Steamed Flatfish (Gajami-jjim) – A Delicate Delight
Easy Korean Holiday Fish Dish, Soft Steamed Flatfish Recipe, Delicious Flatfish Seasoning, How to Prepare Flatfish
Introducing Gajami-jjim, a quintessential dish for Korean holiday tables. This recipe features tender, steamed flatfish generously topped with a savory and flavorful sauce. It’s a simple yet elegant fish preparation that’s sure to impress. Perfect for both everyday meals and special occasions, this dish offers a delicate texture and a burst of umami that everyone will enjoy. Let’s make this delightful steamed flatfish together!
Main Ingredients- 1 whole fresh flatfish (gajami)
- 2 tsp coarse salt
- 1/4 small onion
- A small bunch of chives (approx. 10g)
Savory Seasoning Sauce- 2 Tbsp soy sauce (Guk-ganjang or Jin-ganjang)
- 1 Tbsp fine chili powder (gochugaru)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp cooking wine (mirin, etc.)
- 0.5 Tbsp brown sugar
- 0.5 Tbsp sesame oil
- 2 Tbsp minced onion
- 0.5 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce (Guk-ganjang or Jin-ganjang)
- 1 Tbsp fine chili powder (gochugaru)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp cooking wine (mirin, etc.)
- 0.5 Tbsp brown sugar
- 0.5 Tbsp sesame oil
- 2 Tbsp minced onion
- 0.5 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the flatfish. If using a whole fish, carefully scrape off the scales using a knife, moving from the tail towards the head. Make a cut between the head and the body to remove the head, then reach into the cavity to remove the innards. Trim the fins and tail with scissors. Rinse the fish thoroughly under cold water a few times and gently pat it dry. Make 2-3 shallow cuts along the thicker parts of the fish on both sides. Sprinkle 2 teaspoons of coarse salt evenly over the fish and let it sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the seasoning to penetrate.
Step 2
Finely mince the 1/4 onion for the sauce. Chop the chives into small pieces, about 0.5 cm long. Finely minced onion will enhance the sauce’s depth of flavor, while the chives will add a fresh aroma at the end.
Step 3
Now, let’s make the delicious seasoning sauce. In a bowl, combine 2 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 Tbsp chili powder, 1 Tbsp minced garlic, 1 Tbsp cooking wine, 0.5 Tbsp brown sugar, 0.5 Tbsp sesame oil, 2 Tbsp minced onion, and 0.5 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds. Stir well with a spoon until all the ingredients are evenly mixed. You’ll have a colorful and appetizing sauce.
Step 4
Fill a steamer pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Once the steam is strong, carefully place the seasoned flatfish onto the steamer rack. Cover the pot and steam for about 10 minutes, or until the fish is tender and cooked through. Adjust the steaming time based on the thickness of your fish, being careful not to overcook it as the flesh can become mushy.
Step 5
Transfer the perfectly steamed flatfish to a serving plate. Generously spoon the prepared seasoning sauce over the hot fish, allowing it to seep into the flaky flesh.
Step 6
Finally, sprinkle the chopped chives over the steamed flatfish for a beautiful garnish and fresh flavor. This completes your delicious and tender Gajami-jjim! Enjoy this delightful dish for holiday feasts or as a special meal anytime.
