Spicy and Savory Mackerel Kimchi Stew
The Ultimate Rice-Stealing Side Dish: How to Make Mackerel Kimchi Stew (Includes Tips for Preparing Frozen Mackerel from E-mart and Reviews)
Introducing the addictive rice-thief side dish, Mackerel Kimchi Stew, that will have you finishing a bowl of rice in no time with its spicy and savory flavor. With well-fermented kimchi, you can easily make this dish with no special ingredients. The deep and rich flavor is truly exceptional. Say goodbye to leftover rice worries!
Main Ingredients- 1/2 head of well-fermented aged kimchi
- 1 piece of radish
- 1 mackerel (frozen or fresh)
- 1/2 onion
- 1/2 stalk of green onion
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s get rid of the fishy smell of the mackerel. Rinse the mackerel thoroughly under cold running water, removing any fins, tail, or internal impurities. Soaking it in rice water for about 10 minutes can further help eliminate the fishy odor.
Step 2
Slice the radish into 0.5cm thick rounds. Coarsely chop the onion and slice the green onion diagonally.
Step 3
The key to a delicious kimchi stew is well-fermented, aged kimchi! Prepare the kimchi whole without cutting it separately. (If necessary, you can cut the kimchi stems into 2-3 pieces.)
Step 4
In a bowl, combine 4 Tbsp red pepper flakes, 3 Tbsp soy sauce, 1.5 Tbsp cooking wine, 1 Tbsp sugar, 1.5 Tbsp minced garlic, and 2 Tbsp sesame oil. Mix well to create a flavorful seasoning paste.
Step 5
Prepare about 2-3 cups of rice water, which will add a deep flavor to the stew. If rice water is unavailable, you can use anchovy-kelp broth or plain water.
Step 6
Now, get your stew pot ready. Lay the sliced radish thickly on the bottom of the pot. This will help absorb the flavors.
Step 7
Place the whole aged kimchi on top of the radish. It’s important to use well-fermented kimchi to avoid any sour taste.
Step 8
Arrange the prepared mackerel attractively on top of the kimchi. Then, pour in the prepared rice water until the mackerel is about halfway submerged. The rice water will help remove any remaining fishy smells and make the broth refreshing.
Step 9
Spoon the pre-made seasoning paste evenly over the mackerel and kimchi. Make sure to coat generously so the flavors can fully penetrate.
Step 10
Finally, arrange the sliced onion and green onion on top. Bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce to medium-low heat, cover, and simmer for about 20-30 minutes until the kimchi is tender and the broth has reduced.
Step 11
When the broth is reduced and the ingredients have absorbed the delicious seasoning, your Mackerel Kimchi Stew is complete! Serve it over hot rice and mix it in – a bowl of rice will disappear in an instant.
