jalapeno peppers, remove seeds, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 Tbsp oil (your choice of cooking oil, we like avocado oil)
3 green onions, diagonally sliced
For the sauce:
2 Tbsp red chili pepper flakes (gochugaru)
1 ½ Tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp Dasida beef flavor soup stock powder
1 tsp fish sauce
¼ tsp ground black pepper
¼ tsp white vinegar
INSTRUCTIONS
- First, mix the sauce ingredients together into a small bowl. Set aside for later.
- Place pan on medium-high heat and add the oil. Add onions to the pan and stirfry about 2 minutes. Next, add the eggplant and jalapeno peppers to the pan and cook for additional 2-3 minutes. Add in the minced garlic and green onions and continue stir-frying for about additional 1-2 minutes.
- Add the sauce to the pan with the vegetables and stir fry for an additional 2-3 minutes (depending on your preference of how soft you like your eggplant to be).
- Enjoy!
Korean Spicy Stir-Fried Eggplant (Gaji Bokkeum) FAQ
1. What is Gaji Bokkeum (Korean Spicy Stir-Fried Eggplant)?
Answer: Gaji Bokkeum is a Korean dish made by stir-frying eggplant with a spicy and savory sauce. It’s typically served as a side dish (banchan) and features flavors of garlic, gochujang (Korean red chili paste), soy sauce, and sesame oil.
2. What ingredients do I need for Korean Spicy Stir-Fried Eggplant?
Answer: Basic ingredients include:
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- Eggplant
- Garlic, minced
- Green onions, chopped
- Gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
- Soy sauce
- Sugar or honey
- Sesame oil
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Optional: Gochugaru (Korean red chili flakes) for extra heat
3. What type of eggplant should I use?
Answer: Korean or Japanese eggplants are ideal because they are tender and less bitter than larger varieties. However, you can use any type of eggplant; just be sure to cut it into bite-sized pieces.
4. How do I prepare the eggplant for stir-frying?
Answer:
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- Wash the eggplant and cut off the ends.
- Slice the eggplant into bite-sized pieces, either in rounds or lengthwise into strips.
- Optionally, you can soak the eggplant in salted water for 10-15 minutes to remove any bitterness, then drain and pat dry.
5. How do I make the sauce for Gaji Bokkeum?
Answer:
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- In a small bowl, mix together 1-2 tablespoons of gochujang, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of sugar or honey, and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil.
- Adjust the amount of gochujang to your desired spice level. Add a pinch of gochugaru if you want it spicier.
6. How do I cook Korean Spicy Stir-Fried Eggplant?
Answer:
-
- Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the minced garlic and chopped green onions, and sauté until fragrant.
- Add the eggplant pieces and stir-fry until they start to soften and brown, about 5-7 minutes.
- Pour the sauce over the eggplant and continue to stir-fry until the eggplant is fully cooked and the sauce is well incorporated, about 2-3 more minutes.
- Remove from heat and drizzle with a bit more sesame oil.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and additional chopped green onions if desired.
7. Can I add other vegetables or proteins to this dish?
Answer: Yes, you can add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. For protein, you can add tofu, chicken, or beef. Stir-fry the additional ingredients separately and then combine them with the eggplant and sauce.
8. How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Answer: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
9. Can I make this dish less spicy?
Answer: Yes, reduce the amount of gochujang and omit the gochugaru. You can also add more sugar or honey to balance the spiciness.
10. What can I serve with Gaji Bokkeum?
Answer: Serve Gaji Bokkeum as part of a Korean meal with steamed rice and other banchan (side dishes). It also pairs well with grilled meats, kimchi, and a simple soup like miso or seaweed soup.
11. Can I make a vegan version of this dish?
Answer: Yes, the basic recipe is already vegan. Ensure that your gochujang does not contain any non-vegan ingredients.
12. What if I don’t have gochujang?
Answer: If you don’t have gochujang, you can substitute with a mix of miso paste and a bit of sriracha or another type of chili paste, though the flavor will be slightly different.
13. How can I make the eggplant less oily?
Answer: To reduce oil absorption, you can briefly blanch the eggplant in boiling water before stir-frying, or use less oil and add a bit of water to the skillet while cooking.
14. How do I make the eggplant more tender?
Answer: Ensure the eggplant pieces are evenly cut and cook them until they are completely soft. You can also cover the skillet with a lid for a few minutes to steam the eggplant, helping it become more tender.
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