Spicy and Savory Croaker Fish Stew with Fresh Croaker
How to Make a Deliciously Rich and Flavorful Croaker Fish Stew Using Fresh Croaker
A few days ago, I went to the market with my daughter and discovered some fresh, domestically-caught croaker fish. While semi-dried croaker is common, fresh ones are harder to find, but this time they were selling them, so I quickly bought one! My husband loves spicy fish stew made with fresh croaker. I’m more of a meat person myself, but I have to admit, a stew made with fresh croaker is truly delicious.
Stew Ingredients- 1 whole Croaker fish (fresh)
- Appropriate amount of sea squirts (tidied up)
- Appropriate amount of clams
- 1/8 section Radish (cut into large pieces)
- Appropriate amount of Tofu (cut into cubes)
- 1 Green chili pepper (sliced)
- 1/2 bunch Water parsley or Crown daisy (cut into 5cm lengths)
- 1 handful Bean sprouts
- 1 stalk Scallion (sliced diagonally)
- 1 Tbsp Minced garlic
- 5 pieces Dried kelp
- 3 Dried shiitake mushrooms
- 1/2 Onion (for broth)
- 1 Tbsp Minced garlic (for seasoning paste)
- 2 Tbsp Anchovy sauce (for seasoning paste)
- 3 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili powder) (for seasoning paste)
- 1 tsp Salted shrimp (for seasoning paste)
- 1 tsp Minced ginger (for seasoning paste)
- 1 Tbsp Plum extract (optional, for added umami)
- 1/2 paper cup Soju (to remove fishiness)
- 1.5L Water (for broth)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Fresh ingredients are best from the market! When I bought the croaker, the owner kindly gave me some clams and sea squirts as a bonus. This is what makes shopping at the market different from a supermarket. That’s why I prefer buying fish at the market. They even help prepare it according to how you plan to use it.
Step 2
Wash the clams and sea squirts thoroughly. Rinse them under running water several times to remove any dirt or grit stuck between the shells.
Step 3
Let’s prepare the vegetables for the stew! Slice the radish into large pieces so the broth becomes flavorful. Slice the scallions and green chilies diagonally for a nice presentation. Cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes, and trim the water parsley or crown daisy into 5cm lengths.
Step 4
Make the essential seasoning paste for a delicious stew! Combine 2 Tbsp anchovy sauce, 1 Tbsp minced garlic, 1 tsp minced ginger, 2 Tbsp gochugaru, and 1 tsp salted shrimp. Mix them well. (Optionally, you can add 1 Tbsp plum extract for extra depth of flavor.)
Step 5
To bring out the natural, deep flavor of the croaker, let’s make a clear broth. In a pot, add 1.5L of water, a few pieces of dried kelp, dried shiitake mushrooms, and half an onion. Once the water boils, let it simmer for about 5 minutes, then strain to get a clear broth. This method removes fishiness while enhancing the umami.
Step 6
Add the large radish pieces, diagonally sliced scallions, and the prepared seasoning paste to the clear broth. Bring it to a boil, then reduce to medium heat and simmer for about 10 minutes to cook the radish. Since it’s fresh croaker, it can break apart easily if cooked with the radish from the start. So, it’s best to add the fish after the radish has softened a bit.
Step 7
Once the radish is tender, add the whole croaker fish to the pot. Pour in half a paper cup of soju to cleanly eliminate any fishy odor. Once it boils again, add the clams and simmer for about 5 more minutes. Finally, add the tofu, bean sprouts, water parsley, and 1 Tbsp minced garlic. Bring to a brief boil, and your delicious croaker fish stew is ready! Enjoy the refreshing and sweet broth, free from any fishiness.
