Barley Dried Croaker: The Ultimate Rice Thief for a Delectable Meal
A Comprehensive Guide to Preparing and Cooking Barley Dried Croaker, Your New Favorite Salty Side Dish
Barley dried croaker, or ‘Bori-gulbi,’ has a history rooted in preserving dried yellow croaker (gulbi) by packing it with barley in earthenware pots to prevent spoilage. When properly dried, these fish can be revived by soaking them in rice water and then steaming. This method results in a wonderfully savory and chewy delicacy that is perfect for accompanying a bowl of rice, earning its reputation as a true ‘rice thief.’ Enjoy its rich flavor by steaming it, or elevate the experience by serving it with rice soaked in green tea or pan-seared with a touch of sesame oil.
Ingredients- 3 Barley Dried Croakers
- 2 Tbsp Sesame Oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s begin with the essential preparation steps to truly savor this delicious ‘rice thief,’ the barley dried croaker.
Step 2
Start by selecting well-dried barley dried croakers. Prepare enough rice water to fully submerge the fish. Soak the barley dried croakers in the rice water for about 30 minutes until they are well-plumped. Soaking in rice water helps to remove any fishy odor and tenderizes the flesh. To ensure the fish soak evenly, you can place a heavy plate or a food weight on top to keep them submerged. After soaking, use the back of a knife (the dull side) to gently scrape off the scales. Be thorough to avoid any unpleasant texture when eating.
Step 3
Place a steamer basket over a pot of boiling water. Once the water is steaming, carefully arrange the prepared barley dried croakers in the steamer. Cover with a lid and steam for approximately 20 minutes. Adjust the steaming time based on the size of the fish. Be careful not to overcook, as this can make the flesh dry and crumbly.
Step 4
Voila! Perfectly steamed, plump barley dried croakers are ready. While delicious on their own, allowing them to cool slightly before flaking the flesh and serving with warm rice soaked in green tea creates an exquisite dining experience. The salty richness of the croaker combined with the comforting warmth of the green tea rice is truly divine.
Step 5
While you can certainly enjoy the steamed croaker as is, I like to enhance its flavor further. Lightly brush the steamed fish with 2 tablespoons of sesame oil and then briefly pan-sear it. Pan-searing gives it a slightly crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist and infusing it with a wonderful nutty aroma. The sizzling sound and irresistible savory smell are truly captivating! Experience the chewy texture and delightful saltiness of this ultimate rice-stealing delicacy – barley dried croaker – you won’t regret it.
