Chef Baek Jong-won Approved! Deep Flavored Doenjang Fried Rice
Yang Se-hyung’s Doenjang Fried Rice: The Taste Baek Jong-won Praised, Perfected at Home!
Learn how to make Yang Se-hyung’s Doenjang Fried Rice, a dish that gained popularity on ‘Taste of Gallantry.’ This fried rice, made with finely minced tenderloin, was highly praised by Chef Baek Jong-won. Contrary to expectations that the addition of doenjang (Korean soybean paste) might make it heavy, it boasts a surprising and delightful flavor. Here, we’ve adapted the recipe using pork sirloin instead of tenderloin, and it turned out just as delicious! Enjoy this amazing flavor combination.
Ingredients
- Pork sirloin 87g, finely minced
- Scallion 1/2 stalk, thinly sliced
- Green chili pepper 1, thinly sliced or minced (adjust to spice preference)
- Onion 1/2, finely chopped
- Doenjang (Korean soybean paste) 1 Tbsp
- Minced garlic 1/2 Tbsp
- Soy sauce 1 Tbsp
- Sugar 1/2 Tbsp
- Pepper, a pinch
- Egg 1 (optional, for fried egg topping)
- Cooked rice 1 bowl
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare your vegetables and meat. Thinly slice the green chili pepper diagonally or mince it for easier eating and a more even distribution of its spicy flavor throughout the fried rice. Finely slice the scallions to create aromatic scallion oil. Finely chop the onion to add sweetness, and mince the pork sirloin to a texture similar to tenderloin for a tender bite. Using pork sirloin results in a dish that is just as satisfying and delicious as one made with tenderloin.
Step 2
Now, let’s marinate the meat. In a bowl, combine the minced pork sirloin with 1 Tbsp soy sauce, a pinch of pepper, and 1/2 Tbsp sugar. Mix well and let it marinate for a few minutes. Heat cooking oil in a pan over medium-low heat. Add the sliced scallions and slowly stir-fry until fragrant and they’ve released their aroma into the oil, creating scallion oil. Once the scallion aroma is prominent, add 1 Tbsp doenjang and 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic to the pan. Stir-fry these aromatics together. You might be surprised by the savory aroma of the doenjang; it’s quite appetizing! The scallion oil helps to remove any gamey smell from the meat and creates a clean, distinct flavor profile.
Step 3
Once the meat is partially cooked and has changed color, add the finely chopped onion to the pan. Stir-fry them together. The sweetness from the onion will beautifully complement the savory pork, creating a well-rounded fried rice. Continue to cook until the onions become translucent and tender. It’s best to cook this over medium-low heat, as doenjang can burn easily if the heat is too high. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and burning.
Step 4
Add the cooked rice and the prepared green chili peppers to the pan with the fried ingredients. Stir-fry everything together until well combined, ensuring the rice is evenly coated with the sauce. Taste the fried rice to check the seasoning. If it needs more saltiness, you can add a little more soy sauce or doenjang, but it should be well-balanced as is. It’s generally recommended not to make fried rice too salty. For a final touch, top the fried rice with a sunny-side-up fried egg. This adds a lovely richness and texture, completing your Yang Se-hyung Doenjang Fried Rice. Enjoy your delicious meal!
