Fragrant Steamed & Seasoned Korean Green Peppers
A Must-Try Recipe for Delicious and Aromatic Korean Green Peppers (Ggwari Gochu)
This Korean green pepper (Ggwari Gochu) side dish is a frequent favorite in my household, especially loved by my husband. Its wonderful aroma and rich flavor make it a true ‘rice thief’! While they are in season during the summer, fresh Ggwari Gochu are available year-round now, offering that delightful, slightly grassy freshness. Steaming them gently and then tossing them in a savory seasoning is a simple yet incredibly flavorful way to enjoy them. The tender texture combined with the well-balanced sauce is truly exquisite. Let’s get started on this delightful dish!
Ingredients
- 150g Korean green peppers (Ggwari Gochu)
- 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 Tbsp minced green onion
- 1 Tbsp minced red chili pepper
- 2/3 Tbsp soup soy sauce (Guk-ganjang)
- 1 Tbsp tuna extract (or fish sauce)
- 1 Tbsp red pepper flakes (Gochugaru)
- 2/3 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp plum extract (or syrup)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- A pinch of toasted sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the Korean green peppers thoroughly under running water and remove their stems. If any peppers are particularly large, you can cut them in half. To enhance their fragrance and allow the seasoning to penetrate better, gently prick each pepper a few times with a fork or a toothpick. This creates small holes for the flavors to infuse into.
Step 2
With a slight bit of moisture remaining on the peppers from washing, add 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. Gently toss or lightly mix the peppers to coat them evenly with a thin layer of flour. The key is to apply a light coating; too much flour can make the dish taste pasty.
Step 3
Arrange the flour-coated green peppers in a steamer basket over boiling water. Cover and steam for about 5 minutes. After steaming, turn off the heat and let them sit for another 1-2 minutes to allow them to steam through gently. This steaming process ensures they become tender inside and improves their texture.
Step 4
Once steamed, carefully remove the green peppers from the steamer and spread them out on a wide plate or a sieve. Let them cool slightly and allow any excess moisture to evaporate. Spreading them out prevents them from sticking together as they cool.
Step 5
Now, let’s prepare the delicious seasoning that will bring out the wonderful flavors of the green peppers. In a mixing bowl, combine all the seasoning ingredients. Add the minced green onion, minced red chili pepper, soup soy sauce, tuna extract, red pepper flakes, minced garlic, plum extract, sesame oil, and toasted sesame seeds. Mix them well.
Step 6
Add the slightly cooled steamed green peppers to the bowl with the seasoning. Gently toss them to coat evenly with the sauce. It’s important to mix gently to avoid breaking or mashing the peppers. Ensure the seasoning is distributed uniformly throughout the dish.
Step 7
This dish is an absolute delight when served immediately after mixing! The fresh, fragrant aroma of the green peppers combined with the savory, umami-rich flavor will instantly awaken your appetite and make you crave more rice. Enjoy your delicious creation!
