Sweet and Savory Braised Garlic Recipe
Enjoyable Non-Spicy Braised Garlic for the Whole Family: Improves Blood Circulation, Aids Blood Pressure and Diabetes Management, Prevents Cardiovascular Diseases, and Offers Anti-Cancer & Anti-Inflammatory Benefits! A True Rice-Changer!
The key compound in garlic, allicin, is excellent for lowering blood pressure, preventing diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, and provides powerful antioxidant benefits to protect our health. Garlic, in any form – raw, cooked, or mashed – is beneficial for health. Especially for those with sensitive stomachs who cannot tolerate spicy food, this recipe guides you to enjoy soft, sweet, and delicious braised garlic. It’s the perfect side dish that will make you devour a bowl of rice in no time!
Main Ingredients
- 400g whole garlic cloves (peeled)
- 2 Tbsp Cheongyang peppers (finely chopped)
- 2 Tbsp red chili peppers (finely chopped)
- 1 stalk green onion
Braising Sauce Ingredients
- 5 Tbsp soy sauce
- 3 Tbsp water
- 2 Tbsp mirin (rice wine)
- 1 cube ginger (or 1/2 tsp minced ginger)
- 3 Tbsp oligodang (corn syrup/oligosaccharide)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 5 Tbsp soy sauce
- 3 Tbsp water
- 2 Tbsp mirin (rice wine)
- 1 cube ginger (or 1/2 tsp minced ginger)
- 3 Tbsp oligodang (corn syrup/oligosaccharide)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Carefully trim the root end of each peeled garlic clove with a knife. This helps maintain the shape of the garlic during cooking and prevents it from falling apart.
Step 2
Cut the green onion stalk in half lengthwise, then chop it into pieces about 4-5 cm long. This will add great flavor and texture to the dish.
Step 3
Slice the red chili peppers and Cheongyang peppers diagonally. Slicing them this way makes them look more appealing. Cheongyang peppers add a hint of spice, while red peppers add color. If you prefer less spice, remove the seeds before chopping.
Step 4
Measure out 5 tablespoons of soy sauce accurately. The amount of soy sauce is crucial for the overall seasoning, so precise measurement is important.
Step 5
Measure 3 tablespoons of water. Water helps to dilute the soy sauce and prevent the garlic from burning.
Step 6
Prepare 2 tablespoons of mirin (rice wine). Mirin helps to remove any unpleasant smell from the garlic and adds a subtle sweetness and umami.
Step 7
Measure 3 tablespoons of oligodang (corn syrup/oligosaccharide) for sweetness. You can substitute with corn syrup or sugar, but oligodang gives the dish a nice sheen.
Step 8
Prepare 1 cube of ginger. If you don’t have ginger cubes, about 1/2 teaspoon of minced ginger can be used. Ginger enhances the overall flavor profile of the garlic dish.
Step 9
In a bowl, combine all the measured braising sauce ingredients (soy sauce, water, mirin, oligodang, ginger cube) and mix well until thoroughly combined and smooth. Ensure the ginger cube dissolves completely.
Step 10
Heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped green onions, Cheongyang peppers, and red chili peppers and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. This step infuses the oil with the aroma of the vegetables, enhancing the overall flavor of the braised garlic.
Step 11
Add the prepared whole garlic cloves to the pan with the sautéed vegetables and stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until the garlic starts to turn translucent. This process coats the garlic in oil, helping it absorb the sauce later.
Step 12
Once the garlic appears slightly translucent, pour all the prepared braising sauce into the pan. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat slightly to prevent burning.
Step 13
As the sauce begins to thicken and reduce, lower the heat to medium-low. Continue to simmer gently, allowing the garlic to absorb the flavors evenly. Swirl the pan occasionally or gently stir with a spatula to prevent sticking.
Step 14
When the braised garlic is almost done and the sauce has thickened considerably, drizzle in 1 tablespoon of sesame oil and sprinkle 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds just before turning off the heat. The nutty aroma of sesame oil and seeds adds a wonderful finishing touch.
Step 15
Transfer the finished braised garlic to a serving dish.
Step 16
This braised garlic dish is wonderfully light, without any greasy feel. The subtle spiciness from the Cheongyang peppers and the aroma of green onions meld into the garlic, creating a deep and rich flavor. The sharp pungent taste of garlic mellows into a delightful sweet and savory profile. This healthy and satisfying side dish is perfect for any meal – try making this delicious braised garlic yourself!
