Spicy Saury & Gochujang Stew: A Rich and Flavorful Delight
Saury and Gochujang Stew Recipe
Inspired by Lee Seo Jin’s gochujang stew from the show ‘Three Meals a Day,’ I decided to recreate it this past weekend. While often enjoyed as a spicy dish at campsites, using canned saury makes it incredibly easy to prepare at home, offering a deep, robust, and zesty flavor. This stew is truly a rice-lover’s dream!
Main Ingredients- 1 can Canned Saury
- 2 Medium Potatoes
- 1/2 Onion
- 1/4 Carrot
- 1/4 Zucchini
- 1/2 block Tofu (optional)
- 1.5 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1/2 Green Onion
Seasoning Ingredients- 2 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste, with a hint of sweetness and spice)
- Canned Saury Liquid
- 2 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste, with a hint of sweetness and spice)
- Canned Saury Liquid
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by pouring about 3 cups (approximately 600ml, adjust based on your pot size) of water into a pot. Open the canned saury and add the fish along with its liquid. Then, stir in 2 tablespoons of gochujang to create the stew base. Using commercial gochujang will add a pleasant subtle sweetness and a nice kick of spice.
Step 2
Potatoes are key to this stew, as they become wonderfully soft and add a delightful texture! I’ve used a generous amount. Cut the potatoes into thick chunks. Slice the onion thickly as well. Chop the zucchini and carrot into bite-sized pieces. If you have about half a block of tofu, add it in. Don’t worry if you don’t have tofu; the stew will still be delicious.
Step 3
Once the broth begins to boil, add all the prepared vegetables: the thickly sliced potatoes, onions, zucchini, and carrots.
Step 4
Next, add the saury from the can. Using canned saury helps minimize any fishy smell, and the liquid itself is already seasoned and flavorful, so you likely won’t need any additional seasonings or MSG.
Step 5
The only additional seasoning you’ll add is minced garlic – and make sure to add it generously to enhance the flavor and counteract any potential fishiness.
Step 6
As the stew comes to a rolling boil, you’ll notice some foam forming. The oil from the canned saury might also rise to the surface. Skim off this foam and oil with a spoon for a cleaner, more refined taste.
Step 7
Once the potatoes are tender, add the tofu (if using) and the diagonally sliced green onions. Let it simmer for just another minute or so. The gochujang and canned saury liquid provide a naturally savory and satisfying flavor, so you likely won’t need any extra salt.
Step 8
Finally, give the stew a last check for any floating oil and skim it off if necessary for a perfectly clean finish.
