Spicy & Sweet Chinese Pepper Stir-fry (Gochu Japchae)
Spicy & Sweet Chinese Pepper Stir-fry (Gochu Japchae)
Mastering Gochu Japchae: A Delicious Chinese Dish at Home
Experience the authentic flavors of Chinese cuisine with this popular Gochu Japchae, a dish almost as beloved as Sweet and Sour Pork! Surprisingly easy to make, its vibrant colors and delightful textures pair wonderfully with steamed flower buns (Ggotppang). If flower buns aren’t available, serving it over steamed rice as a topping is also a fantastic option. This dish is perfect for entertaining guests or for a special meal. Let’s create this delicious Gochu Japchae together!
Main Ingredients- 120g Beef sirloin (thinly sliced for stir-fry)
- 1 Green bell pepper
- 5 Green chilies (use more for extra spice, or substitute with Korean Cheongyang peppers)
- 100g Bamboo shoots (optional, can be omitted)
- 1/2 Onion
- 2 Shiitake mushrooms
- 8 Flower buns (Ggotppang)
Sauce- 1 Tbsp Soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp Oyster sauce
- 1 Tbsp Sugar
- 2 Tbsp Chili oil
- 1.5 Tbsp Minced garlic
- Pinch of Black pepper
- 1 Tbsp Sesame oil
Beef Marinade- 0.5 Tbsp Ginger syrup (or cooking wine)
- 1 Tbsp Cornstarch
- 1 Tbsp Egg white
- 2-3 Pinches of Salt
- Pinch of Black pepper
- 1 Tbsp Soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp Oyster sauce
- 1 Tbsp Sugar
- 2 Tbsp Chili oil
- 1.5 Tbsp Minced garlic
- Pinch of Black pepper
- 1 Tbsp Sesame oil
Beef Marinade- 0.5 Tbsp Ginger syrup (or cooking wine)
- 1 Tbsp Cornstarch
- 1 Tbsp Egg white
- 2-3 Pinches of Salt
- Pinch of Black pepper
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare Bamboo Shoots: If using pre-cooked, vacuum-sealed bamboo shoots, cut them into 3cm pieces. If using fresh or dried, soak them in water for about 15 minutes to tenderize and remove any bitterness. (This step is optional if you prefer not to use them.)
Step 2
Slice and Marinate Beef: Pat the beef sirloin dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Slice it thinly into strips. In a bowl, combine the beef with 0.5 Tbsp ginger syrup (or cooking wine), 2-3 pinches of salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Mix well to marinate.
Step 3
Add Starch and Egg White: To the marinated beef, add 1 Tbsp cornstarch and 1 Tbsp egg white. Gently massage the ingredients into the beef until evenly coated. This will help create a tender texture.
Step 4
Chop the Vegetables: Remove the seeds from the green bell pepper and green chilies, then slice them diagonally inwards. Slicing them this way helps prevent them from breaking apart and results in a neater appearance. Slice the onion into strips and cut the shiitake mushrooms into bite-sized pieces.
Step 5
Steam the Flower Buns: While you’re preparing the ingredients, steam the flower buns. Bring water to a boil in a steamer, add the flower buns, and steam for about 4 minutes until heated through and fluffy. Using a steaming basket over boiling water ensures they steam evenly.
Step 6
Sear the Beef: Heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat with a little cooking oil. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry until it changes color. To enhance the beef’s flavor, add 0.5 Tbsp minced garlic and 0.5 Tbsp soy sauce, stir-fry briefly, then remove the beef from the pan and set aside.
Step 7
Stir-fry the Vegetables: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add a little more cooking oil and 0.5 Tbsp soy sauce to the same pan. Add the sliced green bell pepper, green chilies, and shiitake mushrooms. Stir-fry until fragrant. Once the mushrooms and peppers start to soften, add the sliced onion and prepared bamboo shoots. Continue to stir-fry until the vegetables are tender-crisp. Finally, add 1 Tbsp oyster sauce and toss everything together to ensure the sauce coats all ingredients evenly.
Step 8
Add Sauce and Combine: With the vegetables nicely stir-fried, push them to one side of the pan or remove them briefly. Add 2 Tbsp chili oil and the remaining 1 Tbsp minced garlic to the empty space in the pan. Stir-fry the garlic and chili oil until fragrant. Sprinkle in the black pepper. Return the cooked beef to the pan and toss everything together with the vegetables. Stir-fry quickly to combine. Turn off the heat and drizzle in 1 Tbsp sesame oil for added gloss and aroma. Your Gochu Japchae is ready!
Step 9
Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the Gochu Japchae to a serving plate, arranging it attractively. Place the steamed flower buns alongside the stir-fry. The combination of the chili oil’s slight heat, the crisp bamboo shoots, and the spicy peppers creates a wonderful flavor profile. Wrap the Gochu Japchae in a soft flower bun for an incredibly delicious bite!
