Gochu Japchae with Tortillas: A Flavorful Fusion
Gochu Japchae with Tortillas: A Flavorful Fusion
Weekend Special: Gochu Japchae to Wrap in Tortillas!
I bought all the ingredients for Gochu Japchae, planning a delightful weekend meal, but completely forgot the steamed buns! Rummaging through my pantry for something to wrap it in, my eyes landed on tortillas. It reminded me of a time I visited a chicken restaurant in Hongdae where they served spicy boneless chicken with tortillas. Thus, this Gochu Japchae evolved into a tortilla wrap experience! Enjoy the delightful combination of chewy tortillas and aromatic Gochu Japchae.
Main Ingredients- Pork for Japchae
- Tortillas
- Green Bell Pepper
- Red Bell Pepper
- Onion
- Oyster Mushrooms
- Carrot
- Chives
- Salt
- Black Pepper
- Cooking Wine (Mirin or Rice Wine)
- Gochugaru (Korean Chili Flakes)
- Cooking Oil
- Oyster Sauce
- Minced Garlic
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the pork for Gochu Japchae. In a bowl, combine the pork slices with 1 tablespoon of cooking wine (mirin or rice wine), 1/2 tablespoon of minced garlic, a pinch of salt, and a dash of black pepper. Mix well to marinate. This step tenderizes the meat and removes any unwanted odors, enhancing the overall flavor.
Step 2
To achieve the vibrant colors of Gochu Japchae, we’re using both red and green bell peppers. We’ll also add oyster mushrooms for texture, onion and carrot for sweetness and crunch, and chives for a fresh aromatic finish. All vegetables should be julienned for a uniform bite. If you enjoy a spicier kick, feel free to thinly slice some Korean chili peppers (cheongyang peppers) and add them along with the other vegetables.
Step 3
If you have chili oil, that’s perfect to use! If not, you can easily make your own. Heat 2-3 tablespoons of cooking oil in a pan over low heat and add 1-2 tablespoons of gochugaru (Korean chili flakes). Stir gently until the oil becomes fragrant and develops a rich red color. Be careful not to burn the chili flakes.
Step 4
Add the marinated pork to the pan with the homemade chili oil (or regular cooking oil). Stir-fry the pork until it’s about 80% cooked through. It’s helpful to use chopsticks or a fork to break up any clumps and ensure even cooking.
Step 5
Once the pork is mostly cooked, add the sliced onion and carrot to the pan. Stir-fry them with the pork for a minute or two. When the onions start to become translucent, add the julienned green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and oyster mushrooms. Stir-fry quickly until the vegetables are slightly tender but still retain a pleasant crunch. Avoid overcooking to maintain their crispness.
Step 6
Although the pork is marinated, the flavor of the Gochu Japchae is elevated by adding oyster sauce. Stir in 1-2 tablespoons of oyster sauce to season the dish. Oyster sauce adds a deep umami flavor that complements the vegetables and pork beautifully. You can adjust the seasoning by adding a bit of soy sauce or sugar, if desired.
Step 7
Finally, turn off the heat. Add the chopped chives to the pan and toss gently to combine. The residual heat will wilt the chives perfectly, preserving their fresh flavor and bright green color. Serve the Gochu Japchae warm with heated tortillas, allowing everyone to create their own delicious wraps!
