Spicy & Flavorful Yellow Croaker Stew (Jogi Jjigae) – A Rice Thief Recipe
Spicy & Flavorful Yellow Croaker Stew (Jogi Jjigae) – A Rice Thief Recipe
This is a Jogi Jjigae (Yellow Croaker Stew) made spicy and hearty with the addition of dried fernbrake. It boasts a deep, savory flavor that makes it a true ‘rice thief,’ incredibly delicious. Perfect for when you’ve lost your appetite, its hearty broth will awaken your taste buds!
Main Ingredients- 5 small yellow croakers (Jogi)
- 1 bowl cooked dried fernbrake (about 200g)
- 1/4 radish (about 150g)
- 1/2 onion
- 1 stalk green onion
- 2 Korean green chili peppers (Cheongyang)
- 4 cups anchovy broth (use a paper cup for measurement, approx. 800ml)
Seasoning- 1 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 Tbsp Cheongju (rice wine/mirin)
- Pinch of black pepper
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp fish sauce (anchovy-based)
- 2 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp ginger juice (or 1/2 tsp minced ginger)
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 2 Tbsp soup soy sauce (Guk-ganjang)
- 1 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 Tbsp Cheongju (rice wine/mirin)
- Pinch of black pepper
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp fish sauce (anchovy-based)
- 2 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp ginger juice (or 1/2 tsp minced ginger)
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 2 Tbsp soup soy sauce (Guk-ganjang)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare all ingredients for cooking. Slice the radish thinly, and cut the green onion diagonally. Finely chop the garlic, and thinly slice the onion. Seed and thinly slice the Korean green chili peppers.
Step 2
Thoroughly clean the yellow croakers, removing scales and internal organs. Rinse them inside and out under running water. (Leaving the internal organs can cause a fishy smell).
Step 3
In a bowl, combine all the seasoning ingredients: Gochujang, Cheongju, black pepper, minced garlic, fish sauce, Gochugaru, ginger juice, toasted sesame seeds, and soup soy sauce. Mix well to create the flavorful seasoning paste. This paste is key to the stew’s deep taste.
Step 4
In the pot you’ll be using for the stew, place the sliced radish at the bottom. The radish helps to make the broth refreshing and prevents the stew from sticking to the pot.
Step 5
Arrange the prepared cooked dried fernbrake nicely on top of the radish. The chewy texture of the fernbrake complements the Jogi Jjigae wonderfully.
Step 6
Spread some of the prepared seasoning paste evenly over the fernbrake. Layering the seasoning in this way helps it to fully infuse into the ingredients, making the stew even more delicious.
Step 7
Next, carefully place the cleaned yellow croakers on top of the fernbrake. Arrange them according to the size of your pot.
Step 8
Generously spoon the remaining seasoning paste over the yellow croakers. If you prefer a spicier dish, feel free to adjust the amount of Gochugaru.
Step 9
Pour in the anchovy broth. Ensure the broth covers the ingredients; this is essential for a well-cooked stew.
Step 10
Bring the stew to a rolling boil over high heat with the lid removed, for about 10 minutes. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface during boiling for a cleaner broth. This step also helps to partially cook the radish and fernbrake.
Step 11
After 10 minutes, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 30 minutes until thoroughly cooked. Simmering for this duration allows the savory flavors of the yellow croaker to meld into the broth, creating a rich and deep taste. If the broth reduces too much, add a little water.
Step 12
After 30 minutes, add the sliced onion and green chili peppers. Continue to simmer uncovered for about 10 more minutes. The sweetness of the onion and the spicy aroma of the chili peppers will enhance the stew’s savory notes.
Step 13
Finally, add the diagonally sliced green onion and simmer for a brief moment until it’s fragrant. This adds a final layer of fresh flavor to the Jogi Jjigae, making it complete!
Step 14
Serve the hot Jogi Jjigae generously in bowls alongside a steaming bowl of rice for a truly satisfying meal that’s sure to disappear quickly. Enjoy your delicious cooking!
