Deep-fried pork rolls (dwaeji gogi mari twiguim)

In this deep-fried dish, thin pork slices are rolled up with perilla leaves (kkaennip) and julienned chili peppers. They are then battered and deep fried until golden brown. The strong taste of the perilla leaves nicely balanced with the sweetness 

of the chili peppers, gives a robust flavor to the mildly flavored pork. Deep fried in light batter, the result is a crispy outside layer and a burst of flavor inside. These little delights are great for parties as they can be prepared ahead of time and fried right before being served. When they are cut in half diagonally, the presentation of the pork rolls certainly has a “wow” factor. Whether you serve this as an appetizer or a side dish, it is sure to be a big crowd pleaser!

Ingredients:

● 8 thin pork slices (about 1/3-centimeter thick bulgogi cut)

● 1 teaspoon fresh gingergrated (or 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder)

● salt and pepper

● 8 perilla leaves (kkaennip)

● 3 - 4 green chili peppers (or 1 green bell pepper), julienned

● 3 - 4 red chili peppers (or 1 red bell pepper), julienned

● 1 cup twiguim garu (premade tempura batter mix)

● 3/4 cup ice water

● 1/4 cup all-purpose flour for dredging

● Canola or vegetable oil for deep frying

Season the pork slices with ginger, salt and pepper. Set aside while preparing vegetables.

Wash the kkaennip and pat dry. Julienne the peppers, about 8 to 10-centimeters long.

To put together a roll, dredge a pork slice in the flour and place it on a flat surface. Place a perilla leaf on top along with four or five pieces of each color pepper. Wrap the pork and perilla leaf around the pepper pieces, folding in the sides. Roll up to form a nice finger shape. Repeat the process with the remaining ingredients. Set aside while preparing the oil and the batter.

Heat the oil to 190 degrees Celsius (or until it barely starts to smoke).

In a small bowl, mix the batter with ice water for only a few seconds just until combined. (It is okay to have some visible lumps in the mixture. Do not over mix.)

Roll the pork rolls in the flour to coat lightly. Shake off excess. Dip one pork roll at a time in the batter, coat well and carefully add to the hot oil. Fry only four at a time, as overcrowding the oil will lower the temperature of the oil, resulting in soggy and oily rolls. Flip over and fry until golden on both sides, about 3 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack. Wait until the oil reaches 190 degrees Celsius again before frying the second batch.

Serve hot with a sauce.

See more recipes at www.koreanbapsang.com.

By Ro Hyo-sun