Spicy Sesame Straws
My head pastry chef, Jaime Garbutt, and I created these twists for Seoul Gourmet. The Korean-flavor-infused breads were so popular that many customers requested them to go. These sesame straws are flavored with ssamjang, a spicy sauce served with lettuce wraps (bossam) and many other dishes. It gives conventional puff pastry straws a delightful spicy kick.
My head pastry chef, Jaime Garbutt, and I created these twists for Seoul Gourmet. The Korean-flavor-infused breads were so popular that many customers requested them to go. These sesame straws are flavored with ssamjang, a spicy sauce served with lettuce wraps (bossam) and many other dishes. It gives conventional puff pastry straws a delightful spicy kick.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon mirin
- all-purpose flour for dusting
- 2 tablespoons gochujang (korean chile paste)
- 1 tablespoon doenjang (korean soybean paste)
- 2 teaspoons roasted sesame seeds crushed, plus 3 tablespoons
- one 14-ounce (390-gram) sheet puff pastry (all-bu halved crosswise
- 1 large egg lightly beaten with a splash of water
- 3 tablespoons black sesame seeds
- Carbohydrate 1.13635187603682 g
- Cholesterol 13.21875 mg
- Fat 1.71263625170054 g
- Fiber 0.217774221725372 g
- Protein 0.728080078732868 g
- Saturated Fat 0.294354375238185 g
- Serving Size 1 1 to 18 straw (7g)
- Sodium 4.65010937538796 mg
- Sugar 0.918577654311445 g
- Trans Fat 0.11405062507467 g
- Calories 23 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Position racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven. Line three baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a very small bowl, whisk together the chile paste, soybean paste, honey, mirin, 2 teaspoons crushed roasted sesame seeds, garlic powder and sesame oil until smooth. Set aside.
- Lightly flour a clean work surface. Roll one piece of the puff pastry into a 10-by-14-inch rectangle and set aside. Roll the other piece into a 10-by-14-inch rectangle and spread with the chile paste mixture, leaving a 1/2-inch border.
- Set the first rectangle on top of the second, matching up the edges, and roll very gently to seal the pieces together.
- Brush the pastry with egg wash--avoiding the edges so the layers of pastry don't stick together during baking--and sprinkle with 1 1/2 tablespoons of the remaining roasted sesame seeds and 1 1/2 tablespoons of the black sesame seeds. Lightly press the seeds in with your hands.
- Carefully flip the pastry over onto one of the prepared baking sheets, brush with more egg wash, and sprinkle with the remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons roasted sesame seeds and 1 1/2 tablespoons black sesame seeds, lightly pressing them in with your hands.
- Refrigerate for about 15 minutes, until firm enough to handle.
- Using a pizza wheel or floured knife, trim the edges as needed to neaten them. Cut the pastry lengthwise into 1/2-inch strips.
- Gently twist each strip until it resembles a loose corkscrew. Transfer the strips to the prepared baking sheets, spaced about 1 1/2 inches apart.
- Chill for 20 minutes.
- Bake until golden, 20 to 22 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through.
- Let the sesame straws cool on the baking sheets. Serve at room temperature.
Spicy Sesame Straws: A Culinary Adventure
As a busy professional, finding time to cook can often feel like navigating a maze. Yet, the kitchen is my sanctuary, my escape, and a place where I create moments of joy and deliciousness. My latest obsession? These incredibly flavourful Spicy Sesame Straws. They're the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and spicy, making them the ideal treat for a quiet evening in or a sophisticated appetizer for a get-together. The irresistible crunch paired with the complex flavors leave you wanting more.
The inspiration for these delectable straws came during a recent trip to Seoul. I had the pleasure of sampling these irresistible treats at a small, family-run bakery tucked away in a charming alleyway. The experience was unforgettable. The aroma of toasted sesame seeds and spicy ssamjang filled the air, creating an atmosphere of warmth and welcoming. I knew then that I had to recreate this culinary delight. The challenge was on.
The recipe itself is surprisingly simple, requiring readily available ingredients. The magic lies in the balance of flavors. The gochujang (Korean chili paste) and doenjang (Korean soybean paste) provide the perfect fiery kick, while the honey and mirin add a touch of sweetness. The sesame seeds, both roasted and black, contribute a delightful nutty fragrance and satisfying texture. The puff pastry provides a flaky, airy base for the irresistible topping. It is very easy to create this delightful treat yourself at home.
The process of making these straws is surprisingly meditative. The careful rolling, twisting, and sprinkling of sesame seeds are almost therapeutic. I find myself lost in the rhythm of the kitchen, transforming simple ingredients into something extraordinary. It's a reminder that even in the midst of a busy life, there's always time to create something beautiful and delicious.
Beyond the Recipe: A Culinary Journey
These sesame straws aren’t just a recipe; they're a window into Korean culinary artistry. The ssamjang, a cornerstone of many Korean dishes, is a testament to the country's balanced approach to flavors. It’s a harmonious blend of fermented soybean paste (doenjang), gochujang (Korean chili paste), garlic, and sesame oil. The use of this versatile paste elevates these simple straws to a new level of sophistication. It's a reflection of the rich cultural heritage embedded within Korean cuisine.
The process of making these straws is a beautiful reflection of the care and attention that goes into creating something truly special. The careful rolling and twisting of the pastry is a moment of mindfulness, a time to connect with the ingredients and the process of creation. It's a reminder that even the simplest acts can be deeply fulfilling.
More than just a snack, these Spicy Sesame Straws are a conversation starter. They’re perfect for sharing with friends and family, sparking discussions about culinary experiences and cultural exchanges. They're a testament to the power of food to bring people together, celebrating shared moments and creating lasting memories. So gather your loved ones, share a plate of these irresistible treats, and let the conversation flow. This recipe is more than just instructions; it's an invitation to experience the joy of creating something delicious and meaningful. It is a tribute to simple cooking, bold flavors, and the delightful surprise of a perfect bite.
Beyond their deliciousness, these Spicy Sesame Straws serve as a reminder of the beauty found in simplicity and the unexpected connections that can be forged through shared culinary experiences. They’re a perfect embodiment of the power of food to create moments of joy, connection, and unforgettable memories. I hope that you enjoy this recipe, not just for the deliciousness, but for the journey it offers into the world of Korean flavors and the simple pleasure of creating something extraordinary.
