Algamja Jorim (알감자 조림) / Baby Potato Jorim

Another common side dish is algamja jorim (알감자 조림). It has a mild sweetness from the caramelized sauce. This is similar to gamja jorim except that it uses baby potatoes. I actually prefer this one cause i can keep the skin on, and it tastes better with it.

Ingredients:

• 15 baby potatoes
• 2 cups water
• 4 tbs soy sauce
• 2 tbs corn syrup
• 1 tbs sugar
• 1 tbs cooking wine, mirin

Method:

1. Wash the baby potatoes and scrub them clean.
2. Put into a deep pan or wok and pour in the water.
3. Boil on high until the water is reduced to half.
4. Put the remaining ingredients and turn down the heat to medium. Boil for 20 min.
5. Turn off the heat and sprinkle sesame seeds. The sauce should have caramelized.

Oi Muchim (오이 무침) Cucumber Muchim

Oi Muchim (오이 무침) is  a typical Banchan (반찬)  that usually goes well with grilled meat. It has a slightly sour flavor that subtles the grease in grilled meat.


Ingredients:

• 2 small kirby cucumbers
• 1/4 med white onion
• 2 ts red pepper powder
• 1 tsp fish sauce
• 1/2 tbs apple vinegar
• 1/2 tsp sesame oil
• 1/2 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp roasted sesame seeds

Method:

1. Wash the cucumbers in cold water. Cut diagonally in to thin pieces.
2. Put into a glass bowl and add the remaining ingredients.
3. Mix by hand.

Kongnamul Muchim (콩나물 무침) / Soy bean Sprout Namul

A typical Korean meal comprises of soup, 4-5 sides (including rice) and a main dish like fish or meat. Side dishes or Banchan (반찬) are staple to every meal.

Kongnamul Muchim (콩나물 무침)  is a very common side dish. You can prepare it this way and use it in bibimbap, too.

Ingredients:

• 1 pack soy bean sprouts
• 2 cloves garlic crushed
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tbs soy sauce
• 1/2 tsp sugar
• 1 tbs sesame oil
• 2 green onions chopped
• 1/2 tsp red pepper powder (optional)

Method:

1. Wash the soy bean sprouts in running water. remove bad parts.
2. Put the soy bean sprouts in a pot. Add 2 cups of water and salt. Bring to a boil and cook for 15 min.
3. Drain the soy bean sprouts and cool down a bit.
4. Add the remaining ingredients and mix it by hand.

Ganjang Omuk Bokkeum (간장 어묵 볶음) / Soy sauce Fish Cake Bokkeum

Ganjang Omuk Bokkeum (간장 어묵 볶음) is a common side dish served in restaurants. It has also a spicy variety.




Ingredients:

• 1 sheet fish cake
• 1/4 white onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 tbs soy sauce
• 2 tbs oil canola/ olive oil
• 1 tbs green onions
• sesame seeds

Method:

1. Wash the fish cake in warm water to remove odor.
2. Cut the fish cake into 4 parts crosswise. Put it in a pile and cut inti thin strips.
3. Put oil in a hot fry pan. Add the fish cake and stir fry for 15 sec at med high.
4. Put in the garlic and onion and saute til translucent.
5. Add the green onions and soy sauce and stir fry for another min.
6. Turn off the heat and add sprinkle sesame seeds on top.