Baek Jong-won's Spicy Pajeonjjang Recipe: A Deeply Flavorful Korean Soup

Pagae-jang is a Korean soup primarily made with green onions (daepa) and beef. Its uniquely spicy and rich flavor is exquisite. In particular, Pagae-jang made using Baek Jong-won's recipe allows anyone to easily create a delicious meal with its simple cooking method and well-balanced seasoning.
The sweet flavor of the green onions and the savory taste of the beef combine to create a spicy and savory broth. Pagae-jang is best enjoyed with a bowl of rice.

Introducing the Ingredients

Pagae-jang

• Thinly sliced beef (for bulgogi): 400g (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• Green onions (daepa): 6 stalks (800g, cut into 4-5cm lengths)
• Vegetable oil: 1/4 cup (30g)
• Sesame oil: 1/4 cup (30g)
• Glass noodles (dangmyeon): 100g (soaked in water beforehand)
• Water: 11 cups (2L)
• Kelp (dashima): 10 sheets (10g)
• Minced garlic: 2 tablespoons (30g)
• Soy sauce (gukganjang): 4 tablespoons (40g)
• Anchovy sauce (myeolchi aekjeot): 3 tablespoons (30g)
• Salt (kkochtsogeom): 1 tablespoon (10g)
• Black pepper: To taste

Spicy Seasoning Ingredients

• Coarse chili powder: 2.5 tablespoons (25g)
• Fine chili powder: 1 tablespoon (10g)
• Water: 4 tablespoons (40g)
• Soy sauce (gukganjang): 2 tablespoons (20g)
• Minced garlic: 1 tablespoon (15g)
• Small green chilies (cheongyang gochu): 3 (20g, finely minced)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preparing the Basic Ingredients

1. Glass noodles (dangmyeon) are soaked in water for 20-30 minutes.
2. Green onions (daepa) are halved and cut into 4-5cm lengths.

• Green onions are a main ingredient in Pagae-jang; enough green onions should be used to create a rich and sweet broth.
  3. Beefis cut into bite-sized pieces, and small green chilies (cheongyang gochu) are finely minced.

2. Stir-frying the Green Onions and Beef

1. In a pot, add vegetable oil and sesame oil, then add the beef and stir-fry over medium heat.

• Stir-fry until the surface of the meat is cooked.
  2. Once the meat is cooked, add the green onions (daepa) and stir-fry until slightly wilted.
• Stir-frying the green onions thoroughly will enhance their sweetness.

3. Boiling the Broth

1. Add soy sauce (gukganjang) and anchovy sauce (myeolchi aekjeot) to the stir-fried ingredients, adjust the seasoning, and stir-fry once more.
2. Add water (2L) and kelp (dashima) and bring to a boil over high heat.

• Once the water starts to boil, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for a long time to allow the broth to fully develop its flavor.
• The kelp (dashima) can be removed after the broth has been infused with its flavor, or it can be thinly sliced and added to the soup.
  3. Add minced garlicto the boiling broth, check the seasoning, and add more salt (kkochtsogeom)if needed.

4. Preparing the Spicy Seasoning Paste

1. In a small bowl, mix coarse chili powder, fine chili powder, water, soy sauce (gukganjang), minced garlic, and minced small green chilies (cheongyang gochu).
2. Adjust the amount of spicy seasoning paste according to your preference and add it to the Pagae-jang.

5. Adding Glass Noodles and Finishing Touches

1. Soaked glass noodles (dangmyeon) are parboiled in boiling water until cooked, then drained.
2. Ladle the completed Pagae-jang broth into a bowl and add the cooked glass noodles.
3. Sprinkle with black pepper to finish.

• You can optionally add sesame seeds (kkaesogum)or more small green chilies (cheongyang gochu) for extra spiciness.

The Allure of Pagae-jang and Accompanying Dishes

1. Harmony with Rice
Mixing hot Pagae-jang with rice allows the rich flavor of the broth to permeate the rice grains, creating a superb Korean meal.

2. With Kimchi
Serving with spicy and refreshing kimchi complements the savory taste of Pagae-jang.

3. Additional Korean Side Dishes
Simple side dishes like seasoned greens, pickles, and radish salad make the meal even richer.

The Specialness of Pagae-jang Made with Baek Jong-won's Recipe

Baek Jong-won's Pagae-jang recipe is easy for anyone to follow, with its uncomplicated process and ingredient combinations.
The combination of green onions, beef, and spicy seasoning transcends the boundaries of a simple soup. Adding glass noodles makes it a nutritious and satisfying meal.
It's perfect for a large family meal, especially for weekends or special occasions!