Quick & Easy Gyeongjang Yuksa with Black Bean Paste Powder
#PorkRecipe #HowToMakeGyeongjangYuksa #EasyGyeongjangYuksaWithJjajangPowder #GyeongjangYuksaWithSteamedBuns
This recipe utilizes pre-cut pork for Japchae, quickly stir-fried with black bean paste powder for a delicious Gyeongjang Yuksa that can be enjoyed wrapped in steamed buns (doufu pi). Instead of the usual hassle of frying black bean paste, we opt for the simplicity and speed of black bean paste powder, making this dish incredibly accessible. Prepare colorful bell peppers, crisp cucumbers, and fresh scallion shreds to accompany the savory pork. Wrapping these ingredients along with the flavorful pork in soft doufu pi creates a satisfying and wholesome meal. The combination of textures and the balanced flavor profile make this a delightful option for a hearty meal or a special treat.
Main Ingredients
- 1kg Pork strips (for Japchae)
- 2 Tbsp Cornstarch
- 1 Egg white
- 1 tsp Salt
- 4 sheets Doufu pi (steamed tofu skin sheets)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by preparing the pork. In a bowl, combine the pork strips with 1 egg white, 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Gently massage the ingredients into the pork with your hands until well combined. This step ensures the seasoning adheres beautifully and helps tenderize the meat without needing a separate starch slurry.
Step 2
The egg white not only helps the cornstarch coat the pork evenly but also contributes to a moist and tender texture. Ensure each piece of pork is lightly coated.
Step 3
Heat 2 tablespoons of chili oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-low heat. Add 2 tablespoons of finely chopped scallions, 1 teaspoon of minced garlic, and 1 pinch of minced ginger. Stir-fry until fragrant, allowing the aromatics to infuse the oil. This fragrant base is crucial for the dish’s flavor.
Step 4
Once the scallions are fragrant, increase the heat to high and add the seasoned pork. Stir-fry rapidly, using chopsticks or tongs to separate the pork strands and prevent them from clumping. Cooking on high heat helps to sear the meat quickly, locking in juices and maintaining a tender texture.
Step 5
When the pork is about halfway cooked, add 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce. This adds a layer of umami and a savory depth to the dish.
Step 6
Now, add 4 tablespoons of black bean paste powder (jjajang powder). Stir well to coat the pork and vegetables evenly. Jjajang powder is a convenient shortcut that provides the characteristic savory and slightly sweet flavor of black bean sauce without the need for additional sugar or caramel coloring. It’s also incredibly useful for making quick jjajangmyeon at home!
Step 7
Continue to stir-fry until the pork is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened and coated the meat beautifully. You’ll have a delicious Gyeongjang Yuksa with a perfectly balanced sweet and savory (dan-jjan) flavor profile.
Step 8
Prepare the doufu pi (steamed tofu skin sheets). If using frozen doufu pi, thaw it gradually in the refrigerator. Once thawed, you can portion and freeze any unused sheets for future use. Avoid storing thawed doufu pi in the refrigerator for extended periods as it can spoil easily.
Step 9
Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil. Briefly dip the thawed doufu pi sheets into the boiling water for just 2 seconds – be careful not to overcook, as they can disintegrate. Immediately rinse the sheets under cold running water to stop the cooking process. Gently separate the sheets as you drain them to prevent sticking.
Step 10
Prepare the accompanying vegetables by julienning them. Thinly slice the bell peppers (using a variety of colors adds visual appeal) to a similar length. For the cucumber, remove the seeds and julienne it for a refreshing crunch. For the essential scallion shreds, use the white part of the leek and cut it into thin strips matching the length of the bell peppers.
Step 11
Arrange the prepared doufu pi sheets, colorful bell pepper shreds, crisp cucumber, and pungent scallion shreds attractively on a serving platter. Place the freshly stir-fried black bean pork alongside. Your Gyeongjang Yuksa is now complete! Enjoy wrapping the warm, savory pork and fresh vegetables in the soft doufu pi for a delightful culinary experience.
