Baek Jong-won's Anchovy Ssamjang Recipe: A Deep and Savory Korean Side Dish

Anchovy Soybean Paste Stew (멸치강된장)is a traditional Korean dish that harmoniously blends the savory flavor of soybean paste with the umami taste of anchovies. While simple to make with readily available ingredients, its flavor is deep and rich, pairing well with various side dishes. Try making this simple yet perfect anchovy soybean paste stew using Chef Baek Jong-won's expertise.

Anchovy Soybean Paste Stew Ingredients (멸치강된장 재료)

• Vegetable Oil (식용유) 1 tbsp (7g)
• Cleaned Anchovies (손질한 국멸치) 3 (7g)
• Traditional Soybean Paste (재래식 된장) 3 tbsp (60g)
• Minced Garlic (간 마늘) 3/5 tbsp (12g)
• Granulated Sugar (황설탕) 1/3 tbsp (4g)
• Coarse Red Pepper Powder (굵은 고춧가루) 1/4 tbsp (2g)
• Rice Water (쌀뜨물) 3/5 cup (110g)
• Green Onion (대파) 1/3 cup (20g)
• Onion (양파) about 1/5 (50g)
• Green Chili Pepper (청양고추) 1 (10g)

How to Make Anchovy Soybean Paste Stew (멸치강된장 만드는 법)

1. Prepare the Ingredients

1. Finely chop the onion (양파).
2. Halve and thinly slice the green onion (대파) and green chili pepper (청양고추).
3. Remove the heads, bones, and innards from the anchovies (국멸치) and tear them into small pieces by hand.

2. Sauté the Vegetables

1. Add 1 tbsp of vegetable oil (식용유 1큰술)to a pot, and sauté the chopped onion (양파), green onion (대파), and green chili pepper (청양고추)over medium heat.

• The vegetables will release their aroma as they sauté in the oil.
• You can increase the amount of oil slightly to enhance the richness of the flavor.

3. Sauté the Soybean Paste

1. Once the onions become translucent, add 3 tbsp of traditional soybean paste (재래식 된장 3큰술) and sauté until well combined with the oil.

• Sufficiently sautéing the soybean paste maximizes its nutty flavor.

4. Add Rice Water

1. Once the soybean paste is evenly sautéed, gradually add 3/5 cup of rice water (쌀뜨물 3/5컵)while adjusting the consistency to your desired thickness.
2. Stir constantly as it simmers to ensure the soybean paste and rice water are well blended.

5. Add Anchovies and Seasonings

1. Add the prepared anchovies (국멸치) and mix well.
2. Reduce the heat to low, and add 1/3 tbsp of granulated sugar (황설탕 1/3큰술), 3/5 tbsp of minced garlic (간 마늘 3/5큰술), and 1/4 tbsp of coarse red pepper powder (굵은 고춧가루 1/4큰술)to enhance the flavor.

6. Simmer

1. Scrape the sides of the pot and simmer the stew until it reaches your desired consistency.

• It's best to simmer it to a consistency that is not too thick, allowing it to be easily scooped with a spoon.

Uses for Anchovy Soybean Paste Stew (멸치강된장의 활용)

Anchovy soybean paste stew is highly versatile and can be enjoyed with a variety of foods.
1. Lettuce Wraps (상추쌈): Enjoy a clean and refreshing taste by wrapping rice and the stew in lettuce leaves.
2. Mixed with Plain Rice (맨밥 비벼 먹기): A quick and delicious meal is made by mixing the stew with hot rice.
3. Bean Sprout Bibimbap (콩나물과 비빔밥): The crisp texture of boiled bean sprouts combines harmoniously with the savory taste of the stew.
4. Radish and Lettuce Bibimbap (무생채와 상추 비빔밥): The umami flavor is maximized by adding the stew and sesame oil to julienned lettuce and seasoned radish.

The Allure of Anchovy Soybean Paste Stew (멸치강된장의 매력)

1. Deep and Savory Flavor (깊고 구수한 풍미)
The umami flavors of anchovies and soybean paste combine to create a rich and deep taste.
2. Versatile Uses (다양한 활용성)
It can be enjoyed in various ways, such as bibimbap, wraps, and side dishes, making it a perfect meal.
3. Simple Cooking Process (간단한 조리 과정)
It can be easily prepared with basic ingredients without any special skills.

Tip: How to Make Even Better Anchovy Soybean Paste Stew (팁: 강된장을 더 맛있게 만드는 방법)

• Enhance the Spice (매운맛 강화): Add green chili peppers or red pepper powder for a spicier kick.
• Add Mushrooms (버섯 추가): Adding matsutake or shiitake mushrooms can enrich the umami flavor.
• Don't Overcook (오래 끓이지 않기): Soybean paste stew can easily become too salty if overcooked; it's important to simmer it to the right consistency.

Enjoy Chef Baek Jong-won’s Anchovy Soybean Paste Stew Recipe (멸치강된장 레시피)today and savor this clean and savory traditional Korean dish. Served with warm rice, it will surely be a satisfying meal for the whole family!