Braised Kimchi Mackerel
Radish (Godeungeo Kimchi-jorim)
A savory Korean comfort dish featuring tender mackerel and radish slow-simmered in a tangy, spicy kimchi broth. Perfect when served with steamed rice.
Kimchi-jorim is a beloved Korean stew where the deep, fermented tang of aged kimchi transforms fatty mackerel into a rich, melt-in-your-mouth delight. The radish acts as a flavor sponge, absorbing the umami-packed sauce, making this a quintessential rustic home-cooked meal that tastes even better as the flavors meld together.
Ingredients
- 2 fillets mackerel
- 200 g kimchi
- 150 g white radish
- 2 stalks green onion
- 500 ml water
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp oyster sauce
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- 1Assemble the base ingredients
Place the mackerel fillets into the pot, followed by the chopped white radish and sliced green onions. These ingredients form the base of the stew, allowing the radish to absorb the savory flavors as it softens during cooking.
Tip: Ensure the radish is cut into uniform, bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly throughout the process. - 2Add the kimchi
Add a generous portion of kimchi into the pot alongside the mackerel and vegetables. The tangy, fermented flavor of the kimchi is essential for balancing the richness of the fish.
Tip: If your kimchi is very sour, you can add a little extra sugar to balance the acidity of the broth. - 3Pour in water
Pour enough water into the pot to submerge the mackerel and vegetables. This creates the base for the stews flavorful, aromatic broth.
Tip: Using warm water can help speed up the simmering process. - 4Season the stew
Add the soy sauce, sugar, pepper, and a dash of oyster sauce into the pot. These seasonings will enhance the umami profile of the dish and create a rich, well-balanced broth.
Tip: Adjust the amount of soy sauce based on the saltiness of your kimchi. - 5Simmer until cooked
Simmer the mixture over medium heat until the mackerel is fully cooked through and the vegetables are tender. Periodically stir gently to ensure the flavors meld perfectly.
Tip: Be gentle when stirring to keep the mackerel fillets intact.
