Gaji namul is a basic, everyday Korean vegetable side dish. I remember what my grandmother told my aunts about gaji namul. She said, “gaji namul should always be mixed with lots of crushed garlic and sesame oil to make it really delicious!” Since I heard it, I have always used garlic generously in my gaji namul.

Ingredients:
3 medium sized Asian eggplant, 2½ tbs soy sauce, 1 chopped green onion, 2 cloves of garlic, ½ tbs of roasted sesame seeds, ½ tbs of sesame oil, 1 ts of hot pepper flakes
- Cut 3 medium sized Asian eggplants into 2 or 3 pieces. Then cut each piece in half lengthwise
- Pour 2 cups of water into a steamer, and place the pieces of eggplant inside. Bring to a boil for 15 minutes over high heat.
- Turn the heat off and move the cooked eggplant to a bowl. Set it aside to cool down.

- After the eggplant has cooled, drain the liquid from the bottom of the bowl.
- Tear each piece of eggplant lengthwise with your fingers, and put the strips into a large bowl.
- Add these seasonings to the bowl: 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1 ts of hot pepper flakes, 1 chopped green onion, ½ tbs sesame seeds, 2½ tbs soy sauce, and ½ tbs sesame oil.
- Mix it all together with your hand.

Serve with rice as a side dish.










Don’t we need to add salt?
Every time I make a new dish I say to myself “Wow this is soooooo good, this is my favorite Korean dish.” But I really mean it this time! The eggplant just melts in your mouth. I also love how you mash the sesame seeds in your hands. I tried it and it makes them even more delicious. I’m headed to the store to buy some more eggplant.
“The eggplant just melts in your mouth” That’s exacly right! I should make gajinamul soon. Reading your comment makes me feel like it desperately! : )
Thank you for your recipes!! I’ve been married over 13 years to a Korean and he is FINALLY happy with my cooking – thanks to your recipes! LOL
I just made the eggplant side dish this morning and it received a thumbs up from him. :-)
I’m glad to hear that! : )
I really love your recipes . Im your fan of Maangchi’s recipes!
Thank you for sharing your fantastic recipes
Thanks a lot,Aunny! Happy New Year!