Spicy and Sweet Grilled Deodeok Recipe: Perfect for Holiday Feasts!
Spicy & Sweet Grilled Deodeok Sauce Recipe #HolidayFood
Grilled Deodeok with a chewy texture and aromatic flavor! This recipe shares the secret to easily enjoying Deodeok’s alluring sweetness hidden behind its slightly pungent taste, right at home. It’s perfect for holiday tables and as a delicious side dish for any meal.
Main Ingredients for Grilled Deodeok
- Deodeok (Korean bellflower root) 250-300g
- Sesame oil, a little (for coating Deodeok)
- Sesame seeds, a pinch (for garnish)
Spicy & Sweet Deodeok Sauce
- Gochujang (Korean chili paste) 1 Tbsp
- Minced garlic 0.5 Tbsp
- Chopped green onion 1 Tbsp
- Brewing soy sauce 0.5 Tbsp
- Water 1 Tbsp
- Sugar 1 Tbsp
- Sesame oil 0.5 Tbsp
- Honey 1 Tbsp
- Gochujang (Korean chili paste) 1 Tbsp
- Minced garlic 0.5 Tbsp
- Chopped green onion 1 Tbsp
- Brewing soy sauce 0.5 Tbsp
- Water 1 Tbsp
- Sugar 1 Tbsp
- Sesame oil 0.5 Tbsp
- Honey 1 Tbsp
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare your fresh Deodeok. Carefully peel the Deodeok, rinse it lightly under running water, and pat it dry. Slice the Deodeok into thick pieces, about 1 cm wide.
✨ Tip to reduce the slightly bitter taste of Deodeok: If you soak the sliced Deodeok in salt water for about 10-20 minutes, its bitterness will be mellowed, making it much smoother to enjoy. However, be mindful of the soaking time, as prolonged immersion can diminish the Deodeok’s fragrant aroma.
Step 2
Place the sliced Deodeok on a cutting board. Using a mallet (or the back of a knife), gently pound the Deodeok pieces until they are flattened. Be careful not to hit too hard, or the Deodeok might break apart. Gently ‘tap-tap’ to tenderize the root, which helps it absorb the sauce better.
Step 3
Now, lightly coat the pounded Deodeok with sesame oil. Gently rub it in with your hands to ensure even coverage.
Step 4
Preheat a pan over low heat, then place the sesame oil-coated Deodeok on it to lightly grill. This initial grilling step, called ‘pre-grilling’, helps to remove some of the Deodeok’s moisture, resulting in a chewier texture.
Step 5
Grill the Deodeok until both sides are lightly golden brown. It’s important to manage the heat to prevent burning.
Step 6
Let’s make the delicious sauce for the grilled Deodeok! In a small bowl, combine 1 Tbsp Gochujang, 0.5 Tbsp minced garlic, 1 Tbsp chopped green onion, 0.5 Tbsp brewing soy sauce, 1 Tbsp water, 1 Tbsp sugar, 0.5 Tbsp sesame oil, and 1 Tbsp honey for sweetness. Mix thoroughly with a spoon until all ingredients are well combined to create the sauce.
Step 7
Place the pre-grilled Deodeok back onto the pan. Generously brush the prepared sauce evenly over the Deodeok. Continue to cook over low heat, flipping occasionally, until the sauce has penetrated the Deodeok and it’s beautifully glazed. Since the Deodeok is already partially cooked, you only need to grill it a little longer for the flavors to meld.
Step 8
Your fragrant and delicious Grilled Deodeok is ready! Enjoy it with a warm bowl of rice.
