Flavorful Assan Cod Stew (Doromuk Jjigae): A Savory and Spicy Seasonal Delicacy
Assan Cod Stew (Doromuk Jjigae)
Assan cod, known as ‘doromuk’ in Korean, is in season from November to December. Many people mistake ‘doromuk’ for a type of jelly due to its name, but it’s actually a delicious fish! Legend has it that during the Joseon Dynasty, King Seonjo, while fleeing during wartime, tasted a fish called ‘muk’ and found it so delicious that he renamed it ‘euneo’ (meaning sweet fish). However, after the war, when he tasted ‘euneo’ again, he found it unpalatable and decreed it should be called ‘doro muk’ (meaning ‘back to muk’), which eventually evolved into ‘doromuk’. To choose fresh doromuk, look for fish that feel firm and elastic when pressed. This recipe will guide you through making a wonderful doromuk stew, especially with roe-filled fish, offering a delightful burst of flavor.
Stew Ingredients- 5 Assan Cod (Doromuk)
- 1.5 handfuls sliced radish (approx. 150g)
- 1/2 onion, roughly chopped
- 1/4 block firm tofu (approx. 80g), cubed
- 1 stalk green onion (scallion)
- 1 Korean green chili pepper
- 1 red chili pepper
- 1 anchovy-kelp broth pack
- 1 liter (L) water
- 1/3 Tbsp fermented soybean paste (Doenjang)
- 2 Tbsp red pepper flakes (Gochugaru)
- 2 Tbsp rice wine (Cheongju)
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce for soup (for seasoning paste)
- 1.5 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce for soup (for final seasoning)
- A pinch of black pepper
- A pinch of salt (to adjust seasoning if needed)
- 1 Tbsp red pepper paste (Gochujang)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by preparing your fresh Assan cod (doromuk). For a richer and more refreshing broth, it’s essential to include the heads. Make sure to clean them thoroughly before adding them to the pot.
Step 2
Here’s how to prepare the doromuk: First, gently rinse the fish in lightly salted water to remove any impurities. Next, use scissors to trim the fins and tail. Make a small incision just below the head with a knife to carefully remove the internal organs. A crucial tip here: avoid making the cut too deep, as this can cause the roe to burst out. A shallow cut to just remove the innards is key!
Step 3
Prepare the vegetables for the stew. Slice the radish thinly into rounds (about 2-3mm thick). Roughly chop the onion. (The onion pieces I used were scraps, so their shape isn’t perfect!) Cut the tofu into roughly 1.5-2cm cubes. Slice the green onion, Korean green chili, and red chili pepper diagonally. If you have crown daisy or water dropwort, adding a bit will enhance the aroma and flavor beautifully.
Step 4
Now, let’s make the broth. Pour 1 liter of water into a pot and add the anchovy-kelp broth pack. Modern broth packs release flavor quickly. Bring it to a boil over high heat for about 10 minutes to create a rich stock. Once the broth is ready, remove the broth pack. Add the sliced radish and onion to the pot. Cook over medium heat until the radish and onion become translucent and tender.
Step 5
Remove the anchovy-kelp broth pack now; it’s no longer needed. This step ensures a clean-tasting broth.
Step 6
Take half of the pre-mixed seasoning paste (made from doenjang, gochugaru, cheongju, soy sauce, and minced garlic) and stir it into the broth. Dissolving the seasoning halfway first helps distribute the flavor evenly throughout the stew.
Step 7
Add the prepared doromuk to the pot. Once the fish starts to cook slightly and plump up a bit, add the remaining seasoning paste. To be economical and reduce washing up, rinse the seasoning bowl with a ladleful of broth from the pot and add it in. Doromuk has very delicate flesh, so be careful not to overcook it on high heat, as it can break apart easily. It’s best to cook it gently over low to medium heat.
Step 8
Gently place the cubed tofu on top of the doromuk. The tofu will absorb the flavorful broth, becoming even more tender and delicious.
Step 9
Finally, add the diagonally sliced green onions, red chili, and green chili peppers. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the stew is complete! Adjust the seasoning with salt or soy sauce for soup to your preference. Enjoy your perfectly made Assan cod stew!
