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Gaji bokkeum
Stir-fried aubergine
Gaji bokkeum: Korean stir-fried aubergine with garlic, soy and sesame
Gaji bokkeum is a summer banchan in Korean homes, cooked in the weeks when long, thin Korean aubergines fill the markets. Strips of aubergine are seared until soft and caramelised, then tossed in garlic, spring onion, soy sauce and sesame so they turn glossy and savoury-sweet. It sits beside rice and soup at dinner and keeps well in the lunchbox. The mistake is pouring in lots of oil at the start: aubergine soaks it all up and turns greasy. Chef's tip: sear the strips in a moderate amount of oil and add a splash of water if the pan dries; the steam softens them without more oil.
- Total time
- 15 min
- Difficulty
- easy
- Serves
- 4
Ingredients
- 2 auberginesabout 500 g, cut into 6 cm × 1.5 cm strips
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlicfinely chopped
- 2 spring onionssliced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
- ½ tsp gochugaru (Korean chilli flakes) (optional)
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Method
0/5 doneStep 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large frying pan over a medium-high heat. Add 2 aubergines in one layer and sear, turning, until browned on the cut sides.
4 minStep 2: Add 2 tablespoons of water, cover and cook until the strips are soft all the way through when pressed with a spatula.
3 minStep 3: Uncover, add 2 cloves garlic and 2 spring onions and stir-fry for 1 minute, until fragrant.
1 minStep 5: Off the heat, stir in 1 tsp toasted sesame oil, 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds and ½ tsp gochugaru (Korean chilli flakes). Serve warm or at room temperature.
Nutrition per serving
- Calories
- 120 kcal
- Protein
- 2 g
- Carbs
- 11 g
- Fat
- 9 g
- Fibre
- 5 g
Nutrition values are estimates.
KrazyBadal
Good to know
- How long does gaji bokkeum take?
- About 15 minutes in total: 5 minutes to prepare and 10 minutes to cook.
- How many people does it serve?
- 4 as written. Change the servings above the ingredients and every amount scales to match.
- Is it vegan?
- Yes. It has no meat, fish, dairy or eggs.
- What can I use instead of garlic?
- ½ tsp garlic paste or ⅛ tsp garlic powder per clove.
- What can I use instead of spring onions?
- Chives, or a little finely sliced onion.
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