Sweet & Savory Braised Garlic: The Ultimate Side Dish!
Sweet & Savory Braised Garlic: The Ultimate Side Dish!
Sweet and Savory Braised Garlic
Make a delicious side dish with the sweet and tender fresh garlic that’s in season! This braised garlic reduces the usual pungency, offering a fluffy and soft texture that’s packed with garlic’s health benefits. It’s a top-tier healthy side dish and a guaranteed rice thief!
Main Ingredients- 1 large bowl of fresh garlic (approx. 200g)
- 2-3 Tbsp perilla oil
Seasoning Sauce- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp oligosaccharide
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp plum extract
- A pinch of toasted sesame seeds
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp oligosaccharide
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp plum extract
- A pinch of toasted sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare about 1 large bowl (approximately 200g) of fresh, plump garlic. Carefully peel off the outer skin and trim the root ends of the whole garlic cloves. Wash them thoroughly, then drain them well in a colander. It’s crucial to remove all excess water; otherwise, the oil might splatter when frying, and the flavor may be compromised.
Step 2
Heat a pan over medium heat and add a generous amount of perilla oil. Perilla oil enhances the garlic’s aroma and adds a nutty flavor. Add the prepared whole garlic cloves to the pan and toss them well to coat each clove with the perilla oil.
Step 3
Now, stir-fry the garlic over high heat for about 5 minutes. During this process, the outer surface of the garlic will become lightly golden, allowing the pungent flavor to dissipate and a mellow aroma to emerge. Keep stirring occasionally to prevent the garlic from burning.
Step 4
As you continue to stir-fry the garlic, you’ll notice it gradually cooks and starts to turn translucent. This is the beginning of the process that makes the garlic tender on the inside.
Step 5
Reduce the heat to medium. Add 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the garlic to absorb the soy sauce. The soy sauce will thinly coat the garlic, giving it an appealing color.
Step 6
It’s time to add sweetness. Add 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 tablespoon of plum extract, and 1 tablespoon of oligosaccharide. Continue to simmer over medium-low heat for another 5 minutes. Using oligosaccharide will give the braised garlic a beautiful sheen, making it look even more appetizing.
Step 7
Here’s the braised garlic after simmering for about 5 more minutes. The seasoning has evenly permeated the garlic, giving it a tempting brown hue, and the sauce has thickened slightly.
Step 8
Turn off the heat. For the final touch, sprinkle a good amount of toasted sesame seeds for added nuttiness. Stir gently to incorporate.
Step 9
Transfer the finished braised garlic to a nice serving bowl. The outside will be glossy and appealing, while the inside will be tender and deliciously nutty with every bite. This is the ultimate side dish, perfect with rice or as a snack!
