Spicy and Sweet Braised Lotus Root (Yeongeun Jorim)
How to Make Delicious Yeongeun Jorim, a Perfect Side Dish
A staple side dish with a delightful crisp texture and a perfect balance of spicy and sweet flavors, Yeongeun Jorim is a beloved classic for all ages. This recipe will guide you step-by-step to create this delicious dish that’s perfect for everyday meals or packed lunches. It’s easier than you think, so give it a try!
Main Ingredients- 1 medium lotus root (approx. 200-250g)
- 1 Tbsp cooking oil
- A pinch of toasted sesame seeds
Spicy & Sweet Sauce- 1 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 Tbsp oligosaccharide (or corn syrup)
- 1 Tbsp mirin (rice wine for cooking)
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
For Blanching Lotus Root- 2 Tbsp vinegar
- 0.5 Tbsp coarse sea salt
- Plenty of water
- 1 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 Tbsp oligosaccharide (or corn syrup)
- 1 Tbsp mirin (rice wine for cooking)
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
For Blanching Lotus Root- 2 Tbsp vinegar
- 0.5 Tbsp coarse sea salt
- Plenty of water
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, peel the lotus root thoroughly. Then, slice it into uniform pieces about 0.5cm thick, trying to maintain its attractive shape. Slicing it aesthetically will make the dish more appealing.
Step 2
Fill a pot with plenty of water and add 2 Tbsp of vinegar and 0.5 Tbsp of coarse sea salt. Once the water comes to a rolling boil, add the sliced lotus root and blanch for about 1-2 minutes. This process helps remove any bitterness from the lotus root and enhances its crispiness.
Step 3
Immediately rinse the blanched lotus root under cold running water. Rinsing in cold water helps to preserve the crisp texture of the lotus root. Drain the rinsed lotus root thoroughly in a colander.
Step 4
Now, let’s prepare the delicious sauce. In a bowl, combine 1 Tbsp gochujang, 2 Tbsp oligosaccharide, 1 Tbsp mirin, 2 Tbsp soy sauce, and 1 Tbsp sesame oil. Mix them well with a spoon until you have a smooth, flavorful sauce.
Step 5
Heat 1 Tbsp of cooking oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the drained lotus root and stir-fry for about 4-5 minutes until it’s slightly golden. Stir-frying the lotus root beforehand makes its texture firmer and helps it absorb the sauce better.
Step 6
Pour the prepared spicy and sweet sauce into the pan with the stir-fried lotus root.
Step 7
Reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir continuously with a spatula to ensure the sauce coats the lotus root evenly. Continue to cook until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the lotus root beautifully. Finish by sprinkling a generous amount of toasted sesame seeds for added nutty flavor.
Step 8
And there you have it – a perfectly crisp and deliciously spicy-sweet Yeongeun Jorim! This side dish is truly a rice-lover’s dream. Enjoy your meal! ^^
