Spicy and Savory Stir-Fried Peppers with Ssamjang: A Quick Summer Side Dish
Easy and Delicious Pepper Salad with Ssamjang Paste for Summer
Instead of just dipping fresh peppers into ssamjang, let’s mix them all together for a vibrant and flavorful summer side dish. This is a wonderfully simple way to prepare a refreshing condiment that perfectly complements any meal, especially when you crave something light and appetizing. You’ll find it hard to come by a better summer side dish that’s both this easy and this palate-cleansing. Get ready to awaken your taste buds!
Ingredients- 20 fresh peppers (you can mix in some spicy Cheongyang peppers for an extra kick)
- 2 Tbsp ssamjang (Korean fermented soybean paste – homemade or store-bought)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare your 20 fresh peppers. Whether harvested from your garden or bought from the market, wash them thoroughly under running water. It’s crucial to pat them completely dry with a kitchen towel or clean cloth. This prevents the final dish from becoming watery and ensures the flavors are concentrated.
Step 2
Next, trim off the stems from each pepper. Then, cut the peppers into bite-sized pieces, about 3cm (1.2 inches) long. Cutting them into manageable pieces makes them easier to eat and ensures they are well-coated with the sauce.
Step 3
Once cut, you’ll notice you have quite a generous amount of peppers! This recipe yields a good portion, perfect for a side dish or banchan.
Step 4
Now, let’s make the flavorful dressing. In a mixing bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of ssamjang, 1 tablespoon of fragrant sesame oil, and 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds. Stir everything together with a spoon or spatula until well combined, creating a smooth paste.
Step 5
Add the prepared peppers to the bowl with the ssamjang mixture. Gently toss everything together until the peppers are evenly coated with the delicious sauce. Be careful not to overmix, as this could bruise the peppers. Enjoy your homemade pepper ssamjang salad!
