Chewy and Sweet & Spicy Steamed Green Chili Peppers (Ggwari Gochu Jjim)
How to Make Delicious Ggwari Gochu Jjim: From Preparing Green Chili Peppers to Coating with Flour and a Flavorful Sauce Recipe!
The season for appetizing, sweet, and spicy steamed green chili peppers has returned! πΆοΈ While gwari gochu (Korean small green chili peppers) are delicious stir-fried with anchovies, today we’re introducing a recipe for gwari gochu jjim seasoned with a simple soy sauce-based dressing that highlights the pepper’s natural flavor. By lightly coating the gwari gochu with flour, steaming them, and then tossing them with a savory sauce, you’ll create a fantastic side dish with a delightful chewy texture and umami. This is a true rice thief β you must try making it!
Main Ingredients- 92g Ggwari Gochu (Korean small green chili peppers, about one handful)
- 20g Scallion (mostly white parts)
- 1.5 Tbsp All-purpose flour
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s prepare the gwari gochu. Soak the peppers in water with a little vinegar for about 5 minutes. This helps remove any residual pesticides. Rinse them thoroughly under running water and then snip off the stems. Removing the stems will help the seasoning penetrate better and shorten the cooking time, making it a win-win!
Step 2
After removing the stems, drain the gwari gochu. To help the seasoning absorb well, use a fork or toothpick to gently prick holes all over the surface of the peppers. This step is one of the key secrets to making your gwari gochu jjim even more delicious.
Step 3
Next, prepare the scallions for the sauce. Wash them well and finely chop them. It’s best to chop them not too thick, so they blend well with the seasoning.
Step 4
Now, let’s make the flavorful sauce! In a bowl, combine 3 Tbsp soy sauce, 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic, 1 Tbsp gochugaru, 1/2 Tbsp sugar, and 1 Tbsp fish sauce. Mix them well. Finally, add the finely chopped scallions and mix everything together to complete the sauce. Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your preference.
Step 5
It’s time to coat the gwari gochu with flour. While the peppers are still slightly damp, add 1.5 Tbsp of flour. You can either use a plastic bag or an airtight container. Add the gwari gochu and flour, then shake vigorously. This will evenly coat the peppers with a thin layer of flour, preventing them from sticking together during steaming and adding a chewy texture. It’s much more convenient and even than coating them by hand.
Step 6
Now, it’s time to steam the gwari gochu. Add just enough water to the steamer so that it doesn’t touch the bottom of the steaming basket. Since the floured peppers tend to stick together, arrange them in the steamer with some space between them. Cover the pot and steam over high heat for about 2 minutes and 30 seconds to 3 minutes. Be careful not to overcook, as they can become mushy.
Step 7
Here’s a crucial point that affects the delicious texture of your gwari gochu jjim! To prevent the peppers from becoming too soft and limp, the key is to remove them from the steamer quickly when they are still slightly undercooked. Maintaining a chewy texture is the charm of this dish.
Step 8
Once removed from the steamer, spread the gwari gochu on a large plate or tray and let them cool slightly. Letting out some of the steam will prevent the peppers from clumping together and help the seasoning penetrate better. This cooling step is important before tossing with the sauce.
Step 9
After the peppers have cooled slightly, pour the prepared sauce over them. Gently toss with chopsticks or a spatula to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed. Finally, add a pinch of toasted sesame seeds and about 1 tsp of sesame oil for a nutty aroma, and mix lightly. Your flavorful gwari gochu jjim is now complete.
Step 10
Voila! Your sweet and spicy, chewy gwari gochu jjim is ready. Steamed with a flour coating, this side dish truly brings out the natural flavor and texture of the peppers. It tastes best when served warm shortly after making, so we recommend making smaller batches to enjoy immediately. We hope this gwari gochu jjim will be a delicious side dish to awaken your appetite and make your day happy! Thank you. π
