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Beondegi – a special dish made from silkworm pupae.
Beondegi (번데기) is a general term for dishes made from silkworm pupae. While silkworm pupae are often thought to be primarily used in silk weaving, surprisingly, they also appear in many dishes with distinctive Korean flavors.
Beondegi's history began during the Korean War, when it was prepared for South Korean soldiers to eat during times of protein scarcity. Since then, Beondegi has quickly become popular with a large segment of the South Korean population and continues to be so today.
Locals in Korea love eating Beondegi. Proof of this is that tourists can easily find numerous stalls selling this dish simply by strolling through the food streets. And Beondegi itself is a popular street food that attracts many diners.
How is BEONDEGI prepared?
To make Beondegi, the silkworm pupae are first processed by smoking or boiling. Then, depending on individual taste, different cooking methods and seasonings are used.
The most typical way to prepare them is stir-frying the silkworm pupae with spices. The vendor will place them on a large pan and season them to create a salty and sweet flavor. When the pupae shells are dry and blistered, they can be enjoyed immediately.
Beondegi are a common sight at Korean family meals or on the menus of traditional restaurants. For a richer flavor, these silkworm pupae are often stewed with vegetables, stir-fried with spices, or served on skewers. Some even combine them with cheese or eat them with instant noodles, creating a unique culinary experience.
BEONDEGI FLAVOR CHARACTERISTICS
Beondegi has a distinctive, pungent smell, so strong that you can smell it from a distance. Many who have tried this dish say it tastes similar to the smell of crab. In addition, the unusual appearance of the dried, shriveled pupae has frightened many people when they see them.
Although Beondegi may not look particularly appealing, if you're brave enough to try it once, you'll experience a truly unique flavor. Inside the crispy, evenly seasoned shell lies an enticingly rich and savory taste. Just a light bite is enough to spread its flavor throughout your mouth, leaving you utterly captivated.
BEONDEGI – A NUTRITIOUS FOOD FOR THE BODY
Made primarily from silkworm pupae, Beondegi provides numerous nutrients to the body, such as natural sources of protein, calcium, and phosphorus. Koreans also utilize these nutrients to improve their health.
Therefore, you can find Beondegi sold everywhere, from street stalls to restaurants. In addition, there are also ready-to-eat meals made from silkworm pupae, available in supermarkets throughout the country. This allows diners to save time while enjoying this nutritious and unique Beondegi dish.
