Delicious Grilled Sea Eel (Bungeo-jangeo)
Savory Grilled Sea Eel, Special Seasoned Bungeo-jangeo, Nutritious Meal for Parents
Enjoy delicious grilled sea eel, which is more affordable than freshwater eel but equally flavorful and nutritious. This dish features the tender, succulent flesh of the sea eel complemented by a savory and slightly spicy homemade sauce, making it a perfect side dish or an appetizing snack.
Main Ingredients
- 3 Sea Eels (Bungeo-jangeo)
- 5 Stalks of Chives
- 2 Tbsp Cooking Oil
Special Eel Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1/2 Tbsp Ginger Syrup
- 2 Tbsp Sugar
- 2 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 2 Tbsp Dashi Broth or Water
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- 1 Tbsp Red Pepper Flakes (Gochugaru)
- 1 Tbsp Red Pepper Paste (Gochujang)
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
- 1/2 Tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1/2 Tbsp Ginger Syrup
- 2 Tbsp Sugar
- 2 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 2 Tbsp Dashi Broth or Water
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- 1 Tbsp Red Pepper Flakes (Gochugaru)
- 1 Tbsp Red Pepper Paste (Gochujang)
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
- 1/2 Tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Rinse the fresh sea eels under running water. Many sea eels are pre-cleaned, but if there’s any slimy residue on the skin, gently scrape it off with the back of a knife and rinse again for a clean preparation.
Step 2
To prevent the eels from curling up too much during cooking, score both sides of the eel with a knife. While they may still shrink a bit, scoring helps maintain their shape better.
Step 3
Some prefer to grill the sea eel whole and then slice it. However, to streamline the process, you can cut the eel into bite-sized pieces before grilling. Feel free to choose whichever method you prefer.
Step 4
Let’s make the special sauce that makes this grilled eel so delicious! In a bowl, combine 1 Tbsp minced garlic, 1/2 Tbsp ginger syrup, 2 Tbsp sugar, 2 Tbsp soy sauce, 2 Tbsp dashi broth (or water), 1 Tbsp sesame oil, 1 Tbsp gochugaru (red pepper flakes), 1 Tbsp gochujang (red pepper paste), and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Mix well until thoroughly combined.
Step 5
Heat a pan over medium-high heat and add 2 Tbsp of cooking oil. Place the prepared sea eel skin-side down in the hot pan.
Step 6
Once the skin is lightly browned and starting to crisp, flip the eel to cook the other side until golden brown. Sea eels can release quite a bit of moisture while cooking; periodically pat the surface dry with a paper towel to help achieve a crispier texture.
Step 7
After both sides are nicely browned, generously brush the special sauce onto the top side of the eel.
Step 8
Be mindful that the sauce can burn easily. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Continue to cook the eel, ensuring it cooks through without the sauce burning.
Step 9
Flip the eel and brush the other side with the sauce. Since the eel is almost fully cooked, a brief cook after applying the sauce will give it a beautiful glaze and finish.
Step 10
Arrange the perfectly grilled sea eel on a serving plate. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds for added flavor and garnish with finely chopped chives for a fresh, aromatic finish. Your delicious and nutritious grilled sea eel is ready to be enjoyed!
