Jeonju Ssamjang Noodle Fusion

Background

Jeonju, known as the "Gastronomic City" of Korea, is famous for its vibrant food culture and traditional Korean cuisine. One of its staple dishes, bibimbap, represents the vibrant harmony of flavors in Korean food. Building upon Jeonju's rich culinary heritage, this Jeonju Ssamjang Noodle Fusion combines the city's traditional tastes with a modern twist, infusing the robust flavors of ssamjang into a hearty noodle dish.

Ingredients

• Noodles (preferably udon or thick somen)
• Ssamjang paste
• Soy sauce
• Sesame oil
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Scallions
• Vegetable broth
• Tofu
• Bell peppers
• Spinach
• Kimchi
• Salt & Pepper
• Sesame seeds

Preparation

Noodles

First, cook the noodles according to the package instructions, ensuring they are al dente. Once cooked, rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process and set them aside.

Ssamjang Sauce

In a mixing bowl, stir together ssamjang paste, a dash of soy sauce, and a splash of sesame oil. Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the mix, creating a harmonious blend of spicy and savory notes.

Cooking Process

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

In a large pan, heat a tablespoon of sesame oil over medium heat. Add sliced scallions, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté until fragrant.

Step 2: Add Vegetables

Add diced bell peppers and stir until they begin to soften. Incorporate the spinach into the pan and stir-fry until wilted.

Step 3: Incorporate Tofu

Add cubes of tofu to the pan, stirring gently to incorporate them with the vegetables. Ensure the tofu is browned slightly on each side.

Step 4: Simmer in Broth

Pour in about two cups of vegetable broth, allowing the mixture to simmer. Stir in the prepared ssamjang sauce, and let the flavors meld together for about 10 minutes. Adjust with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Combine with Noodles

Add the cooked noodles into the broth mixture, ensuring they are well-coated with the sauce and broth. Allow the dish to simmer for an additional 5 minutes, permitting the noodles to absorb the flavors fully.

How to Enjoy

Serve the Jeonju Ssamjang Noodle Fusion hot, garnished with kimchi and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. This dish is best enjoyed with a side of pickled radishes or your favorite banchan. For an authentic experience, eat using chopsticks and savor each bite slowly, appreciating the layered flavors unique to Jeonju cuisine. Feel free to set a cooking timer next time you make this dish to perfect the timing of each step.