Savory and Spicy Braised Mackerel with Dried Radish Greens: A Hearty Recipe
Master the Home-Cooked Classic: Braised Mackerel with Dried Radish Greens, Your New Favorite Rice Thief!
Today, I’m sharing a beloved classic: Braised Mackerel with Dried Radish Greens (Siraegi Godeungeo Jorim)! This dish brings together the earthy goodness of tender dried radish greens and the rich flavor of fresh mackerel. My carefully crafted sauce strikes a perfect balance of spicy and savory, boasting a deep umami that’s truly irresistible. Using rice water and soybean paste not only enhances the savory depth but also brings out a comforting, rustic flavor. A touch of lemon vinegar effectively eliminates any fishiness, making this a delightful meal for the whole family. Get ready for a true rice-stealing dish that will have you reaching for another bowl!
Main Ingredients
- 2 salted mackerel, cut into pieces
- 200g boiled dried radish greens (siraegi), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 onion, thickly sliced
- 1 Korean chili pepper (cheongyang pepper), diagonally sliced
- 1 red chili pepper, diagonally sliced
- 1/2 green onion, diagonally sliced
Seasoning Ingredients
- 2 cups rice water or anchovy-kelp broth
- 1 Tbsp soybean paste
- 1 Tbsp red pepper flakes
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp lemon vinegar (or regular vinegar)
- 1 Tbsp ginger juice (or minced ginger)
- 1 Tbsp natural seasoning (optional, or a little soy sauce)
- 1 Tbsp rice wine (cheongju)
- 1 Tbsp plum extract (for sweetness adjustment)
- 1 Tbsp oligosaccharide (for gloss and added sweetness)
- A pinch of black pepper
- 2 cups rice water or anchovy-kelp broth
- 1 Tbsp soybean paste
- 1 Tbsp red pepper flakes
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp lemon vinegar (or regular vinegar)
- 1 Tbsp ginger juice (or minced ginger)
- 1 Tbsp natural seasoning (optional, or a little soy sauce)
- 1 Tbsp rice wine (cheongju)
- 1 Tbsp plum extract (for sweetness adjustment)
- 1 Tbsp oligosaccharide (for gloss and added sweetness)
- A pinch of black pepper
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare the key ingredients for your Siraegi Godeungeo Jorim: the pre-boiled dried radish greens (siraegi) and the salted mackerel. Ensure the salted mackerel’s saltiness is to your liking, and that the siraegi is boiled until tender.
Step 2
If using salted mackerel, trim off the fins, tail, and head. Rinse the mackerel pieces thoroughly under cold running water. Pat them completely dry with paper towels to help reduce any fishy smell during cooking.
Step 3
Prepare the vegetables for the braise. Thickly slice the onion to add sweetness and flavor. Diagonally slice the red and Korean chili peppers for color and a touch of heat. Similarly, diagonally slice the green onion, which will be added towards the end for a fresh aroma.
Step 4
Mix the essential seasoning sauce. In the rice water or broth, dissolve the soybean paste. Then, whisk in the red pepper flakes, minced garlic, lemon vinegar, ginger juice, natural seasoning, rice wine, plum extract, oligosaccharide, and black pepper until well combined and smooth.
Step 5
Line the bottom of a pot with the prepared siraegi. This prevents the mackerel from sticking to the bottom and allows the greens to absorb the sauce’s flavor. Pour half of the prepared seasoning sauce evenly over the siraegi. Arrange the prepared mackerel pieces on top of the greens, then brush the remaining sauce all over the mackerel.
Step 6
Scatter half of the sliced onions, chili peppers, and green onions over the mackerel and siraegi. Bring the pot to a boil over high heat. Once the sauce is bubbling, reduce the heat to medium and allow the ingredients to cook.
Step 7
Continue to simmer gently over medium heat until the sauce has reduced to your desired consistency. Adjust the simmering time to achieve a rich, slightly thickened sauce. Once the sauce has reduced, scatter the remaining green onions and red chili peppers on top for garnish and simmer for another minute to finish.
Step 8
The finished Siraegi Godeungeo Jorim is a delight: the dried radish greens are perfectly tender, and the mackerel is moist and flaky with absolutely no fishy odor. The addition of lemon vinegar ensures a clean and deep flavor that is truly satisfying.
Step 9
This dish is not only packed with nutrients from the siraegi and mackerel but also delivers a profoundly satisfying taste, making it a perfect addition to a healthy and wholesome meal.
Step 10
Mackerel and siraegi are a match made in heaven! While often paired with fermented kimchi, the combination with savory dried radish greens and a spicy-sweet sauce is undeniably a ‘rice thief.’ Enjoy a hearty and unforgettable meal with this delicious Braised Mackerel with Dried Radish Greens!
