Saekdong Jeongol

Background and History

Saekdong Jeongol is a traditional Korean dish known for its colorful presentation and flavorful taste. The word "jeongol" refers to a type of Korean stew usually served as a communal dish. Historically, jeongol was a royal dish, often enjoyed by the ancient Korean aristocracy. What makes it unique is not only its rich taste but also its vibrant colors, which resemble the Saekdong, a traditional Korean multi-colored striped pattern.

Ingredients

• Beef
• Shiitake mushrooms
• Enoki mushrooms
• Carrot
• Zucchini
• Spinach
• Tofu
• Green onions
• Red chili pepper
• Mirin
• Soy sauce
• Sesame oil
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Beef broth

Preparation

Start by thinly slicing the beef and marinate it in a mixture of soy sauce, mirin, chopped garlic, and grated ginger for at least 30 minutes. Meanwhile, soak the shiitake mushrooms in lukewarm water until they are soft, then slice them. Prepare the enoki mushrooms by cutting off the bottom stems. Julienne the carrot and zucchini into long, thin strips. Blanch the spinach in boiling water for 30 seconds, then immediately cool it down in ice water to preserve the color. Cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes. Finely slice the green onions and red chili pepper.

Cooking Process

1. In a large shallow pot, arrange the prepared ingredients in sections, starting with the beef, shiitake mushrooms, enoki mushrooms, carrot, zucchini, spinach, tofu, and top with green onions and red chili pepper.
2. In a separate pot, bring the beef broth to a simmer and season it with additional soy sauce and a drizzle of sesame oil.
3. Pour the seasoned beef broth into the pot with the arranged ingredients until they are just submerged. Allow the stew to cook gently over medium heat. It's important to link your cooking timer with this step, as the stew should cook for about 15–20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
4. Once the beef is cooked through and the vegetables are tender, taste the broth and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

How to Enjoy Saekdong Jeongol

Saekdong Jeongol is best enjoyed meal-style with family or friends. Traditionally, diners use chopsticks to pick their ingredients directly from the communal pot, along with a small bowl of broth on the side for sipping. It is customary to serve rice alongside the dish to complement the hearty flavors. Additionally, offer various banchans, or Korean side dishes, to enhance the meal experience. The colorful display and complex flavors offer a feast for both the eyes and palate.

Notes

• For a vegetarian version, replace beef with extra tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth.
• To add a bit of spice, increase the amount of red chili pepper or include a spoonful of gochujang, a Korean chili paste.