Restaurant-Style Stir-Fried Peppers & Pork (Gochu Japchae) at Home
Restaurant-Style Stir-Fried Peppers & Pork (Gochu Japchae) at Home
Recreate Authentic Chinese Restaurant Flavor! How to Make Gochu Japchae!
Gochu Japchae, a dish typically enjoyed at Chinese restaurants, is now possible to make at home! We’ve recreated the authentic flavors of your favorite Chinese take-out right in your kitchen. Experience the delightful combination of tender pork and crisp, colorful vegetables.
Main Ingredients- Pork tenderloin or sirloin 500g
- Green onions 2 stalks
- Red bell peppers 4
- Green bell peppers 4
- Onions 2
- Carrot 1
- Minced garlic 2 Tbsp
- Steamed buns (Mantou) 30 pieces
Sauce & Seasoning- Oyster sauce 4 Tbsp
- MSG 1 Tbsp (optional)
- Black pepper a pinch
- Salt a pinch
- Chili oil 5 Tbsp
- Vegetable oil 5 Tbsp
- Oyster sauce 4 Tbsp
- MSG 1 Tbsp (optional)
- Black pepper a pinch
- Salt a pinch
- Chili oil 5 Tbsp
- Vegetable oil 5 Tbsp
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Let’s begin by preparing the fresh ingredients that will make our Gochu Japchae truly shine. For the pork, tenderloin or sirloin are excellent choices. Cutting the vegetables into substantial pieces will ensure they retain a pleasant bite after cooking.
Step 2
Wash the onions thoroughly under running water, then slice them into roughly 1cm thick pieces. Avoid slicing them too thinly, as they can become mushy when stir-fried. Thicker slices maintain a better texture.
Step 3
Cut the green onions into slightly longer pieces than usual, about 7-8cm in length. This size will enhance their flavor and texture when eaten.
Step 4
Thinly julienne the carrot. Aim for uniform thickness so the carrot cooks evenly and looks appealing. (Apologies, I forgot to take a photo of the julienned carrot! Please slice them thinly.)
Step 5
Remove the seeds from the red bell peppers, wash them well, and then julienne them lengthwise, similar to the carrots. These will add a vibrant splash of color to the dish.
Step 6
Repeat the same process for the green bell peppers: remove the seeds, wash, and julienne them lengthwise. The combination of red and green peppers will create a beautiful visual appeal.
Step 7
Gently pat the pork dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season it with a pinch of black pepper and a pinch of salt. This simple seasoning will help eliminate any porky odors and enhance its overall flavor.
Step 8
Place the steamed buns (Mantou) in a steamer basket over boiling water and steam them for about 3 minutes until they are soft and warm. These will be a delicious accompaniment to the Gochu Japchae.
Step 9
And there you have it – all our ingredients are prepped and ready! Looking at this colorful and abundant spread, aren’t you already excited to start cooking?
Step 10
Heat a wok or a deep skillet over medium-low heat. Add 5 Tbsp of vegetable oil and 5 Tbsp of chili oil. Add the minced garlic and stir-fry gently until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Once the garlic aroma intensifies, increase the heat slightly.
Step 11
Add the seasoned pork to the wok. Increase the heat to high and stir-fry quickly to sear the pork and infuse it with a ‘wok hei’ (breath of the wok) flavor. Keep the pork moving to prevent it from clumping together.
Step 12
Once the pork is partially cooked, carefully pour 1-2 Tbsp of soy sauce along the sides of the wok. Let it sizzle and caramelize slightly over high heat to add depth of flavor. Be mindful not to burn it excessively.
Step 13
Now, add the harder vegetables first: the green onions, onions, and carrots. Stir-fry them over high heat until they are slightly tender but still retain some crispness. The key is to cook them just enough to soften them slightly while keeping them delightfully crunchy.
Step 14
Once the first set of vegetables are lightly cooked, add the red and green bell peppers. Continue to stir-fry rapidly for about 1 more minute. Bell peppers cook quickly and can become soggy if overcooked, so aim to keep them crisp.
Step 15
Finally, add the oyster sauce (4 Tbsp) and MSG (1 Tbsp – you can add a little sugar if you prefer it sweeter). Stir everything together quickly to ensure the sauce coats all the ingredients evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt or more oyster sauce if needed.
Step 16
Serve the freshly stir-fried Gochu Japchae generously alongside the warm steamed buns. Enjoy your homemade Chinese restaurant-quality dish! It’s especially delicious when wrapped in the soft buns.
