Nutritious Rice Thief: Braised Mackerel with Bracken and Radish Recipe
The Ultimate Rice Side Dish to Stimulate Your Appetite! Savory Braised Dish with Mackerel, Bracken, and Radish
Introducing ‘Braised Mackerel with Bracken and Radish,’ a dish that will have you finishing two bowls of rice in no time, using mackerel and blanched bracken from your freezer. The chewy texture of bracken, tender mackerel, and sweet radish come together to create a beloved rice thief dish for all ages. Enjoy a hearty meal with this nutritious and delicious braised recipe!
Main Ingredients- 2 Mackerels (prepared)
- 250g Blanched Bracken
- 250g Radish (about 1/4 of a medium radish)
- 1 medium Onion
Savory Braising Sauce- 8 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 2 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1 Tbsp Doenjang (fermented soybean paste)
- 8 Tbsp Jin Ganjang (soup soy sauce)
- 1 Tbsp Anchovy Sauce (or fish sauce)
- 1 Tbsp Sugar
- 1 Tbsp Maesil Extract (plum syrup)
- 1/2 tsp Ginger Powder
- 400g Rice Water (or kelp stock, plain water)
Flavor-Enhancing Topping Ingredients- 1/2 Green Onion
- 1-2 Korean Cheongyang Peppers (or red bell pepper for color)
- 1/2 Tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds
- 8 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 2 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1 Tbsp Doenjang (fermented soybean paste)
- 8 Tbsp Jin Ganjang (soup soy sauce)
- 1 Tbsp Anchovy Sauce (or fish sauce)
- 1 Tbsp Sugar
- 1 Tbsp Maesil Extract (plum syrup)
- 1/2 tsp Ginger Powder
- 400g Rice Water (or kelp stock, plain water)
Flavor-Enhancing Topping Ingredients- 1/2 Green Onion
- 1-2 Korean Cheongyang Peppers (or red bell pepper for color)
- 1/2 Tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s prepare the vegetables. Cut the onion in half and slice it into thick strips. Cut the radish into approximately 0.5cm thick half-moon shapes. This thickness allows the sauce to penetrate well and creates a pleasant texture. (Tip: Slicing the radish thinly helps shorten cooking time and ensures it becomes tender.)
Step 2
Slice the green onion thinly on an angle, and do the same for the Korean chili peppers. (Tip: If you have pre-sliced and frozen green onions, about 2 tablespoons can be used. If you want to adjust the spiciness or add color, you can substitute red bell pepper for the chili peppers.)
Step 3
Rinse the mackerels thoroughly under cold running water and cut them into two equal portions. (Tip: Using pre-portioned mackerel from the market is convenient. If using a whole mackerel, cut it into pieces suitable for braising.)
Step 4
Rinse the blanched bracken (250g) thoroughly under running water. You can cut it into bite-sized pieces if you prefer, or leave it as is. (Tip: Ensure you thoroughly check for any remaining dirt or debris while rinsing the bracken.)
Step 5
Now, let’s make the key to the dish: the braising sauce. In a bowl, combine Gochugaru (8 Tbsp), minced garlic (2 Tbsp), doenjang (1 Tbsp), jin ganjang (8 Tbsp), anchovy sauce (1 Tbsp), sugar (1 Tbsp), maesil extract (1 Tbsp), and ginger powder (1/2 tsp). Mix them well.
Step 6
Pour the rice water (400g) into the prepared sauce mixture. (Tip: You can use kelp stock or plain water instead of rice water. This is approximately 2.5 standard paper cups.) Stir until the sauce is smooth and lump-free.
Step 7
In a wide and deep pot, place the sliced radish at the bottom. Arrange the prepared bracken on top of the radish.
Step 8
Place the mackerel pieces on top of the radish and bracken, then sprinkle the sliced onions evenly over everything. Layering the ingredients this way allows their flavors to meld beautifully as they cook.
Step 9
Pour the braising sauce evenly over the ingredients in the pot. Cover with a lid and simmer over medium heat for about 20 minutes. (Tip: Adjust the heat if the sauce reduces too quickly during cooking.)
Step 10
After 20 minutes, remove the lid. Add the sliced green onions and chili peppers. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. This step allows the flavors to further penetrate the ingredients.
Step 11
Finally, the delicious Braised Mackerel with Bracken and Radish is ready! Arrange the tender radish and bracken on a large serving plate, then place the nicely braised mackerel on top. Spoon plenty of the braising liquid over everything, and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds (1/2 Tbsp) for a final touch. This nutritious mackerel dish, with its fantastic combination of chewy bracken, tender mackerel, and sweet radish, is sure to be a hit!
