Jajangbap rice with black bean sauce
Korean cuisine is rich in history, tradition and flavor. One dish that has gained massive popularity in recent times is Jajangbap, also known as Jajangmyeon. This dish is a Korean-Chinese style dish, which is essentially a combination of stir-fried meat and vegetables in a rich black bean sauce, served over steamed rice. Jajangbap is a timeless classic, which is loved by all age groups.
The term ‘Jajang’ means dark soybean paste or black bean paste, while ‘bap’ means rice. Although jajangbap is not as famous as Jajangmyeon, it is slowly gaining popularity throughout the world. The black bean sauce used in this dish is made from a blend of caramelized onions, fermented black bean paste, and pork belly, which is then cooked together with various fresh vegetables.
Traditionally, the black bean sauce used in Jajangbap is made with pork belly or beef, but you can easily customize it by using chicken, seafood or even tofu. The vegetables used in this dish include zucchini, onions, potatoes and carrots, all finely chopped and easy to include. The beauty of this dish is in its simplicity- it is easy to prepare, yet incredibly flavorful.
To make this dish, you will need to prepare the rice first. Use high-quality rice, preferably short-grain rice, which is sticky enough to soak up the black bean sauce. Make sure to rinse and soak the rice for at least 30 minutes before cooking. While the rice is cooking, prepare the black bean sauce. This recipe calls for 3 cups of boiled water, 200g of black bean paste, 2 tbsp of oil, 1 tbsp of sugar and 1 tbsp of cornstarch.
Begin by heating up a wok or skillet and add in the oil. Add in the onions and garlic, and cook until fragrant. Next, add in the pork belly or any meat of your choice and cook it until brown on all sides. Then add in the vegetables and stir fry them till they are tender. Finally, add in the black bean paste, and stir until it is fully incorporated. Add in the boiled water, sugar and cornstarch, and stir continuously for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens. Make sure to taste for seasoning and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
Once the sauce is done, serve it steaming hot over a generous portion of rice. Garnish it with sliced cucumbers or green onions, and enjoy your delicious and savory Jajangbap.
Jajangbap is a healthy and hearty dish that is perfect for any occasion. It is also a great option for vegetarians, who can easily substitute the meat with tofu or other vegetables. The black bean sauce is low in calories and high in protein, making it the perfect meal for anyone looking to eat healthily.
In conclusion, Jajangbap is a delicious and easy-to-prepare Korean staple that you can quickly whip up anytime. The recipe is versatile and can be customized to your liking. You can change the type of meat or vegetables used, or even alter the black bean sauce to make it spicier or sweeter. Regardless of how you choose to modify the dish, the end result will always be a tasty and comforting meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients:
1 cup uncooked rice 2 cups water 2 tbsp vegetable oil 1 small onion, diced 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 tbsp ginger, grated 1 lb. ground pork 3 tbsp black bean paste 2 tbsp oyster sauce 2 tbsp soy sauce 1 tsp sugar 1 tsp cornstarch 1/4 cup water 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions:
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Rinse the rice under cold running water until the water runs clear. Place the rice in a pot with 2 cups of water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the water has been absorbed.
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In a large frying pan or wok, heat the vegetable oil over high heat. Add the onion, garlic and ginger and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
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Add the ground pork to the pan and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through.
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Stir in the black bean paste, oyster sauce, soy sauce and sugar, and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
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In a small bowl, mix together the cornstarch and water until smooth. Add the cornstarch mixture to the pan and stir for another minute until the sauce thickens.
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Serve the jajangbap over the cooked rice and sprinkle with green onions.
Enjoy your delicious Korean Jajangbap rice with black bean sauce!