Savory and Sweet Braised Black Beans (Kongjaban)
A Flavorful Korean Side Dish: Savory and Sweet Kongjaban
Let’s make a delicious Kongjaban that’s both savory and sweet! This classic Korean side dish is perfect to accompany any meal, offering a delightful balance of salty and sweet flavors that will have you reaching for more rice.
Main Ingredients- 2 cups black beans
- 3 cups soaking water
Seasoning Ingredients- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/3 cup cooking wine (like Mirin)
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/3 cup corn syrup (or oligodang)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/3 cup cooking wine (like Mirin)
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/3 cup corn syrup (or oligodang)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, gather all your ingredients to prepare for making delicious Kongjaban.
Step 2
Rinse the 2 cups of black beans thoroughly under cold water. Then, soak the beans in fresh water for about 4 hours until they are well-plumped. Soaking the beans makes them tender and allows them to absorb the flavors beautifully.
Step 3
Place the soaked black beans and 3 cups of the soaking water into a wide, shallow pot or wok. This amount of water is sufficient for the beans to cook and simmer in.
Step 4
Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it starts boiling, skim off any foam that rises to the surface using a spoon. This step helps to ensure a cleaner, clearer broth for your dish.
Step 5
Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add 1/2 cup of soy sauce, 1/3 cup of cooking wine, 1/3 cup of sugar, and 1/4 tsp of salt to the pot. Stir to combine the seasonings with the beans and water. Let it simmer gently for about 30 to 40 minutes, allowing the beans to cook and absorb the flavors. It’s important to stir occasionally to prevent the beans from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Step 6
As the liquid starts to reduce and becomes slightly syrupy, add 1/3 cup of corn syrup (or oligodang). Continue to simmer for a little longer to achieve a glossy finish and enhance the sweetness.
Step 7
Once the Kongjaban has reached your desired consistency, turn off the heat. Drizzle in 1 Tbsp of sesame oil and stir well to incorporate its nutty aroma. Your delicious Kongjaban is now ready! Allow it to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be enjoyed for several days.
