Nutritious & Delicious! Cha-Chef’s Style Braised Black Beans Recipe
Recreate the Classic Korean Side Dish: Kongjaban!
Though it takes a little time, making a batch of these braised black beans will provide a satisfying side dish for many meals. This is Cha-Chef’s recipe from ‘Three Meals a Day’!
Ingredients- 2 cups dried black beans (approx. 360g)
- Water (enough to cover beans + extra)
- 1 large ladle of soy sauce (approx. 60ml)
- A little oligosaccharide syrup (adjust to taste, approx. 1-2 Tbsp)
- Sesame seeds or crushed sesame seeds (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Measure 2 cups of dried black beans, using a container like a baby food container for measurement. Rinse the beans thoroughly under running water multiple times to remove any dust or impurities.
Step 2
Place the cleaned beans in plenty of water and soak them for at least 3 to 5 hours, or until they are fully plumped. Soaking the beans until they are soft will ensure a pleasant chewy texture when braised.
Step 3
Once soaked, rinse the beans again. Place the soaked beans in a pot and add water until it covers the beans by about one finger’s width (approximately 1-1.5 cm). Avoid adding too much water initially, as it will reduce during the cooking process.
Step 4
Add 1 large ladle of soy sauce. A large ladle typically holds about 60ml. You can adjust the amount of soy sauce based on the quantity of beans and your personal preference.
Step 5
Check the color of the liquid mixture of soy sauce and water. It should be a moderate brown color – neither too dark nor too light. This indicates the right ratio of soy sauce to water. Taste the mixture; if it’s too bland, add a little more soy sauce.
Step 6
Now, bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer uncovered, stirring frequently. It’s important to stir often to prevent the beans from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Step 7
When the braising liquid starts to reduce, add a little oligosaccharide syrup. The syrup adds shine and sweetness, so feel free to adjust the amount according to your taste. Lower the heat to low and continue to simmer, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
Step 8
Turn off the heat when the liquid has almost completely evaporated and the beans are glossy. Allow the braised black beans to cool completely. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and they will stay delicious for about a week. They are a perfect accompaniment to warm rice!
