Spicy, Sweet, and Savory Stir-Fried Korean Green Peppers with Sesame Sauce
Spicy, Sweet, and Savory Stir-Fried Korean Green Peppers with Sesame Sauce
Japanese Home-Style Side Dish: Korean Green Peppers with Sesame Sauce
This is an incredibly simple yet delicious Japanese home-style side dish. The savory sesame sauce perfectly complements the crisp and slightly spicy Korean green peppers, making it a delightful accompaniment to rich or meaty meals, or even enjoyed on its own! It’s a versatile dish that brightens up any meal.
Main Ingredients- 70g Korean Green Peppers (about one handful)
- 3 Tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the sesame sauce. In a mortar or a bowl, add the 3 tablespoons of toasted sesame seeds. Grind them finely until fragrant and slightly pasty. If you don’t have a mortar and pestle, you can place the sesame seeds in a plastic bag and crush them with the bottom of a heavy glass or a rolling pin. This step helps to release more of the sesame seeds’ nutty aroma.
Step 2
To the ground sesame seeds, add 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of mirin, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Mix everything together thoroughly. Taste the sauce and add a tiny pinch of salt if desired, or omit it if you prefer. Stir until all the ingredients are well combined to create a flavorful sesame sauce.
Step 3
Wash the Korean green peppers under running water and remove their stems. Pat them dry. Bring a pot of water to a boil. Blanch the peppers in the boiling water for a very short time, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Be careful not to overcook them, as they will become mushy. Immediately transfer the blanched peppers to an ice bath or rinse them under cold running water to stop the cooking process. Drain them well and gently squeeze out any excess water.
Step 4
Once the peppers are drained and slightly dried, cut them into bite-sized pieces, about 2-3 cm long. Place the cut peppers in a bowl and pour all of the prepared sesame sauce over them. Gently toss and mix the peppers with the sauce until they are evenly coated. Your crisp, savory, and delicious Korean green pepper side dish is now ready to be served! You can garnish with a few extra toasted sesame seeds if you like.
