Microwave Mackerel and Potato Stew with Garlic Scapes
Easy Microwave Mackerel and Garlic Scape Stew (Microwave Recipe)
You can make delicious braised mackerel even in the microwave.
Ingredients- 1 mackerel (cut into pieces)
- 1 potato (medium size)
- 1 handful of garlic scapes (approx. 50g)
- 1 green onion
- 3 Tbsp water
- A little sesame seeds
Seasoning- 1 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili powder)
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp plum extract (maesilcheong)
- 1/2 Tbsp oligodang (corn syrup)
- 1/4 Tbsp minced garlic
- A little ginger powder (or minced ginger)
- 1 Tbsp mirin (rice wine)
- A pinch of black pepper
- 1/2 Tbsp olive oil (or sesame oil/perilla oil)
- 1 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili powder)
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp plum extract (maesilcheong)
- 1/2 Tbsp oligodang (corn syrup)
- 1/4 Tbsp minced garlic
- A little ginger powder (or minced ginger)
- 1 Tbsp mirin (rice wine)
- A pinch of black pepper
- 1/2 Tbsp olive oil (or sesame oil/perilla oil)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s make the seasoning paste, the key to a delicious stew. In a bowl, combine 1 Tbsp gochujang, 1 Tbsp gochugaru, 1 Tbsp soy sauce, 1/4 Tbsp minced garlic, a little ginger powder, 1/2 Tbsp oligodang, 1 Tbsp plum extract, and 1 Tbsp mirin. Mix well. Finally, add 1/2 Tbsp olive oil for a glossy finish. (You can substitute olive oil with sesame oil or perilla oil for a different aroma.)
Step 2
Peel the potato and slice it thinly about 1.5 cm thick. Place the sliced potatoes in a silicone steamer or a microwave-safe dish. Add about 1/3 of the prepared seasoning paste and mix to coat the potatoes. Microwave for 3 minutes to lightly cook the potatoes. This step helps the flavors penetrate better and reduces overall cooking time.
Step 3
Once the potatoes are slightly cooked, it’s time to add the mackerel. Place the cut mackerel pieces on top of the potatoes. Spread 1/2 of the remaining seasoning paste evenly over the mackerel. Marinating the fish beforehand allows the flavors to soak in more effectively.
Step 4
Cut the garlic scapes into 4-5 cm lengths and slice the green onion diagonally. Arrange the cut garlic scapes and green onion over the mackerel. Pour the rest of the seasoning paste over everything and mix gently. (If you prefer very soft garlic scapes, you can add them to the microwave with the potatoes in the previous step.)
Step 5
Add 2-3 Tbsp of water to the bowl used for the seasoning paste. Scrape out any remaining paste from the bottom and sides of the bowl, and pour this mixture over the ingredients. This ensures no seasoning is wasted and all of it distributes evenly.
Step 6
Now all ingredients and seasoning are ready. Cover with a lid or plastic wrap and microwave for at least 5 minutes. Adjust the cooking time based on your microwave’s wattage. You can take it out once to stir the ingredients for more even cooking. (Total microwave time might be around 7-8 minutes.)
Step 7
Once cooked, carefully remove from the microwave and arrange attractively on a serving plate. Sprinkle with a little sesame seeds for added nutty flavor and you’re done! Enjoy this moist and tender mackerel and potato stew with a side of warm rice.
