One-Bite Eggplant Delight: Chewy Beef & Clam Doenjang Cheese Bake
One-Bite Eggplant Delight: Chewy Beef & Clam Doenjang Cheese Bake
Healthy & Delicious Meal: Eggplant Stuffed with Beef & Clam Doenjang Sauce, Baked to Perfection
A delightful fusion of tender eggplant and savory beef and clam doenjang sauce! This easy-to-make dish is perfect for when your appetite is lacking. It’s a bite-sized treat that everyone will love, enhanced with melted cheese for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
Main Ingredients- 2 eggplants
- 1/2 packet of ‘The Bibigo’ Beef and Clam Doenjang Sauce for Rice
- A small amount of bell pepper
- 1 chili pepper (or any desired chili)
- Generous amount of pizza cheese
- 1/2 bowl of leftover rice
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, gather all your ingredients for this delicious dish. You’ll need 2 fresh eggplants, 1/2 packet of the flavorful ‘The Bibigo’ Beef and Clam Doenjang Sauce for Rice, some bell pepper and chili for color and a little kick, plenty of pizza cheese for gooeyness, and about half a bowl of cooked rice.
Step 2
Wash the eggplants thoroughly and trim off the ends. Then, cut them into approximately 6cm (about 2.5 inches) long pieces. Cutting them this size will make it easier to scoop out the insides later.
Step 3
Take one end of the cut eggplant piece and, using a teaspoon, carefully scoop out the flesh from the inside to create a hollow ‘boat’ or ‘tube’ shape. Be gentle to avoid breaking the eggplant skin. Try not to scoop out too much, or the shape might become unstable.
Step 4
Don’t discard the scooped-out eggplant flesh! We’ll use this later by dicing it finely and mixing it with the rice. Set the diced eggplant aside.
Step 5
The ‘The Bibigo’ Beef and Clam Doenjang Sauce is packed with nutrients, featuring soft tofu, chewy clams, and savory beef. It’s typically heated and served over rice for a quick meal. Today, however, we’re using it as a key ingredient for a creative twist!
Step 6
In a bowl, combine the leftover rice and the finely diced eggplant flesh you set aside. Add about half of the ‘The Bibigo’ Beef and Clam Doenjang Sauce. You can adjust the amount of sauce based on your preference for saltiness, but aim for a well-balanced flavor when mixed with the rice.
Step 7
Add one tablespoon of perilla oil (deulgireum) to the rice and eggplant mixture. Gently stir-fry everything together until well combined. The nutty aroma of the perilla oil will enhance the overall flavor.
Step 8
Carefully spoon the stir-fried doenjang rice mixture into the hollowed-out eggplant shells you prepared earlier. Pack it in firmly so it doesn’t fall out, and level the top for a neat presentation.
Step 9
Finely chop the bell pepper and chili pepper. Remove seeds from the chili pepper before chopping. Dicing them small will make them look attractive on top of the cheese and make them easier for everyone to enjoy.
Step 10
Once the eggplant shells are filled, generously sprinkle pizza cheese over the top. Then, artfully scatter the finely chopped bell peppers and chili peppers over the cheese for a vibrant and colorful finish.
Step 11
For an extra touch of visual appeal and flavor, place a few of the beef or clam pieces from the doenjang sauce on top of the cheese. This makes the dish look even more appetizing!
Step 12
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the stuffed eggplants in the oven and bake for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the eggplant is tender. See? It’s incredibly simple!
Step 13
Ta-da! Your delicious stuffed eggplant, baked with doenjang and cheese, is ready! Doesn’t it look absolutely beautiful and inviting?
Step 14
The unique aroma of the eggplant combined with the rich, savory flavor of the beef and clam doenjang sauce is a truly wonderful pairing. And how well will it complement the creamy, melted cheese? Let’s find out!
Step 15
Wow! Adding cheese makes it even more creamy and rich. The savory doenjang sauce, the tender eggplant, and the slightly chewy melted cheese create a delightful symphony of textures and flavors. Cut it in half and take a big bite – it’s an incredibly satisfying and convenient meal!
