Bossam with Ssamjang
Erica Lovelace Erica Lovelace

Bossam with Ssamjang

The second installation of Demystified: Soy Bean Paste, we're covering Korean soybean paste or at least a variation. Ssamjang combines both doenjang (fermented soybean paste) and gochujang (fermented red pepper paste) to make a dipping sauce. Traditionally, it’s served with boiled pork in a lettuce wrap. Some people prefer boiled pork shoulder but I love the richness of boiled pork belly with the crunch of pickled garlic.

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Spring Miso Soba Noodle Soup
Erica Lovelace Erica Lovelace

Spring Miso Soba Noodle Soup

The first installation of Demystified: Soy Bean Paste, we're diving into the world of soybean paste with a springtime soba noodle soup featuring miso. With the abundance of vibrant veggies from the farmers' market, I'm jazzing up the soup by stir-frying a medley of these fresh finds to layer in.

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Soy Sauce Marinated Egg Yolks
Erica Lovelace Erica Lovelace

Soy Sauce Marinated Egg Yolks

The final installation of Demystified: Soy Sauce, raw egg yolks marinated in light soy sauce. This is a delicious topping I like to use for a tartare but you can also use to top things like a bowl of noodles, rice, or salads. The marriage of raw egg yolks and light soy sauce yields a delightful flavor profile and creamy texture when punctured. However, achieving the ideal consistency requires precision; over-marinating risks solidifying the yolk.

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Oxtails Braised in Master Stock
Erica Lovelace Erica Lovelace

Oxtails Braised in Master Stock

Next on Demystified: Soy Sauce, dark soy sauce is used to replenish a Chinese Master Stock. Among the three primary types of soy sauce, light, regular, and dark, dark soy sauce stands out for its long aging process, giving it a deep color and rich taste. It’s a key ingredient in Chinese master stock, a key technique in Chinese cookery. A Chinese master stock is a deeply flavorful and aromatic broth used in Chinese cuisine as a base for various dishes, particularly braised meats and poultry.

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Hawaiian Steak
Erica Lovelace Erica Lovelace

Hawaiian Steak

Our next ingredient in the Demystified series is soy sauce. Soy sauce has been an indispensable companion to countless dishes for centuries. Its rich umami taste and complex aroma make it a staple in Asian kitchens worldwide. This recipe is an homage to Houston's (Hillstone's) Hawaiian Steak, featuring succulent ribeyes bathed in a tantalizing blend of regular soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, and mirin, resulting in a symphony of sweet and savory notes.

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