Delicious Steamed Cod Fish (Kodari Jjim): A Crowd-Pleasing Recipe
Savory and Spicy-Sweet Steamed Cod Fish with Tender Radish and Crisp Vegetables
Made with abundant love and care for my prince who craved fish! This is a hearty fish dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. The tender cod, flavorful vegetables, and perfectly balanced savory-sweet sauce make it an irresistible side for rice.
Main Ingredients- 3 dried pollack (Kodari)
- A small piece of Korean radish (Mu), about 1/4 of a medium radish
- 2 potatoes
- 1 stalk of green onion (scallion)
- 1 onion
- 1 Korean green chili pepper (optional)
Seasoning Ingredients- 1/2 cup soy sauce (Jin Ganjang)
- 2 Tbsp sugar
- 2 Tbsp anchovy sauce (Myeolchi Aekjeot)
- 1 Tbsp red chili paste (Gochujang)
- 2 Tbsp red chili flakes (Gochugaru)
- 3 cups water
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- A pinch of ginger powder (or 1/2 tsp minced ginger)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (Jin Ganjang)
- 2 Tbsp sugar
- 2 Tbsp anchovy sauce (Myeolchi Aekjeot)
- 1 Tbsp red chili paste (Gochujang)
- 2 Tbsp red chili flakes (Gochugaru)
- 3 cups water
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- A pinch of ginger powder (or 1/2 tsp minced ginger)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare the vegetables that will create a delicious harmony in your Kodari Jjim. Thoroughly wash the Korean radish (mu), onion, and potatoes.
Step 2
Cut the radish into thick, half-moon shapes, about 1 cm thick. Keeping them slightly thick will prevent them from becoming mushy during cooking.
Step 3
Slice the potatoes to a similar thickness of about 1 cm. Cutting them to the same size as the radish ensures they cook evenly and have a pleasant texture.
Step 4
Slice the onion into strips. Adding thinly sliced onions will release a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the dish.
Step 5
Rinse the dried pollack (Kodari) under running water and carefully remove any fins and the tail. If necessary, clean out the insides as well. This step helps to reduce any fishy odor and ensures a cleaner taste.
Step 6
In a wide, deep pot, arrange the sliced radish and potatoes at the bottom. Layering the vegetables first prevents the cod from sticking to the pot and helps the vegetables absorb the sauce evenly.
Step 7
Evenly distribute the sliced onions over the radish and potato layer.
Step 8
Arrange the prepared Kodari pieces on top of the vegetables. Try not to overlap them too much so that the sauce can penetrate all the pieces effectively.
Step 9
Garnish the top with the diagonally sliced green onion and the Korean green chili pepper (if you prefer a spicier taste). The green onion adds sweetness and aroma, while the chili pepper provides a pleasant kick.
Step 10
Now, let’s prepare the delicious sauce. In a bowl, combine 1/2 cup soy sauce, 2 Tbsp sugar, 2 Tbsp anchovy sauce, 1 Tbsp red chili paste, 2 Tbsp red chili flakes, 3 cups water, 1 Tbsp minced garlic, and a pinch of ginger powder. Mix well. The anchovy sauce adds umami, and the ginger helps to eliminate any fishy smell.
Step 11
Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the ingredients in the pot. Cover with a lid and bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes. This slow simmering allows the radish and potatoes to become tender and the cod to absorb the flavors deeply.
Step 12
Remove the lid and continue to simmer for another 5-10 minutes, spooning some of the sauce over the cod and vegetables periodically. This basting process helps the sauce to meld and creates a beautiful glossy finish. If the sauce is too thin, let it reduce further; if it’s too thick, add a little more water to adjust the consistency.
Step 13
The Kodari Jjim is almost ready when the sauce has thickened to your liking and the radish and potatoes are tender enough to be easily pierced with a fork. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed – add more soy sauce for saltiness or a touch of sugar/syrup for sweetness.
Step 14
Serve this delicious steamed cod fish with its rich sauce and tender vegetables alongside hot steamed rice. Get ready to enjoy a truly satisfying meal that perfectly complements your rice!
