Soft and Sweet Korean Black Soybean Stew (Kongjaban)
Soft and Sweet Korean Black Soybean Stew (Kongjaban)
The Ultimate Recipe for Delicious Kongjaban
Introducing a perfectly balanced Korean black soybean stew (Kongjaban) that is not too salty, boasting a deep umami flavor and a subtle sweetness. This dish is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for any age and a fantastic side dish for rice!
Ingredients- 2 cups Korean black soybeans (Seoritae)
- 4 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp rice syrup or corn syrup
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
The secret to delicious Kongjaban starts with soaking the beans! First, rinse the Seoritae beans thoroughly several times. Then, soak them in water for at least 2 hours. Soaking the beans sufficiently will result in a much softer texture when cooked. Soaking them overnight is even better.
Step 2
Here are the Seoritae beans after soaking for over 2 hours. You can see how plump they’ve become! When cooked in this state, the beans will hold their shape without falling apart.
Step 3
Now it’s time to cook the beans. Place the soaked beans and 3 cups of water in a pot. Cook over medium heat until the beans are tender. They are ready when you can easily mash them with a chopstick.
Step 4
Once the beans are cooked and the liquid has reduced to about one-third, prepare to add the seasoning. This step allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 5
Now, it’s time to season and simmer the beans. Add 4 Tbsp of soy sauce and 2 Tbsp of sugar to the pot. Simmer gently over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the liquid has almost completely evaporated and the beans are coated in the glaze. Stirring frequently is important to prevent sticking.
Step 6
Finally, stir in 1 Tbsp of rice syrup (or corn syrup) for a glossy finish and a touch of sweetness. This syrup adds a beautiful sheen and enhances the flavor. If you are preparing this for elders or young children, feel free to adjust the amount of sugar or syrup to your family’s taste.
Step 7
Your perfectly balanced, sweet, and savory Korean black soybean stew is ready! It’s absolutely delicious served over warm rice. Making a generous batch provides a wonderful, long-lasting side dish for your meals.
