Chewy River Snail Doenjang Stir-fry
Chewy River Snail Doenjang Stir-fry
The Ultimate Recipe for Delicious River Snail Doenjang Stir-fry!
This is a delicious doenjang (fermented soybean paste) stir-fry made with fresh river snails from Gyodong Daeryong Market. These organic river snails are plump and chewy when stir-fried with doenjang, creating a fantastic texture. It’s wonderful wrapped in lettuce leaves or served over hot rice for a satisfying meal. This recipe, inspired by ‘The Best Cooking Secrets,’ is easy for anyone to follow.
Main Ingredients- River snails 200g
- Doenjang (fermented soybean paste) 2 Tbsp
- Whole garlic cloves 10
- Green chili peppers 5
- Celery 50g
- Perilla oil 2 Tbsp
- Sugar 1 Tbsp
- Gochugaru (red pepper flakes) 2 tsp
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
This recipe is from the TV show ‘The Best Cooking Secrets.’ I was intrigued by the unique addition of green chili peppers and celery, so I decided to try it.
Step 2
To prepare the river snails (200g), mix them with flour and rub gently. This helps to remove any impurities. Rinse them thoroughly until clean. Slice the garlic cloves thinly and chop the celery into approximately 1cm pieces. Slice the green chili peppers diagonally.
Step 3
For the seasoning sauce, combine 2 Tbsp of doenjang, 1 Tbsp of minced garlic (or the sliced garlic), 2 tsp of gochugaru, and 1 Tbsp of perilla oil. Mix well. (Note: The original recipe lists 10 whole garlic cloves but specifies 1 Tbsp of garlic in the sauce. Adjust the garlic quantity to your preference.)
Step 4
Heat 2 Tbsp of perilla oil in a pot over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and stir-fry until fragrant and lightly golden. Add the doenjang and continue to stir-fry, which helps to bring out its savory flavor. Add the celery first, as it is firmer, and stir-fry briefly. Then, add the prepared river snails and stir-fry together.
Step 5
Adding the gochugaru will make the stir-fry a bit thicker. Add the sliced green chili peppers at this stage as well. Stir-fry over medium heat, being careful not to burn the ingredients.
Step 6
Adding 1 Tbsp of sugar balances the saltiness of the doenjang and adds a pleasant depth of flavor. Once the sugar is incorporated and well mixed, finish cooking the stir-fry immediately. River snails can become tough if overcooked, so avoid prolonged simmering.
Step 7
If the stir-fry seems too thick, you can add a small amount of water to adjust the consistency. This flavorful river snail doenjang stir-fry is delicious served as a side dish wrapped in fresh lettuce or enjoyed spooned over hot steamed rice.
