Gaji-jjim(Braised eggplant) is a Korean side dish made by steaming eggplant until tender and topping it with a spicy gochujang sauce. The soft eggplant absorbs the sweet and spicy seasoning, creating a flavorful dish that pairs well with rice and is a healthy addition to any meal.

Original version

MAIN 7oz egg plant (200g) 1.7oz  onion (50g) 1/2stalk green onion 0.85oz carrot (20g) 1 chungyang pepper 2Tbsp cooking oil 3Tbsp water 1Tbsp starch SAUCE 1Tbsp gochujang 1tsp gochugaru 1tsp soy sauce 1clove garlic, minced (approximately 0.5tsp)

Quick & Easy version

MAIN 7oz egg plant (200g) 1.7oz  onion (50g) 1/2stalk green onion 0.85oz carrot (20g) 1 chungyang pepper 2Tbsp cooking oil 3Tbsp water 1Tbsp starch SAUCE 1.5 tbsp TaigerSpoon Sauce

 

DIRECTIONS

1. Slice the eggplant in half, and chop the vegetable.

• Cut the eggplant in half, then score the inside.

• Garlic: Mince the garlic.

 

• Onion: Mince the onion

 

• Green onion: Mince the green onion

 

• Carrot: Mince the carrot

 

• Chungyang pepper: Mince the pepper

 

2. Make the sauce

• Mix 1 tablespoon of gochujang, 1 teaspoon of gochugaru, 1 teaspoon of soy sauce and 0.5 teaspoon of minced garlic.
• OR, if you have TaigerSpoon Sauce, Simply use 1.5 tablespoons of TaigerSpoon Sauce.

 

3. Cook the eggplant with the sauce.

• Mix the chopped vegetables with the sauce.

 

• Coat the eggplant with starch powder.

• Heat oil in a pan, place the eggplant in, and pour 3 tablespoons of water over it to cook.

 

• Top the cooked eggplant with the sauce, and you're done!

 

 

Got Questions?

Q1. What kind of eggplant is best for steaming?

Taiger:

Look for eggplants with vibrant purple skin and a glossy surface. These are usually the freshest and best for steaming.

Jung:

Choose eggplants with smooth, wrinkle-free skin. Wrinkled eggplants may have lost moisture, which can affect their freshness and texture.

 

Q2. How can I prevent eggplants from becoming mushy?

Taiger:

The key is to lightly coat the eggplant with a thin layer of starch. This helps maintain the eggplant’s soft yet firm texture while also allowing it to absorb the sauce more effectively.

Harry:

Be careful not to use too much water during the steaming process. Excess water can cause the eggplants to become overly soft and lose their structure.

 

Q3. Can steamed eggplant be served cold?

Taiger:

Yes, steamed eggplant tastes great when served cold. It's especially delightful when enjoyed cold during the summer.

Amy:

Steamed eggplant is also a fantastic make-ahead dish. You can prepare it over the weekend, store it in the fridge, and serve it as a convenient side dish for busy weekday dinners.

 

  

Closing Remarks

How did you like today’s Gaji-jjim?

Gaji-jjim is a healthy Korean side dish that tastes even better when enjoyed with rice. Share it with your loved ones and enjoy!

See you next week!

Best regards,
TaigerSpoon