Savory Braised Mackerel in Soy Sauce (Samchi Ganjang Jorim)
Unlock the Secret to Delicious Braised Mackerel: No Fishy Odors Guaranteed! Enjoy This Recipe with Rice!
Mackerel is loved by everyone for its mild flavor, which is less gamey than other fish! Indulge in thick, flaky mackerel fillets coated in a sweet and savory soy sauce glaze that’s perfect for a hearty meal.
Main Ingredients
- 1 whole fresh mackerel (about 700g)
- 1/2 onion
- 1/4 leek
- 5 cloves garlic
- Vegetable oil, for cooking
Special Glaze
- 2 Tbsp sugar
- 50ml mirin or cooking sake
- 50ml soy sauce
- Pinch of black pepper
- 2 Tbsp sugar
- 50ml mirin or cooking sake
- 50ml soy sauce
- Pinch of black pepper
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the special glaze that is the key to delicious braised mackerel. In a bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of sugar, 50ml of mirin or cooking sake, and 50ml of soy sauce. Add a pinch of black pepper and mix well.
Step 2
Next, prepare the vegetables that will add flavor to the braised dish. Thinly slice 1/2 onion. Slice 1/4 leek diagonally. Slice 5 cloves of garlic thinly. Slicing them this way allows the vegetables to absorb the sauce beautifully.
Step 3
Now, heat a generous amount of vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the prepared mackerel and sear it for 3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Lightly searing the exterior removes any fishy odor and firms up the flesh, ensuring the mackerel holds its shape during braising.
Step 4
Once the mackerel is golden brown, carefully wipe away any excess oil from the pan using paper towels. This step ensures a clean and non-greasy final dish.
Step 5
Gently push the seared mackerel to one side of the pan. Add the sliced onions and garlic to the empty space to infuse their aroma. Pour the prepared special glaze evenly over the entire pan. Reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Keep an eye on it to prevent the sauce from burning.
Step 6
After 5 minutes, carefully flip the mackerel pieces. Cover again with the lid and continue to simmer for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to coat the fish evenly. Be mindful of the heat to prevent the sauce from reducing too much.
Step 7
Finally, add the diagonally sliced leeks and simmer for another moment before turning off the heat. Your delicious braised mackerel in soy sauce is now complete! Serve it over warm rice for a satisfying meal, or mix the remaining sauce with rice for an extra tasty treat.
