Gogi Wan-ja Jun

Gogi Wan-ja Jun Recipe - Korean Beef and Tofu Pancake

Region / culture: Korea | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Gogi Wan-ja Jun is a delicious Korean dish made with pork, tofu, and a variety of seasonings. These meatballs are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, making them a perfect appetizer or main course.

History

Gogi Wan-ja Jun has been a popular dish in Korea for many years. It is often served as a side dish at family gatherings and special occasions. The combination of pork and tofu creates a unique texture and flavor that is loved by many.

Ingredients

200 g ground beef or pork
1 large slab of tofu
2 eggs
2 tbsp chopped green onions
1 tbsp crushed garlic
0.5 tsp salt
0.5 tsp pepper
1 tsp sesame oil
vegetable oil
flour

How to prepare

Crush the tofu using a cotton cloth.
Combine the green onions, garlic, salt, pepper, tofu, and sesame oil with the meat.
Shape the mixture into approximately 3 cm (1.25 inch) balls.
Coat the balls with flour and dip them into the beaten eggs.
Heat a pan with a small amount of vegetable oil and fry the meatballs until cooked to your liking.

Variations

Substitute ground chicken or beef for the pork.
Add chopped vegetables such as carrots or bell peppers to the meat mixture for added flavor and nutrition.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to crush the tofu thoroughly to ensure a smooth texture in the meatballs.

- Be careful not to overmix the meat mixture, as this can result in tough meatballs.

- Fry the meatballs in batches to ensure they cook evenly and get crispy on all sides.

Serving Suggestions

Gogi Wan-ja Jun can be served as an appetizer with a dipping sauce or as a main course with rice and vegetables.

Cooking Techniques

Frying

Ingredient Substitutions

Ground chicken or beef can be used instead of pork.

- Firm tofu can be used instead of soft tofu.

Make Ahead Tips

The meat mixture can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to cook.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Gogi Wan-ja Jun on a platter with a garnish of chopped green onions and sesame seeds.

Pairing Recommendations

Gogi Wan-ja Jun pairs well with steamed rice, kimchi, and a side of pickled vegetables.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Gogi Wan-ja Jun can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Gogi Wan-ja Jun contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Gogi Wan-ja Jun contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Gogi Wan-ja Jun contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Gogi Wan-ja Jun contains approximately 20 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Gogi Wan-ja Jun is a good source of vitamin B12, iron, and zinc.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy (tofu) and eggs.

Summary

Gogi Wan-ja Jun is a protein-rich dish that is relatively low in carbohydrates and calories. It is a good source of essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Gogi Wan-ja Jun is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is easy to make at home. With a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can enjoy this Korean favorite in no time.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a happy one. It was many years ago, before I had even met your grandfather. I was a young girl living in a small village in Korea, eager to learn the art of cooking from my mother and grandmother.

One day, as I was helping my grandmother prepare a meal for our family, she suddenly pulled out a small, worn-out recipe book from the depths of her apron pocket. She handed it to me with a twinkle in her eye and told me that it was a special recipe passed down from her own mother and grandmother.

The recipe was for Gogi Wan-ja Jun, a traditional Korean dish made with ground beef and vegetables, fried to a crispy perfection. I had never heard of it before, but the thought of learning a new recipe from my grandmother filled me with excitement.

As I read through the ingredients and instructions, my grandmother patiently guided me through each step, showing me how to mix the ground beef with the vegetables and seasonings, and how to shape them into small patties. She then taught me how to fry them in hot oil until they were golden brown and crispy on the outside.

The aroma of the sizzling patties filled the kitchen, and I couldn't wait to taste the final result. When they were done, my grandmother and I sat down at the table to enjoy the Gogi Wan-ja Jun together. The crispy texture, combined with the savory flavors of the beef and vegetables, was unlike anything I had ever tasted before.

From that moment on, Gogi Wan-ja Jun became a staple in our household. My grandmother would make it for special occasions and family gatherings, and I would always help her prepare it, eager to master the art of cooking this delicious dish.

Over the years, I continued to perfect the recipe, adding my own twists and variations to make it my own. I learned to adjust the seasonings to suit my taste, and experimented with different vegetables and spices to create new flavors.

As I grew older and started a family of my own, Gogi Wan-ja Jun became a favorite among my children and grandchildren. I would often make it for them, sharing with them the story of how I learned to cook this dish from my own grandmother.

Now, as I stand in my kitchen, preparing Gogi Wan-ja Jun for yet another family gathering, I can't help but feel a sense of pride and nostalgia. The recipe that was once just a small piece of paper in my grandmother's apron pocket has become a cherished tradition, passed down through generations.

And as I watch my own grandchildren eagerly devouring the crispy patties, I know that the memory of discovering this recipe for the first time will always hold a special place in my heart. It is a reminder of the bond between generations, and the joy that comes from sharing something as simple and delicious as a home-cooked meal with the ones you love.