Nutritious Old Pumpkin Soy Sauce Braise: A Healthy Side Dish with Sweet and Savory Flavors
Old Pumpkin Soy Sauce Braise Recipe from EBS’s Top Chef, Chef Han Myung-sook
This delicious dish, featuring tender old pumpkin coated in a savory soy sauce glaze, is a perfect rice companion that appeals to all ages. Made using a special recipe shared by Chef Han Myung-sook on EBS’s ‘Top Chef,’ it’s simple to prepare yet delivers a deep, satisfying flavor. Packed with the goodness of old pumpkin, it’s a healthy and incredibly addictive dish that will have you finishing a bowl of rice in no time. Let’s make this delightful recipe right now!
Main Ingredients
- Old pumpkin 350g: Choose an old pumpkin that is naturally sweet and has a tender texture.
- Cooking oil 1 Tbsp: Used for stir-frying the pumpkin.
- Pumpkin seeds 1 Tbsp: Adds a nutty flavor and pleasant texture. (Optional)
- Sesame seeds 1 tsp: Sprinkled at the end for extra nuttiness and visual appeal.
- Sesame oil 1 tsp: Enhances the overall aroma and flavor.
Seasoning Ingredients
- Water 1 cup (200ml): The base liquid for cooking the pumpkin.
- Soy sauce 3 Tbsp: Provides the primary savory flavor for the braise.
- Sugar 1 Tbsp: Adds sweetness to balance the savory notes.
- Cooking wine (Mirin) 1 Tbsp: Helps to remove any unwanted odors and adds depth.
- Oligosaccharide 1 Tbsp: Contributes to a glossy finish and adds sweetness.
- Water 1 cup (200ml): The base liquid for cooking the pumpkin.
- Soy sauce 3 Tbsp: Provides the primary savory flavor for the braise.
- Sugar 1 Tbsp: Adds sweetness to balance the savory notes.
- Cooking wine (Mirin) 1 Tbsp: Helps to remove any unwanted odors and adds depth.
- Oligosaccharide 1 Tbsp: Contributes to a glossy finish and adds sweetness.
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, carefully peel the skin off the old pumpkin. Use a knife to remove the tough outer skin gently.
Step 2
Scoop out the seeds and stringy pulp from the inside of the pumpkin, making sure it’s clean.
Step 3
Cut the prepared pumpkin into thick, generous pieces, about 1.5cm to 2cm thick. Avoid cutting them too thinly, as they might break apart during cooking.
Step 4
Heat a pan over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of cooking oil, and place the cut pumpkin pieces into the pan.
Step 5
Stir-fry the pumpkin, flipping it occasionally, until it’s lightly browned on all sides. This step helps to bring out the natural sweetness of the pumpkin.
Step 6
Once the pumpkin is somewhat cooked, pour in 1 cup (200ml) of water. Cover the pan with a lid and let it simmer for about 5 minutes until the pumpkin becomes tender. Keep an eye on it to prevent it from burning.
Step 7
When the pumpkin is tender, add 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 tablespoon of cooking wine, and 1 tablespoon of oligosaccharide. Stir everything well to combine. Let it simmer over medium-low heat for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 8
Remove the lid and continue to simmer until the sauce has reduced to a glaze. Gently stir the pumpkin pieces occasionally to prevent them from breaking.
Step 9
As the sauce starts to thicken, add 1 tablespoon of pumpkin seeds and stir them in while continuing to braise. Tip: For a touch of heat, you can finely chop a small chili pepper and add it along with the pumpkin seeds for an extra spicy kick!
Step 10
Once the sauce has almost completely reduced and the pumpkin is well-coated, turn off the heat.
Step 11
Finally, add 1 teaspoon of sesame seeds and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil. Gently toss to combine and enhance the aroma.
Step 12
Transfer the finished Old Pumpkin Soy Sauce Braise to a serving dish. Your healthy and delicious side dish is now complete!
