Category: Dips/Spreads/Sauces

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Nokdu Bindaetteok (Mung Bean Pancakes with Dipping Sauce)

Nokdu Bindaetteok (Korean Mung Bean Pancakes) is my maternal grandmother’s specialty. Nokdu Bindaetteok, which directly translates to Mung Bean Pancake, is usually made with sliced pork, kimchi, sukju namul (mung bean sprouts), and sometimes gosari namul (bracken fern shoots). But I’m omitting the pork for this Nokdu Bindaetteok/Mung Bean Pancake recipe, making this dish vegan. And for the base of the batter? Simply, soaked mung beans and rice. Flour-free. Gluten-free. Dairy-free. Just delicious goodness.

Keep in mind; when you dine at a restaurant, mung bean pancakes are not necessarily gluten-free unless specifically stated. Restaurants can add different types of flour to the batter – not a good thing. Additionally, dipping sauces can contain gluten. So always ask. Don’t assume.

Happy Eating!

Continue Reading Nokdu Bindaetteok . . .

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Seasoned Gochujang

Gochujang, directly translated from Korean, means hot chili pepper paste/sauce. “Gochu” means hot chili pepper. And “jang” means paste or sauce. It is the condiment of choice in Korea. Gochujang can be served with crudités, sashimi, ssam (“wrap”), bibimgooksoo (“mixed noodles”), bibimbap (“mixed rice”), etc. It is also a commonly used ingredient in marinades and soups when preparing Korean dishes.

Traditionally, gochujang was made at home and fermented in an earthen pot. But with the wide availability of commercially produced gochujang, you don’t see much of the homemade stuff anymore. I must say though, my maternal grandmother still makes her own gochujang. AND she make it with chili peppers HARVESTED FROM HER OWN BACKYARD. It’s good stuff. When she gives us a jar of her homemade goods, it’s a real treat. Gotta love my grammy.

There are many ways to prepare gochujang as a dipping sauce/condiment. Splash some vinegar in it and serve it with sashimi. Add some duenjang (“soybean paste”) and serve it with ssam. Add something creamy like mayo or avocado to make it mellow and serve it with chips or crudités. Possibilities are endless. It all depends on your preference. Version below is probably the most basic. You can use it as a dipping sauce/dressing or sauce for bibimbap or bibimgooksoo.

Gochujang is savory, salty, and sweet all at the same time. But it can be very spicy. So tasters beware!

Continue Reading Seasoned Gochujang . . .