Mackerel and Fernbrake Stew: A Flavorful Korean Delight
Savory Mackerel and Fernbrake Stew
This recipe features pre-prepared mackerel and aromatic fernbrake, creating a deeply flavorful and satisfying stew. It’s a delicious dish that’s perfect with a bowl of rice.
Main Ingredients- 2 packs pre-cleaned mackerel (approx. 400-500g)
- 250g fresh or dried fernbrake (soak dried fernbrake before use)
- 1/2 onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 green onion (scallion), diagonally sliced
- 2 Korean green chilies (cheongyang peppers), diagonally sliced
- A little chopped green onion for garnish
- A little sesame seeds for garnish
- 400ml kelp stock (or rice water, anchovy-kelp broth)
Seasoning Mix- 3 Tbsp soy sauce
- 3 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 2 Tbsp mirin (or cooking wine)
- 2 Tbsp plum extract (maesilcheong)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp fish sauce (anchovy or sand lance)
- 2 Tbsp perilla oil
- A pinch of black pepper (to taste)
- 3 Tbsp soy sauce
- 3 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 2 Tbsp mirin (or cooking wine)
- 2 Tbsp plum extract (maesilcheong)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp fish sauce (anchovy or sand lance)
- 2 Tbsp perilla oil
- A pinch of black pepper (to taste)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Rinse the pre-cleaned mackerel under cold running water to remove any residual blood. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of mirin over the mackerel to help eliminate any fishy odor, and let it sit for a few minutes. (Optional step)
Step 2
Prepare the vegetables. Slice the onion thinly, and diagonally slice the green onion. If you prefer a spicier stew, diagonally slice the Korean green chilies as well.
Step 3
Create the flavorful seasoning sauce, which is key to this delicious stew. In a bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, 3 tablespoons of gochugaru, 2 tablespoons of mirin, 2 tablespoons of plum extract, 1 tablespoon of minced garlic, 1 tablespoon of fish sauce, 2 tablespoons of perilla oil, and a pinch of black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
Step 4
Now, let’s start simmering the stew. Spread the prepared fernbrake evenly across the bottom of a pot. Then, arrange the mackerel (that was marinated in mirin) attractively on top of the fernbrake.
Step 5
Distribute the sliced onion, green onion, and green chilies over the mackerel. Pour the prepared seasoning sauce evenly over everything. Finally, carefully pour the 400ml of kelp stock around the edges of the pot, ensuring the ingredients are partially submerged.
Step 6
Cover the pot and bring it to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low. During the simmering process, periodically spoon some of the broth from the edges of the pot over the mackerel and fernbrake. This helps the flavors meld and keeps the ingredients moist.
Step 7
Allow the stew to simmer gently until the sauce has thickened and the flavors have deeply penetrated the ingredients. Continue simmering for about 15-20 minutes, or until the broth is nearly reduced to your desired consistency. It’s a good idea to taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, ensuring it’s not too salty.
Step 8
Transfer the beautifully simmered Mackerel and Fernbrake Stew to a serving dish. Garnish generously with the chopped green onion and sesame seeds for a final touch. Your delicious Mackerel and Fernbrake Stew is ready to be enjoyed with a steaming bowl of rice!
