We’ve always been fans of bold flavors that pack a punch, and our Enoki Gochujang recipe delivers just that. This Korean-inspired dish combines the light crispiness of enoki mushrooms with the fiery spice of gochujang paste creating a simple yet addictive side that’s perfect for any meal.
It’s not only easy to whip up in under 30 minutes but also a great way to explore Asian cuisine from your own kitchen. We’re confident you’ll love how this recipe balances heat and texture making it a go-to favorite in no time.
Ingredients
To bring our Enoki Gochujang recipe to life—one that balances the delicate, crisp texture of enoki mushrooms with the fiery depth of gochujang paste—we start by assembling these essential ingredients. We’ve ordered them based on how they’re used in the preparation process, ensuring everything flows smoothly from prep to cooking.
- Enoki mushrooms: 200 grams, fresh and trimmed at the base to remove any dirt, as they’ll form the star of the dish with their light, airy crunch.
- Gochujang paste: 2 tablespoons, a bold Korean chili paste that provides the spicy, fermented heat—we recommend a high-quality brand for authentic flavor.
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced finely for sautéing first to build a fragrant base.
- Soy sauce: 1 tablespoon, low-sodium variety, added next to enhance umami without overwhelming the mushrooms.
- Sesame oil: 1 tablespoon, for stir-frying to impart a nutty aroma that complements the enoki’s texture.
- Green onions: 2 stalks, sliced thinly for a fresh, mild onion note stirred in towards the end.
- Optional sesame seeds: 1 teaspoon, toasted and sprinkled on top for added crunch and visual appeal in the final stir.
Tools and Equipment
To prepare our flavorful Enoki Gochujang recipe efficiently, we need a few essential tools and equipment. These items help us achieve the perfect texture and balance of flavors while keeping the process straightforward and quick.
Here’s a curated list of the key tools, organized by their use in the recipe steps:
- Knife: A sharp chef’s knife for mincing the garlic and slicing the green onions. We recommend one with a comfortable handle to ensure precise cuts that release the garlic’s pungent aroma.
- Cutting board: A sturdy, non-slip cutting board to provide a safe surface for chopping ingredients like garlic and green onions, preventing any mishaps during prep.
- Measuring spoons: Accurate stainless-steel measuring spoons for portioning out the gochujang paste, soy sauce, and sesame oil. This ensures our dish hits the right balance of spicy and savory notes.
- Mixing bowl: A medium-sized glass or ceramic bowl for combining the gochujang paste, soy sauce, and other seasonings. We find this step essential for creating a uniform marinade that coats the enoki mushrooms evenly.
- Frying pan or skillet: A non-stick frying pan, ideally 10-12 inches in diameter, for sautéing the enoki mushrooms. It allows for even heat distribution to achieve that crispy texture we love in this Korean-inspired dish.
- Spatula or tongs: Heat-resistant silicone spatula or metal tongs for stirring and flipping the mushrooms during cooking. These tools help us maintain the mushrooms’ delicate structure without breaking them apart.
- Optional: Garlic press: If we want to speed up prep, a garlic press for quickly mincing the garlic cloves, enhancing efficiency without compromising flavor.
By gathering these tools beforehand, we streamline our cooking process and focus on bringing out the bold, spicy essence of Enoki Gochujang.
Instructions
We guide you through preparing and cooking our flavorful Enoki Gochujang dish with simple, step-by-step instructions that ensure a perfect balance of spicy heat and crispy texture in under 30 minutes.
Prep
Before we dive into cooking, let’s prepare our fresh ingredients to maximize flavors and textures in this Enoki Gochujang recipe.
- Start with the enoki mushrooms: Trim the roots from 200 grams of fresh enoki mushrooms and separate the strands gently. This step ensures they cook evenly and achieve that signature crispy finish we love.
- Prepare the garlic: Mince 3 cloves of garlic finely. If you’re using a garlic press for efficiency, it will release the aromatic essence that elevates the dish’s bold profile.
- Slice the green onions: Cut 2 green onions into thin slices. These add a fresh, pungent contrast that complements the spicy gochujang base.
- Mix the sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of high-quality gochujang paste, 1 tablespoon of low-sodium soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Stir until smooth—this creates our vibrant, spicy marinade that coats the mushrooms perfectly for an irresistible umami kick.
Cook
Now that our ingredients are prepped, we move to the cooking stage where the magic happens—transforming simple components into a sizzling, aromatic Enoki Gochujang masterpiece.
- Heat the pan: Place a non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat and add the sesame oil mixture from our prep. This allows the oil to shimmer and release its nutty aroma, setting the stage for even cooking.
- Add the mushrooms and garlic: Once the pan is hot, toss in the prepared enoki mushrooms and minced garlic. Stir frequently with a spatula for 3-4 minutes until the mushrooms begin to crisp and the garlic turns golden, infusing the dish with a fragrant, savory scent.
- Incorporate the sauce: Pour in the gochujang sauce mixture and stir to coat the mushrooms evenly. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and cling to the strands, creating a glossy, spicy glaze that delivers that iconic Korean-inspired heat.
- Finish with green onions: Add the sliced green onions in the last 1 minute of cooking to keep their crispness intact. For an extra crunch, sprinkle 1 teaspoon of toasted sesame seeds on top just before removing from heat. The result is a vibrant dish with a perfect harmony of spicy, crispy, and fresh elements that make Enoki Gochujang a standout favorite.
Make-Ahead Instructions
To make our Enoki Gochujang recipe even more convenient, we recommend preparing certain elements in advance. This approach allows you to enjoy the bold flavors of gochujang paste and the crispy texture of enoki mushrooms with minimal effort on the day of serving. Below, we outline the key steps for make-ahead preparation, ensuring your dish retains its vibrant, spicy kick.
Prepping Ingredients Ahead
We suggest focusing on components that hold up well when stored, such as the sauce and vegetables. Here’s how to do it efficiently:
- Trim and store enoki mushrooms: Start by trimming the roots from 200 grams of fresh enoki mushrooms and rinsing them gently. Pat dry with a paper towel, then place in an airtight container lined with a dry paper towel to absorb moisture. Refrigerate for up to 2 days to maintain their crisp texture.
- Prepare the gochujang sauce: In a small mixing bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of gochujang paste, 3 cloves of minced garlic, 1 tablespoon of low-sodium soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Whisk until smooth, then transfer to a sealed jar or container. This mixture can be refrigerated for up to 3 days, allowing the flavors to meld for even better results.
- Slice green onions: Thinly slice 2 green onions and store them in a small, airtight container or a resealable bag. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 1 day to preserve their freshness and crunch.
Storage and Reheating Tips
For optimal results, we advise storing make-ahead items in the refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below. If you’re toasting sesame seeds for garnish, do so fresh on the day of cooking to avoid sogginess—simply toast 1 teaspoon in a dry pan for 1-2 minutes until golden.
When you’re ready to cook:
- Remove prepped ingredients from the fridge and let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes.
- Heat your non-stick frying pan over medium heat, add the stored enoki mushrooms and garlic from the sauce, and proceed with the original cooking steps for a quick assembly.
By planning ahead, we ensure your Enoki Gochujang dish comes together in under 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous meals.
Conclusion
We’ve loved sharing this Enoki Gochujang recipe and how it adds a spicy twist to your meals. It’s a simple way to bring bold Korean flavors into our kitchens.
Give it a try and see how it becomes a go-to favorite. We’re confident you’ll enjoy experimenting with it in your own way.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Enoki Gochujang?
Enoki Gochujang is a simple Korean-inspired dish featuring crispy enoki mushrooms tossed in spicy gochujang paste. It offers a perfect balance of heat, texture, and flavor, making it an easy way to explore Asian cuisine. This recipe can be prepared in under 30 minutes and is ideal for a quick, flavorful meal.
What ingredients are needed for Enoki Gochujang?
You’ll need 200 grams of fresh enoki mushrooms, 2 tablespoons of gochujang paste, 3 cloves of minced garlic, 1 tablespoon each of low-sodium soy sauce and sesame oil, and 2 sliced green onions. Optionally, add 1 teaspoon of toasted sesame seeds for extra crunch. These ingredients create a bold, spicy dish with minimal prep.
How do you prepare Enoki Gochujang?
Start by trimming and prepping the enoki mushrooms, mincing garlic, and mixing the gochujang sauce. Heat a non-stick pan with sesame oil, add mushrooms and garlic, stir in the sauce, and cook for a few minutes. Finish with green onions and sesame seeds. The whole process takes under 30 minutes for a crispy, spicy result.
How long does it take to make Enoki Gochujang?
This recipe can be prepared in under 30 minutes, including prep and cooking time. With make-ahead options, like prepping ingredients in advance, you can assemble it in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Can I make Enoki Gochujang ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep ingredients in advance. Trim and store enoki mushrooms, mix the gochujang sauce, and slice green onions up to a day ahead. Keep them refrigerated for freshness, then cook quickly when needed. This makes it convenient for spontaneous meals without losing flavor or texture.
What tools are required for Enoki Gochujang?
You’ll need a sharp chef’s knife, cutting board, measuring spoons, mixing bowl, non-stick frying pan, and spatula or tongs. An optional garlic press can speed up prep. These basic tools ensure efficient and safe preparation of this simple recipe.