Spicy and Sweet ‘Gochu Japchae’ with Vibrant Bell Peppers, Perfect with Steamed Buns
Spicy and Sweet ‘Gochu Japchae’ with Vibrant Bell Peppers, Perfect with Steamed Buns
Mastering Gochu Japchae: A Step-by-Step Guide to a Delicious Korean Stir-fry
Enjoy this delightful Gochu Japchae, a Korean stir-fry featuring tender meat and colorful vegetables, that’s incredibly versatile. It’s fantastic served wrapped in soft steamed buns (‘kkot-ppang’) or piled high on a bed of steamed rice for a satisfying meal. The perfect balance of savory, spicy, and slightly sweet flavors makes this dish a showstopper, ideal for entertaining or a special weeknight treat.
Main Ingredients for Gochu Japchae- Pork loin or tenderloin 250g (cut into thin strips)
- Bell peppers 2 (e.g., red and yellow, cut into strips)
- Chili peppers 6 (e.g., Cheongyang or red chili peppers, adjust to spice preference, seeded and julienned)
- Onion 1 (cut into strips)
- Chili oil 4 Tbsp (for a spicy kick and aroma)
- Minced garlic 2 Tbsp (essential for fragrance)
- Oyster sauce 2 Tbsp (for umami depth)
- Soy sauce 2 Tbsp (adds savory notes)
- Sugar 1 Tbsp (balances the spice)
- Black pepper, a pinch (removes gaminess and enhances flavor)
- Sesame oil 2 Tbsp (for a nutty finish)
- Sesame seeds, a pinch (for garnish and texture)
Pork Marinade- Soy sauce 1 Tbsp
- Cooking wine (Mirin or Cheongju) 1 Tbsp (helps tenderize and remove odor)
- Salt, a pinch
- Black pepper, a pinch
- Soy sauce 1 Tbsp
- Cooking wine (Mirin or Cheongju) 1 Tbsp (helps tenderize and remove odor)
- Salt, a pinch
- Black pepper, a pinch
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s marinate the pork. In a bowl, combine the thinly sliced pork with 1 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 Tbsp cooking wine, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Gently mix and massage the marinade into the pork. Let it rest for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.
Step 2
Now, prepare the vegetables. Wash the bell peppers and chili peppers thoroughly. Slice them lengthwise and carefully remove the seeds and inner membranes. This step ensures a cleaner flavor and texture.
Step 3
Julienne the seeded bell peppers, chili peppers, and the onion into uniform, thin strips. Ensuring consistent sizing helps them cook evenly and makes the dish visually appealing.
Step 4
Heat a wide pan over medium-high heat and add 4 Tbsp of chili oil. Once the oil is warm, add the 2 Tbsp of minced garlic and stir-fry over low heat until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. This blooming process infuses the oil with a wonderful aroma that is key to Gochu Japchae.
Step 5
Add the marinated pork to the pan and stir-fry over high heat until the surface is cooked and the pork pieces start to separate. Keep stirring to ensure the pork cooks evenly and doesn’t clump together.
Step 6
Once the pork is mostly cooked, add the julienned onion to the pan. Stir-fry with the pork until the onion becomes translucent and slightly softened, but still retains a hint of crispness.
Step 7
Finally, add the julienned bell peppers and chili peppers to the pan. Stir-fry vigorously over high heat for about 1 minute. Cooking them quickly preserves their vibrant colors and crisp-tender texture.
Step 8
Now it’s time to season the dish. Add 2 Tbsp oyster sauce, 2 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 Tbsp sugar, and a pinch of black pepper. Stir everything together well and continue to stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce coats all the ingredients evenly.
Step 9
Just before turning off the heat, drizzle in 2 Tbsp of sesame oil for a nutty aroma and sprinkle with a pinch of sesame seeds. Your delicious Gochu Japchae is ready! Serve immediately while hot for the best flavor.
Step 10
Don’t forget the essential accompaniment: soft, fluffy steamed buns (‘kkot-ppang’)! Store-bought ones are a convenient option. Simply warm them in the microwave for a few moments. Serve the Gochu Japchae generously spooned over or wrapped in the warm buns for a delightful culinary experience.
