Thursday, September 12, 2024

Glazed Eggplant with Scallions (Gaji Bokkeum)

Most often made with large pieces or cubes of eggplant, I make mine with slices. Traditionally soy sauce-based, I use  gochujang - fermented Korean chile paste mixed with soy sauce and a little bit of brown sugar. I love the sweetness and heat!

  • 1 pound Asian eggplant (about 3 large Korean or Japanese purple), cut on the diagonal into slices
  • 1 teaspoon pink salt
  • 10 peeled and roasted garlic cloves sliced in half lengthwise
  • coconut oil for pan frying
  • 4 scallions, trimmed, cut into 3-inch segments on the diagonal
  • sesame oil
  • sesame seeds (optional)
Sauce:
  • 2 tablespoons gochujang paste
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 2 teaspoons dark brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil 
  •  2 teaspoons of warm water
    1. Prepare the eggplant: Toss the eggplant slices in a bowl with pink salt and let sit for 15 minutes. This will help remove excess moisture.
    2. Divide the sauce: Mix the sauce ingredients in a bowl. Divide the gochujang sauce in half.
    3. Toss the eggplant: Dry the eggplant slices. Toss the eggplant slices in one half of the gochujang sauce to coat.
    4. Fry the eggplant: Heat coconut oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the eggplant slices in a single layer and fry until golden brown and slightly softened, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
    5. Assemble the dish: Layer the fried eggplant in a container, brushing each layer with the remaining gochujang sauce. Scatter roasted garlic cloves and scallions over each layer and drizzle with sesame oil. End with scattered scallions on top.
    6. Serve: Serve immediately sprinkled with sesame seeds (optional) or store in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.

    Tips:

    • For a spicier dish, increase the amount of gochujang
    • This side dish is delicious cold or warm.
    • Serve with rice or noodles for a complete meal