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4.5 from 84 votes

Putbaechu (Young Cabbage) Doenjang Muchim

a delicious Korean side dish made with young cabbage seasoned with doenjang (fermented soybean paste)!

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Servings: 4
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Korean

Ingredients

  • 2 bunches young cabbage (putbaechu, 풋배추) - about 8 ounces each - See note for substitutes.
  • 1 tablespoon (or to taste) doenjang, fermented soybean paste
  • 1/2 tablespoon minced garlic 
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil or perilla seed oil s
  • 2 teaspoons sesame seeds (roasted and crusted)
  • 1 teaspoon gochugaru or gochujang - optional adjust to taste
  • 1 teaspoon sugar (or oligo syrup) - optional

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Trim off the roots from the cabbage. Wash thoroughly until there is no sand in the water.
  2. Bring a large pot of water to a rapid boil. Add a tablespoon of salt. Blanch the cabbage until the white parts turn soft, 4 to 5 minutes. Remove the cabbage from the pot and shock in cold water to stop the cooking.
  3. Drain, and tightly squeeze out water. Cut into 2 to 3-inch lengths.
  4. Add the remaining ingredients and mix everything well by hand. Adjust the seasoning to taste by adding more doenjang (or gochujang or gochugaru for the spiciness). Let it sit for 10 to 20 minutes before serving for the flavor of the seasonings to seep into the cabbage.

Notes

  • You can also use regular napa cabbage, bok choy, spinach, or kale (or baby kale) for this recipe. Adjust the cooking time and seasoning depending on the vegetable and the amount you use.