Spicy Stir Fried Konjac
A simple Japanese side dish of chewy konjac stir fried in a sweet and savory soy sauce glaze with a touch of chili. It is quick to make, budget friendly, and perfect for everyday meals or as a sake snack.
Konjac is a wonderfully simple ingredient that becomes especially delicious when it soaks up a bold, savory sauce. In this recipe, it is torn into bite sized pieces rather than cut with a knife, creating an uneven surface that helps the seasoning cling to every piece.
The key is to dry fry the konjac first to remove excess moisture, then coat it with sesame oil before adding soy sauce, sake, mirin, sugar, and chili. As the sauce reduces, the konjac becomes deeply seasoned, glossy, and pleasantly chewy.
With just a handful of pantry staples, this spicy stir fried konjac makes an easy side dish for everyday meals. Its sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavor also makes it an excellent companion for sake.
What you'll need
- 400 g konjac block
- 1½ tbsp sesame oil
- 1½ tbsp soy sauce
- 1½ tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp sake
- 1 tbsp mirin
- Dried red chili pepper, to taste
How to make it
Tear the konjac into bite sized pieces with a spoon. Boil for about 1 minute, then drain thoroughly.
Place the konjac in a hot frying pan without oil and cook until the excess moisture evaporates and it begins to make a squeaking sound. Add 1½ tablespoons sesame oil and stir fry until evenly coated.
Add 1½ tablespoons each soy sauce and sugar, 1 tablespoon each sake and mirin, and dried red chili pepper to taste. Cook while stirring until the liquid has almost completely reduced and the konjac is well glazed. Remove from the heat and serve.
Tips
- Tearing the konjac with a spoon creates a rough surface that helps it absorb the sauce more effectively.
- Dry frying is important. Removing excess moisture before adding the sesame oil keeps the finished dish from becoming watery and helps concentrate the seasoning.
- Adjust the amount of chili to your preference. For a gentler heat, use just a small amount, or add more if you prefer a noticeably spicy finish.
What to drink with it
