Soft Stir-Fried Dried Shredded Pollock (Two Ways: Soy Sauce & Gochujang)
Effortless Homemade Side Dish: How to Make Tender Stir-Fried Dried Shredded Pollock (Soy Sauce & Gochujang Versions)
Tired of the daily question, ‘What should I cook?’ A few well-prepared side dishes can make any meal feel complete. Today, I’m sharing two delicious versions of stir-fried dried shredded pollock, a beloved dish for every family. While using whole dried pollock and cutting it can offer a nice chewy texture, it can sometimes be a bit tough. This recipe focuses on using thin strands of dried shredded pollock to create a dish that is incredibly tender and soft, with no chewiness. It’s a simple yet incredibly flavorful side dish that can also double as a delightful snack or appetizer!
Basic Ingredients- 200g dried shredded pollock (Gwipo-chae)
- 1 Tbsp cooking oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Cut the dried shredded pollock into bite-sized pieces. This makes it easier for everyone, including children, to enjoy without being too long.
Step 2
Bring a pot of water to a boil and place a steamer basket over it. Add the shredded pollock and blanch for just about 1 minute. This crucial step is the secret to achieving a wonderfully tender texture! Be careful not to over-blanch, as the pollock can become too soft and fall apart.
Step 3
Drain the blanched shredded pollock in a colander and let it cool for a few minutes until it’s no longer steaming hot. Stir-frying immediately after blanching can result in a sticky texture.
Step 4
Heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in a pan over medium-low heat. Add the cooled shredded pollock and stir-fry lightly for a minute or two. This helps to remove any fishy smell and adds a lovely toasty aroma.
Step 5
Transfer the lightly stir-fried shredded pollock to a separate bowl. Now, let’s prepare the stir-fry sauce.
Step 6
If you’d like to add a spicy kick, finely chop 2 Cheongyang peppers. This step is optional, so feel free to omit it if you prefer a milder flavor or if cooking for children.
Step 7
For the ‘Soy Sauce Stir-Fried Pollock’, combine 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of oligosaccharide, 1 tablespoon of rice wine, 1 tablespoon of minced garlic, and a pinch of black pepper in a small bowl. If you’re making the spicy version, add the chopped Cheongyang peppers to this mixture now.
Step 8
Pour the prepared sauce into a small pot or pan and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Let it bubble until the sauce slightly thickens.
Step 9
Once the sauce is simmering, reduce the heat to low. Add the pre-stir-fried shredded pollock and stir quickly to coat evenly with the sauce. Be careful not to burn the sauce; stir-fry for only about 1-2 minutes.
Step 10
Turn off the heat. Stir in 1 tablespoon of sesame oil and 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds. Mix well to create a glossy finish. Your tender ‘Soy Sauce Stir-Fried Pollock’ is now ready! It’s delicious and tender without any mayonnaise. The pollock’s natural saltiness and sweetness create a perfect balance, making it an excellent side dish.
Step 11
To make the ‘Gochujang Stir-Fried Pollock’, simply add 1 tablespoon of gochujang (Korean chili paste) to the soy sauce seasoning base prepared earlier. Mix all the ingredients well. Then, similar to the soy sauce version, pour it into a pot and bring it to a simmer. Adding chopped Cheongyang peppers here will also enhance the flavor.
Step 12
When the sauce starts to boil, reduce the heat to low. Add the lightly stir-fried shredded pollock and toss gently to ensure the sauce coats it evenly. Stir-fry quickly to prevent the sauce from burning, usually for about 1-2 minutes.
Step 13
Finally, stir in 1 tablespoon of sesame oil and 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds for extra flavor and shine. Your spicy and sweet ‘Gochujang Stir-Fried Pollock’ is complete!
Step 14
This gochujang version offers a different, delightful experience compared to stir-fried dried squid (Jjinmi-chae). The natural sweetness of the dried shredded pollock balances the gochujang, making it mildly spicy and incredibly savory—even kids will love it!
Step 15
With this homemade stir-fried dried shredded pollock, you’ll have a fantastic side dish that makes a bowl of rice disappear in no time. I highly recommend giving it a try!
