Fragrant and Sweet-Spicy Deodeok Gui (Grilled Deodeok Root)
A side dish made by pre-grilling prepped deodeok root with seasoned sesame oil, then grilling it coated in a sweet and spicy seasoning.
Translated from Korean by AI and not yet checked by a native speaker. Amounts and numbers are taken directly from the original recipe. Read the Korean original →
This grilled dish highlights the subtle aroma and crisp texture unique to deodeok root. Pre-grilling it in a pan coated with seasoned sesame oil ensures it cooks through properly without burning easily when the sauce is applied. It makes an elegant everyday side dish, and pairs wonderfully with drinks or on a dinner table for guests.
- Servings
- about 2–3 servings
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Spiciness
- Mildly spicy
Ingredients
Ingredients
- Deodeok (lance asiabell root)5-6 roots, 170 g (weight after trimming)
Seasoned sesame oil
- Toasted sesame oil1 tbsp
- Regular soy sauce (jin-ganjang)0.5 tbsp
Seasoning sauce
- Gochujang (Korean red chili paste)1 tbsp
- Fine gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)1 tsp
- Regular soy sauce (jin-ganjang)1 tbsp
- Corn syrup (mulyeot)1 tbsp
- Sugar0.5 tsp
- Minced green onion1 tbsp
- Minced garlic0.5 tbsp
- Toasted sesame seeds
- It is best to choose deodeok roots that are thick and straight.
- Soak in water for about 30 minutes to remove the bitterness.
- You can also buy whole bellflower roots (doraji) and prepare them the exact same way.
Steps
3. Grip the skin with a knife and peel it by rotating along the grain.
4. Rinse the peeled deodeok in water, then gently flatten and tenderize the flesh with a rolling pin.
If the deodeok is large, cut into 2-3 pieces before pounding. Be careful, as pounding too hard can cause the flesh to splatter or split apart.
5. Soak in water for about 30 minutes to remove the bitterness.
6. Remove the moisture with paper towels or a dry kitchen cloth.
7. Mix 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil and 0.5 tbsp regular soy sauce to make the seasoned oil, and coat the deodeok evenly.
8. Let it marinate for 10 minutes to absorb the flavor, then pre-grill in a pan.
If you brush on the seasoning sauce right from the start, the deodeok will burn before it even cooks.
That is why you brush on the seasoned oil, pre-grill it lightly first, and then grill it again with the seasoning sauce.
10
9. Mix all the seasoning sauce ingredients according to the recipe quantities.
10. Spread the seasoning sauce evenly over the pre-grilled deodeok.
Lightly grill the seasoned deodeok in a pan. Since it was already pre-grilled, cook it only briefly.
Ppunwife's tips
- Be careful, as pounding too hard can cause the flesh to splatter or split apart.
- If you brush on the seasoning sauce right from the start, the deodeok will burn before it even cooks. That is why you brush on the seasoned oil, pre-grill it lightly first, and then grill it again with the seasoning sauce.
- Since it was already pre-grilled, cook it only briefly.
FAQ
How do you remove the bitter taste from deodeok root?
Soaking the peeled deodeok in water for about 30 minutes helps reduce its bitterness.
Why is it grilled with seasoned oil before brushing on the sauce?
If you brush on the sauce right from the start, the exterior can burn before the deodeok finishes cooking through, so it is pre-grilled with seasoned sesame oil first.
What should I keep in mind when flattening or pounding deodeok with a rolling pin?
Pounding too hard can make the flesh splatter or crack, so control your force; if the roots are large, it is best to cut them into 2 to 3 pieces before flattening.
Can I make this dish using another ingredient instead of deodeok?
You can use whole bellflower roots (doraji) and prepare them using the exact same cooking steps and seasoning.
