Gaji Bokkeum (Stir-fried eggplants)
User Reviews
4.7
Gaji Bokkeum (Stir-fried eggplants)
Description
This recipe begins by slicing medium-sized Asian eggplants into half-inch thick pieces and chopping green chili peppers. The seasoning ingredient mixture combines gochujang (Korean red chili paste), soy sauce, cooking rice wine, minced garlic, sugar, and sesame oil with a pinch of black pepper and sesame seeds for garnish.
The eggplants are stir-fried briefly in oil over medium-high heat until their exterior softens, then the peppers and sauce are added. Stirring continues until the eggplants absorb the savory, umami-rich spicy sauce and the peppers wilt slightly. A splash of water can be added if the pan dries out.
This dish offers tender vegetable texture with layered flavors from the sweet-spicy gochujang seasoning and garlic aroma. It serves well as a side dish alongside rice or other Korean dishes. A touch of sesame seeds adds nutty contrast and finishing texture.
Ingredients
- 2 Asian eggplant slender and firm, medium size (about 6 ounces each
- 3 - 4 green chili peppers or 1/2 green pepper
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil for stir-frying
Seasoning ingredients
- 1/2 tablespoon gochujang See Note, Korean red chili pepper paste
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice wine cooking; mirim/mirin
- 1 teaspoon garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon sugar or your favorite sugar substitue
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame seeds
- pinch black pepper
Instructions
- Cut the eggplants in half lengthwise. Then cut crosswise into about 1/2-inch thick chunks. Cut the peppers into about 1-inch long pieces. Combine all the seasoning ingredients in a small bowl.
- Heat a pan with the oil over medium high heat. Stir fry the eggplants quickly for a minute or two until the outside starts to soften.
- Add the peppers and the seasoning sauce.
- Continue to stir-fry until the eggplants are well coated with the seasonings and the peppers are slightly wilted. You can add a tablespoon or two water if the eggplants seem dry while stir-frying. Adjust the seasoning with salt if necessary.
Notes
- For increased spiciness, add some Korean red chili pepper flakes (gochugaru) when stir-frying.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.7
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