Braised Konjac with Goji Berries: A Healthy, Chewy, Low-Calorie Side Dish
Braised Konjac with Goji Berries: A Healthy, Chewy, Low-Calorie Side Dish
Easy Diet Side Dish: Goji Berry Braised Konjac Recipe
This recipe features konjac braised in a savory and sweet sauce, enhanced with dried goji berries traditionally used for tea. The result is a delightfully chewy side dish with a deep, satisfying flavor, perfect for a light and healthy meal.
Main Ingredients- 120g Konjac (Konnyaku)
- 3g Dried Goji Berries
- 1/3 cup Water
- 1 Tbsp Cooking Oil
Braising Sauce- 2 Tbsp Mirin (Sweet Rice Wine)
- 1.5 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Brown Sugar
- 1 Tbsp Corn Syrup (or Rice Syrup)
- 2 Tbsp Mirin (Sweet Rice Wine)
- 1.5 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Brown Sugar
- 1 Tbsp Corn Syrup (or Rice Syrup)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare all your ingredients. Drain the konjac and rinse the dried goji berries briefly.
Step 2
Bring a pot of water to a boil and add 0.5 Tbsp of vinegar. Once boiling, add the konjac and blanch for about 1-2 minutes. This step helps remove any characteristic odor from the konjac and improves its texture.
Step 3
Drain the blanched konjac and rinse it under cold water. Make small, cross-shaped cuts on the surface of the konjac using a knife; this helps the braising liquid penetrate better. Then, cut the konjac into bite-sized pieces (approximately 3-4 cm).
Step 4
Lightly rinse the dried goji berries under running water. In a dry pan over low heat, toast the goji berries for about 10 seconds to release their aroma. Pour in 1/3 cup of water and simmer for 1 minute to create a goji berry infused liquid.
Step 5
To the simmering goji berry liquid, add the mirin (2 Tbsp), soy sauce (1.5 Tbsp), and brown sugar (1 Tbsp).
Step 6
Bring the sauce to a gentle boil and let it simmer for about 1 minute, allowing the ingredients to meld together.
Step 7
Add the prepared konjac pieces to the simmering sauce.
Step 8
Braise the konjac over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the liquid has mostly evaporated and the konjac is well-coated with the sauce, about 5-7 minutes. This process allows the konjac to absorb the delicious flavors, resulting in a moist and flavorful dish.
Step 9
Finally, stir in the corn syrup (1 Tbsp) to add a glossy finish and a touch more sweetness.
Step 10
Give it one final mix, and your Goji Berry Braised Konjac is ready! It’s delicious served warm or cooled as a fantastic side dish.
