Spicy, Sweet, and Savory Grilled Dried Pollack (Hwangtae-gui)
Delicious Grilled Dried Pollack: A Perfect Side Dish
Try grilling dried pollack coated in a spicy, sweet, and savory sauce. This dish is a true rice thief, guaranteed to make you crave more with every bite. Its irresistible flavor profile makes it an essential side dish for any meal.
Main Ingredient
- Dried Pollack (Hwangtae) 1 whole (adjust size as needed)
Seasoning the Dried Pollack (Oil Glaze)
- Soy Sauce 1/2 Tbsp
- Sesame Oil 1/2 Tbsp
- Cooking Oil 1 Tbsp
Spicy, Sweet, and Savory Sauce
- Gochujang (Korean chili paste) 2 Tbsp
- Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) 1 Tbsp (adjust for spice and color)
- Soy Sauce 1/2 Tbsp
- Sugar 1 Tbsp (adjust for sweetness)
- Cooking Wine (e.g., Mirin) 1 Tbsp (to remove fishy smell)
- Oligodang (corn syrup) 1 Tbsp (for shine and sweetness)
- Minced Garlic 1 Tbsp
- Sesame Oil 1 Tbsp (for nutty flavor)
- Sesame Seeds 1/2 Tbsp
- Black Pepper, a pinch (a few grinds)
- Soy Sauce 1/2 Tbsp
- Sesame Oil 1/2 Tbsp
- Cooking Oil 1 Tbsp
Spicy, Sweet, and Savory Sauce
- Gochujang (Korean chili paste) 2 Tbsp
- Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) 1 Tbsp (adjust for spice and color)
- Soy Sauce 1/2 Tbsp
- Sugar 1 Tbsp (adjust for sweetness)
- Cooking Wine (e.g., Mirin) 1 Tbsp (to remove fishy smell)
- Oligodang (corn syrup) 1 Tbsp (for shine and sweetness)
- Minced Garlic 1 Tbsp
- Sesame Oil 1 Tbsp (for nutty flavor)
- Sesame Seeds 1/2 Tbsp
- Black Pepper, a pinch (a few grinds)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, use scissors to trim off the head, tail, and fins of the dried pollack.
Step 2
Rinse the dried pollack lightly under running water to remove any dust or impurities.
Step 3
Soak the rinsed dried pollack in cold water for about 5 minutes to soften it. Be careful not to soak it for too long, as it can become too bland.
Step 4
In a bowl, combine all the sauce ingredients: Gochujang (2 Tbsp), Gochugaru (1 Tbsp), Soy Sauce (1/2 Tbsp), Sugar (1 Tbsp), Cooking Wine (1 Tbsp), Oligodang (1 Tbsp), Minced Garlic (1 Tbsp), Sesame Oil (1 Tbsp), Sesame Seeds (1/2 Tbsp), and a pinch of Black Pepper.
Step 5
Mix well until the sauce is smooth and all ingredients are evenly incorporated, creating a delicious sauce.
Step 6
Gently squeeze out excess water from the rehydrated dried pollack with your hands. Carefully remove the thick bone along the spine to make it easier to eat.
Step 7
Fold the dried pollack in half. Make lengthwise cuts about 1 cm apart. This helps the sauce penetrate better and improves the texture when cooked.
Step 8
Unfold the pollack, then make similar cuts along the edges, also about 1 cm apart, to ensure even cooking.
Step 9
Cut the prepared dried pollack into 3 equal portions.
Step 10
In a small bowl, whisk together the oil glaze ingredients: Soy Sauce (1/2 Tbsp), Sesame Oil (1/2 Tbsp), and Cooking Oil (1 Tbsp).
Step 11
Mix these well to create an oil glaze that will add flavor and moisture to the dried pollack.
Step 12
Brush the oil glaze evenly over both sides of the prepared dried pollack. This step prevents the pollack from drying out and keeps it tender during cooking.
Step 13
Let the glazed dried pollack sit for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 14
Heat a pan over medium-low heat and place the glazed dried pollack in it.
Step 15
Using a spatula, gently press down on the pollack as you cook it.
Step 16
Grill both sides until golden brown and slightly crispy. Be mindful of the heat to avoid burning.
Step 17
Move the partially cooked dried pollack to one side of the pan, or temporarily remove it to a plate. Then, generously brush the prepared spicy and sweet sauce onto both sides of the grilled pollack.
Step 18
To finish grilling, add a little cooking oil to the pan
Step 19
and place the sauced dried pollack back in. Cook over alternating medium-low and low heat.
Step 20
Grill slowly, ensuring the sauce doesn’t burn, until the pollack is well-cooked and develops a delicious aroma. It should be slightly crispy on the outside and moist on the inside.
Step 21
Transfer the finished grilled dried pollack to a serving plate. Garnish with finely chopped scallions, green onions, or chives for a visually appealing and flavorful finish.
Step 22
Finally, sprinkle with sesame seeds for a complete and mouthwatering Hwangtae-gui! Enjoy this delicious dish with a warm bowl of rice!
