Mackerel Rice Bowl with Spicy Gochujang Sauce
A Delightful Combination of Savory Mackerel and Sweet & Spicy Gochujang Sauce! Mackerel Rice Bowl (Zero Fishy Smell! Perfect for a Solo Meal or a Quick, Satisfying Dish)
Nowadays, pre-portioned and cleaned mackerel fillets are readily available, making cooking so convenient. We often buy them in bulk and store them in the freezer. Using the last few fillets of mackerel, I’ve created a delicious mackerel rice bowl topped with a sweet and spicy gochujang sauce. I’ve minimized the ingredients and simplified the cooking process. It’s perfect for a solo meal, offering a satisfying one-bowl dish. Enjoy this mackerel rice bowl with its uniquely sweet and spicy gochujang sauce that has absolutely no fishy odor.
Main Ingredients
- 1/2 pre-portioned mackerel fillet
- 1/2 bunch sprouts
- 15 whole garlic cloves
- Milk, as needed (for removing fishy smell)
Spicy Gochujang Sauce
- 1/2 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1/2 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp mirin (or cooking wine)
- 1 Tbsp corn syrup (or oligosaccharide)
- 1 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1/2 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1/2 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp mirin (or cooking wine)
- 1 Tbsp corn syrup (or oligosaccharide)
- 1 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Let’s prepare all the ingredients for a hearty and delicious mackerel rice bowl.
Step 2
Tip. Even though the mackerel is pre-portioned, there might be a large central bone. You can feel it or see it by gently running your fingers along the flesh. If you find one, carefully pull it out with your fingers.
1. Rinse the prepared mackerel under cold running water. Then, pat it thoroughly dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture is crucial to prevent oil splattering during cooking.
2. To effectively eliminate any fishy smell, submerge the mackerel in enough milk to cover it halfway and let it soak for about 15 minutes. The milk will help absorb any unwanted odors, ensuring a cleaner taste.
Step 3
1. Now, let’s make the sweet and spicy gochujang sauce. In a small saucepan, combine all the sauce ingredients (gochujang, minced garlic, sugar, soy sauce, mirin, corn syrup, gochugaru). Bring it to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat, stirring until well combined and slightly thickened. Let it bubble for another 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
2. Wash the sprouts thoroughly and drain them well. Set them aside to add a fresh crunch to the rice bowl.
Step 4
Peel the whole garlic cloves and slice them thinly, about 0.5 cm thick. Heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil in a pan over low heat. Add the sliced garlic and cook slowly until golden brown and fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic; slow cooking will bring out its deep, nutty flavor.
Step 5
Tip. Tilt the pan slightly to gather the oil to one side. This will help the garlic cook more evenly in the oil.
Once the garlic is nicely browned, transfer it to paper towels to drain off excess oil. This will make the garlic crispy and even more flavorful.
Step 6
Gently pat the mackerel dry again with paper towels after soaking it in milk. Now, place the mackerel in the same pan where you fried the garlic, and cook it over medium heat until it’s golden brown and nicely seared on both sides. Avoid high heat to prevent burning.
Tip. To keep the mackerel moist and tender, start by searing the thicker, fleshier side first. Cook it gently, ensuring the outside is crisp while the inside remains succulent.
Step 7
Tip. Thoroughly drying the mackerel is essential! If there’s residual moisture, it can cause oil splatters and prevent the skin from becoming crispy, affecting the overall texture.
Step 8
Fill a bowl with a generous serving of warm rice. Arrange the fresh sprouts attractively over the rice, followed by the beautifully seared mackerel fillets. Drizzle the prepared sweet and spicy gochujang sauce generously over the mackerel, and top with the crispy fried garlic. Your delicious ‘Mackerel Rice Bowl with Spicy Gochujang Sauce’ is now complete! Enjoy this simple yet elegant one-bowl meal.
