Nostalgic Yeolmu Bibimbap with Fermented Soybean Paste and Zucchini Wraps
A Taste of Memories: Yeolmu Bibimbap with Fermented Soybean Paste and Zucchini Wraps
Remember the taste of summer holidays when your older siblings would come home from afar, and your mother would make this? Served over perfectly cooked rice from the cast iron pot, wrapped in steamed zucchini leaves with a dollop of rich fermented soybean paste (gangdoenjang), it was pure bliss. This dish evokes cherished memories, bringing the whole family together.
Making the Rich Fermented Soybean Paste (Gangdoenjang)
- 1 potato
- 1/2 onion
- 1/4 zucchini
- 1 red chili pepper (for color)
- 6 Cheongyang peppers (adjust for spiciness)
- 1 tablespoon fermented soybean paste (Doenjang)
- A small amount of dried anchovies (cleaned)
Assembling the Yeolmu Bibimbap
- 1 bowl of rice
- 1 egg
- Zucchini (sliced)
- Zucchini (steamed)
- Bean sprouts
- Well-fermented Yeolmu Kimchi (young radish kimchi)
- Prepared Gangdoenjang
- Sesame seeds
- A little sesame oil
- 1 bowl of rice
- 1 egg
- Zucchini (sliced)
- Zucchini (steamed)
- Bean sprouts
- Well-fermented Yeolmu Kimchi (young radish kimchi)
- Prepared Gangdoenjang
- Sesame seeds
- A little sesame oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
1. **Prepare the Gangdoenjang:** Finely chop the prepared ingredients: potato, onion, zucchini, red chili, and Cheongyang peppers. In a small earthenware pot (ttukbaegi), add 2 cups of water and the cleaned dried anchovies. Bring to a boil to create a flavorful anchovy broth.
Step 2
Once the water is boiling, add the chopped vegetables and dissolve the doenjang (fermented soybean paste). Stir well to ensure it’s evenly incorporated. Let it simmer gently until the flavors meld together.
Step 3
Steam fresh zucchini leaves until tender and fragrant. Take a large steamed zucchini leaf, place a generous spoonful of the warm gangdoenjang in the center, and wrap it up like a small parcel. This makes a delicious bite, especially when enjoyed with freshly cooked rice.
Step 4
2. **Assemble the Yeolmu Bibimbap:** In a large serving bowl, place a generous portion of warm rice. Arrange your desired toppings: some fresh or lightly sautéed vegetables (like sliced zucchini, steamed zucchini, and blanched bean sprouts), a good amount of tangy yeolmu kimchi, and a perfectly fried egg or a poached egg. Spoon a hearty serving of the prepared gangdoenjang over the top. Finish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and a drizzle of sesame oil for that irresistible aroma. Mix everything together and enjoy this delightful taste of home!
