Savory Pork Ssamjang with Zucchini Leaf Wraps
Savory Pork Ssamjang with Zucchini Leaf Wraps
Experience the Freshness of Seasonal Zucchini Leaves with Delicious Pork Ssamjang!
Enjoy a delightful wrap featuring fresh, seasonal zucchini leaves generously filled with savory pork ssamjang. The tender zucchini leaves combined with the rich umami of the ssamjang create a burst of flavor in every bite. This recipe is a perfect, yet simple, meal that is both healthy and delicious. Enjoy a wonderful meal!
Zucchini Leaves & Aromatics- 12 zucchini leaves
- 1/3 stalk green onion
- 1 Korean green chili pepper (Cheongyang chili)
Rice Seasoning- 2 bowls warm rice
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
Pork Ssamjang Ingredients- 2 Tbsp soybean paste (Doenjang)
- 1 Tbsp red chili paste (Gochujang)
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp perilla leaf extract (Maesil-cheong)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1/2 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 2 bowls warm rice
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
Pork Ssamjang Ingredients- 2 Tbsp soybean paste (Doenjang)
- 1 Tbsp red chili paste (Gochujang)
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp perilla leaf extract (Maesil-cheong)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1/2 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the fresh zucchini leaves. Wash them thoroughly, front and back, under clean running water. Finely chop the green onion and Korean green chili pepper to add flavor to the ssamjang.
Step 2
Here’s a tip for removing the tough skin from the zucchini leaves: Gently bend the tip of the stem and carefully pull it downwards in the direction of the leaf. This will help the skin peel off cleanly.
Step 3
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil with 1 tablespoon of salt. Once boiling, add the prepared zucchini leaves and blanch them for 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become mushy.
Step 4
Immediately remove the blanched zucchini leaves from the water and spread them on a colander to cool down slightly. This step helps them retain a pleasant texture without becoming too soft.
Step 5
Now, let’s make the delicious pork ssamjang! Heat a pan over high heat and add the pork. Stir-fry until the moisture evaporates and the pork turns a nice golden brown. This process enhances the savory aroma.
Step 6
Once the pork is evenly browned, add the pre-chopped green onion and minced garlic to the pan. Continue to stir-fry until fragrant. The garlic will release its aroma, enriching the flavors of the ingredients.
Step 7
In a separate bowl, combine the doenjang, gochujang, sesame oil, maesil-cheong, and toasted sesame seeds. Mix them thoroughly with a spoon or spatula until well incorporated and smooth.
Step 8
Add the sauce mixture made in STEP 7 to the pan with the fried pork, green onion, and garlic. Stir well to combine everything evenly. Finally, add the thinly sliced Korean green chili pepper and mix once more for a touch of spicy flavor.
Step 9
Prepare the rice. In two bowls of warm rice, add sesame oil, toasted sesame seeds, and a pinch of salt. Mix gently to combine, ensuring the savory aroma is infused into each grain of rice.
Step 10
It’s time to assemble the wraps! Lay a zucchini leaf flat on your palm. Place 1-2 tablespoons of the seasoned rice onto the leaf.
Step 11
On the front side of the rice (the top part of the zucchini leaf), generously add about 1/3 of the pork ssamjang mixture. Adjust the amount as desired to balance with the rice.
Step 12
Here’s how to fold the wrap neatly. Take the left edge of the zucchini leaf and fold it over to the right side. This encloses the filling.
Step 13
Next, take the opposite edge, the right side, and fold it over to the left. This secures the rice and ssamjang inside, preventing them from falling out.
Step 14
Now, starting from the bottom edge (near the stem), roll the leaf upwards towards the tip. Roll it snugly but gently to avoid tearing the zucchini leaf.
Step 15
Your delicious zucchini leaf wraps with pork ssamjang are complete! Repeat this process with the remaining zucchini leaves, rice, and ssamjang. Arrange the finished wraps attractively on a serving plate.
Step 16
Serve your homemade savory pork ssamjang zucchini leaf wraps beautifully arranged on a dish and enjoy! You’ll be able to savor the freshness of the seasonal zucchini leaves and the deep flavor of the ssamjang. Enjoy your meal!
