Savory Stir-Fried Gochujang Paste
Your Pantry Staple: Flavorful Stir-Fried Gochujang!
Introducing a versatile stir-fried gochujang paste that’s perfect as a ssamjang (dipping paste), for bibimbap (mixed rice), or bibim guksu (spicy noodles)! With endless uses, this all-purpose paste will elevate your meals. From ‘Sesang Modeun Recipe’ on ‘Mangae Recipe’.
Essential Ingredients
- 200g ground beef
- 1 measuring cup gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
Seasoning Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp sugar
- 3 Tbsp plum syrup (or corn syrup)
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 4 Tbsp chopped scallions
- 1/3 Tbsp minced ginger
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- Pinch of black pepper
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Optional Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp pine nuts (for added richness)
- 2 Tbsp sugar
- 3 Tbsp plum syrup (or corn syrup)
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 4 Tbsp chopped scallions
- 1/3 Tbsp minced ginger
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- Pinch of black pepper
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Optional Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp pine nuts (for added richness)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, place the 200g of ground beef on a paper towel to absorb any excess moisture or blood. Properly draining the beef is key to preventing any gamey odors and achieving a clean flavor.
Step 2
In a clean bowl, combine the seasoning ingredients: 2 Tbsp sugar, 3 Tbsp plum syrup (or corn syrup), 1 Tbsp soy sauce, 2 Tbsp minced garlic, 4 Tbsp chopped scallions, 1/3 Tbsp minced ginger, 1 Tbsp sesame oil, and a pinch of black pepper. Mix them well to create the seasoning paste. Add the drained ground beef to this paste and gently mix it with your hands until evenly coated, allowing it to marinate.
Step 3
Now, heat a pan over high heat. Add the marinated ground beef to the hot pan. Stir continuously with a spatula or chopsticks to prevent the meat from clumping together. Continue to cook the beef until its red color disappears and it becomes crumbly and separated. Thoroughly cooking the beef at this stage is important.
Step 4
Once most of the liquid released from the beef has evaporated, add 1 measuring cup of gochujang to the pan. Stir well and continue to cook over medium-low heat to prevent burning. Cook until the mixture thickens to a rich, paste-like consistency. At this point, stir in the 3 Tbsp of pine nuts for added texture and nutty flavor, then mix everything together to complete the paste.
Step 5
Turn off the heat and let the stir-fried gochujang cool down completely. Once it has cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. This homemade stir-fried gochujang can be kept fresh for approximately 2 weeks.
