Ginseng Tteokgalbi: A Hearty and Nourishing Korean Grilled Short Rib Patty
[2022 Traditional Food Recipe Contest] Introducing Ginseng Tteokgalbi
This is a more wholesome and satisfying version of Tteokgalbi, enriched with the goodness of ginseng. Combining minced beef and pork in perfect harmony creates an exceptionally tender Ginseng Tteokgalbi, entered into the 2022 Traditional Food Recipe Contest. What is Tteokgalbi? It’s a dish where meat is prepared, shaped like ‘tteok’ (rice cake), and then grilled over charcoal. Its origin is believed to be ‘Gari-gui’ style food enjoyed by royalty. The recipe was passed down by scholars exiled to various regions and evolved into the Tteokgalbi we know today, adapting to local characteristics. We are proud to present this Ginseng Tteokgalbi, inspired by the culinary stories of Joseon Dynasty chef Seo Yu-gu.
Main Ingredients- 150g minced pork
- 150g minced beef
- 1 onion
- A little green onion
- A little minced garlic
- 2 jujubes (for garnish)
- 10 pine nuts (for topping)
- A little cooking oil
- 2 ginseng roots
Ginseng Tteokgalbi Seasoning- 3 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp corn syrup
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- A pinch of black pepper
- 1 Tbsp cooking wine (mirin)
- A pinch of salt
- 3 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp corn syrup
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- A pinch of black pepper
- 1 Tbsp cooking wine (mirin)
- A pinch of salt
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Let me introduce you to Ginseng Tteokgalbi, a truly special traditional Korean dish imbued with health benefits.
Step 2
Prepare your minced meats in a balanced 1:1 ratio: 150g of minced pork and 150g of minced beef.
Step 3
Finely chop one onion and a small bunch of green onions. This will add moisture and a subtle sweetness to the patties.
Step 4
In a bowl, combine the minced pork and beef. Add the chopped onion, chopped green onion, a tablespoon of minced garlic, a pinch of salt, and a dash of black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly with your hands until well combined. Gentle kneading helps develop the texture.
Step 5
Add all the pre-made seasoning ingredients to the meat mixture. Knead the mixture repeatedly with your hands, like making dough, until it becomes sticky and cohesive. This step is crucial for ensuring the Tteokgalbi holds its shape when cooked.
Step 6
Prepare the star ingredient: ginseng. Wash the ginseng roots thoroughly. You can peel them if you prefer a less bitter taste, but it’s not strictly necessary. Slice the ginseng lengthwise into pieces that are easy to wrap with the meat mixture, about 1cm thick.
Step 7
Shape the Tteokgalbi. Take a portion of the seasoned meat mixture and flatten it into a patty shape. Place a slice of ginseng in the center and carefully wrap the meat around it, forming a round, flat patty, similar to a rice cake (‘tteok’). Ensure the ginseng is fully enclosed.
Step 8
Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Carefully place the shaped Ginseng Tteokgalbi patties into the pan. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, turning occasionally. This usually takes about 4-5 minutes per side. Ensure the inside is fully cooked.
Step 9
To serve, arrange the cooked Ginseng Tteokgalbi on a beautiful plate. For an elegant presentation, you can place a bed of washed chives on the plate. Sprinkle some ground pine nuts over the Tteokgalbi for added texture and nutty flavor. Finally, garnish with a decorative jujube flower, if desired. Enjoy this delicious and healthy Ginseng Tteokgalbi!
