Spicy and Sweet Stir-Fried Dried Filefish (Gwipo Bokkeum)
Easy-to-Make Popular Dried Side Dish: Gwipo Bokkeum
This stir-fried dried filefish (Gwipo Bokkeum) is a perfect snack when you’re feeling peckish or a delightful side dish for your rice. The combination of spicy and sweet sauce with the chewy texture of the dried filefish is a hit with everyone, young and old. You can make it quickly with simple ingredients, so try it right away!
Main Ingredients- Dried Filefish (palm-sized) 8 pieces
Sauce Ingredients- Gochujang (Korean chili paste) 1 Tbsp
- Ketchup 1 Tbsp
- Minced Garlic 1 Tbsp
- Oligosaccharide or Corn Syrup 2 Tbsp
- Soy Sauce 1 Tbsp
- Cheongju (Rice wine) 1 Tbsp
- Water 1/3 cup
- Mayonnaise 1 Tbsp
- Sesame Seeds (for garnish) a pinch
- Gochujang (Korean chili paste) 1 Tbsp
- Ketchup 1 Tbsp
- Minced Garlic 1 Tbsp
- Oligosaccharide or Corn Syrup 2 Tbsp
- Soy Sauce 1 Tbsp
- Cheongju (Rice wine) 1 Tbsp
- Water 1/3 cup
- Mayonnaise 1 Tbsp
- Sesame Seeds (for garnish) a pinch
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the dried filefish. Lightly rinse the dried filefish once under running cold water. This helps remove any surface impurities. Then, using kitchen scissors, cut the filefish into bite-sized pieces (e.g., about 1-inch wide strips). Be careful not to cut them too small, as they might crumble during cooking.
Step 2
Now, let’s make the delicious sauce! In a small bowl, combine 1 Tbsp gochujang, 1 Tbsp ketchup, 1 Tbsp minced garlic, 2 Tbsp oligosaccharide (or corn syrup), 1 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 Tbsp cheongju (rice wine), and 1/3 cup water. Stir everything well to create a smooth sauce. The cheongju helps to eliminate any fishy smell and adds a nice flavor. Pour this sauce mixture into a pot or pan and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Once the sauce is bubbling vigorously, you’re ready for the next step.
Step 3
Add the prepared dried filefish pieces to the simmering sauce. Stir and coat the filefish evenly as it cooks. The filefish will start to soften as it absorbs the flavorful sauce. Cook over medium-low heat to prevent burning and ensure the sauce coats the filefish well. Keep stirring to ensure the filefish is well-coated with the sauce.
Step 4
Once the sauce has thickened and coated the filefish nicely, it’s time to add the final touch. Stir in 1 Tbsp of mayonnaise. Mix quickly to combine. The mayonnaise will make the sauce smoother and add a wonderful richness, elevating the flavor of the stir-fried filefish. Ensure the mayonnaise is fully incorporated and doesn’t clump, mixing it well with the filefish as you continue to stir-fry briefly.
Step 5
Finally, garnish with a pinch of sesame seeds just before serving. The nutty aroma of the sesame seeds will further enhance the taste of your Gwipo Bokkeum. Stir it around for a few more seconds over low heat to release the fragrance of the sesame seeds. Your delicious stir-fried dried filefish is now ready! Enjoy it with a warm bowl of rice.
