Gochugaru is not only a delicious ingredient that adds heat and flavor to your meals, but it also has several potential health benefits. Firstly, its anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce inflammation and pain in the body, making it a great addition to any diet for those suffering from inflammatory conditions such as arthritis. Additionally, gochugaru contains capsaicin, which can increase metabolism and aid in weight loss by reducing appetite and increasing fat burning.
Furthermore, the anti-cancer effects of capsaicin have been well-studied, making gochugaru a potential cancer-fighting ingredient. Gochugaru is also rich in vitamins A and C, which are essential for immune function, skin health, and eye health. The spice can also help boost digestion and promote healthy bowel movements, making it a great addition to a healthy diet.
Gochugaru is also known to support cardiovascular health by improving blood flow and lowering blood pressure, which can help reduce the risk of heart disease. Gochugaru not only adds flavor and heat to your meals but also offers a range of health benefits that make it a valuable ingredient to incorporate into your diet.
To make gochugaru, you will need dried red chili peppers. Here’s how to make it:
Gochugaru - How to Make it at Home
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of dried red chili peppers
Instructions:
- Rinse the chili peppers in cold water and dry them thoroughly with paper towels.
- Cut off the stems and discard them.
- Cut the chili peppers into small pieces using kitchen scissors or a sharp knife.
- Remove the seeds from the chili peppers (if desired) and discard them.
- Place the cut chili peppers in a food processor or spice grinder and pulse until finely ground.
- Transfer the ground chili peppers to a bowl.
- Store the gochugaru in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
Note: It’s important to wear gloves when handling hot chili peppers to avoid getting the oils on your skin, which can cause irritation or burns. Also, be sure to work in a well-ventilated area, as the fumes from the chili peppers can be strong and irritating to the eyes and nose.
Gochugaru is used to great effect in the following recipe.
Spicy Korean Fried Chicken
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken wings or drumettes
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 2 tbsp gochugaru
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Cooking Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix together the flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- In another bowl, beat the egg and whisk in the buttermilk.
- Dip each chicken piece into the egg mixture, then dredge in the flour mixture until evenly coated.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 10-12 minutes per batch. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the gochugaru, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
- Toss the fried chicken in the spicy sauce until coated.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce
Until Next Time… Be Well!
RSN