Mom’s Homemade Low-Sodium Braised Soybeans (Kongjaban)
Mom’s Homemade Low-Sodium Braised Soybeans (Kongjaban)
Nostalgic Side Dish! Making Delicious, Less Salty Braised Soybeans
Recreating the taste of my childhood, made with a healthy, low-sodium approach. This recipe brings back memories of my mother’s cooking.
Main Ingredients- 2 cups black soybeans (Seoritae)
Seasoning- 3 cups water
- 4 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 4 Tbsp oligosaccharide
- 3 Tbsp rice syrup (Jocheong)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- A pinch of sesame seeds
- 3 cups water
- 4 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 4 Tbsp oligosaccharide
- 3 Tbsp rice syrup (Jocheong)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- A pinch of sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the black soybeans (Seoritae). Rinse them thoroughly.
Step 2
Soak the rinsed beans in water for at least 3 hours, or until well-softened. Once plump, drain them again. Soaking is key to achieving tender soybeans.
Step 3
In a pot, combine the soaked soybeans, 3 cups of water, 4 Tbsp of low-sodium soy sauce, and 4 Tbsp of oligosaccharide. Bring to a boil over high heat. Using low-sodium soy sauce makes this a healthier version.
Step 4
Once the mixture boils, add another cup of water and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the pot and let it simmer until the beans are fully cooked and tender. They are ready when a chopstick can easily pierce through them.
Step 5
While the beans are cooking, skim off any foam that rises to the surface. This helps in creating a cleaner-tasting braised soybean dish.
Step 6
Continue simmering on medium-low heat. When the liquid has reduced to about one-third of its original volume, lower the heat to very low.
Step 7
Now, add 3 Tbsp of rice syrup (Jocheong). Stir gently while simmering to develop a glossy sheen. The rice syrup adds a natural sweetness and beautiful shine to the beans.
Step 8
The dish is almost ready when the sauce thickens and coats the beans nicely. Be careful not to overcook, so the beans retain a pleasant texture.
Step 9
Finally, stir in 1 Tbsp of sesame oil. This adds a wonderful nutty aroma and flavor.
Step 10
Sprinkle with sesame seeds for garnish. Your delicious, homemade low-sodium braised soybeans are now complete!
Step 11
Serve with warm rice. This dish keeps well in the refrigerator for several days, making it an excellent everyday side dish.
